(1 Corinthians 12:20-22 NIV)
In the Old Testament, the armorbearer’s main function was directly related to combat. This has not changed at all between the Old and New Testaments. What has changed greatly is the type of combat in which the New Testament armorbearer is to engage as he serves his officer.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12). In this passage, we clearly see that we are not engaged in battle against the Philistines as the children of Israel were in the Old Testament. Under the New Covenant, we do not do battle against flesh and blood at all, but against demonic powers.
God calls men and women to do great things and to accomplish wondrous tasks for Him. Preaching the Word of God to all nations is no small undertaking, and it is impossible for one person to accomplish it alone. That’s where the Body of Christ comes in.
God places His vision inside a person and His anointing upon him to carry it forth. Then He surrounds that individual with other members of the Body of Christ to support and work with him toward the fulfillment of that vision. The Lord begins by sending armorbearers to assist the man of God and to take his spirit upon them. Their function is to do spiritual warfare for their leader and to take the load off him. They also help to impart his vision to the people. These individuals are the “indispensable” members of the Body of Christ that our text refers to. The leader cannot fulfill his mission without them.
Epaphroditus is a good New Testament example of what I am talking about. Paul acknowledges that Epahroditus is his brother, his fellow worker, and his fellow soldier in the faith. He also acknowledges that the Philippian church had sent Epaphroditus to take care of his needs, or we could say to serve as his armorbearer. (Phil. 2:25)
As strong in faith as the apostle Paul was, he still had need of those whom God sent to assist him. What a privilege it is to serve God’s anointed. You are indispensable.
- Be encouraged that you are an indispensable part of your leader’s team. It is a divine calling to help take the load off him. What is something you can do today to lighten his load?
- Be able to verbalize your leader’s vision to the people he is called to minister to as well as to any other armorbearers.
- Take seriously your assignment to pull down demonic strongholds. Continually take authority over them and forbid them to operate against your leader and his ministry. Surround your leader with a prayer covering of protection at all times.
Heavenly Father, what a wonderful vision You have given to the leader I serve, and I thank You for calling me alongside him to help fulfill it. I will be faithful to wage war in the spirit, to pull down the stronghold that would try to stop Your plan. I ask the Holy Spirit to help me remain vigilant and to recognize the first trace of demonic involvement. Not only will I pray, but I will be faithful to assist my leader in any way he needs it. I serve at the pleasure of my King and for the good of my leader. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.