Equip

The word for today is Equip. When you think of a drill sergeant, a surgeon and a fisherman, what do these all have in common? The Greek word Katartizo (Kah tar TIDZ oh) describes at least part of the work of each profession. The word means to:

• Train and equip soldiers

• Set a broken bone

• Mend Nets

The basic thought here is to set in working order and be prepared for service.

The dictionary definition of equip is:

• To furnish for service or action by appropriate provisioning

• To dress, array

• To make ready, prepare

The word equip is one of the most vital words in the New Testament to describe the work of church leaders. In Ephesians 4:12 we are informed that the Lord gave the church certain leaders, especially pastors and teachers, for the “equipping” of the saints for the works of service. Remember that the church of God is to be a hospital for broken lives...a boot camp for teaching, training, inspiring and drilling new and old recruits. Every believer in the body of Christ should be encouraged to surrender his or her life to a life of being a servant leader.

There are many ways and facets to equipping people for ministry. Here is a partial list of the uses of the word equip in the New Testament.

1. 1. To teach (Luke 6:40) The disciple is not above his master ...

2. To equip with everything good (Hebrews 13:21)

3. To supply what is lacking (1 Thessalonians 3:10)

4. To prepare for use (Hebrews 10:5)

5. To form, mold, and shape (Hebrews 11:3)

6. To mend or repair (Matthew 4:21)

7. To correct faults (2 Corinthians 13:11)

8. To restore a fallen brother (Galatians 6:1)

9. To bring into working and functioning harmony or unity (1

Corinthians 1:10)

Jesus said, when a disciple (learner) is fully taught or (equipped) he will be like his teacher. Luke 6:40

Dave Stallman