In this issue of the PCC Scroll, we
wrap up the overarching theme of “Walking out Your Purpose.” The overarching
theme began in the fall issue with the theme of “Discover Your Purpose.” In the
winter issue, we continued on with the theme of “Using Your Gifts/Talents.” In
the spring issue, we continued on with the theme of “Being a Good Steward.” In
this summer issue, we conclude the overarching theme with the theme of
“Equipping Others.”
The word equip has two meanings. One
meaning is, “To supply with necessities such as tools or provisions.”
The other meaning is, “To furnish (someone) with the qualities necessary for
performance; prepare.”
As we have mentioned in past issues, our
gifts and talents are not for us. They are to help edify and equip other
members of the body of Christ. For example, if you are a teacher, you would
equip the body with your teaching ministry by teaching the Word of God. If you
are a writer, you would equip the people through your writing by writing pieces
that inspire, encourage, and teach.
The Scroll is an example of a
ministry that is meant to equip. In fact, if you look at issues of the Scroll,
you will see our mission statement on the first page. Our mission is, “Spreading
the Gospel of Jesus Christ and equipping the People of God through the
written word.”
Ephesians 4:11-16 tells us, “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, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature
of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and
fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning,
by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are
to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”
Of course in order to be in a position to
equip others, preparation is needed on our parts. God is constantly equipping
us through our backgrounds and
experiences. God also uses His Word to equip us. This is why Bible study and
church attendance are so important. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that, “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
competent, equipped for every good work.”
In the Bible, we see many examples of
people equipping others. The biggest example comes from Jesus. Jesus equipped
His disciples by spending time with them and imparting knowledge and wisdom
into them. And look at what they did. We can also see examples of equipping
through the examples of Paul and Timothy and Naomi and Ruth. In some ways,
equipping can also look like mentorship.
We can equip in natural ways as well. For
example, if you are a financial advisor, you could equip the people of God in
the area of finances. If you are into fitness, you could equip the saints into
leading healthier lives.
We encourage you to
know and understand what your role is in equipping others. It is important to
know what God has given you to do. You have an important role in equipping the
Body of Christ. Use your gifts and talents to equip those around you!
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