Embracing God's Anointing and Our Spiritual Freedom
Summary
In my sermon, I began by expressing my gratitude for the opportunity to witness the anointing and presence of God in our church, particularly during a recent service where the Spirit of the Lord elevated the worship to another level. I reflected on the importance of not taking for granted the things God has anointed and the sacrifices that come with it. I shared my joy in seeing young members of our congregation grow in their faith and talents, recalling a time when our youth band participated in a Battle of the Bands event and the anointing of God moved powerfully among the people present.
I then transitioned to discussing the significance of the Passover and the blood of Christ. I emphasized that the blood is applied to our lives through faith, and it is more powerful than any force that can come against our families. I connected this to the story of the Israelites in Exodus, where the blood on their doorposts caused the destroyer to pass over their homes.
I spoke about the importance of understanding that we are always at the beginning of what God is doing, rather than at an end. I encouraged the congregation to embrace the idea that we are witnessing the beginning of God's promises unfolding, rather than looking for a finality in our experiences with Him.
I delved into the story of the Exodus, highlighting the moment when Moses stretched out his hand over the Red Sea, leading to the destruction of Pharaoh's army. I explained that Pharaoh's defeat was crucial because it symbolized the defeat of Satan and the breaking of his legal right over us. This event foreshadowed the ultimate victory Jesus would achieve over sin and death.
I also touched on the importance of being ready to move with God and not just seeking comfort in our current circumstances. I drew parallels between the Israelites' desire to leave Egypt and our own spiritual journey, emphasizing that God has a promised land for us, which is both the Bible and heaven.
As I concluded, I reminded the congregation that the resurrection of Jesus released us from the legal bondage of sin, allowing us to enter into our spiritual promised land. I encouraged everyone to pray with the understanding that the enemy has no legal right over us because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
Key Takeaways:
1. The anointing of God is a precious and powerful force that can transform lives and should never be taken for granted. As we witness the movement of the Holy Spirit in our services, we are reminded that God's presence is not confined to the past but is actively working among us today. The anointing is not just for our enjoyment but for the breaking of yokes and the setting of captives free. [00:34]
2. The blood of Christ is our ultimate defense against any spiritual attack on our families. By faith, we apply the blood of Jesus to our lives, claiming the victory He won on the cross. This act of faith is not just a symbolic gesture but a powerful declaration that we are covered and protected by the sacrifice of our Savior. [14:13]
3. We must embrace the mindset that we are always at the beginning of what God is doing. This perspective keeps us expectant and open to the continuous unfolding of God's promises. It prevents us from settling into complacency and encourages us to look forward to the new things God has in store for us. [07:28]
4. The story of the Exodus is not just a historical account but a spiritual metaphor for our own deliverance from sin. The destruction of Pharaoh's army represents the defeat of Satan's claim over our lives. As believers, we must recognize the significance of this victory and live in the freedom Christ has secured for us. [26:10]
5. The resurrection of Jesus is the pivotal event that broke the chains of legal bondage over humanity. As we celebrate the resurrection season, let us pray with the authority of those who have been set free, knowing that the enemy has no claim over our lives, our families, or our futures. [29:43]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 12:13 - "Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt."
2. Exodus 14:26-28 - "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.' And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. So the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained."
3. Romans 15:4 - "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of the blood on the doorposts during the Passover in Exodus 12:13?
2. How did the Israelites experience God's deliverance at the Red Sea according to Exodus 14:26-28?
3. According to Romans 15:4, what is the purpose of the Scriptures that were written before?
4. In the sermon, what event did the pastor describe that demonstrated the anointing of God moving powerfully among the people? [03:34]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the blood of Christ serve as our ultimate defense against spiritual attacks, as illustrated by the Passover story? [13:37]
2. What does the destruction of Pharaoh's army symbolize in the context of spiritual deliverance and victory over sin? [26:10]
3. How can the mindset of always being at the beginning of what God is doing keep us expectant and open to His promises? [07:28]
4. How does the resurrection of Jesus break the legal bondage of sin over humanity, and what implications does this have for our spiritual lives? [29:43]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you witnessed the anointing of God in your life or in your church. How did it impact you, and how can you ensure you don't take such moments for granted? [03:34]
2. In what ways can you apply the blood of Christ to your life and family through faith, especially during times of spiritual attack or difficulty? [14:13]
3. How can you cultivate a mindset of always being at the beginning of God's work in your life, rather than seeking finality or becoming complacent? [07:28]
4. What steps can you take to live in the freedom that Christ has secured for you, recognizing the significance of His victory over sin and death? [26:10]
5. How can you be ready to move with God and not just seek comfort in your current circumstances, similar to the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land? [21:02]
6. During this resurrection season, how can you pray with the authority of someone who has been set free, knowing that the enemy has no claim over your life? [29:43]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel the enemy has a hold. How can you apply the truth of Jesus' victory to break free from this bondage? [33:13]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Transformative Anointing
The anointing of God is not a fleeting experience but a transformative power that changes lives and breaks the bonds of oppression. It is a sacred manifestation of the Holy Spirit's presence that should be cherished and never underestimated. When the anointing descends upon a congregation, it is not merely for personal edification but for a much greater purpose. It serves to liberate those who are bound, to heal the brokenhearted, and to proclaim freedom. This divine touch can elevate worship and empower believers to grow in their faith and talents, as seen when the youth band's performance became a conduit for God's movement among the people. The anointing is a reminder that God is actively at work in the present, inviting everyone to partake in the spiritual awakening that it brings. [00:34]
Isaiah 10:27 (ESV)
"And in that day his burden will depart from your shoulder, and his yoke from your neck; and the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater sensitivity to the anointing of the Holy Spirit in your personal worship and daily life?
Day 2: Claiming Victory Through Christ's Blood
The blood of Christ is the ultimate defense against spiritual warfare, offering protection and victory over the forces that seek to harm believers and their families. This is not a mere tradition or symbolic act; it is a powerful spiritual practice rooted in faith. Just as the Israelites applied the blood on their doorposts for deliverance, believers today can claim the same protection through the blood of Jesus. This act of faith acknowledges the sacrifice of the Savior and the triumph over sin and death, providing a shield of divine strength that no enemy can penetrate. By applying the blood of Christ to one's life, one is declaring a spiritual victory that has already been won on the cross, ensuring safety and blessing for themselves and their loved ones. [14:13]
Leviticus 17:11 (ESV)
"For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively apply the blood of Christ to your life and your family's life as a declaration of faith and protection?
Day 3: Anticipating the Unfolding of God's Promises
Believers are called to live with an expectant heart, always looking forward to the new things God is doing. This mindset shifts the focus from seeking closure or an end to being open to the continuous unfolding of God's promises. It is a perspective that fosters growth, prevents complacency, and keeps faith vibrant. Understanding that one is at the beginning of God's work encourages a spirit of anticipation and readiness for the journey ahead. It is a call to embrace the adventures and challenges that come with walking in God's purposes, recognizing that each step is part of a grander narrative that God is writing in the lives of His people. [07:28]
Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What new work do you sense God is beginning in your life, and how can you actively participate in this new chapter He is unfolding?
Day 4: Living in the Freedom of Christ's Victory
The Exodus story is a powerful metaphor for the spiritual liberation that believers experience through Christ. The defeat of Pharaoh's army is symbolic of the ultimate victory over Satan's claim on humanity. This historical event foreshadows the freedom that Jesus secured for all believers through His death and resurrection. Understanding and embracing this victory allows one to live in the freedom that Christ has won, free from the chains of sin and the fear of death. It is a call to recognize the spiritual significance of the Exodus in one's own life and to walk in the authority and liberty that comes from being a child of God. [26:10]
Colossians 2:15 (ESV)
"He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."
Reflection: How can you more fully embrace the freedom that Christ's victory has secured for you, and what practical steps can you take to live out this freedom daily?
Day 5: Praying with Authority in the Resurrection Power
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith, breaking the legal bondage of sin and death. This pivotal event grants believers the authority to pray and live as those who have been set free. The enemy no longer has any legal claim over the lives of those who are in Christ. As the resurrection season is celebrated, it is a time to remember and exercise the authority given through Jesus' victory. Believers are encouraged to pray with confidence, knowing that they are released from the shackles of the past and can boldly enter into their spiritual promised land. [29:43]
Romans 6:9-10 (ESV)
"We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God."
Reflection: How can you pray with the authority of the resurrection, and what areas of your life need to be reclaimed from the enemy's influence?
Quotes
1) "It's just a blessing just to you sit there and you just as a pastor such a great church and great group of people, and then you just you're so thankful you get to see it, you get to be a part of it. Don't ever take anything that God has anointed and put his hand on it for granted. It doesn't come without a price, it doesn't come without sacrifice." [00:34]
2) "This isn't that, this is the beginning of that. You what I just said? Now, I've been in a Spirit-filled church my whole life, and we grab hold of that scripture, and we hold on to with everything we have. But then the Lord just hit me and he said this is the beginning of that, and I want us as a church to hold on to with everything we have." [07:28]
3) "Pharaoh's been defeated, that's right, Satan's been defeated, he has no authority, he has no right. So you have the right to pray over your children, claim it, claim the praiseworthy deeds of our God, and do not settle for anything. He has no right, Jesus took that right 2,000 years ago, and he who the Son sets free is free indeed." [34:08]
4) "The blood shall be a sign for you on the house where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. There's nothing that can come against your family that is more powerful than the work that Jesus did on the cross. That's applying the blood, all hell is breaking loose, and it doesn't just happen." [14:13]
5) "Pharaoh, who had legal right over them, was completely destroyed that day. We're sitting in this building today, and we can sing a song, we can praise God, and we can feel something inside of us is changing. The right that Pharaoh had over us has been destroyed today; he can't have my marriage, my mind, my children, my body, my future." [31:48]
6) "God sees your oppression, and I have said I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey. I'm taking you out of this into something else." [19:42]
7) "The event of the Passover would have been no effect if it wasn't for the event at the Red Sea. That's why we can celebrate the things of God, and I'm all about celebrating every event that takes place in your life, but don't ever think this is it. This is after over 400 years of bondage; they now been set free, but that wasn't the final straw." [26:10]