Sermon Central
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Keys To Receiving The Anointing
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 28, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Many desire the anointing, but not everyone understands how to receive it. The anointing is not randomly given; it requires preparation, hunger, and alignment with God’s will.
KEYS TO RECEIVING THE ANOINTING
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Acts 1:8
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 44:3, Luke 24:49, 2 Kings 2:9-10, Psalm 92:10, 1 John 2:27
INTRODUCTION
The anointing is the supernatural empowerment of the Holy Spirit that enables believers to fulfil God’s purpose. Throughout the Bible, we see men and women who received the anointing and did great exploits for the kingdom. From the prophets of old to the apostles in the New Testament, the anointing made the difference in their lives and ministries.
Many desire the anointing, but not everyone understands how to receive it. The anointing is not randomly given; it requires preparation, hunger, and alignment with God’s will. Just as Elisha sought the double portion of Elijah’s anointing with persistence, believers today must be positioned to receive divine empowerment.
This sermon explores the keys to receiving the anointing and how believers can position themselves for a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit.
1. HUNGER AND THIRST FOR GOD
A deep desire for God’s presence and power is a prerequisite for receiving the anointing.
a) Spiritual hunger attracts the anointing (Matthew 5:6)
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be filled.
b) The anointing is poured upon the thirsty (Isaiah 44:3)
God fills those who earnestly seek Him.
c) Desperation moves God to act (2 Kings 2:9-10)
Elisha’s relentless pursuit of Elijah’s mantle resulted in a double portion.
d) Passion for God ignites the anointing (Psalm 63:1-2)
Those who long for God experience His power and glory.
e) Biblical Example: The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4)
The disciples waited with expectancy and were filled with the Holy Spirit.
2. CONSECRATION AND HOLY LIVING
A life set apart for God attracts the anointing.
a) The anointing does not rest on the unclean (2 Timothy 2:21)
God anoints vessels that are sanctified for His use.
b) Holiness positions believers for empowerment (Hebrews 12:14)
Without holiness, no one will see the Lord’s power.
c) A pure heart invites God’s presence (Psalm 24:3-4)
Only those with clean hands and a pure heart can stand in His presence.
d) Sin quenches the anointing (Judges 16:20)
Samson lost his anointing due to compromise.
e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s Consecration (Daniel 1:8, 6:3)
Daniel’s commitment to holiness distinguished him and attracted divine wisdom.
3. PRAYER AND WAITING UPON THE LORD
The anointing is received through fervent and consistent prayer.
a) Prayer invites the outpouring of the Spirit (Acts 1:14, 2:1-4)
The disciples prayed until the Holy Spirit came upon them.
b) Waiting on God renews strength (Isaiah 40:31)
Those who wait on the Lord receive divine empowerment.
c) Intimacy with God unlocks fresh anointing (Luke 6:12-13)
Jesus prayed all night before choosing the twelve apostles.
d) Persistence in prayer attracts divine power (James 5:16-17)
Elijah prayed earnestly, and the heavens responded.
e) Biblical Example: Jesus' 40 Days of Fasting and Prayer (Luke 4:1,14)
After His time of fasting, Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit.
4. SUBMISSION TO SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY
Receiving the anointing often requires mentorship and impartation from anointed vessels.
a) God uses spiritual fathers to transfer the anointing (Numbers 27:18-20)
Moses laid hands on Joshua, imparting divine authority.
b) Honour attracts the anointing (Hebrews 13:17)
Submission to godly leadership brings spiritual blessings.
c) Impartation comes through association (Proverbs 13:20)
Walking with anointed people influences one’s spiritual life.
d) Serving faithfully positions one for anointing (2 Kings 3:11)
Elisha served Elijah before receiving the double portion.
e) Biblical Example: Timothy and Paul (2 Timothy 1:6)
Paul imparted the anointing to Timothy through the laying on of hands.
5. FAITH AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD
Faith and obedience unlock the release of the anointing.
a) The anointing is activated by faith (Mark 11:24)
Without faith, it is impossible to receive from God.
b) Obedience positions one for divine empowerment (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
Those who obey God’s voice walk in His blessings.
c) Acting on God’s word releases the anointing (John 2:5)
When the servants obeyed Jesus, the miracle of water turning into wine happened.
d) Faithful stewardship of small assignments attracts greater anointing (Luke 16:10)
God increases the anointing when one is faithful in little things.
e) Biblical Example: The Widow and the Oil (2 Kings 4:1-7)
The widow obeyed Elisha’s instruction, and the anointing for supernatural provision flowed.
CONCLUSION
The anointing is not for personal glory but for fulfilling God’s purpose on earth. Those who desire to walk in the anointing must cultivate hunger, live a consecrated life, seek God through prayer, submit to spiritual authority, and walk in faith and obedience. When these keys are applied, the Holy Spirit moves mightily, empowering believers for extraordinary exploits in God’s kingdom.
