God Gives, Mankind is to Believe:

We have been studying the first time the Greek word “didomi” (G1325), which is most frequently translated with our English word “give,” is found in the Apostle Paul’s epistles. This provides insight into the doctrine (meaning teaching) of the Gospel of God’s Grace revealed to Paul, Acts 20:2424 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

. Our last two studies examined the first time “didomi” is found in Romans, 1st & 2nd Corinthians, Galatians and Ephesians. Today’s study examines the first time it occurs in Colossians, 1st & 2nd Thessalonians, 1st & 2nd Timothy and Titus followed by a recap of its teaching in all eleven Pauline epistles in which it occurs.

• Colossians 1:2525 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

: quoting the previous verse to get the full meaning: “Who (Paul) now rejoice in my sufferings for you (the believers in Colossi and all since then), and fill up (“fill up” is from a Greek word found only here meaning “to supplement”) that which is behind (lacking) of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His Body's sake, which is the church (the Body of Christ made up of all true believers): (Colossians 1:25) Whereof (The Body of Christ) I am made a minister (a waiter/teacher/pastor/servant), according to the dispensation (administration, economy, stewardship) of God “which is (was) given” (the 3 words “which was given” is from the one Greek word “didomi”) to me for you, to fulfill (furnish/finish/complete/accomplish) the word of God; Colossians 1:25.

• 1 Thessalonians 4:22 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

: quoting the previous verse to get the full meaning: “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. (1 Thessalonians 4:11 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

). For ye know what commandments “we gave” (didomi) by (from or for) the Lord Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 4:2.

• 2 Thessalonians 2:1616 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

: quoting the verses previous to and following verse 16 to get the full meaning: “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, (be stationary or persevere) and hold (use strength, retain) the traditions (precepts) which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. (2 Thessalonians 2:1515 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

) Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and “hath given” (didomi) us everlasting (perpetual) consolation (solace, comfort) and good hope (earnest expectation, confidence) through grace, (2 Thessalonians 2:16) Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work (toil, labor).” (2 Thessalonians 2:1717 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

).

• 1 Timothy 2:66 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

: quoting the previous verse to get the full meaning: For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus; (1 Timothy 2:55 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

) “Who gave” (didomi) Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 1 Timothy 2:6.

• 2 Timothy 1:77 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

: “For God hath not “given” (didomi) us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (The 4 words “of a sound Mind” translate 1 Greek word found only here in the NT and means discipline or self control)” 2 Timothy 1:7.

• Titus 2:1414 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

: quoting the previous verse to get the full meaning: “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:1313 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

) Who “gave” Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar (beyond usual, special) people, zealous of good works (toil, labor).” Titus 2:14.

Recap:

1. Abraham was strong in faith in what God told him and by doing so he gave glory (honor, praise, worship) to God. Romans 4:2020 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

. (Believers today should emulate Abraham by giving glory [honor, praise, worship] to God for the Gospel of Grace.)

2. Paul thanked God for His grace He has given to all believers in the Person of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:44 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

. (As should all believers today.)

3. God established & sealed all true believers, having sealed each one with the security of the Spirit in their hearts. 2 Corinthians 1:2222 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

.

4. The Lord Jesus Christ gave Himself for the sins of believers. Galatians 1:44 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

.

5. The prayer of believers should be that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory will give the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. Ephesians 1:15 - 1715 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

. (Accomplished by the study of God’s Word.)

6. God made and gave the Apostle Paul as a minister of this dispensation to fulfill (accomplish, complete) the Word of God. Colossians 1:25.

7. The Lord Jesus Christ gave the Apostle Paul instructions on how believers are to live. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 - 21 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

.

8. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father loved and gave believers everlasting comfort and confidence to establish them in all words and deeds. 2 Thessalonians 2:16 - 1716 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

.

9. The Man Christ Jesus gave Himself a ransom for all, to be the testimony (witnessed) in due time (in its own seasons). 1 Timothy 2:5 - 65 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

.

10. God has not given believers the spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind (discipline, self control). 2 Timothy 1:7.

11. All believers look for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who “gave” Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar (beyond usual, special) people, zealous of good works (toil, labor).” Titus 2:13 - 1413 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

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All the work of giving has already been by God and in the Person of The Lord Jesus Christ. Mankind has nothing to give; he/she has only to believe.