Title: THE ANOINTING AND THE ANOINTED
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Samuel 16:13
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 61:1-3, Acts 10:38, 1 John 2:27
INTRODUCTION
The anointing is the divine empowerment from God that sets individuals apart for His work, giving them supernatural ability to fulfill their God-given assignments. The anointed are those whom God has chosen, and upon whom He has poured out His Spirit to carry out His purpose. Throughout Scripture, we see the anointing empowering people for various tasks, whether in leadership, ministry, or warfare. The anointing equips the anointed to operate in realms beyond human capacity, bringing about God's will in the earth.
1. UNDERSTANDING THE ANOINTING
The anointing is the manifestation of God's power and presence. It is more than just a symbolic act; it is a spiritual empowerment that brings transformation.
a) The Anointing is for Purpose
In 1 Samuel 16:13, when Samuel anointed David, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him from that day forward. David was anointed for kingship, a divine purpose that required God’s power. The anointing is not for self-glorification, but for the fulfillment of God's purpose.
b) The Anointing Breaks Yokes
Isaiah 10:27 tells us that the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing. The anointing sets people free from oppression, bondage, and limitations. It breaks chains and delivers people from the power of darkness.
c) The Anointing Gives Boldness
When Peter was anointed with the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, he went from being fearful to boldly preaching the gospel. The anointing gives believers the boldness to confront challenges and step into their divine assignments without fear.
2. THE ANOINTED: GOD'S CHOSEN VESSELS
Those who are anointed by God carry a special responsibility and privilege. They are called to represent God on the earth and fulfill His mandate.
a) Anointed for Specific Assignments
Throughout Scripture, we see God anointing people for specific tasks. Moses was anointed to deliver the Israelites, Joshua to lead them into the Promised Land, and Jesus Himself was anointed to bring salvation (Acts 10:38).
b) Walking in the Anointing Requires Obedience
To remain in the flow of God’s anointing, the anointed must walk in obedience. Saul was anointed as king but lost the anointing due to disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23). Obedience is key to sustaining the anointing.
c) The Anointed Face Opposition
The anointed often face great opposition because the enemy seeks to thwart God's purpose. David was anointed but had to face Goliath and run from Saul. Yet, the anointing preserved him and empowered him for victory.
3. HOW TO ACTIVATE AND SUSTAIN THE ANOINTING
a) Deep Fellowship with God
The anointing flows out of an intimate relationship with God. Jesus often withdrew to pray and commune with the Father. Spending time in prayer, worship, and studying the Word keeps the anointed connected to the source of the anointing.
b) Humility and Brokenness
God exalts the humble and resists the proud (James 4:6). The anointing rests on those who remain humble and dependent on God. Brokenness is the key to carrying God's power without pride.
c) Staying in the Place of Purity
Holiness is vital for those who carry the anointing. The Holy Spirit, the source of the anointing, dwells in clean vessels. 2 Timothy 2:21 tells us that those who cleanse themselves will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy and useful to the Master.
d) Continuous Dependence on the Holy Spirit
The anointing is not a one-time event but requires continuous dependence on the Holy Spirit. Just as oil must be replenished in a lamp, the anointed must continually seek fresh outpourings of the Holy Spirit to remain effective.
4. BENEFITS OF BEING ANOINTED
a) Divine Authority and Power
The anointed operate with divine authority and power. Jesus gave His disciples authority to heal the sick, cast out demons, and proclaim the kingdom of God (Matthew 10:1). The same authority is available to every anointed believer today.
b) Supernatural Wisdom
The anointing grants divine wisdom to make decisions, solve problems, and navigate challenges. Solomon was anointed with wisdom to rule Israel effectively. The anointed walk in the wisdom of God that surpasses human understanding.
c) Breakthrough and Deliverance
Wherever the anointing is present, breakthrough and deliverance follow. The anointing breaks the yoke of bondage, heals the sick, and delivers the oppressed. In Acts 10:38, we see that Jesus went about doing good, healing all who were oppressed by the devil.
5. THE ULTIMATE PURPOSE OF THE ANOINTING
a) To Glorify God
The ultimate purpose of the anointing is to bring glory to God. Jesus always pointed people to the Father and glorified Him in all He did. As God’s anointed vessels, we must remember that the anointing is not for self-glorification but for God's glory.
b) To Bring Others into the Kingdom
The anointing empowers us to bring others into the kingdom of God. Isaiah 61:1-3 outlines the mission of the anointed: to preach good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for the captives, and release prisoners from darkness.
c) To Fulfill God's Kingdom Agenda
The anointing equips us to fulfill God's kingdom agenda on earth. Every anointed individual is called to be a part of advancing God's kingdom, whether through ministry, leadership, business, or service.
d) To Destroy the Works of the Enemy
One of the key purposes of the anointing is to destroy the works of the enemy. 1 John 3:8 tells us, “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” The anointing empowers the believer to confront and overcome every form of satanic oppression. Whether it is in the form of sickness, depression, lack, or any other attack, the anointing gives us the authority to break those chains and release God's freedom.
e) To Bring Restoration
The anointing is also given to restore what has been lost or stolen by the enemy. In Joel 2:25, God promises to restore the years that the locusts have eaten. The anointing brings healing to broken lives, families, and situations, restoring what the enemy tried to destroy. In the case of David, his anointing as king brought restoration not only to his own life but to the entire nation of Israel as he led them back to God’s ways.f) To Build the Kingdom of God
Ultimately, the anointing equips us to build the kingdom of God. The anointing is not for personal gain, but for kingdom expansion. Jesus’ ministry was all about advancing the kingdom—preaching the good news, healing the sick, casting out demons, and setting captives free (Luke 4:18). Similarly, we are called to be kingdom builders, using the anointing to serve, evangelize, and disciple others, pointing them to Christ.
6. WALKING IN THE ANOINTING DAILY)
a) A Consistent Relationship with God
The anointing is sustained by maintaining a close relationship with God through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. In John 15:5, Jesus reminds us that without Him, we can do nothing. The anointing flows from our connection to the Vine, who is Christ. As we remain in Him, the anointing will flow continuously in our lives.
b) Yielding to the Holy Spirit
To walk in the anointing, we must be sensitive and obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the source of the anointing, and He directs us in fulfilling God’s will. Romans 8:14 says, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” Yielding to the Spirit’s leading opens the door for the anointing to operate freely in our lives.
c) Sacrifice and Consecration
Walking in the anointing often requires personal sacrifice and consecration. Just as oil was poured on priests and kings as a sign of their separation to God, so too must we live lives set apart for His purposes. This means we must be willing to forsake worldly distractions and live in a way that honors God. Romans 12:1 calls us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.
d) Faith and Expectation
To walk in the anointing, we must have faith that God will do what He has promised through His anointing. Faith activates the power of God in our lives. Jesus often said to those He healed, “Your faith has made you whole” (Mark 5:34). Faith and expectation create an atmosphere for the anointing to flow and for miracles to happen.
CONCLUSION
The anointing is a precious gift from God, given to those He has called and chosen. It is not for selfish gain, but for the fulfillment of God's purposes in the earth. As God's anointed vessels, we must walk in obedience, humility, and dependence on the Holy Spirit to sustain the anointing and fulfill our divine assignments.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, anoint me afresh for Your purpose and glory.
2. Father, let the power of the Holy Spirit flow through my life.
3. Lord, help me walk in obedience and humility as Your anointed vessel.
4. Father, break every yoke in my life through Your anointing.
5. Lord, fill me with supernatural wisdom to fulfill my assignment.
6. Father, let the anointing bring breakthrough and deliverance in my life.
7. Lord, help me stay in continuous fellowship with You.
8. Father, use me to bring others into Your kingdom by the power of the anointing.
9. Lord, let the anointing on my life glorify You in all I do.
10. Father, increase Your anointing upon my life for greater exploits.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You are anointed for greatness, and nothing will stop your destiny.
2. The power of the Holy Spirit will flow mightily through your life.
3. Every yoke of limitation in your life is broken by the anointing.
4. Supernatural wisdom is released to you for every decision you need to make.
5. Your hands are empowered to heal the sick and set the captives free.
6. The anointing upon you will attract divine favor and open doors of opportunity.
7. You will walk in boldness and fulfill your God-given assignment without fear.
8. Every chain of oppression is broken, and you will experience total deliverance.
9. You are a vessel of honor, prepared for every good work.
10. You will bring many into the kingdom of God by the power of the anointing upon your life.
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