Empowered Living: Anointing, Influence, and Divine Purpose
Summary
In the discourse on living a life empowered by the divine, the focus is on the concept of anointing, which is described as living with God's power to lead a supernatural life. This anointing is not merely an emotional experience but a transformative power that enables individuals to rise above the ordinary. The reference to Exodus 33:15 underscores the importance of divine presence in achieving anything of significance. The yearning for God's presence is not just for the sake of personal fullness but for increased sensitivity to divine guidance, which is essential for navigating life's journey.
The narrative shifts to the prayer of Jabez, highlighting the importance of praying with a purpose beyond personal gain. Jabez's prayer was not self-centered but aimed at making a difference and building an empire. The emphasis is on praying for things that align with divine promises and demonstrate the reality of God's presence in one's life. The call is to expand one's vision beyond material desires and to seek blessings that allow one to testify to God's goodness.
Protection is another key theme, with a reference to 1 Peter 5:8, which speaks of the devil as a predator seeking to cause harm. The plea is for strength and rescue from the enemy's attacks, recognizing that the struggles faced are not merely physical but spiritual, involving forces beyond human comprehension.
The concept of influence is also explored, with a desire for words and actions to carry weight and make a difference in various spheres of life, including politics and entertainment. The prayer is for a divine anointing of influence, ensuring success in all endeavors. Ephesians 3:20 is cited to illustrate the boundless nature of what can be achieved through divine power at work within individuals.
The speaker reflects on the act of cooking without measurements as a metaphor for the immeasurable blessings God desires to bestow. The prayer is for an outpouring of healing, breakthroughs, and answered prayers without measure, exceeding human capacity to contain.
The presence of God is described as the great equalizer, the game-changer that enables individuals to accomplish what they cannot do on their own. The New Testament reinforces the Old Testament notion that it is the anointing that breaks yokes and barriers. The presence of God is sought to rest upon words, visions, dreams, and decisions, ensuring that all actions are divinely inspired and effective.
The story of Jabez is revisited, emphasizing his honorable character and the effectiveness of his simple yet powerful prayer. The narrative encourages individuals to position themselves to be honorable in God's sight, which can lead to divine favor and the fulfillment of requests. The pain associated with Jabez's birth is presented as a catalyst for significant contributions and miracles, suggesting that pain can be a precursor to great achievements.
The discourse concludes with a focus on prosperity, defined as having more than one needs to make a difference in the lives of others. The desire is for blessings that enable individuals to meet their needs and, in turn, bless others. The prayer of Jabez is used as a model for seeking divine favor, expansion of territory, and protection from harm. The ultimate goal is to be blessed in order to be a blessing to others, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise of being a source of blessing.
Key Takeaways:
- Anointing is understood as the divine empowerment to live beyond natural limitations, enabling individuals to experience a supernatural life. This empowerment is not just for personal edification but for making a tangible difference in the world. The anointing is a transformative force that allows one to operate with God's power in every aspect of life. [25:55]
- The presence of God is essential for achieving anything of eternal value. It is not enough to have the fullness of God within; there must be an active awareness and sensitivity to His guidance. The presence of God is what directs and orders the steps of individuals, making it a critical aspect of living a life aligned with divine purpose. [27:46]
- Praying for protection is not only about physical safety but also about spiritual fortitude against unseen spiritual forces. Recognizing the spiritual nature of life's battles is crucial for seeking divine strength and rescue from adversities that threaten to undermine one's faith and purpose. [29:24]
- Influence is seen as a divine anointing that allows one's words and actions to have a significant impact on others. Praying for influence is about seeking the ability to affect change and inspire others in various domains of society, ensuring that one's contributions are effective and aligned with divine will. [22:33]
- Prosperity is redefined as the ability to have more than one needs, not for personal accumulation but for the purpose of being a blessing to others. The prayer for prosperity is rooted in the desire to fulfill one's needs and extend generosity to those around, embodying the Abrahamic blessing of being a conduit of divine favor. [17:45]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 - "Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, 'I gave birth to him in pain.' Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' And God granted his request."
2. Ephesians 3:20 - "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."
3. Exodus 33:15 - "Then Moses said to him, 'If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific request did Jabez make in his prayer according to 1 Chronicles 4:9-10?
2. How does Ephesians 3:20 describe God's ability to work in our lives?
3. What was Moses' condition for moving forward in Exodus 33:15?
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the anointing in a believer's life? [25:18]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jabez's prayer was considered honorable and effective? [10:03]
2. How does the concept of "immeasurably more" in Ephesians 3:20 challenge our understanding of God's blessings? [21:51]
3. What does it mean to live a life empowered by God's presence, as described in Exodus 33:15 and the sermon? [27:15]
4. How can recognizing the spiritual nature of life's battles, as mentioned in 1 Peter 5:8, change the way we pray for protection? [28:58]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced pain. How did you respond in prayer, and how might Jabez's example guide you differently? [11:48]
2. In what areas of your life do you need to pray for God's blessing and enlargement of territory? Be specific. [13:25]
3. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your daily life? What practical steps can you take? [27:15]
4. Think of a situation where you need divine influence. How can you pray specifically for God's anointing in that area? [20:58]
5. Identify a recent challenge or attack you faced. How can you apply the prayer for protection from 1 Peter 5:8 in your current circumstances? [28:58]
6. How can you shift your prayers from being self-centered to being focused on making a difference and fulfilling God's promises? [28:09]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to be a blessing to others, reflecting the prosperity described in the sermon? [17:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Divine Empowerment
Divine anointing transcends natural limitations, equipping one with supernatural capabilities to impact the world positively. This empowerment is not for self-glorification but to serve and make a difference, reflecting God's power in every life aspect. [25:55]
Isaiah 61:1 - "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts and talents to serve others in a way that reflects God's anointing in your life?
Day 2: Pursue God's Presence Relentlessly
Achieving eternal significance requires the active pursuit of God's presence, which guides and directs one's path. This pursuit is not just for personal fulfillment but to ensure that every step taken is ordained and aligned with divine purpose. [27:46]
Psalm 143:10 - "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sensitivity to God's presence in your daily routine?
Day 3: Stand Firm in Spiritual Battles
The struggle against spiritual forces requires divine strength and protection. Acknowledging the spiritual nature of conflicts is essential for seeking God's power to overcome life's adversities and to remain steadfast in faith and purpose. [29:24]
Ephesians 6:12 - "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Reflection: What spiritual battles are you currently facing, and how can you actively put on the armor of God to stand firm against them?
Day 4: Seek Influence for Kingdom Impact
Praying for influence is about desiring the ability to inspire and effect change in society, ensuring that one's contributions are impactful and divinely inspired. This influence is not for personal gain but to advance God's kingdom in every sphere of life. [22:33]
Matthew 5:13-14 - "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden."
Reflection: How can you be 'salt and light' in your community, and what specific actions can you take to increase your influence for God's kingdom?
Day 5: Prosper to Bless Others
True prosperity is having the means to bless others, not for selfish accumulation but to extend generosity and fulfill the promise of being a conduit of divine favor. This form of prosperity reflects the heart of God and fulfills His purpose for abundance. [17:45]
2 Corinthians 9:8 - "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
Reflection: How can you use your resources to bless someone in your community this week, and what steps will you take to make this happen?
Quotes
1) "The anointing is not just this emotional sensational thing... it is living my life with God's power so that I can live a supernatural life." [25:55] (Download)
2) "The presence of God is the great equalizer... it will allow you to do in God's strength what you can't do in your strength." [24:09] (Download)
3) "Pray for the presence of God to sit on your words, to sit on your vision, to sit on your dream, to sit on the decisions you are contemplating." [24:09] (Download)
4) "Jabez was praying a prayer so that he could make a difference, so that he could make an empire... not just selfish prayer just to heap stuff upon yourself." [27:46] (Download)
5) "Pray for protection... 'Lord strengthen me and rescue me from the attack of the enemy.' That's what Jabez was praying." [29:24] (Download)
6) "Prosperity means to have more than I need so I can make a difference in the lives of others." [17:45] (Download)
7) "God bless me with more than I need so I can be a blessing to those that are around me." [17:45] (Download)
8) "You can position yourself to be honorable... it puts us in a favorable place that we can ask some things from God." [11:35] (Download)
9) "Some of the greatest things in our lives can be birthed out and birth through pain... you may be missing the miracle, the possibilities that can come out of this pain." [11:35] (Download)
10) "Pray for a blessing... 'Oh that you would bless me.' If you're in pain right now, pray for a blessing and ask God to bless you." [14:40] (Download)
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