DIVINE EMPOWERMENT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Samuel 16:1–13 (KJV)
"Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah." — 1 Samuel 16:13
Supporting Texts: Acts 1:8, Judges 6:12-16, Zechariah 4:6, Luke 4:18-19, Isaiah 40:29-31
INTRODUCTION:
Divine empowerment is the supernatural enablement given by God to a person to fulfil His divine purpose and calling. It is not based on natural abilities, academic qualifications, or physical strength, but on God's grace and Spirit working in a vessel He has chosen and prepared.
In the journey of life and ministry, there comes a point where human strength fails. Even the most gifted individual cannot succeed in divine assignments without the help of God. Divine empowerment is what turns ordinary people into extraordinary instruments in God's hands.
David was the least likely among his brethren to be chosen, yet God saw a king in him. When he was anointed, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, marking the beginning of a life of divine exploits. This story is a model of how God empowers those He calls, regardless of human opinion.
1. DIVINE EMPOWERMENT BEGINS WITH GOD’S CHOICE
Before divine power can be released, God must first choose the vessel.
a) God Sees Beyond Appearance: While men look at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
b) Election by Grace: God does not choose based on qualification but according to His purpose (Romans 9:15-16).
c) Anointing Follows Selection: The anointing was poured only after David was called out (1 Samuel 16:12-13).
d) Empowerment for Assignment: God’s choice comes with divine backing for the task ahead (Jeremiah 1:5-10).
Biblical Example: God chose Gideon, a fearful man, and empowered him to deliver Israel (Judges 6:12-16).
2. DIVINE EMPOWERMENT COMES THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is the source of divine power for effective ministry and victorious living.
a) The Spirit Came Upon David: He was transformed by the Spirit from that day forward (1 Samuel 16:13).
b) Jesus Waited for Empowerment: Even Jesus did nothing until the Spirit came upon Him (Luke 4:18).
c) The Apostles Waited at Pentecost: The Church was born through the empowerment of the Spirit (Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4).
d) Spiritual Power Overcomes Natural Limitations: Divine empowerment fills the gaps human ability cannot reach (Zechariah 4:6).
Biblical Example: Samson’s strength came from the Spirit of the Lord (Judges 14:5-6).
3. DIVINE EMPOWERMENT BRINGS SUPERNATURAL RESULTS
When God empowers a man, the results are undeniable and beyond human explanation.
a) David Faced Goliath with Confidence: Divine power gave him boldness (1 Samuel 17:45-50).
b) The Weak Become Strong: God uses the weak to confound the mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27).
c) The Empowered Become Influential: David moved from the field to the palace (2 Samuel 5:1-4).
d) Unstoppable Progress: What God empowers cannot be stopped by man (Isaiah 54:17).
Biblical Example: Peter healed the lame man after being empowered (Acts 3:1–10).
4. DIVINE EMPOWERMENT REQUIRES HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE
To walk in divine empowerment, we must submit to God’s process and stay humble.
a) David Remained a Shepherd After Anointing: He did not rush ahead of God's timing (1 Samuel 17:15).
b) Obedience Attracts More Grace: Those faithful in little are empowered for more (Luke 16:10).
c) Humility Sustains Power: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
d) Dependence on God Is Key: David always inquired of the Lord (2 Samuel 5:19).
Biblical Example: Elisha humbly followed Elijah before receiving a double portion (2 Kings 2:1–14).
5. DIVINE EMPOWERMENT IS FOR GOD’S GLORY
The power God gives is not for showmanship, but to advance His kingdom and glorify Him.
a) God Shares His Glory With No One: Empowerment must point people to God, not self (Isaiah 42:8).
b) To Preach the Gospel with Power: Divine empowerment equips us to witness effectively (Acts 1:8).
c) To Destroy the Works of Darkness: We are empowered to pull down strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4).
d) To Manifest the Kingdom: God’s power confirms His word with signs (Mark 16:20).
Biblical Example: Paul credited all his exploits to the grace and power of God (1 Corinthians 15:10).
CONCLUSION:
Divine empowerment is the distinguishing mark of a man or woman of God. It is not charisma, education, or connection that makes the difference—it is the Spirit of God resting mightily on a life that is yielded. Every believer is a candidate for this empowerment, and it begins when we are willing to be used for His glory.
Like David, when we are anointed and empowered, no Goliath can stand in our way. God is still anointing and empowering men and women today. The question is, are you available and ready for His touch?
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, anoint me afresh with Your Holy Spirit.
2. Father, empower me to fulfil my divine purpose in this generation.
3. Let every Goliath in my life fall before Your power in me.
4. Holy Spirit, I surrender to Your process and calling.
5. Let Your glory be seen in all I do by the power of Your Spirit.
