2 Tim. 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, Hannah, mother of Samuel. (1 Sam 2:6-9) 1 Samuel 2:6-9 The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. [7] The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. [8] He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he hath set the world upon them. [9] He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. Grace + nothing. Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. THE GOSPEL I PREACHED GALATIANS 1.612 Another Gospel THE SLAVE OF CHRIST Galatians 1:6-10 "I am amazed that you have so quickly deserted him who called you by the grace of Christ, and that you have so soon gone over to a different gospel, a gospel which in point of fact is not another gospel at all. What has really happened is that certain men are upsetting your whole faith and are aiming at reversing the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven were to preach a gospel to you, other than that which you have received, let him be accursed. Is it men's favour I am trying to win, or is it God's? Or am I seeking to curry favour with men? If after all that has happened to me I were still trying to curry favour with men, I would not be bearing the brands of the slave of Christ." Romans 16:17-20 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them
2 Cor. 4:10-11 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. [11] For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 2 Cor. 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 2 Cor. 6:9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 2 Cor. 11:24-25 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. [25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 18] Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. After the storm and stress and intensity of the letter comes the peace of the benediction. Paul has argued and rebuked and cajoled but his last word is GRACE, for him the only word that really mattered. Note: Paul closes without any personal salutations. However, he ended as he began, expressing his heartfelt desire that the grace of God would be their abiding portion (cf. Gal 1:3). “...brethren”: And, uniquely among all of Paul’s epistles, he ends with a reminder of his love for them, calling them brothers... Conclusion(s) • Justification: eternally secure. • Sanctification: not by keeping the Law. • Rewards: for faithfulness—behavior matters! (Gal 2:20). Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Cf. Epistle to the Romans and Epistle to the Hebrews (Hab 2:4).