Recognizing and Walking in the Anointing of God

Scripture Focus:

1 John 2:27 KJV 1900

27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Matthew 7:16 KJV 1900

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Introduction:

Good morning, church! Today we will talk about something deeply spiritual and essential for every believer—the anointing of God. We hear the word “anointing” often in church, but what does it really mean? How do we recognize it in others, and more importantly, how do we walk in it ourselves?

Anointing is not just a religious term. It represents the divine empowerment of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God’s people. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, anointing plays a vital role in the unfolding of God’s plan on Earth. And today, every believer in Christ has access to this precious anointing.

I. Understanding the Anointing in the Bible

The Bible mentions different kinds of anointings, each carrying significance and divine purpose:

1. Priestly Anointing

– In the Old Testament, priests like Aaron were anointed to mediate between God and the people (Exodus 30:30). Today, we are all part of this “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), called to offer spiritual sacrifices to God in prayer, worship, and holy living.

2. Kingship Anointing

– Kings such as David were anointed to lead and exercise authority (1 Samuel 16:13). We, too, share in this kingship anointing through Christ, called to walk in authority over sin and darkness (Revelation 1:6).

3. Prophetic Anointing

– Prophets like Elijah and Elisha were anointed to speak God’s Word and lead people back to righteousness (1 Kings 19:16). Today, through the gift of prophecy and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we declare God’s truth to the world (1 Corinthians 12:10).

4. Healing and Deliverance Anointing

– Jesus Himself was anointed to heal the sick and deliver the oppressed (Acts 10:38). This healing anointing continues in the body of Christ as believers lay hands on the sick and see them recover (Mark 16:17-18).

5. The Anointing for Service

– Just as God anointed craftsmen like Bezalel for specific tasks (Exodus 31:2-5), the Holy Spirit empowers us for practical ministry today—whether in leadership, teaching, or acts of service (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).

II. What Anointing Is Not

Now that we understand the biblical foundation of anointing, it’s equally important to understand what anointing is not, to avoid misconceptions.

1. Anointing is not Talent or Skill

– Natural abilities are not the same as divine anointing. While someone may be a talented speaker, singer, or leader, it’s the Holy Spirit’s presence that makes the difference. Anointing goes beyond talent; it’s about God’s power at work.

2. Anointing is not Emotionalism

– Just because a service is filled with emotional responses doesn’t mean it’s anointed. True anointing changes lives, not just feelings.

3. Anointing is not Popularity

– Large followings or charismatic personalities don’t automatically indicate God’s anointing. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 7:16 that we will know true anointing by the fruit it bears, not by appearances.

4. Anointing is not Irrevocable

– While God calls and anoints people, disobedience or rebellion can cause them to lose that anointing, as seen with King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14).

5. Anointing is not a Formula

– We can’t force or manipulate the anointing. It is a sovereign act of God, flowing through those He chooses, for His purposes.

III. How Do You Know When Someone is Anointed?

The Bible gives us clear signs to recognize God’s anointing on someone’s life. Here are seven key indicators:

1. Spiritual Fruit

– Matthew 7:16 says, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” A truly anointed person will show the fruit of the Spirit in their life: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness (Galatians 5:22-23).

2. Faithfulness to God’s Word

– An anointed individual will always stay rooted in Scripture. They will not stray from biblical truth, but instead, they will rightly divide the Word of God, leading others into a deeper understanding of His Word (1 John 2:27).

3. Manifestation of the Spirit’s Power

– Just as in Acts 10:38, where Jesus’ anointing brought healing and deliverance, those truly anointed by God will operate in the power of the Holy Spirit. Their ministry will be accompanied by spiritual breakthroughs, healings, and signs that follow those who believe (Mark 16:17-18).

4. Transformational Impact

– The life and ministry of an anointed person will produce transformation in others. Lives will be changed, souls will be saved, and people will be led into deeper fellowship with God (Luke 4:18-19).

5. Humility

– Philippians 2:5-8 tells us that true anointing is marked by humility. Anointed people will not boast in themselves but will give all glory to God, knowing that their strength comes from Him.

6. Endurance Through Trials

– Anointed people are not exempt from trials. In fact, they often face more challenges. But one key mark of anointing is the endurance to remain faithful through opposition and hardships, just as Paul and other apostles did (James 1:12).

7. Affirmation from Others

– Finally, anointing is often recognized and affirmed by the body of Christ. In Acts 13:2-3, Paul and Barnabas were set apart by the Holy Spirit and confirmed by the church for the work God called them to. True anointing will be recognized by spiritual leaders and fellow believers.

IV. Walking in the Anointing as a Modern-Day Believer

The good news is that every believer has access to the anointing of the Holy Spirit. In 1 John 2:27, we’re reminded that the anointing abides in us. How can we walk in this anointing?

1. Stay in God’s Presence

– Spend time in prayer, worship, and the Word. The anointing flows out of a deep, intimate relationship with God (Acts 6:4).

2. Walk in Humility

– Recognize that the anointing is not about you but about God working through you. Be humble and stay dependent on the Holy Spirit.

3. Exercise Your Spiritual Gifts

– Every believer has spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12). Whether it’s teaching, healing, prophecy, or service, use the gifts God has anointed you with to build up His kingdom.

4. Obey the Holy Spirit

– Anointing is not a static event; it’s a continual flow. Obey the leading of the Holy Spirit, and He will continue to pour out His power upon you for every task He calls you to.

Conclusion:

Church, today we have learned what the anointing is, what it is not, how to recognize it, and how to walk in it. Anointing is more than a religious term; it’s the very empowerment of God to accomplish His will on Earth.

Let us seek the true anointing of the Holy Spirit and walk in it, not for our own glory but for the glory of Jesus Christ, the Anointed One. Remember, the anointing will always point to Him and lead people into a deeper relationship with God.

Let’s pray: Lord, thank You for the anointing that abides in every believer. Help us to walk in Your power, in humility, and in obedience to Your Word. Anoint us afresh today, that we may bear much fruit for Your kingdom and glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Quote:

“The anointing is not a gift of the Holy Spirit, but rather it is the presence of the Holy Spirit, empowering us to do God’s will.” – Leonard Ravenhill