To “Equip” means to form Christlikeness, complete in Christ, perfect (mature, full grown, adult) grown up, holy and sanctified.

(Eph. 4:13; Phil. 3:15; Heb.6:1; Gal.4:19; Col.1:28; Matt. 5:48; Phil. 3:12; Col.1:28; Eph.4:15; Rom.6:19, 22.)

Nine Characteristics of a mature Sword of the Spirit member (The Goal):

1. Worship. Rom.12-2

2. Prayer. 1Thess. 5:17

3. Knows and applies Scripture to their lives. 2 Tim. 2:15; Heb.5:11-6:3

4. Serves the body. Eph.4:11-13

5. Gives of their finances. 2 Cor 9:6-15

6. Evangelizes. Col. 4:3

7. Displays fruit of the Spirit. Gal.5:22, 23

8. Bears fruit. John 15:5

9. Loves others. 1 John 4:7

The Process to produce the Maturing of the Sword of the Spirit member is by:

• The Role of God. Sanctifying by His Spirit.
  2 Cor. 3:18; Zech. 4:6; Gal. 4:19; 5:22-23

• The Role of the Christian. (Personal and individual)

  • Presenting themselves and bodies as living sacrifices to serve as instruments of righteousness. Romans 6:12-14

• The Role of the Church. (Public and corporate)
  

  • We mature in Christ together in community. Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35.

  • We in Christ’s body need each other. 1 Cor. 12:12-31.

  • The Church provides a maturing process that works with the believers and the Holy Spirit to accomplish this process.