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Their ability to do good works is not at all of themselves, but wholly from the Spirit of Christ;10 and that they may be enabled thereunto, besides the graces they have already received, there is necessary an actual influence of the same Holy Spirit, to work in them to will and to do of his good pleasure;11 yet are they not hereupon to grow negligent, as if they were not bound to perform any duty, unless upon a special motion of the Spirit, but they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them.12

10 John 15:4–5
11 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 2:13
12 Phil. 2:12; Heb. 6:11–12; Isa. 64:7

1.The Conclusion of Ishmael's life (vv.12-18)

i)The Children of Ishmael (vv.13-16)

ii) The Death of Ishmael (vv.17-18)

2.The Birth and Destiny of Jacob and Esau (vv.19-28)

i) The Prayer on behalf of the children (v.21)

ii) The Prophecy concerning the children (vv. 22-23.)

iii) The Development of Jacob and Esau (vv.27-28)

Galatians 1:4-54 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

1. The Witness to the Superior One (v. 15)

2. ⁠The Supply of the Superior One (v. 16)

3. ⁠The Transition Granted by the Superior One (v. 17)

1. The Nature of Rewards

i. What Rewards Are NOT: Correcting Misunderstandings

a. Rewards are NOT Different Levels or Classes of Christians

b. Rewards are NOT Materialistic or Worldly Riches

c. Rewards are NOT Grounds for Boasting or Comparison

d. Rewards are NOT a Contract with God

ii. What Rewards ARE: Positive Biblical Descriptions

a. Greater Capacity for Service in Eternity

b. Enhanced Intimacy with Christ

c. Eternal Expressions of Divine Pleasure

d. Legitimate Motivations for Faithful Living

2. The Purposes of Rewards

i. To Manifest God's Justice and Faithfulness

ii. To Vindicate a Life of Faith in a Fallen World

iii. To Perfect Our Joy

iv. To Enhance Worship

The Ultimate Purpose—God's Glory

3. Objections and Pastoral Responses

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These good works, done in obedience to God’s commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith;3 and by them believers manifest their thankfulness,4 strengthen their assurance,5 edify their brethren, adorn the profession of the gospel,6 stop the mouths of the adversaries, and glorify God,7 whose workmanship they are, created in Christ Jesus thereunto,8 that having their fruit unto holiness they may have the end eternal life.9

3 James 2:18,22
4 Ps. 116:12–13
5 1 John 2:3,5; 2 Pet. 1:5–11
6 Matt. 5:16
7 1 Tim. 6:1; 1 Pet. 2:15; Phil. 1:11
8 Eph. 2:10
9 Rom 6:22

1. A Command for the Forgetful (v.8)

2. ⁠The Incomparable God of History (v.9)

3. ⁠Sovereign Declaration and Certain Fulfillment (v.10)

1. The Reality of Human Responsibility

2. The Supreme Sovereignty of The Lord

3. The Harmony of Sovereignty and Responsibility

1. The Foundation For Understanding Heavenly Rewards

2. The Distinction Between Salvation and Rewards

3. The Harmony Between Salvation and Rewards

4. Key Passages on Salvation and Reward

5. Practical Implications of This Foundation

6. Common Objections and Responses

7. Why Is This Foundation Important, Why Does It Matter?

1. God is Kind.

2. God's Son is Kind.

3. God's Spirit makes us Kind.