Encouragement Equips

Today, we discover the importance of equipping the Church for service. This continues our study of Titus 1:9 to answer the question: “How is the church supposed to function Biblically?”

So far, we have seen the essentials of the church. The call engage, elevate, and explain God's word—A Biblical commitment. The command to encourage and edify with God's word—a Biblical mission. The commitment to entrust the teaching of God's word to faithful men—Biblical leadership. 

Now, our study has taken us to how the whole church can be unified under a Biblical mission with Biblical leadership. This is how we equip the saints. We see this process related in greater detail in Ephesians [4:11]–12.

What is it? 

In Ephesians [4:11]–12 Paul writes,

"And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ."

Apostles and prophets have passed away, they are the foundation of the church with Christ as the cornerstone (Eph [2:10]–11), so the modern church builds upon this foundation with evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Their primary focus is to "equip the saints for the work of service." The word equip has many different uses. Yet, each use allows us to see a slightly different aspect of this unique ministry of the church.

Equip in Battle

This word can be used as a military term. This refers to a well prepared, trained, and disciplined army. In Colossians 2:5, Pauls writes, "I rejoice to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ." The picture for the church is obvious. The church is called to be like a well-ordered fighting machine in their understanding of the Biblical mission, their readiness to respond to Biblical leadership, and their ability to attacks against their Biblical commitment.

Equip in Medicine

The word equip is also a medical term. Here the word is used to reference the setting of a broken bone. A bone has been broken, and now it is set straight again. This is painful. But, an essential action to ensure the limb grows back straight and can be used by the whole body. A broke bone incorrectly set will limit its usefulness to other parts of the body. The connection to the church is clear. If a church is not set straight onto a Biblical mission, then everyone will be headed in a thousand different directions. This is a hindrance to greater unity and usefulness.

Therefore, we see the importance of "equipping the saints." Here everyone is set straight, focused on the same mission. Only with a clear mission delivered by trusted leaders can a church build-up believers, enlisting them for the battle ahead. This takes time; it can be painful; it requires hard work. But, the final product is unity and usefulness.

Why do it? 

But, who cares? Why should our church commit to equip the saints? Ultimately, the answer is found in Christian maturity for both the individual Christian and the church as a whole.

For You

This process, as difficult and painful as it can be, is designed by God for each individual Christian. Many think Church life is easy. But, thats not a correct view. Many times church life is hard as God challenges are misconceptions, pride, and sin. Yet, the product is greater maturity. Here each believer strives to understand, embrace, and act upon the Biblical mission of the church. This is a blessing!

Everyone is called to be equipped. As we embrace this process, we will grow as Christians (1 Tim [3:17]; Heb [13:21]). In fact, the word for equipped is often translated complete or perfect (1 Thess [3:10]). Therefore, "equipping the saints" has a single result: Christ-likeness (2 Cor [3:18]).

For the Church

As each individual seeks maturity, the church as a whole will mature (1 Peter [5:10]). This is supremely valuable. In short, mature Christians help develop other mature Christians. If you think you are the most "mature," good! This means you have alot of work to do to help, encourage, and develop others. This is not an excuse to complain. On the other hand, if you feel you are "immature," good! This means you have alot to learn. Either way, your commitment to the process will undeniable change the state of the church.

The call to "equip the saints" is essential for any church. In this process, we see everyone united in the same mission for the glory of God. Yet, this is a two way street. The church needs trusted leaders to hold to a clear Biblical commitment and mission as the people willing submit to the process of growth and maturity. May God give us the strength.