The Cost Of The Anointing Series

THE COST OF THE ANOINTING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 14:28-30

Supporting Texts: Matthew 26:39, 2 Timothy 2:3-4, Mark 1:35, 1 Samuel 16:13

INTRODUCTION:

The anointing is a powerful and precious gift from God that enables believers to fulfill their divine purpose. However, walking in the anointing comes with a cost. It requires sacrifices, dedication, and a willingness to prepare oneself for God’s work. In this sermon, we will explore the cost of the anointing, the sacrifices involved, and the preparations required to walk in the fullness of God’s power.

1. SACRIFICE OF PERSONAL COMFORT

a) Denial of Self

To walk in the anointing, a believer must deny their own desires, ambitions, and comforts to fully submit to God’s will.

b) Surrendering Personal Plans

The anointing requires us to let go of our personal plans and embrace God’s purposes, even when they are difficult or uncomfortable.

c) Living a Life of Sacrifice

The cost of the anointing involves living a sacrificial life, where we prioritize God’s kingdom over earthly pleasures and pursuits.

d) Enduring Hardship for God’s Glory

The anointing often involves enduring hardship and rejection as we pursue God’s will, just as Jesus endured the cross for the sake of humanity.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39)

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus wrestled with the cost of the cross. He chose the will of God, despite the immense personal cost.

2. SACRIFICE OF TIME AND PRIVACY

a) Commitment to Prayer and Fasting

The anointing requires a commitment to prayer and fasting, spending time in God’s presence to receive His power.

b) Solitude for Preparation

Like Jesus, who spent forty days in the wilderness, we must sometimes step away from the noise of the world to be alone with God and be prepared for His purposes.

c) Continuous Learning and Growth

The anointing demands that we remain teachable, constantly growing and seeking to learn more of God through His Word and by His Spirit.

d) Prioritizing God Over Personal Needs

To walk in the anointing, we must sometimes put aside personal needs, desires, and comfort to focus on fulfilling God’s calling.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus’ Time Alone (Mark 1:35)

Jesus often rose early in the morning to spend time in prayer, seeking the Father’s will before He began His day’s work. This commitment to prayer was a key part of His anointing.

3. SACRIFICE OF RELATIONSHIPS AND UNDERSTANDING

a) Facing Misunderstanding and Rejection

Walking in the anointing often means being misunderstood and rejected by others, even those closest to you.

b) Separation for God’s Purpose

Sometimes, God calls us to separate ourselves from certain relationships or environments that hinder our spiritual growth and effectiveness in His kingdom.

c) Loyalty to God Above All Else

The anointing requires an unwavering loyalty to God, even when it means going against the crowd or facing opposition from friends, family, or colleagues.

d) Enduring Persecution for Christ’s Sake

The cost of the anointing may involve enduring persecution, mockery, or ridicule for standing firm in your faith and calling.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus’ Rejection (John 6:66-68)

After Jesus taught about the cost of discipleship, many of His followers turned back. He asked His disciples, "Will you also go away?" Peter’s response showed his commitment despite the cost.

4. SACRIFICE OF WORLDLY AMBITIONS

a) Choosing Eternal Values Over Temporal Gain

The anointing calls us to set aside worldly ambitions, including fame, wealth, and personal gain, for the sake of eternal values.

b) Living a Life of Humility

The anointing requires humility—choosing to serve others over seeking self-glory or recognition.

c) Renouncing the Pursuit of Earthly Success

The cost of the anointing often includes renouncing the pursuit of worldly success and status in favor of God’s will.

d) Obedience Above Comfort

Obeying God may lead to a path that is contrary to worldly success, but the anointing comes as a result of choosing obedience over comfort.

e) Biblical Example: Moses’ Decision (Hebrews 11:24-26)

Moses chose to identify with the suffering of God’s people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of Egypt, considering the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt.

5. SACRIFICE OF THE FLESH AND SIN

a) Crucifying the Flesh Daily

Walking in the anointing requires a daily crucifixion of the flesh, rejecting sinful desires, and choosing holiness.

b) Avoiding Compromise and Temptation

The anointing demands that we live above reproach, avoiding compromises with the world, sin, and temptation.

c) Purification and Holiness

To walk in the anointing, we must allow God to purify our hearts and minds, making us vessels of honor ready for His use.

d) Living a Life of Consecration

The anointing requires consecration—setting ourselves apart for God’s use, living with a single focus to please Him.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s Purity (Daniel 1:8)

Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the king’s food, choosing holiness over compromise. His consecration led to favor and the anointing of God upon his life.