Empowered to Influence: The Anointing of Believers
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound metaphor of being the "salt of the earth" as described by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. This metaphor is not just a call to influence but a call to engage actively with the world around us. Salt, in its essence, is a preserver, a purifier, and an enhancer of flavor. Similarly, as followers of Christ, we are called to preserve the truth, purify our surroundings with love and grace, and enhance the lives of those around us with the joy and peace that comes from knowing Jesus.
We delved into the concept of anointing, which is God's divine empowerment through the Holy Spirit. This anointing is not limited to pastors or church leaders but is available to all believers. It is through this anointing that we can fulfill our God-given purpose and influence the world positively. The anointing breaks every yoke and burden, allowing us to walk in freedom and purpose.
We also discussed the importance of staying "salty"—remaining effective and influential in our Christian walk. This requires us to stay connected to the source of our anointing, Jesus Christ, and to engage with the world rather than retreating into isolation. The anointing empowers us to do the work of the Kingdom, which is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Furthermore, we examined the biblical examples of Elijah and Elisha, highlighting the different levels of anointing and the importance of asking God for a double portion of His Spirit. Just as Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, we too can ask for more of God's anointing in our lives to accomplish His will.
Finally, we affirmed that as believers, we are anointed with the same Holy Spirit that empowered Jesus. This anointing is not just for personal edification but for engaging in Kingdom work, spreading the gospel, and bringing healing and deliverance to those around us.
Key Takeaways:
- The Role of Salt: As the salt of the earth, we are called to be influencers who engage with the world, preserving truth, purifying with love, and enhancing lives with the joy of Christ. Our influence is only effective when we actively engage with those around us. [50:21]
- Understanding Anointing: The anointing is God's divine empowerment through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to fulfill His will on earth. It breaks every yoke and burden, allowing us to walk in freedom and purpose. [52:07]
- Staying Salty: To remain effective, we must stay connected to Jesus, the source of our anointing. This involves engaging with the world and not retreating into isolation, ensuring our influence remains impactful. [51:13]
- Levels of Anointing: Just as Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, we can seek greater levels of anointing to accomplish God's will. This requires a willingness to surrender all to God and rely on His strength. [57:45]
- Anointing for All Believers: Every believer is anointed with the Holy Spirit, empowering us to engage in Kingdom work. This anointing is not limited to church leaders but is available to all who seek to fulfill God's purpose. [01:02:57]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [42:06] - Salt of the Earth
- [42:50] - Purpose and Anointing
- [43:42] - Influence and Engagement
- [44:12] - Walking in Blessings
- [46:24] - Vision and Provision
- [48:25] - Joy in the Journey
- [49:50] - Symbolism of Salt
- [51:13] - Warning Against Losing Flavor
- [52:07] - Understanding Anointing
- [54:51] - Levels of Anointing
- [57:45] - Double Portion of Anointing
- [01:00:24] - Jesus' Anointing
- [01:02:57] - Anointing for All Believers
- [01:05:02] - Writing Your Story with God
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 5:13 - "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."
2. Isaiah 10:27 - "In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat."
3. 2 Kings 2:9 - "When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, 'Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?' 'Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,' Elisha replied."
Observation Questions:
1. What are the different roles of salt as described in the sermon, and how do they relate to our Christian walk? [50:21]
2. How does the sermon describe the concept of anointing, and what is its significance for believers? [52:07]
3. What examples from the Bible were used to illustrate different levels of anointing, and what was the significance of Elisha's request for a double portion? [57:45]
4. According to the sermon, what are the consequences of losing one's "saltiness" as a believer? [51:13]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the metaphor of being the "salt of the earth" challenge believers to engage with the world around them? What might this look like in practical terms? [50:21]
2. In what ways does the anointing empower believers to fulfill God's will, and how does this differ from relying on human strength? [52:07]
3. What does Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit teach us about seeking greater levels of anointing in our own lives? [57:45]
4. How does the sermon suggest believers can remain "salty" and avoid losing their influence in the world? [51:13]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current level of engagement with the world. Are there areas where you feel you could be more "salty" and influential? What steps can you take to increase your impact? [50:21]
2. Consider the concept of anointing in your life. How can you actively seek and rely on God's anointing to fulfill your purpose? [52:07]
3. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Is there an area in your life where you feel called to ask God for more of His anointing? How will you pursue this? [57:45]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of staying connected to Jesus to remain effective. What practices can you implement to strengthen your connection to Him? [51:13]
5. Think about a situation where you might have lost your "saltiness" or influence. How can you regain it and ensure you remain effective in your Christian walk? [51:13]
6. How can you use your anointing to engage in Kingdom work, such as spreading the gospel or bringing healing to those around you? [01:02:57]
7. Identify one specific way you can preserve truth, purify your surroundings, or enhance the lives of those around you this week. What action will you take to make this happen? [50:21]
Devotional
Day 1: Engage as Salt of the Earth
As followers of Christ, we are called to be the "salt of the earth," a metaphor that signifies our role as influencers in the world. Salt is known for its preserving, purifying, and flavor-enhancing properties. Similarly, we are tasked with preserving the truth, purifying our surroundings with love and grace, and enhancing the lives of those around us with the joy and peace that come from knowing Jesus. This calling requires active engagement with the world, not retreating into isolation. Our influence is only effective when we are present and involved in the lives of others, sharing the love and truth of Christ. [50:21]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the preserving and purifying love of Christ through you today? How can you actively engage with them this week?
Day 2: Embrace the Anointing
The anointing is God's divine empowerment through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to fulfill His will on earth. This empowerment is not limited to pastors or church leaders but is available to all believers. The anointing breaks every yoke and burden, allowing us to walk in freedom and purpose. It is through this divine empowerment that we can positively influence the world and accomplish our God-given purpose. Embracing the anointing means recognizing and relying on the Holy Spirit's power in our lives, allowing us to live out our faith with boldness and effectiveness. [52:07]
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 broken because of the fat."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's anointing? How can you invite His empowerment into those areas today?
Day 3: Stay Connected to the Source
To remain effective and influential in our Christian walk, we must stay connected to Jesus, the source of our anointing. This involves engaging with the world rather than retreating into isolation, ensuring our influence remains impactful. Staying "salty" requires a continuous relationship with Christ, where we draw strength and guidance from Him. By maintaining this connection, we can effectively carry out the work of the Kingdom, characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. [51:13]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: What practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to ensure you remain connected to Jesus, the source of your anointing?
Day 4: Seek Greater Levels of Anointing
Just as Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, we too can seek greater levels of anointing to accomplish God's will. This requires a willingness to surrender all to God and rely on His strength. By asking for more of God's Spirit, we open ourselves to greater empowerment and effectiveness in our Kingdom work. This pursuit of a deeper anointing is not for personal gain but for the fulfillment of God's purposes in our lives and the lives of those around us. [57:45]
2 Kings 2:9-10 (ESV): "When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, 'Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.' And Elisha said, 'Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.' And he said, 'You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.'"
Reflection: What specific area of your life or ministry do you feel called to ask God for a double portion of His Spirit? How can you prepare your heart to receive it?
Day 5: Anointing for All Believers
Every believer is anointed with the Holy Spirit, empowering us to engage in Kingdom work. This anointing is not limited to church leaders but is available to all who seek to fulfill God's purpose. As believers, we are called to spread the gospel, bring healing and deliverance, and engage in the work of the Kingdom. This empowerment is not just for personal edification but for the benefit of others, as we carry out the mission of Christ in the world. [01:02:57]
1 John 2:20 (ESV): "But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge."
Reflection: How can you use the anointing you have received to serve others and advance God's Kingdom in your community today?
Quotes
I am the salt of the earth then it goes on to say what good is the salt if it what loses its flavor and trampled on by men now, today I want to focus on that last part of you're the salt of the earth what good is the salt if it loses its flavor. [00:43:42]
Salt is an influencer as a salt of the earth you are an influencer but not just an influencer you influence by engaging remember that you don't want to be that salt that's inside the Shaker and just up in the cabinet you want to be that salt that is contacting and making influence. [00:43:48]
The anointing is God's Divine empowerment through the Holy Spirit it is to do the work of him on this Earth the anointing comes through his presence it comes through his power and it comes through his authority flowing through us to accomplish his will not our will it is to accomplish his will. [00:52:07]
The Yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing now what is the Yoke on that day his burdens will be removed from your shoulder yoke is a burden something that's holding you back something that is burdening you his yoke will be destroyed from your neck he has gone up from reman. [00:52:37]
The anointing is not a human ability but it's God's Supernatural power well I would like to take Supernatural out and just say it is his power it is his natural power which is super which makes it what Supernatural pretty neat ain't it so then I go on to First John. [00:53:00]
If you go to 2 Kings 2 verse 9 second Kings chapter 2 verse 9 and it says it this way and this is Elijah you have Elijah and Elisha Elijah is a prophet Elisha is his understudy it's his the person he's mentoring Elisha is the one that Elijah called out of the field. [00:54:51]
Elisha went back to the field burnt the plow saying I'm not coming back to this life when you burned the plow everything that you knew of that day and your and how you receive your blessing how you you receive your life he burn it and he said it is the God my God Almighty. [00:55:24]
Elisha was asked by Elijah what do you expect what do you want ask of it that's a pretty big ask that is a big ask you know what in God's terms it's nothing it's nothing that's why he said if you ask you shall what receive amen so I wanted to show you that real quick. [00:59:15]
As Believers we are anointed with the same holy spirit that empowered Jesus we're anointed that anointed is not just for pastors it's not just for leaders it's not just for the teachers and the evangelists and the prophets and the apostles it is for all the anointed is not just for. [01:02:57]
The anointing is for engaging Kingdom work that's what the anointing is if Jesus got off a kingdom work my kingdom come my will be done on Earth as it is in heaven what is on on Heaven on Heaven is that you have a life and a life more abundantly you have a life that is eternal. [01:03:30]
You have an anointing and you have been sealed you have the seal see the the Bible goes on to say that you're ambassadors of Christ that you are a letter written and read by men and I don't know if you ever read one of those letters that has an official seal on it. [01:05:02]
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me this is Isaiah saying this because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the the gospel of Good Tidings to the meek to the poor and Afflicted now that this sounds very familiar doesn't it now at the same time I know God's no respect. [01:06:42]
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