THE FUNCTIONS OF THE ANOINTING
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Luke 4:18-19
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."
Supporting Texts: Acts 10:38, Isaiah 10:27, 1 John 2:27, Zechariah 4:6, Psalm 23:5
INTRODUCTION:
The anointing is the supernatural enablement that God gives to His people for specific purposes. It is not just a feeling or experience; it is the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to carry out divine assignments and fulfil destiny. Without the anointing, believers are limited, but with the anointing, the impossible becomes possible.
Throughout Scripture, we see that the anointing served many important functions — it equipped leaders, empowered prophets, strengthened kings, and enabled ordinary men and women to do extraordinary things. The anointing is God's seal of approval, a divine tool for effective service and victorious living.
Today, we will explore the key functions of the anointing and how it operates in the life of a believer. Understanding these functions will help us value, seek, and steward the anointing more carefully.
1. THE ANOINTING EMPOWERS FOR SERVICE
The anointing is the spiritual equipment for effective ministry and assignment.
a) The Anointing Equips for Ministry
It provides the needed grace to serve God and people (Acts 1:8).
b) The Anointing Qualifies the Called
It is not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit (Zechariah 4:6).
c) The Anointing Enables Fruitful Labour
It causes our work to produce supernatural results (John 15:5).
d) The Anointing Grants Boldness
It removes fear and releases confidence (2 Timothy 1:7).
Biblical Example: Moses was anointed to lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10-12).
2. THE ANOINTING BREAKS YOKES AND BURDENS
The anointing is a powerful force that destroys every satanic oppression.
a) The Anointing Destroys Bondages
It sets captives free from oppression (Isaiah 10:27).
b) The Anointing Heals the Brokenhearted
It mends emotional wounds and pain (Luke 4:18).
c) The Anointing Brings Deliverance
It liberates souls from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13).
d) The Anointing Grants Supernatural Freedom
It turns prisoners into victors (John 8:36).
Biblical Example: Jesus delivered the oppressed by the anointing (Acts 10:38).
3. THE ANOINTING RELEASES DIVINE WISDOM AND DIRECTION
The anointing teaches, guides, and enlightens believers for right decisions.
a) The Anointing Teaches All Things
It brings divine understanding beyond human wisdom (1 John 2:27).
b) The Anointing Provides Spiritual Sensitivity
It helps believers discern the voice of God (Isaiah 30:21).
c) The Anointing Prevents Errors
It keeps believers from making costly mistakes (John 16:13).
d) The Anointing Leads to Divine Opportunities
It positions believers at the right place and time (Psalm 32:8).
Biblical Example: David was guided by God’s anointing to defeat Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-50).
4. THE ANOINTING ESTABLISHES AUTHORITY AND DOMINION
The anointing makes believers spiritual authorities over situations and forces.
a) The Anointing Confers Spiritual Authority
Believers exercise power over demons and circumstances (Luke 10:19).
b) The Anointing Enforces Victory
It makes believers triumphant over their enemies (2 Corinthians 2:14).
c) The Anointing Confounds Adversaries
Opposition falls flat before the anointed (Psalm 89:20-23).
d) The Anointing Commands Supernatural Results
It turns ordinary efforts into extraordinary accomplishments (Mark 16:20).
Biblical Example: Samson’s strength came through the anointing of the Spirit (Judges 14:6).
5. THE ANOINTING BRINGS REFRESHING AND RESTORATION
The anointing revives the soul and restores what has been lost.
a) The Anointing Refreshes the Weary
It renews strength for the journey (Isaiah 40:31).
b) The Anointing Heals and Restores
It brings restoration where there was loss (Joel 2:25).
c) The Anointing Renews Spiritual Vitality
It keeps the believer fresh and flourishing (Psalm 92:10, 12-14).
d) The Anointing Restores Joy and Peace
It fills the heart with divine joy (Psalm 23:5).
Biblical Example: Peter, restored by Jesus, became a pillar in the early Church (John 21:15-17).
CONCLUSION:
The anointing is not a luxury; it is a necessity for victorious Christian living and effective service. It empowers, breaks bondages, grants divine wisdom, establishes authority, and brings refreshing. Without the anointing, struggles abound, but with it, believers are enabled to fulfil destiny with ease.
Let us hunger for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit's anointing daily, knowing that with it, we are fully equipped to live a victorious, fruitful, and impactful life.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, anoint me afresh today for effective service in Your kingdom.
2. Father, by Your anointing, destroy every yoke and burden in my life.
3. Spirit of God, teach me and guide me into all truth by Your anointing.
4. Lord, establish me in authority and dominion by the power of Your anointing.
5. Father, refresh and restore my soul through the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
