Equipping, spiritual

Scripture provides examples of individuals who have been equipped to carry out tasks or responsibilities of a spiritual nature.

Jesus Christ was equipped for his work

Isaiah 61:1–2 See also Psalm 72:1; Isaiah 50:4–7; Matthew 12:18; Isaiah 42:1; Luke 4:18–19, Luke 19:31; John 3:34; Acts 10:38; Hebrews 10:5

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn,

God's people are equipped for service

In the OT

Exodus 4:10–12 Exodus 31:1–6, Exodus 35:30–36:2; Leviticus 8:7–9; Judges 3:10; Judges 6:14, Judges 6:34; Judges 11:29, Judges 14:19 Samson; 1 Samuel 10:10; 1 Kings 3:7–9; 2 Chronicles 2:12; 2 Kings 2:9 Elisha; Nehemiah 13:9; Isaiah 6:6–7; Jeremiah 1:9; Ezekiel 1:1, Ezekiel 3:23

“Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.” And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”

In the NT

2 Timothy 2:20–21 See also Matthew 4:19; Luke 1:15 John the Baptist; Luke 1:41, Luke 1:67 Zechariah; Luke 12:33; Acts 4:8 Peter; Acts 6:3, Acts 9:17 Ananias; Acts 11:24 Barnabas; Romans 13:12; Ephesians 4:12, Ephesians 6:11–18; Philippians 4:19; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 13:20–21; 1 Peter 3:15

A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.

Believers are equipped for spiritual tasks

By the call of Jesus Christ

Matthew 4:19 parallel Mark 1:17 See also Mark 10:24–31; Luke 9:1–2, Luke 10:1–3; John 1:35–42

“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

By spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 12:7 See also Acts 6:3–6; Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:8–11, 1 Corinthians 12:27–31; Ephesians 4:7, Ephesians 4:11–12

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

By the word of God

2 Timothy 2:15 See also Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:19; 1 John 2:14

Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.

By the empowering of the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:4, Acts 4:31, Acts 13:9; Ephesians 5:18

For spiritual conflict

Ephesians 6:11 See also Romans 13:12; Ephesians 4:20–24, Ephesians 6:12–18; Colossians 3:12–15; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; 1 Timothy 6:12; Hebrews 13:21; 1 Peter 3:15

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.