Levels Of The Anointing Series

Title: LEVELS OF THE ANOINTING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ezekiel 47:1-5 

Supporting Texts: Acts 10:38, Isaiah 61:1-3, 1 Samuel 16:13 

INTRODUCTION

In Ezekiel 47, the prophet describes a vision of a river flowing from the temple of God, gradually increasing in depth as it moves forward. This passage serves as a powerful illustration of the levels of the anointing that believers can experience. Just as the river in Ezekiel's vision grew deeper with every step, so too can the anointing of God increase in the life of a believer. The anointing is the power and presence of the Holy Spirit upon a person for divine purposes, and as we yield ourselves more to God, we can move from one level of anointing to another, experiencing deeper manifestations of God's power.

1. THE ANKLE-DEEP ANOINTING

The ankle-deep level represents the initial experience of the anointing. At this level, believers have just begun to experience the presence of God and the workings of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This level is often associated with salvation and the first steps of faith.

a) Anointing for Personal Transformation

At this stage, the anointing begins to work in an individual’s life, bringing transformation and conviction of sin. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live a life of holiness and righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

b) Limited Influence

Although the believer has encountered the Holy Spirit, their influence and effectiveness are still limited. Like wading in ankle-deep water, the anointing at this level is not strong enough to produce significant breakthroughs. However, it is the foundation for deeper levels.

Biblical Example: The Disciples after the resurrection of Jesus (John 20:22) 

When Jesus appeared to His disciples after the resurrection, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” At this point, they had received the Spirit but had not yet fully operated in the power of the Spirit. This was an introductory experience, a taste of the greater anointing to come.

2. THE KNEE-DEEP ANOINTING

The knee-deep level signifies a greater involvement with God’s presence and power. At this stage, the believer is more committed to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, and service, which leads to a greater flow of the anointing.

a) Anointing for Intercession 

At this level, the believer begins to experience the power of prayer and intercession. Just as the knees are bent in prayer, the knee-deep anointing empowers believers to intercede effectively, breaking through spiritual barriers and standing in the gap for others (James 5:16). 

b) Greater Sensitivity to the Spirit 

Knee-deep water is a point where the current begins to influence your movement. Similarly, the believer at this level starts to sense the leading of the Holy Spirit more clearly, yielding to God’s guidance in their decisions and actions.

Biblical Example: Elijah and Prayer (1 Kings 18:42-44) 

Elijah demonstrates the power of knee-deep anointing through intercession. After praying seven times, he saw the manifestation of rain as a response to his fervent prayers. Elijah’s posture of prayer on Mount Carmel shows the power of effective intercession through the anointing.

3. THE WAIST-DEEP ANOINTING

The waist-deep level of anointing signifies an even deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. At this stage, believers are fully engaged in their spiritual walk, experiencing the flow of the Holy Spirit in a much greater measure.

a) Anointing for Ministry and Service

At the waist-deep level, believers are actively involved in ministry and the work of the Kingdom. This level of anointing equips individuals for effective service, enabling them to preach, teach, and minister with authority (Acts 1:8).

b) Increased Authority and Power 

With the waist-deep anointing, there is a noticeable increase in authority. Believers begin to move in spiritual gifts, such as healing, prophecy, and deliverance. As the water rises, it becomes harder to stand on your own, signifying a greater dependence on the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 61:1).

Biblical Example: Peter’s Ministry (Acts 5:15) 

Peter, who once denied Jesus, began to operate in a higher level of anointing after receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. People brought the sick out into the streets so that Peter’s shadow might fall on them and heal them. This was a demonstration of the waist-deep anointing, where the authority and power of God flow mightily through a believer.

4. THE OVERFLOWING ANOINTING (WATERS TO SWIM IN)

This final level of anointing is represented by waters that are too deep to stand in, waters that require swimming. At this stage, the believer is fully submerged in the Holy Spirit and completely surrendered to God’s will. This level of anointing is where extraordinary miracles, signs, and wonders begin to occur.

a) Fullness of the Holy Spirit 

At this level, believers experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit in their lives. They are led entirely by the Spirit and walk in the power and authority of God. Acts 10:38 describes how Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, going around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil. This is the level where believers become vessels of extraordinary miracles and divine encounters.