Equipped for the Frontlines: The Spiritual Armaments of a Missionary
The apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 reminds us that our battle is not fought with physical weapons but with divine power, capable of dismantling spiritual strongholds. When you step into the role of a missionary, particularly in places like Italy, you transition from being a civilian to an ambassador of Christ, engaged in frontline spiritual warfare.
The Spiritual Landscape of Modern Missions:
Imagine Italy's spiritual climate akin to Tolkien's Mordor - a place where spiritual toxins pervade, and the task at hand seems daunting. Here, the missionary's mission to reach the lost, make disciples, and establish the church is fraught with challenges. In such an environment, it's crucial to keep your focus on Christ, understanding deeply the God of the Bible and mastering the use of the "sword of the Spirit," which is the Word of God. When trials come, it is crucial to go not towards Giant Despair, but to the Lord in prayer. Ultimately, it is the Lord alone who can carry His servants onward and upward in their calling.
The Troubling Reality of Modern Missions:
Today's missionaries often lack the robust theological grounding of past generations like the Puritans. Engaging in spiritual warfare on the frontlines requires not just faith but a comprehensive understanding of Christian doctrine. This equips one to defend the faith, disciple effectively, and engage with individuals from vastly different belief systems. As we pray for more laborers to enter the harvest, let us pray for them to be soldiers of the Lord who are ready and able to defend the faith and advance the gospel amidst opposition.
The Armor of God in Practical Context:
Paul's teaching in Ephesians 6 about wearing the full armor of God is not just about spiritual preparation but also about practical application. In missions, this means having a foundational grasp of theology to wage war according to the Spirit, knowing who you are in Christ, standing firm in the gospel truth, and breaking down arguments and lofty opinions raised up against the knowledge of God.
Everyday Wielding of the Armaments:
An example from my experience in Italy illustrates this point. During a recent morning while evangelizing at the open-air market, I encountered communists, traditional Catholics, and atheists in one outing. Each required a different approach, yet all demanded the use of spiritual armaments. This mirrors real warfare where soldiers often must adapt and improvise. Rarely do battles go smoothly or according to plan. Adaptation is often necessary. The same is true in frontlines ministry. Spiritually we must apply doctrine contextually with wisdom and grace.
Navigating the Battlefield:
Just as soldiers in battle learn that their gear can serve multiple purposes, (in desperate times even rocks can be valuable weapons to protect comrades from enemies), missionaries must learn to use their spiritual tools flexibly. The armor of God, while ideal in presentation, gets worn and tested in the field. This necessitates a deep, living knowledge of Scripture to not only survive but thrive in ministry. Things on the frontlines are not perfectly orchestrated performances, but real life intentionally lived for the advancement of the gospel in all spheres of life.
To serve effectively on the mission field, one must be equipped with more than just zeal; a robust theology and sound doctrine are vital. This preparation isn't just for defense but for advancing the Gospel in diverse and challenging environments. Whether through formal seminary education or through mentorship and personal study, strengthening your theological understanding is crucial.
Closing Thoughts:
As you prepare to serve on the mission field, or seek the Lord to live faithfully where you are, remember that equipping yourself with a deep, robust understanding of theology isn't just beneficial; it's essential. Whether you choose to deepen your knowledge through books, mentorship, or formal education, ensure it's done with the support of your local church community.
Let your journey be one of constant prayer, seeking wisdom and strength from the Lord. Engage with the world around you, not just as an observer, but as an active participant in the work of the Gospel. Through this preparation, you'll not only fortify your own faith but also serve as a beacon to those in spiritual darkness.
Resources:
Let me invite you to consider freely joining The Italian Cohort (https://www.practicalmissions.org/the-italian-cohort) where we not only give inside access to frontline missions work in Italy, but also share valuable recommended resources for the Christian life. In addition, once in the group, you could take our life-changing course on the doctrines of grace with pastor Caleb’s teaching series.
Stay tuned for our soon-coming book on being equipped for missions!
May your armor be strong, your sword sharp, and your spirit ever vigilant in the service of Christ.
Written by Jesse Schreck | founder, director, and missionary church planter in Italy with Practical Missions Cohort
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