The Annointing of the Holy Spirit
The Spirit of God
The Anointing of the Holy Spirit
2 Corinthians 1:21
 
I know I told you last week that we would bring our study of the Spirit of God to a close this week, but I thought of one other ministry of the Holy Spirit I wanted to cover with you and it probably should have been inserted earlier in the study. 
 
We have discussed a number of responsibilities of the Holy Spirit that apply to the life of a believer.  First is the baptism with or indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Then we talked about the filling of the Spirit and what it means to walk in the Spirit, and grieve and quench the Spirit.
 
Then we moved to the Spirit’s interaction with the lost and how it is possible to resist and blaspheme His work. 
 
What should have been including in relation with the Spirit’s work with the believer is what I want to cover with you today and that is the anointing of the Spirit. 
As far as I can remember, I have never preached a   sermon on the anointing so this is a brand new area for me to preach and teach about. 
 
Even as I say that, it sounds odd because it is an area that I've known and benefitted from personally in my life. But even though we talk about it and mention it from time to time, the anointing of God or the Holy Spirit is rather mysterious to us.  Chances are good we don’t know very much at all about the subject.  
 
So let’s learn together this morning what it means to be anointed by God and what that means to us as the children of God.  There are two ways I want to explore the subject with you.  First I want to give you an explanation of what anointing is, then I want to provide you with an example of one who was anointed.  
 
Let’s begin with
 
1. An Explanation of Anointing
 
In the Bible, the word “anoint” simply means to pour, spread, or rub oil onto something or someone. For instance, Genesis 28:18 says, “So early in the morning Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head and sat it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it” (ESV). In other words, he anointed it. Then he consecrated the place (28:19) and made a vow to the Lord (28:22-24).
 
Literally, anointing is about oil. But it is spoken of three different ways in scripture.
 
First, there is a physical anointing.  Sometimes that anointing is involved in medical issues, sometimes it speaks of putting on makeup, sometimes it involves hospitality and sometimes it was for burial. 
 
Scripture also speaks of ritual or symbolic anointing such as the anointing of kings and priests and prophets.  Typically the anointing was meant to infer consecration or protection or blessing. 
 
Thirdly, we find references to spiritual anointing and that type of anointing shows up in both the Old and New Testaments.
As far as the New Testament is concerned, there are seven passages that refer to this spiritual anointing. Four of these seven passages refer to the Lord Jesus Christ and Him being anointed for specific ministry responsibilities. 
 
The other three passages speak of the anointing in the life of Christians.
 
I want to just take the time to read those to you and let you see them for yourself. 
 
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 says, “And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.”
 
1 John 2:20 says, “But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.”
 
And 1 John 2:27 says, “But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie – just as it has taught you, abide in him.”
 
So as far as the anointing of the Holy Spirit on the life of a believer as a New Testament Christian is concerned, these are the go-to passages.  Everything else is either Old Testament or directly applies to Christ. 
 
The Holy Spirit is the New Testament oil, if you will, of God.  So what do we learn about the anointing of the Spirit from these three passages? Several things are clear. 
First, anointing is a sovereign act of God.
 
God anoints people. That much is extremely clear.  The Corinthian passage explicitly says it is God Who has anointed us.  The “John” passages repeat that.  We are anointed by “the Holy One”.  We received the anointing from “Him”.
 
That means people don’t anoint other people. God is source, Jesus Christ is the means, and the Holy Spirit is the agent through which believers receive the anointing. And it is non-transferable. So having some big-shot preacher lay his hands on you will not allow you to share in his so-called “anointing.” It will just make you greasy. 
 
Second, these verses teach us the anointing is universal.
 
By that I mean all Christians are anointed. There are not some Christians who have the anointing and some who do not. If you are a Christian, you have been anointed. Period. And, by the way, scripture gives no indication of different levels of anointing. So saying that someone is “so anointed,” is as uselessly redundant as saying that someone is “so Christian.”
 
God perfectly and equally anoints every believer. So why is there so much disparity among the commitment levels of Christians?  The reason for that is not the anointing.  It is the yielding to and walking in the Spirit that is taking place in the believer’s life.  But it has nothing to do with anointing. 
 
 
 
Third, the anointing is automatic, permanent, and continual.
 
The New Testament does not teach that Christians receive the anointing at some point along the way in their Christian life. Rather, it teaches that you have already received it. It is a part of the salvation package. 
 
We don’t need to pray for it or tarry for it or anything else like that. The anointing is standard equipment of salvation that everyone receives when they place saving-faith in Christ. There is no need to ask God to anoint some believer for some certain responsibility.  It the person is saved, the anointing is already in place.
 
Likewise, you cannot lose the anointing. A lot of preachers along the way have been scared by those who warned them the devil would try to to steal their anointing.  
 
Now while there is every reason to live a godly life and be careful how you conduct yourself, the motivation for that is not the fear of losing the anointing of God. 
 
There is no evidence in the New Testament that true Christians can lose their anointing. Sin, people, and disobedience cannot steal your anointing any more than sin can steal your salvation!
 
Fourth, the anointing is directly connected to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
 
This is why I said this study should have come much earlier in the series. 
The anointing is not about where you are in God. It’s about where God is in you! Primarily, the anointing is a positional reality, not an experiential one. It’s about your standing in Christ.  The verses we looked at in 2 Corinthians 1 give us some insight at that point. 
 
verses 21 and 22
 
Now notice what we’re told there.  Scripture directly connects the anointing with the sealing and guarantee of the Holy Spirit. In other words, to have the Spirit is to have the anointing.
 
Fifth, the anointing is for spiritual understanding.
 
This is the point of 1 John 2:20 and 2:27. But it is often neglected. Don’t misunderstand these two verses. John is not ruling out the necessity of human teachers. That would contradict what the New Testament teaches in other places, affirming the important role of sound and godly teachers.
 
It simply means that we have an internal source of spiritual understanding in the person and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives that frees us from being slaves to human teachers, theories, or traditions.
 
In fact, the New Testament doctrine of the anointing is meant to warn and encourage the church to stand firm against false teachers. Unfortunately, most of the time, those who talk and teach about the anointing never apply it in this way. 
 
The greatest evidence of the anointing of God is being able to rightly understand and apply Scripture. 
Almost always you will hear those who misrepresent what anointing is all about speaking in terms of power or strength. But anointing is not so much about power as it is about understanding.
 
For instance, notice what we read in
 
Isaiah 61:1
 
Now many take that passage to mean we are equipped with this “yoke-destroying, burden-removing, power of God.” And no doubt about it, the power of God is as real now as it was then.
 
But we need to understand that passage is a direct prophecy about Jesus.  Any access we have to this power is directly connected to Him.  He is the Anointed One!
 
Being anointed is not about a feeling or experience or being gifted or blessed.  It is about being indwelt  by the Spirit of Christ and living with the power of the life-giving King dwelling on the inside and He is there to give us understanding of all that is ours in Christ Jesus so that we may live out the life of the teachings of our faith.
 
I want to give you an example of what that looks like, but I want to offer a disclaimer before I do. The example I will share is from the Old Testament so obviously, it needs to be examined in that context. 
 
I’ve just talked about understanding who we are and the power we possess through Jesus Christ.  That was true of these examples, but they were looking forward to it.  We look back at it and we are one a different side of history. 
What that really means is we have a better understanding than did they.  We can actually appropriate the power of God to an even greater level than they because we have the full revelation of God’s Word. 
 
So with that in mind let’s look at some
 
2.  An Example of Anointing
 
As I said earlier, the word ''anoint'' means to pour, spread or rub oil on something or someone to set separate them for the use of God. 
 
We find references to that throughout Scripture.  It occurs quite often in Exodus and Leviticus. The Psalmist in Psalm 23 said, ''He anoints my head with oil. . .” When God chose Saul and later David as king of Israel, they were anointed with oil.
 
The specific example I want to show you this morning is found in 1 Kings 19 and it involves two great prophets of God.  One of those men is Elijah. 
He is a bold, fearless, daring man who lives under the anointing of God. 
 
The other man is Elisha who will become Elijah’s successor.  When we arrive at 1 Kings 19, the time has come for Elijah to die and that transition to take place. 
 
Notice what we read in 1 Kings 19:16
 
Here's God's command. God has chosen two men, one to be king and the other prophet.  Immediately we see that God anoints those that He chooses. 
 
The anointing is actually the verification or sign of the choosing.  There are a couple of truths I draw from that. 
 
First, if I’m saved, I can be assured of God’s anointing. Now in the case of Jehu and Elisha, they received God’s Word with the anointing.  And it came by way of God’s prophet. 
 
The same thing happens with you and me.  As we saw in 1 John, when we become Christians, we are anointed with understanding.  God’s Holy Spirit, as God’s messenger, or prophet if you will, is a resident Teacher giving us insight into God’s Word. 
 
In fact, I can’t even be saved unless the Spirit helps me to understand my sin and the work and ministry of Jesus.  I am entirely dependent upon Him from the very beginning! And from the point of my salvation forward, every time I pick up God’s Word, desiring to hear from God, I can be assured I can understand what He’s saying to me.
 
You say, Brother Terry, is it really that simple to follow God and live as He wants me to?  I will answer by saying, “Yes and no!”  Yes it is that simple in concept. 
 
And it all begins with a one-time volitional choice to live under the anointing of God.  That means whatever God tells me to do, I’m going to do. 
 
Notice what happens with Elisha.  1 Kings 19:19 and following tell us Elijah goes to find Elisha and anoint him as him successor.  Elisha has a successful farming business, equipped with 12 yoke of oxen.  He is plowing with team #12 when Elijah finds him.      
Elijah approaches him and takes the cape he’s wearing – it’s called a mantle in our text, and it is a visible symbol of the anointing of God – and he throws that cape onto Elisha.  Now Elijah doesn’t say a word.  He just silently makes this transition and apparently Elisha knew what was going on because he immediately left the oxen and followed Elijah. 
 
And notice what Elisha said.
 
Verse 20b
 
So Elisha said to Elijah, ''I will gladly follow you and I will totally yield my life to God you but would you mind if I just go home and tell my parents that I'm leaving?'' Elijah said, ''I don't mind if you do that.''
Then Elisha did something that proved his intentions. 
 
Verse 21 says he took the wooden plow he had been using and cut it into firewood, took the oxen and killed and barbecued them, then invited all his friends and family over for a big barbecue. He makes a one-time volitional choice to sever ties with the old way of life and follow God’s Word. 
 
So in concept, yes, it is a very simple and straightforward transaction.  You get saved and you follow God’s instruction. 
 
However, on the practical side of life it’s not always that easy.  There are some decisions that have to be made along the way after you make the initial decision and if they aren’t made correctly you can miss the blessing and benefit of living under God’s anointing. 
 
 
The time comes for Elijah’s home going. He and Elisha come to a place called Gilgal. Gilgal is a very significant place in Israelite history.  It was the very first place they camped after crossing the Jordan under Joshua’s command.  It was there that Samuel served as a judge.  It was in Gilgal where Saul was made king. In many ways, it is a symbolic beginning place.
 
2 Kings 1:1-2
 
Now understand, Elisha could have stayed in Gilgal, but he made a commitment when he left the farm.  Here is the first opportunity to test that commitment and he decides to stay with Elijah. 
 
From Gilgal, they travel to Bethel. Bethel was where Jacob had an encounter with God.  He dreamed about this ladder going up to heaven and there he wrestled with God for a blessing.  Bethel had a seminary, a training place for young prophets.  And some of these young prophets come out to greet Elisha and said,
 
Verse 3
 
In other words, it would be quite a day for Elisha. And what they were saying is, “This is your big day; this is when you're going to become the big man on campus. You're going to be walking in the shoes of Elijah.''   He said to them, ''I know it; shut up.''  In other words, this is a holy thing; this is not something I boast in.
 
Then in verse 4, Elijah announces plans to go to Jericho and gives Elisha permission to stay behind at Bethel. 
But there’s nothing for him at Bethel except a bunch of smart-aleck Baptist preachers and once again he decides to travel on with Elijah. 
 
So he didn't stay at Bethel, he went on to Jericho.  In Elijah's time, Jericho was a rundown place with no power, but it was the place in Hebrew history where Joshua marched around the walls seven times on the seventh day and shouted, and the walls came tumbling down.
 
When they arrive at Jericho, the same thing happens again.  Young prophets come out and say the same as before.
 
Verse 5-6
 
Now pay attention:  He wouldn’t stay at Gilgal, the place of beginnings.  It’s a great thing to get started, but it’s not the place to live and serve.  There are some of you who aren’t much farther along than you were when you first got saved, even though it’s been a long time.  You’ve chosen to live and dwell in Gilgal and forsake the anointing of God. 
 
Neither would be stay in Bethel.  Bethel is the place of dreams.  There’s nothing wrong with dreaming dreams.  In fact, next week we’re going to hear what the prophet Joel had to say about dreaming dreams. 
 
But sitting around dreaming won’t do the work of God. There comes a time when you have to act on those dreams and get busy in service and put into effect what you’ve learned.  And if you don’t, you’ll forsake the anointing of God. 
 
 
Elisha wouldn’t stay at Gilgal, he wouldn’t stay at Bethel, and he wouldn’t stay at Jericho.  Jericho is the place of past blessings. For some, it’s all about the past and what used to be and how God used to bless.  But Elisha didn’t live in the place of past victories. 
 
Instead he chose to go to the Jordan with Elijah.  Now the Jordan pictures the entrance to the Promised Land and what happened there is one of the most dramatic events in the Bible. 
 
Elijah is about to go home to God.  Elisha and he come to the bank of the Jordan.  Fifty preacher boys are gathered watching. 
 
Verses 7-8
 
Is that not a scene?  Can you imagine watching as the waters roll back and these two anointed men of God walk across on dry ground into the Promised Land? 
 
Verse 9
 
Now Elijah is the mightiest prophet Israel had ever known. He had defied kings and challenged the prophets of Baal.  He could call fire down from heaven and keep it from raining and this young man Elisha said, 'Whatever it is you’ve got, I want twice as much as you have.”
 
Listen:  That’s not arrogance, that’s spiritual hunger.  That’s a desire to honor and please and serve God!  You say, “How do you know it wasn’t selfish or arrogant?”  I know because God honored his request. 
Study your Bible and you will discover Elisha performed twice as many miracles as Elijah. Elijah performed eight miracles, but Elisha performed sixteen miracles.  HE knew a double portion of the power of God.   
 
About that time, in a picture of what will happen to every child of God, Elijah is raptured.  Elijah is caught up in a chariot of fire pulled with horses of fire and a tornado sweeps him away into the presence of God. 
 
The only thing left behind is his mantle.  And Elisha, in this moment of glory and grief, tenderly picks up that sacred mantle, the same mantle that Elijah had placed around his shoulders when God called him. 
 
And in that moment, he has a thought.  He takes that mantle and turns toward the Jordan River and asks, “Where is the God of Elijah?”  About that time, the waters roll back and Elisha crosses over.
 
Now understand, Elisha had the anointing from the time Elijah came to him and put that mantle upon his shoulders. He had been anointed. He had the anointing at Gilgal, the place of beginning.
 
He could have stopped at Bethel. He would have still been anointed and he could have just sat around and dreamed about what might be for his life and how nice if everything was right, if all the conditions were right, I could do this. And just dream.
 
Elisha could have stopped at Jericho. Jericho was the place of past victories.  Some of you are camped at Jericho right now. You're looking back at all the past victories in your life.
You used to teach Sunday School; you used to help the little children; you used to be in the choir; you used to serve God.  But you don't anymore. You're at Jericho. Past victories. 
 
Some of you are at the Jordan. You’d like to cross over but the water is so deep and treacherous and when it comes right down to it, it’s hard to trust God. 
 
Listen:  There comes a time when you must act on the anointing of God.  You take Him at His word and move on out.  Like Elisha, you need to say, ''Okay, God, this is it. I abandon everything else. I take hands off my life because I believe by faith you've anointed me, and I'm going to do by faith what you have anointed me to do and believe God for the results.''
 
Don’t you know when Elisha stood at the Jordan and saw the water roll back he was glad he didn’t stay at Gilgal or Bethel or Jericho or on the other side of the Jordan?  There is nothing more satisfying than living under the anointing of God. 
 
A lot of people teach and believe that the anointing of God is about power.  It’s not primarily about power or strength. Power is a fringe benefit of anointing, but anointing is primarily about knowledge and understanding. 
 
Remember, the anointing is the sovereign act of God where at the moment of salvation he automatically, continually and permanently anoints every believer, by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit with the privilege of spiritual understanding. 
 
 
Anointing is all about acting in obedience to what God has said.  It is the God-given privilege of understanding God’s instruction so that you can live under His blessing.
 
Notice 2 Kings 2:10
 
Elisha asked for a double blessing from God.  Elijah said, “Here’s how you can know if you’re request has been granted.”
 
The reason Elisha could confidently walk up to the Jordan River and part the waters is because God had spoken.  He watched Elijah get sucked off the earth.  He had a direct revelation from God and his power was directly related to his obedience which was built on the revealed Word of God.
 
Listen:  if you're not interested in obedience, you can forget the power.  Why would God empower you if you’re not willing to do what He’s told you to do?  You've got to make the commitment to do anything God wants you to do before you can appropriate the anointing God has placed on your life. 
 
Don't stop at Gilgal; don’t stop at Bethel; don't stop at Jericho; don't stop at the Jordan River. Go all the way to the Promised Land of spiritual obedience.  
 
If you are in Christ, you do not need to be anointed. You are anointed! IF you’re not saved, you need the anointing of God that comes only through salvation.  May this biblical truth and wonderful reality give you confidence as you read, study, listen to, embrace, and obey the Word of God. 
 
Let’s pray