The Calling and Equipping of God

Story of David & Saul’s armor (1 Samuel 17:38-39)

• David had earlier been called by the Lord, but was not yet in the fullness of that call.
• David was personally chosen by the Lord, not by his outward appearance, but by his heart.
• Saul was also called by the Lord, and was described as “head and shoulders” above the others, but was tormented with insecurities.
• Saul’s armor was too big and awkward for David, as the armor and weapons of the day required extensive training and exercise to use. David’s strength came from the Lord.
• Eventually, David wore his own armor, fitted just for him, but never put his confidence in anything less than the Lord Himself.

Personal story – The Reluctant Minister

Called

• Ephesians 4:1 - Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.
• Romans 11:29 - God’s gifts and His call can never be withdrawn.

Equipped – complete furnishing, perfecting

• Ephesians 4:11-13 - Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - God uses His word… “to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.”
• Romans 12:6 - In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.
• 1 Corinthians 1:4-5 - Through Him, God has enriched your church in every way.

Comparisons are deceitful and dangerous

• Saul began to compare himself to David, and viewed him as a threat
• Too often, we model ourselves and our ministries after other people
• Galatians 6:4 – You won’t need to compare yourselves to anyone else.

Armed and Ready

• Ephesians 6:10-18 - The armor of God
• Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are.
• Romans 13:11-14 - Put on the shining armor of right living… clothe yourself with the presence of Jesus.
• Jesus Christ is the manifest Word of God - He is your armor, perfectly fitted for you. Matthew 11:28-30 - Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

What has God equipped you with and fit you for?

• When it is a question of God’s almighty Spirit, never say “I can’t.” - OSWALD CHAMBERS (1874–1917)
• Philippians 4:13 - For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
• “God does not ask about our ability or our inability, but our availability.”
• If you know, do.
• If you don’t know, ask.

In Summary:

• The calling of God is the equipping of God.
• He has equipped us as a people to do good works, and to build up the church, which is His body
• Each of us is unique in our gifting; we need to avoid comparisons.
• He has provided everything we need to stand against the schemes of the enemy.
• Clothe yourself in the presence of Jesus, in prayer, in worship, in the fellowship of the Body, and in the Word of God.

Benediction:

Hebrews 13:20-21 And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to him. Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with his blood. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.