Function of an Armorbearer: Chapter 4 – New Testament Armorbearing – Notes from Margie

     Last month we talked about the Old Testament armorbearers & clearly defined their duties & roles.

     This time around we’ll talk about the duties of the New Testament armorbearers.  God has established priorities in the life of every Christian that we should follow:

•      relationship with God
•      relationship with spouse
•      relationship with children
•      employment or work

     One of the differences between the armorbearers in the Old Testament & the New Testament armorbearers was their priorities.  Their employment was first on the list.  This doesn’t mean that the responsibilities of the present day armorbearer are less important.  The call is still God given & we must be good stewards with that calling.  Some of the duties or physical role have changed but the attitude of the heart is still the same.

     The role of the armorbearer should not be used as a stepping stone to move on to bigger & better things.  I truly believe that when God calls you to a certain place, you are their for a specific time & season.  As armorbearers we must be faithful to that calling.  God will exalt you in due time.  1 Peter 5:6 “Humble yourself before God and He will exalt you.”  Armorbearers called by God are there to support their leader and to help fulfill the vision that God has given him.

     In the Old Testament the role of the armorbearer was mainly in combat.  That hasn’t changed in the New  Testament.  The only difference is the type of combat, as you can see in the following scripture.  “For we restle 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.” Ephesians 6:12  We can see that the most important part of the armorbearer duties lie in the spirit realm.

     As armorbearers we are to watch & pray for our leader and the ministry.  All physical tasks of an armorbearer in the Old Testament apply today in the spirit.

     By reading scripture we can identify some of the duties of a New Testament armorbearer as pointed out by Terry Nance.

A true armorbearer:

• Strives to keep his godly priorities in line
• Resists seeking to know his leader after the flesh
• Remains always humble with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, doing what is pleasing to Christ, “not with eyeservice as menpleasers”
• Serves his leader well, expecting no reward from man, but knowing that Jesus will reward him one day for his efforts and loyalty
• Aids his leader in spiritual combat
• Ministers strength to his leader in the spirit
• Helps his leader to stand against the wiles of the devil
• Knows how to deal with spiritual forces.

     The word armorbearer is never used in the New Testament but there are scriptures that reflect the attitude of the armorbearer.  Some of them mentioned are Matthew 18:1-4, John 15:13, Ephesians 6:5,6; Phil. 2:3-9; 1 Thes. 5:12,13; 1 Peter 5:5; 2:20.  Take a look at them when you have the opportunity.

Blessings,

Margie