Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "equip" in the Bible is closely associated with the preparation and furnishing of individuals for service, ministry, and the fulfillment of God's purposes. The term is often used in the context of spiritual readiness and the development of believers to carry out the work of the Lord effectively.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the idea of equipping is often related to the preparation for battle or service. For example, in 1 Samuel 17:38, Saul equips David with armor before his encounter with Goliath. Although David ultimately chooses not to wear the armor, this passage illustrates the concept of equipping as providing the necessary tools or preparation for a task. New Testament Context The New Testament expands on the concept of equipping, particularly in the context of spiritual growth and ministry. Ephesians 4:11-12 states, "And He gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ." Here, the purpose of equipping is to prepare believers for service and to strengthen the church community. The Greek word often translated as "equip" in the New Testament is "katartismos," which implies making something complete or fully prepared. This is seen in Hebrews 13:20-21 , which says, "Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." This passage highlights the divine aspect of equipping, emphasizing that it is God who provides the necessary resources and abilities for believers to fulfill His will. Spiritual Gifts and Equipping The equipping of believers is closely tied to the distribution of spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul discusses the variety of spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the common good. These gifts are a form of equipping, enabling each member of the body of Christ to contribute uniquely to the church's mission and edification. Role of Church Leaders Church leaders play a crucial role in the equipping process. As seen in Ephesians 4:11-12, leaders are given to the church to prepare and equip the saints. This involves teaching, mentoring, and providing opportunities for service, ensuring that believers are mature and capable of carrying out their God-given tasks. Practical Application Equipping in a practical sense involves both spiritual and practical preparation. This can include studying Scripture, engaging in prayer, participating in fellowship, and receiving training in specific areas of ministry. The goal is to be ready and able to respond to God's call, whether in everyday life or specific ministry contexts. In summary, the biblical concept of equipping encompasses the preparation and empowerment of believers to fulfill their roles within the body of Christ and to carry out God's purposes in the world. It is a process that involves both divine provision and human responsibility, ensuring that the church is built up and effective in its mission. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To furnish for service, or against a need or exigency; to fit out; to supply with whatever is necessary to efficient action in any way; to provide with arms or an armament, stores, munitions, rigging, etc.; -- said esp. of ships and of troops.2. (v. t.) To dress up; to array; accouter. Greek 1822. exartizo -- to complete, to equip fully ... to complete, to equip fully. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: exartizo Phonetic Spelling: (ex-ar-tid'-zo) Short Definition: I completely furnish, equip ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1822.htm - 7k 3695. hoplizo -- to make ready, to equip 643. aposkeuazo -- prepare, equip 1980b. episkeuazo -- to equip 4311. propempo -- to send before, send forth 2675. katartizo -- to complete, prepare 2528. kathoplizo -- to arm fully 4522. sagene -- a dragnet Strong's Hebrew 2502b. chalats -- to equip (for war)... 2502a, 2502b. chalats. 2503 . to equip (for war). Transliteration: chalats Short Definition: armed. Word Origin a prim. root Definition ... /hebrew/2502b.htm - 5k 247. azar -- to gird, encompass, equip 5401. nashaq -- to kiss 2502. chalats -- to draw off or out, withdraw Library Closing Appeal. The Struggle for Life How to Work for God with Success. How Does it Come? The Civil War --Antecedents and Consequences. Other Arts Made Subservient to Idolatry. Lawful Means of Gaining a ... Of the Exposition of the Resurrection, the Judgment, and Other ... "Is the Spirit of the Lord Straitened?" The Risen Lord's Charge and Gift The Convicting Facts Thesaurus Equip (2 Occurrences)...Equip (2 Occurrences). Ephesians 4:12 in order fully to equip His people for the work of serving--for the building up of Christ's body-- (WEY NAS RSV). ... /e/equip.htm - 7k Furnish (8 Occurrences) Equipping (1 Occurrence) Equipment (13 Occurrences) Harness (9 Occurrences) Fully (153 Occurrences) Gird (44 Occurrences) Equals (1 Occurrence) Engine Pipe (13 Occurrences) Resources What is the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture? What does it mean that the Bible is sufficient? | GotQuestions.orgHow do I identify my spiritual gift? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about youth ministry? | GotQuestions.org Equip: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Equip (2 Occurrences)Ephesians 4:12 Hebrews 13:21 Subtopics Related Terms |
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