The Third Anointing and Positional Anointing: Walking in Divine Appointment

The Third Anointing and Positional Anointing: Walking in Divine Appointment

Primary Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 16:12-13

1 Samuel 16:12–13 KJV 1900

12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. 13 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.

Introduction: The Power of God’s Anointing

The anointing of God is not a one-time event but a progressive impartation that leads us deeper into His purpose. Many know about the anointing that comes at salvation, and others know about the anointing that comes with spiritual gifting. But there is a deeper anointing—the third anointing—that comes with divine authority and fulfillment of calling.

In this message, we will explore:

1. The three anointings of David as a model for our spiritual progression.

2. The concept of positional anointing and how we must walk in it.

3. How to transition from anointing to appointing, stepping into the full authority God has for us.

I. The Three Anointings of David: A Progression of Purpose

David was anointed three times, representing different stages of spiritual authority. These anointings reveal the process of preparation before the full manifestation of God’s purpose.

1. The First Anointing: The Anointing of Calling (1 Samuel 16:12-13)

• This was the anointing before David became king.

• It was private, occurring while Saul was still on the throne.

• It was a promise of future leadership, but not yet the fullness of authority.

• Spiritual Application: This represents the initial calling in our lives. When God anoints us, He gives us a glimpse of what is to come, but we must go through training and testing before stepping into the fullness of it.

2. The Second Anointing: The Anointing of Recognition (2 Samuel 2:4)

“And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.”

• David was recognized as king over Judah, but not all of Israel.

• This was a partial fulfillment of his calling.

• There was still opposition from Saul’s house.

• Spiritual Application: This represents the season of partial fulfillment—a time when we see some of God’s promises come to pass, but we are still being prepared for more.

3. The Third Anointing: The Anointing of Authority (2 Samuel 5:3)

“So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the Lord: and they anointed David king over Israel.”

• David was now anointed king over all Israel—this was the fulfillment of his calling.

• It took years of testing, trials, and battles to get to this anointing.

• Spiritual Application: The third anointing represents the fullness of God’s purpose. This is when we step into our appointed position and function in the authority God has destined for us.

II. Positional Anointing: Walking in Divine Appointment

Many are anointed, but not all walk in the authority of their calling. Positional anointing is when God calls someone, but they must walk in that position by faith.

1. Saul Had the Position, But Not the Anointing

• Saul was king, but he lost the anointing of God because of disobedience (1 Samuel 16:14).

• He had positional authority, but not spiritual empowerment.

• Lesson: Just because someone holds a title does not mean they have the anointing for it.

2. David Had the Anointing, But Not Yet the Position

• David was anointed but had to wait for his time to reign.

• He endured persecution, trials, and seasons of hiding before stepping into kingship.

• Lesson: Some of us have been anointed for greater things, but we must endure the process before we step into our appointed place.

3. The Transition from Anointing to Appointing

• The anointing comes before the appointment.

• God tests character before He releases full authority.

• We must remain faithful in the waiting season.

• Example: Joseph was given a dream (calling), but he went through slavery and prison before stepping into his position of authority in Egypt.

III. How to Walk in the Third Anointing and Positional Anointing

1. Remain Humble in the Process

• David was a shepherd before he was a king.

• Jesus said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10).

• Lesson: Be faithful in the small things before expecting greater things.

2. Be Willing to Fight Battles Before the Fullness of the Calling

• David fought Goliath before he became king (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

• Your giants prepare you for kingship.

• Lesson: Spiritual battles develop your authority. The greater the battle, the greater the victory.

3. Walk in the Authority You Have Now

• Jesus was anointed to preach the Gospel before He stepped into His full ministry (Luke 4:18).

• David acted like a king before he was crowned as king.

• Lesson: Walk in the anointing before you see the full manifestation.

“ The faith that brought you in is the faith that will bring you through”

4. Surround Yourself with the Right People

• David had mighty men who supported him (2 Samuel 23:8-39).

• Lesson: Wrong associations can delay or destroy your appointment. Stay connected to spiritually anointed individuals who encourage your growth.

Conclusion: Step into Your Third Anointing

Some of us are in the first stage of anointing—we have received a call but are still in waiting. Others are in the second stage—we have seen partial fulfillment but are still pressing forward. But God wants to bring us into the third anointing, where we step into our positional authority and fulfill our divine calling.

Final Call to Action:

• If you have been anointed but not yet appointed, remain faithful!

• If you feel stuck between calling and fulfillment, trust the process!

• If you have stepped into positional authority, walk boldly in the power of God!

Closing Scripture: 1 John 2:27 (KJV)

“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.”

Final Quote:

“The anointing of God does not exempt us from trials, but it equips us to overcome them.” — Leonard Ravenhill