Last week, we left Jonathan and his good armor bearer climbing to the top of the mountain. They were on their way to meet the enemies.
Jonathan wore his full armor. His armor-bearer was at his side. They both knew how to dress for battle. This team was ready for whatever came their way.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER ARMOR
Do you dress in your armor every day too?
If you met the enemy of God walking down the street, would you be ready?
These guys knew the essential dress code for battle. The IN SEASON Lifestyle has published a few past articles about following God’s dress code for battle. Here are those links, if you are interested: https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/clothes-of-the-ancient-priest/, https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/understanding-ephod/, https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/robe-priest/, https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/turban-crown/, https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/belt-truth-dress-code-god/.
WELCOME
We want to welcome you to our weekly bible study. Today’s study covers the scripture passages we found in 1 Samuel Chapter 14.
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AN ARMOR BEARER IS NECESSARY IN EVERY BATTLE
Before we proceed with the battle of against numerous Philistines; let’s talk about the importance of having an armor-bearer.
Jonathan knew he could count on the armor bearer by his side. Do you have a trusty amour bearer with you too? Can you count on him to defend you and protect you in times of trouble?
Let’s think about that. If you answered our question with “The Holy Spirit,” you are correct. Can you think of a better armor bearer? I can’t. However; let’s continue to consider exactly what makes an armor bearer fit for the job.
What are the qualifications of a good armor bearer in the first place?
TRAITS OF A GOOD ARMOR BEARER
One of the first things we notice about a good armor bearer is that he is always dressed for battle. Jonathan expressed that they should go out and meet their enemies because God could do anything. Immediately, his armor bearer was at his side and ready to go. He didn’t have to go back and change his clothes or grab his sword. This guy was ready.
Jonathan’s armor bearer had the qualities, skills, and abilities to defend the son of the King. Exactly what does that mean though?
LOYALTY MATTERS
First and foremost, the armor bearer was loyal to Jonathan. If your armor bearer isn’t loyal, he is useless for battle.
A true armor bearer must be willing to walk into any difficult situation which his master presents. If the master is facing a lion, the armor bearer must be willing to face the same lion.
Should the way be dangerous and the master chooses to swim through deep rivers, the armor bearer must swim too.
If the opponent is twice the size of the master, the armor bearer must also step up to defeat him.
A good armor bearer must be sure his thoughts, ambitions, courage, bravery and actions are the same as his master’s.
HE ADDS STRENGTH TO THE ONE HE FOLLOWS
This warrior’s next ambition must be to provide strength to the man he is following. This often requires a great amount of humility. The best example of such a person is Yeshua. He provided help and assistance (to the point of death on a cross) to God The Father. His whole mission was about defending and supporting all of God’s ways. His ambitions were all for the sake of God’s Kingdom.
Jesus never put himself first. He walked after God The Father. We must always walk after Jesus in the same order of respect and honor. This is why He sent us the Comforter, God’s Holy Spirit to help us. A good armor-bearer knows how to be humble. He knows how to follow the One in charge of the battles. God’s Holy Spirit connects us to the thoughts and ways of Yeshua. He then connects us to Elohim and His Kingdom. This makes for strong and unbreakable teamwork.
LIKE KIND AND LIKE MIND WORK TOGETHER
A good armor bearer will know the abilities and needs of his master. He will fill in the blanks and back up the master whenever he hits a hard place. These actions show how a good armor bearer has the correct instincts to follow his master’s thoughts. No two people think exactly alike. However, the armor bearer must know the master well enough to follow his same goals. He must always discern the will of the one he follows.
If the master can’t use a sword well; his armor bearer will make up for that. Should the master be slow in certain areas, the armor bearer will be faster. If the master can’t see as well, the armor bearer will back up his master’s sight with his own.
Wherever there is a weak area; the good armor bearer will be strong in that area. His discernment will be sharp. He will know when to step out and when to wait on the master’s lead.
Though this trait is instinctive, it also comes from many years of the two doing battle together. The good armor bearer will shadow anything the master does. He will be in the right place at the right time. This dedication will be for all of the right reasons. His mission is simply to defend the master. When the master is doing well, he will be still and quiet. He will remain in place while waiting for the next moment he is needed.
KNOWING HIS PLACE
A good armor bearer doesn’t need self-recognition. All he does is done for the sake of the master. He desires no praise or reward. The work itself is his reward. This faithful team-player has the confidence and ability to stand by and let another receive the recognition for his deeds. Nothing about him is self-serving or arrogant. He puts his own pride aside for the one whom he considers worthy of his utmost loyalty.
Behind the scenes, this good armor bearer is always working on his skills. He never quits studying the needs of his master. Whatever skills his master lacks he patiently develops and brings to the battle.
GOOD ARMOR BEARERS ARE GOOD COMMUNICATORS
The good armor bearer knows how to communicate well. He receives instructions with enthusiasm. Afterward, he remembers to carry them out exactly as requested.
This man never designs his own battle plan. He follows what the master draws out beforehand. The good armor bearer never sways from that plan. If the plan looks wrong, he will courteously express his thoughts to the master. Afterwards he will listen carefully as his master explains his reasons.
This careful warrior doesn’t question the judgement of the master. He simply defends him with a thoughtful and qualified second opinion when requested. The master can always count on this armor bearer to give an honest answer to a difficult question. His opinion is valuable.
This man of valor isn’t swayed by political gain or other people’s opinions. He is only concerned with the master’s welfare. His loyalty is so strong that he will give his life in the place of the man he is defending.
HIGH LEVELS OF TRUST
There is a high-level of trust between these two soldiers. They make up an excellent team during the times of warfare in the land. These two always move in sync. They are never out of step with one another. It is their trust for one another that makes them walk in rhythm.
This strong team will always be on the same spiritual page. They worship and pray to the same God. These two have the same rituals. They make the same sacrifices for what is most important.
CONFIDENTIALITY
The master can always trust this good armor bearer. He knows the man will keep his personal secrets. They both are too honorable to lie, especially to one another. Gossip is never a worry or a burden to the master. This is true because the armor-bearer overlooks his master’s problems and mistakes out of love. He gives room for error because of the deep respect for the greater person.
The one who has his master’s back can see above his faults. He realizes what lies within his master’s reach and ability. This dedicated one will wait patiently for these things to manifest and prevail. In the meantime, he will be lending full strength and cooperation.
A good armor-bearer will always defend his master’s honor. He will not let his name be blasphemed or disgraced.
FLEXIBILITY WHEN NEEDED
The good armor-bearer will adapt and change with his Master. He will bring enthusiasm and a cheerful attitude when given new orders. This is true even in the times of chaos and confusion. He will trust the master to the point of death.
Should the master make a mistake, the good armor-bearer will quickly forgive. He will grant the master the room to learn and move on. His trust and dedication is as unquestionable as his bravery and courage.
WE ALL NEED HELP
If you desire to live out your life fulfilling God’s intended purposes you will need a good armor bearer. Learn how to communicate with God’s Holy Spirit. Ask God to led you through every circumstance. The Holy Spirit will never leave you or forsake you. He is an ever-present comfort in times of trouble. Trust and obey the will of God in your life.
There will be times for all disciples of Yeshua to need a good armor bearer wearing flesh and blood. Everyone needs a brother to help and protect his back. Be careful who you pick to put in this place of honor in your life. Below are a few important characteristics to consider. Remember to be alert and aware of the God-given qualities of the people around you. Be paying attention to the fruit they bear. Consider what is taught from the knowledge and understanding of these scriptures:
TRAITS OF A GODLY TEAM
BEING LIKE-MINDED
A good team must be like-minded. The team must desire to act in unison to accomplish a common goal or idea. Consider Philippians 2:2: Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being of full accord and in one mind.
Or you might want to consider this verse: Galatians 5:14-16: For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Good team makers also do well to remember this scripture in 1 Corinthians 12:21: The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
FORTITUDE WITH PERSEVERANCE
Perseverance, and fortitude are good traits for any relationship. All good teams learn how to go through dangerous places together. Make sure those you walk with are dedicated to finishing the task well.
FAITH AND LOVE
Love must always prevail. Faith in God and faith and love for one another are essential.
THE PROPER ARMOR
A good team is always dressed and equipped for the purposes God designed for them to pursue.
FACING BATTLES TOGETHER
Next week, we will speak further about the brave team of Jonathan and his armor bearer. Our talk will explore the day they went out to face the battle which God had prepared them to pursue.
We will see the twin importance of teams of good leadership paired with good followers. Both parties can be vital in times of following God’s will. It is very important that all are ready and working as a team when God finally says “Go.”