Prayers for God’s People: Equipped to Serve

Intro

2 Corinthians 2:13 NIV

I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.

Q: If you could do anything you wanted for God, what would you do to serve others?

Two parts of Passion:

serve - an activity or action

others - a particular group of people that mean something to you

Hebrews 13:20–21 NIV

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Big Idea:

Because people are not all the same, and gifts are not all the same,

People will EQUIP differently,

depending on the needs of the community, and the vision of the church.

Equip in the English New Testament

Ephesians 4:11–12 NIV

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

Hebrews 13:20–21 NIV

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NIV

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Equip in the Greek New Testament

ἄρτιος (artios), suitable, complete, capable, sound

καταρτίζω (katartizō), put in order, restore, make complete

καταρτισμός (katartismos), preparation, equipment

κατάρτισις (katartisis), being made complete, completion

προκαταρτίζω (prokatartizō), get ready, arrange in advance

ἐξαρτίζω (exartizō), finish, complete, equip, furnish

We will serve in different ways because we are equipped differently

Some Equippers start things from scratch

Hebrews 11:3 NIV

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Some Equippers build on something already there

1 Thessalonians 3:10 NIV

Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

Ephesians 4:12 NIV

to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

Some Equippers rebuild people

Galatians 6:1 NIV

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

Some Equippers create harmony out of conflict

1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Some Equippers mend what is broken

Matthew 4:21 NIV

Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them,

1 Peter 5:10 NIV

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Some Equippers anticipate future ministry

2 Corinthians 9:5 NIV

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.

Some Equippers bring things to a conclusion

Acts 21:5 NIV

When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray.

Here at the juncture of a new pastor, it is important to ask, “What is God equipping us to do?”

You are an Equipper!

What’s your life story?

What are your gifts?

Who are the people you are passionate about?

Where do your dreams take you?

What have been your big wins?

What do you enjoy?

Benediction

Hebrews 13:20–21 NIV

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.