Equipping & Empowering Workers

1 Introduction

· Kingdom of God = realm where God rules and His Word is obeyed.

· How does the Kingdom of God advance?

Key agent God uses to extend His kingdom is the church.

Kingdom advance Þ (i) Souls saved  (ii) Believers obey Word.

Advance of the Kingdom is always opposed.  Mark 11:12

· Old Testament example of King Josiah.  2 Chronicles 34

· “Josiah” (2977 Strongs) = foundation of God; founded by God.

· “Josiah” = type or picture of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:11  “For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, Jesus Christ.”

Matthew 16:18  “Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail.”

A key need is for the equipping and empowering of workers.

2 Key Principles of Building

(1) God provides the resources to build

2 Chronicles 34:8-9  “… to repair the house of the Lord”

= The expression of Jesus Christ in the earth.

• The house of the Lord  (i) The believer – 1 Corinthians 6:19  (ii) Local church – 1 Timothy 3:15.
• It is God’s house, He desires it to be built so He can manifest His presence in and through it.
• The house of God was always central to God’s purpose.
• “Money” (vs9) = all the resources needed to build house.
• God provides all resources to build.
• Example:  Finances, giftings, teaching, prophetic direction, people.
• A strong spiritual atmosphere of faith must be built so the resources can be released.
• All the resources needed are released through people.

(2) Every believer is to be a builder

2 Chronicles 34:10  “… workmen that had oversight … workmen that wrought in the house of the Lord to repair and …”

• “Workmen” (4399 Strongs) = ministry, entrustment, ambassador for God.  (Never means servile work, means an important role or ministry).
• Every believer is called to represent Christ and to build with Him.
• Every believer is given giftings and expected to build the church.
• 1 Corinthians 12:7  “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”
• “Repair” (918 Strongs) = to mend a gap or breach.
• “Amend” (2388 Strongs) = to strengthen, encourage.
• Every believer is called to help restore and rebuild other believers so they can fulfil their purpose in God.
• Your lifestyle is either gathering with Christ or scattering.
• Matthew 12:30   Gather = To lead together,  Scatter = Put to flight, sting like scorpion.

(a) Workmen that had oversight (vs10)

· Senior leader and elders (Acts 20:28).

· Called to feed, lead, raise up workers.

(b) Workmen that wrought in the house

· Members of local church trained and involved in building.

· Labourer = trained worker with excellent attitude.

· God expects every believer to be actively involved.  (Ephesians 4:16)

· Jesus said the great need is for labourers.  (Matthew 9:38)

(3) Genuine relationships – Ephesians 4:15

2 Chronicles 34:11  “The artificers”

• “Artificer” (2796 Strongs) = an engraver, to scratch, penetrate, engrave, make a mark.
• To penetrate any persons life you must connect and build relationships.
• Relationships take time and effort and care.
• To influence – make a mark on a person you must connect and relate.
• Cell groups are place where relationships can be cultivated.
• Discipleship Þ shaping lives.

(4) Evangelism

2 Chronicles 34:11  “The builders”

• “Builder” (1129 Strongs) = to build, to obtain children, establish, construct.
• Church is built as people are won to Jesus Christ and added to the church.
• Every believer is commanded to ‘GO’.  (Matthew 28:18)
• Every believer is given the Holy Spirit to be a witness for Christ.  (Acts 1:8)

(5) Commitment

2 Chronicles 34:11  “… to buy the hewn stone and timber coupling.”

• “Buy” (7069 Strongs) = to purchase, redeem, pay price.
• There is a cost, a price to pay to obtain souls for Christ.
• It requires commitment of time and effort to seek and to save the lost.
• Cell groups must commit to task Christ has given the church.

(6) Discipleship

2 Chronicles 34:11  “… to floor the houses the kings of Judah had destroyed.”

• “To floor” = to relay the flooring or foundations to walk on.
• Every believer must have principles established in walk with God.
• ie, Biblical principles, doctrine foundations, new values.
• Purpose of Equipping Track = lay foundations.

(7) Productive service

2 Chronicles 34:12  “… and the men did work faithfully.”

• “Faithful” (530 Strongs) = reliable, trustworthy.
• God calls every believer to be faithful, productive.

(i) Build according to vision of the house – not own vision.

(ii) Consistent during seasons of pressure, difficulties – not quit.

(iii) Productive – accomplish something worthwhile.

(8) Embraced common vision and values

2 Chronicles 34:12  “And the overseers of them were …”

• “Overseers”  = one who looks after, draws up troops.
• The workmen all were overseen by others so that the work could go forward.

(i) Jahath              (3189 Strongs)              Unity, to become one

(ii) Obadiah            (5662 Strongs)              Serving God

(iii) Zechariah          (2148 Strongs)              Remembered of God

(iv) Meshullan         (4918 Strongs)              Safe, friendly