Category Archives: Equipping

Armor, Bible, Equipping, Fighting, Scripture

LET’S GET DRESSED

EPHESIANS 6:11

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”

Over the next several days, we will look at Ephesians 6:11-18 as it relates to putting on the armor of God. Many people compare this to the imagery of us putting on Christ’s garment of grace. However you look at it, these are important verses for every believer. If you are not dressed right for any job, you are in trouble. A soldier must be dressed correctly for battle. A fireman must have the proper equipment to fight a fire. And you must have God’s armor on correctly to fight against the enemy who is determined to bring you down.

Paul tells us this by stating a command. He uses the Aorist Imperative. Why is that important? Because the Aorist tense signifies a past action. So what, Carl. Well, hang on. That means you are equipped with the armor back at some point. God gives you all this equipment, this suit of armor at salvation. This armor fits everyone, young or old, fat or skinny. It conforms to your perfect size. Why? So you can fight against the devil.

APPLICATION

We’re going to look at the different parts of this armor in the coming days. In verse 11, Paul is laying out the picture. We need to be protected because Paul knows the enemy is going to attack us. We have to face him head on. Notice Paul says to put on the “full” armor of God. You can’t just put on one piece and be protected. You need it all.

I have never served in the military, but people I know who have talk about the importance of being fully equipped. You don’t want to get into a fire fight and not have enough bullets. You don’t want to be stuck with a weapon that is not suitable for the scenario. You need to know what you are getting into.

My final point today – you need to know your enemy. Paul didn’t say we need the armor to do nothing. You are to “stand firm” against who? The devil. Paul says he has “schemes” set up against you. The Greek word there talks about the devil having an organized evil doing planned for you. Don’t step out without making sure you armor is in place. That is the downfall of many a person.

O Lord, thank You for equipping me with Your armor to fight against the evil one.

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Bible, Body, Equipping, Kingdom, Scripture, Training

PROPER EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING

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.

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