How can we recognize God's anointing in our personal spiritual journey? Anchoring Truth: God’s Gift of Anointing “Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come.” — 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 What the Anointing Is • Divine commissioning: God Himself “establishes” and sets believers apart for His purposes. • Inner seal: The Holy Spirit indwells as proof of belonging (Ephesians 1:13-14). • Ongoing empowerment: Not a one-time feeling but a continual work (1 John 2:27). Recognizing the Anointing in Daily Life • Growing desire for Christ-centered obedience (John 14:23). • Increasing clarity when reading Scripture—truth seems to “come alive” (1 John 2:20). • Evident fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). • God-given boldness to serve or speak when previously timid (Acts 4:31). • Deepening assurance of salvation and hope of glory (Romans 8:16-17). Practical Ways to Walk in That Anointing 1. Abide in the Word daily; the Spirit uses Scripture as His primary voice. 2. Yield to promptings—small acts of obedience train spiritual sensitivity. 3. Gather with other believers; corporate worship often reaffirms personal calling (Hebrews 10:24-25). 4. Guard purity of heart and mind; sin dulls spiritual perception (Ephesians 4:30). 5. Serve with humility—the anointing equips us to bless, not to impress (1 Peter 4:10-11). Safeguards Against Counterfeit “Feelings” • Measure every impression against biblical truth; the Spirit never contradicts Scripture. • Look for lasting fruit, not mere emotional spikes. • Seek wise counsel from mature believers (Proverbs 11:14). • Remember that genuine anointing exalts Christ, not self (John 16:14). Encouragement for the Journey If you have trusted in Christ, God has already anointed you. Stay close to His Word, remain sensitive to His Spirit, and you will increasingly recognize—and rejoice in—the quiet, powerful reality of His anointing on your life. |
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