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The Need For The Anointing Series
Contributed by Samuel Arimoro on Feb 14, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: The anointing is the tangible presence and power of the Holy Spirit that enables believers to live victoriously and fulfil their God-given assignments.
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Title: THE NEED FOR THE ANOINTING
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro**
Main Text: Isaiah 61:1-3
Supporting Texts: Acts 1:8, 1 John 2:27, Luke 4:18-19
INTRODUCTION
The anointing is the tangible presence and power of the Holy Spirit that enables believers to live victoriously and fulfil their God-given assignments. The need for the anointing in the life of every believer cannot be overemphasized. Without the anointing, we are limited in our abilities, but with it, we can operate in supernatural strength, wisdom, and authority. In this sermon, we will explore why every believer needs the anointing and the role it plays in our lives.
1. WHAT IS THE ANOINTING?
a) The Anointing Defined (Isaiah 61:1)
The anointing is the divine empowerment given by the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s purpose. It equips believers with the ability to minister effectively, break yokes, and bring deliverance. In Isaiah 61, the prophet speaks of the Spirit of the Lord being upon him, anointing him for specific tasks—preaching good news, healing the brokenhearted, proclaiming liberty, and more.
b) The Anointing as God’s Presence (Acts 10:38)
Jesus Himself was anointed by the Holy Spirit to do good and heal those oppressed by the devil. The anointing is God’s presence upon a person, enabling them to do supernatural works beyond their natural capacity.
2. WHY WE NEED THE ANOINTING
a) For Empowerment (Acts 1:8)
Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit before they could begin their ministry. The anointing gives us the power to be effective witnesses for Christ. Without the Holy Spirit's anointing, we cannot effectively fulfil the Great Commission. The anointing transforms ordinary people into vessels of power, capable of doing extraordinary things.
b) To Break Yokes (Isaiah 10:27)
The anointing breaks every form of bondage and limitation. Isaiah 10:27 tells us that it is the anointing that destroys the yoke. Many people are bound by sin, sickness, fear, and oppression, but it is the anointing that brings deliverance. Without the anointing, people remain in bondage, but with it, chains are broken, and freedom is released.
c) To Overcome Challenges (Zechariah 4:6)
The anointing enables us to overcome obstacles that we cannot overcome in our strength. Zechariah 4:6 reminds us that it is not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of God. When we face difficult situations, it is the anointing that gives us the victory. We cannot rely on our abilities alone; we need the anointing to navigate life’s challenges.
3. HOW THE ANOINTING OPERATES IN OUR LIVES
a) The Anointing Teaches and Guides (1 John 2:27)
The anointing is not just for ministry; it is also for personal transformation. 1 John 2:27 tells us that the anointing teaches us all things. The Holy Spirit guides us into truth, gives us wisdom, and helps us make decisions. With the anointing, we are equipped to walk in righteousness and wisdom.
b) The Anointing Brings Supernatural Boldness (Acts 4:31)
The early church experienced supernatural boldness after being filled with the Holy Spirit. The anointing gives us the courage to speak the Word of God with boldness and to stand firm in the face of opposition. The apostles were able to testify about Christ fearlessly because of the anointing upon them.
c) The Anointing for Service (Luke 4:18-19)
Jesus’ ministry began with the proclamation of His anointing. He was anointed to preach, heal, and deliver. Every believer is anointed for a specific purpose. Whether in the marketplace, ministry, or any other area of life, the anointing enables us to serve God and others effectively.
4. HOW TO RECEIVE AND MAINTAIN THE ANOINTING
a) Hunger and Thirst for the Spirit (Matthew 5:6)
The anointing is not given to the complacent but to those who hunger and thirst for it. We must desire more of God’s presence in our lives. When we seek the Holy Spirit passionately, we position ourselves to receive a fresh outpouring of the anointing.
b) Consecration and Holiness (2 Timothy 2:21)
The anointing requires a life of consecration and holiness. We cannot live in compromise and expect the fullness of the anointing. God uses vessels that are pure and surrendered to Him. If we want to carry the anointing, we must live lives that are set apart for God’s glory.
c) Prayer and Fasting (Acts 13:2-3)
Prayer and fasting are essential for receiving and maintaining the anointing. In Acts 13, we see that the early church leaders fasted and prayed before being set apart for their ministry. When we dedicate time to seek God in prayer and fasting, the anointing increases upon our lives.
d) Intimacy with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14)
The anointing flows from our relationship with the Holy Spirit. The more intimate we are with Him, the more His power will manifest in our lives. We must cultivate fellowship with the Holy Spirit daily through prayer, worship, and time in the Word.