THE NEED FOR THE ANOINTING

Title: THE NEED FOR THE ANOINTING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Isaiah 61:1-3 
Supporting Texts: Acts 1:8, 1 John 2:27, Luke 4:18-19

INTRODUCTION
The anointing is the tangible presence and power of the Holy Spirit that enables believers to live victoriously and fulfil their God-given assignments. The need for the anointing in the life of every believer cannot be overemphasized. Without the anointing, we are limited in our abilities, but with it, we can operate in supernatural strength, wisdom, and authority. In this sermon, we will explore why every believer needs the anointing and the role it plays in our lives.

1. WHAT IS THE ANOINTING?

a) The Anointing Defined (Isaiah 61:1) 
The anointing is the divine empowerment given by the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s purpose. It equips believers with the ability to minister effectively, break yokes, and bring deliverance. In Isaiah 61, the prophet speaks of the Spirit of the Lord being upon him, anointing him for specific tasks—preaching good news, healing the brokenhearted, proclaiming liberty, and more.

b) The Anointing as God’s Presence (Acts 10:38)
Jesus Himself was anointed by the Holy Spirit to do good and heal those oppressed by the devil. The anointing is God’s presence upon a person, enabling them to do supernatural works beyond their natural capacity.

2. WHY WE NEED THE ANOINTING

a) For Empowerment (Acts 1:8)
Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit before they could begin their ministry. The anointing gives us the power to be effective witnesses for Christ. Without the Holy Spirit's anointing, we cannot effectively fulfil the Great Commission. The anointing transforms ordinary people into vessels of power, capable of doing extraordinary things.

b) To Break Yokes (Isaiah 10:27) 
The anointing breaks every form of bondage and limitation. Isaiah 10:27 tells us that it is the anointing that destroys the yoke. Many people are bound by sin, sickness, fear, and oppression, but it is the anointing that brings deliverance. Without the anointing, people remain in bondage, but with it, chains are broken, and freedom is released.

c) To Overcome Challenges (Zechariah 4:6) 
The anointing enables us to overcome obstacles that we cannot overcome in our strength. Zechariah 4:6 reminds us that it is not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of God. When we face difficult situations, it is the anointing that gives us the victory. We cannot rely on our abilities alone; we need the anointing to navigate life’s challenges.

3. HOW THE ANOINTING OPERATES IN OUR LIVES

a) The Anointing Teaches and Guides (1 John 2:27)
The anointing is not just for ministry; it is also for personal transformation. 1 John 2:27 tells us that the anointing teaches us all things. The Holy Spirit guides us into truth, gives us wisdom, and helps us make decisions. With the anointing, we are equipped to walk in righteousness and wisdom.

b) The Anointing Brings Supernatural Boldness (Acts 4:31)
The early church experienced supernatural boldness after being filled with the Holy Spirit. The anointing gives us the courage to speak the Word of God with boldness and to stand firm in the face of opposition. The apostles were able to testify about Christ fearlessly because of the anointing upon them.

c) The Anointing for Service (Luke 4:18-19) 
Jesus’ ministry began with the proclamation of His anointing. He was anointed to preach, heal, and deliver. Every believer is anointed for a specific purpose. Whether in the marketplace, ministry, or any other area of life, the anointing enables us to serve God and others effectively.

4. HOW TO RECEIVE AND MAINTAIN THE ANOINTING

a) Hunger and Thirst for the Spirit (Matthew 5:6)
The anointing is not given to the complacent but to those who hunger and thirst for it. We must desire more of God’s presence in our lives. When we seek the Holy Spirit passionately, we position ourselves to receive a fresh outpouring of the anointing.

b) Consecration and Holiness (2 Timothy 2:21)
The anointing requires a life of consecration and holiness. We cannot live in compromise and expect the fullness of the anointing. God uses vessels that are pure and surrendered to Him. If we want to carry the anointing, we must live lives that are set apart for God’s glory.

c) Prayer and Fasting (Acts 13:2-3)
Prayer and fasting are essential for receiving and maintaining the anointing. In Acts 13, we see that the early church leaders fasted and prayed before being set apart for their ministry. When we dedicate time to seek God in prayer and fasting, the anointing increases upon our lives.

d) Intimacy with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14)
The anointing flows from our relationship with the Holy Spirit. The more intimate we are with Him, the more His power will manifest in our lives. We must cultivate fellowship with the Holy Spirit daily through prayer, worship, and time in the Word.

5. THE PURPOSE OF THE ANOINTING

a) To Transform Lives (Isaiah 61:1-3)
The primary purpose of the anointing is to bring transformation to the lives of people. Jesus was anointed to bring good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and set the captives free. Likewise, we are anointed to minister God’s love, healing, and deliverance to a broken world.

b) To Fulfill God’s Assignment (Acts 13:2-3) 
Each of us has a unique assignment from God, and the anointing equips us to fulfil that assignment. Whether we are called to ministry, business, or any other field, the anointing empowers us to carry out God’s purpose with supernatural effectiveness.

c) To Advance the Kingdom of God (Matthew 28:18-20)
The anointing is given to expand God’s kingdom on earth. It is not for personal gain or fame, but for the advancement of the gospel. The anointing enables us to bring the light of Christ into the world and fulfill the Great Commission.

CONCLUSION 
The need for the anointing in the life of every believer is undeniable. It is the anointing that empowers us to overcome challenges, break yokes, and fulfill our God-given purpose. Without the anointing, we are limited, but with it, we can operate in supernatural power and authority. Let us hunger for the anointing, live lives of consecration, and seek to be vessels through which God’s power can flow.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, anoint me afresh for Your service. 

2. Lord, give me a deep hunger and thirst for Your Spirit. 

3. Father, break every yoke in my life through Your anointing. 

4. Lord, grant me boldness to declare Your Word without fear. 

5. Father, help me to live a life of holiness and consecration. 

6. Lord, fill me with the wisdom and guidance of Your Spirit. 

7. Father, let the anointing in me overflow to impact others. 

8. Lord, use me as a vessel to bring healing and deliverance to the brokenhearted. 

9. Father, empower me to fulfill Your divine assignment for my life. 

10. Lord, let Your anointing increase upon me daily.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS 
1. I declare that the anointing of God is upon your life. 

2. You are empowered for supernatural exploits. 

3. Every yoke in your life is broken by the anointing. 

4. You will fulfill your God-given assignment with excellence. 

5. The Holy Spirit will guide you in all your decisions. 

6. Boldness and courage will be your portion in every situation. 

7. You are a vessel of healing and deliverance to those around you. 

8. The anointing upon you will grow stronger each day. 

9. You will advance God’s kingdom through the power of the anointing. 

10. Your life will be a testimony of God’s supernatural power and provision.

Receive the anointing and step into your God-ordained destiny. Amen!