EPHESIANS 4:12

“for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ;”

To do any job properly and well, you need the proper equipment and training. You wouldn’t send a lumberjack into the woods to cut down trees without a sharp ax or chainsaw and the knowledge of how to use those tools. You definitely would not send a soldier into war without the necessary weapons to protect himself and others and the training to handle those weapons safely and effectively. Equipping and training people for the task they are assigned is essential. Paul discusses that today.

Verse 12 begins with “for the equipping of the saints.” The Greek word translated “equipping” is katartismos. It is only used right here in this verse. HELPS Word studies defines the word this way, “exact adjustment which describes how (enables) the individual parts to work together in correct order.” That’s more than just equipping. It’s making sure the equipping is a good fit and works with the other parts well.

APPLICATION

This definition in HELPS makes sense when you look at the rest of verse 12. It reads, “for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ.” That’s why you need to make sure the equipment fits and works well. A saint is not alone in this effort. Every saint is connected to every other saint. If we are not working well together, the “machinery” of the body of Christ is not all it can be.

I have told this story before, but it fits well here. There was the old stone chapel in the hills of Scotland that had no electricity. The only way it had light for evening services was by the lanterns each member of the church brought with them. Every member knew that if their light was not present for the service, the chapel would be less bright. Their light was needed.

Listen, beloved, our equipping by the Lord of our gifts and skills is done so that we can be a part of something bigger. It is not about us. It is all about the body of Christ. We are equipped to help others. We are trained by the Holy Spirit to build up His kingdom. So, put it out there. Be bold. Let God use you in whatever way He chooses. Your light is needed.

Lord, I praise You that You have given me gifts to give to others.