SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1338

“Equipped”

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

My grandson does Orienteering as part of his Air Force ROTC training in High School. Orienteering involves navigating a series of checkpoints in a wilderness area. He is equipped with a whistle, map, and compass. He enters the wilderness prepared with water, training in navigation skills and the use of his tools as well as having trained physically to develop endurance.

We face trials and challenges in our homes, workplace, and the marketplace every day. The question we need to ask ourselves is how well equipped are we for navigating our way through the wilderness of this lost world we are in?

Equipped By God – We are equipped by God for His purpose and for His glory. Apart from Him we can do nothing. (John 15:5)

But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle. – Exodus 13:18

The nation of Israel departed Egypt with silver, gold, and clothing given to them by the Egyptians because of the Lord’s favor. They took unleavened dough and their livestock. They departed in an orderly, organized fashion, like a military. They lacked the weapons of warfare but were equipped for battle by God, who led them.

Know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s – 1 Samuel 17:47

Equipped With The Whole Armor of God Like the tools and preparation necessary for successful orienteering, we are equipped with the Armor of God.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

My Grandson ventures into the wilderness alone. When we abide in Christ and He in us, we are never alone.

I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. – Psalm 16:8

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth.

My Grandson navigates using a compass that points to magnetic north, not true north. The Truth of the Word of God is the unequivocal Truth by which we navigate through life.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6

Put on the breastplate of righteousness.

Most compasses only provide an approximate indication of true north. We must navigate this worldly wilderness with a moral compass that provides us with clear and irrefutable direction. This comes from having the Word of God in our heart.

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you; And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left – Psalm 119:11; Isaiah 30:21

As shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

Orienteering requires proper footwear to readily traverse rugged terrain. The Gospel also makes us ready to share the message of salvation. Blessed are the feet of him who brings good news.

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. – 2 Timothy 2:21

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith.

Physical endurance training is necessary for orienteering. When we face the trials of this life with faith in God, we develop steadfastness (endurance) and stability in our walk with Him.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12

Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

My Grandson carries water to maintain proper hydration during orienteering. He will be thirsty again for the water satisfies only temporarily. In Ephesians 5:18 we are exhorted to be filled with the Spirit. Being baptized in the Spirit and seeking to be continually filled with a fresh anointing gives us the Living Water of the Word of God for our nourishment and the nourishment of others.

But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. – John 4:14

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

My Grandson carries a whistle to call for help if needed. He may have to wait a while if he is heard at all. Not so with God, who is an ever-present help in time of need. (Psalm 46:1)

And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me; To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints – Psalm 50:15; Ephesians 6:10-18

The Body Of Christ Is Equipped With The Equipped

Orienteering is also a team sport with every member taking on a distinct role for the team to successfully navigate the course. In like manner, living the Christian life is not done in isolation but rather as a contributing member of the body of Christ.

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ; We are to grow up in every way …into Christ, from whom the whole body… is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. – Ephesians 4:11-12;15-16

Now may the God of peace… equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. – Hebrews 13:20-21