Such As I Have Give I Thee
When the term “such as I have give I thee” is contemplated, folks are most likely to think of the power of miracles as existed in the apostles in the babyhood of the church. We are familiar with this phrase as this is what the Spirit had Luke record in Acts 3:6. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. This miracle was not performed simply to benefit the lame man, but was profitable to all who saw him “walking and praising God” as well. This is because it brought attention to the “power” by which this miracle was done. Then, in Acts 3:12-26 we can read the inspired sermon which followed this great miracle.
Contrary to the teaching of some, God no longer provides this power for His servants to perform miracles. This does not mean that God doesn’t provide for those that love Him. The Spirit had Peter pen what we read in 2Peter 1:3-4 which show that God’s power is still in effect, and also contains His Promises to man. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
We also have the Words of the Spirit through the pen of Paul as he was directed to write in Romans 1:16-17 so that we might know how the power of God is manifested to mankind today. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. The gospel is God’s power to save and is also available to us to take to others for their benefit.
2Thessalonians 2:14-17 shows what God gives today, how He gives it, and how we access His “grace”. It is the means by which we can have the “everlasting consolation”, hope and comfort God offers. This is also how we are to be strengthened to carry out the Work of the Lord. Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 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, 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
So, what do we have, and what can we give others? We know from 1Corinthians 2:12-13 what the apostles received, and with what they were charged to “give” others. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. We pointed out that Romans 1:17 teaches “the just shall live by faith”. Therefore, the answer to our question above, is we have the same thing the apostles received. We have God’s Word, and in that Word, Romans 10:17 tells us how we might have faith. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. God’s Word preached and taught produces faith.
This is where we, the Christians of today come in. God, in His infinite wisdom, not only formulated the plan, brought it into being through His Son’s death on the cross, His resurrection and ascension to heaven. But He gave His Word to His apostles, through the Spirit (the Comforter) as the Lord promised them, and also determined that man, those that had been saved through obedience to the gospel, take it to others. In the Great Commission, Matthew 28:18b-20, we find Commandment from Christ to His eleven apostles. All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
The formula is: Go, teach, baptize, and teach. This is what we have and what we can give. This is why the Spirit had Paul admonish Timothy in 2Timothy 4:1-2. I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. God sent His Son. His Son authorized us to go, teach, and baptize. The Spirit gave us the Word. Such as I have, give I thee. Let us help you know and follow God in accordance to His Word. God’s grace is available to us through His Word. Titus 2:11-12 tells us: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
