Unity and Obedience: Unlocking God's Anointing
Summary
Today, we opened our hearts to the presence of the Holy Spirit, surrendering our will and inviting God’s blessing to overflow in our lives. We explored the profound truth that unity is the birthplace of the anointing, and the anointing is the channel through which God’s blessing flows. Drawing from Psalm 133, we saw that when we dwell together in unity, the anointing flows like oil, bringing the commanded blessing of life forevermore. This unity is not just with one another, but first with God—aligning our hearts with His will, so that heaven’s purposes are transferred to earth through us.
We are not passive recipients; we are chosen vessels. The anointing is not reserved for a select few, but for every believer who yields in obedience. Jesus taught us to pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, and He made it possible by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. Our bodies are now temples of the Holy Spirit, and through obedience, we become conduits for God’s power and presence. The flow of the anointing is hindered not by our humanity, but by our lack of obedience. When we renew our minds to God’s Word and act in faith, the anointing flows freely, and we walk in victory.
We also learned that revelation comes when the veil is removed—when we turn to the Lord, we see with unveiled faces the glory of God reflected in us. This transformation into Christ’s image brings unity, and in unity, the blessing is commanded. The process is ongoing: the Word comes, faith comes, trials come, patience is developed, and endurance is required. Through it all, the true blessing is not material, but the revelation of life forevermore.
Gathering together as believers multiplies the anointing. There is a unique corporate anointing when we assemble in Jesus’ name, in His character and nature. In that atmosphere, needs are met, healing flows, and forgiveness is released. Forgiveness is essential; without it, we give the enemy an advantage. But when we walk in forgiveness, the fragrance of Christ is diffused through us, impacting everyone around us. Our calling is to change the atmosphere wherever we go, letting the glory of God be seen in us and through us, living as victors and not victims, and trusting God to work all things for His glory.
Key Takeaways
- Unity is the Gateway to the Anointing: True unity—first with God, then with one another—creates the environment where the anointing flows. This unity is not mere agreement, but a deep alignment of heart and purpose, allowing God’s presence to move unhindered and His blessing to be commanded in our midst. [02:02]
- Obedience Unlocks the Flow of God’s Power: The anointing is not a result of titles or positions, but of a lifestyle of obedience. When we act on the Word we hear, faith is activated, and the power of God is released through us. Disobedience or passivity blocks the flow, but simple, consistent obedience makes us vessels of heaven on earth. [06:31]
- Revelation Transforms Our Identity: When the veil is removed through turning to Christ, we see ourselves not through the lens of our failures or the law, but as reflections of God’s glory. This revelation changes how we live, moving us from self-focus to Christ-focus, and as we are transformed, unity and blessing naturally follow. [13:34]
- Endurance and Patience Perfect Our Faith: The journey from hearing the Word to walking in the anointing involves trials and the development of patience. Endurance is needed not just to survive, but to continue doing God’s will until the promise is fulfilled. The true blessing is not in avoiding hardship, but in receiving the eternal life and maturity that trials produce. [24:03]
- Forgiveness Diffuses the Fragrance of Christ: Walking in forgiveness is the first and most essential act of obedience. Unforgiveness gives the enemy an advantage, but forgiveness releases the flow of the anointing and spreads the aroma of Christ to everyone we encounter. Our lives become a testimony of God’s grace, drawing others to the source of true freedom and victory. [35:13]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:52] - Surrendering to God’s Will
[02:02] - Unity, Anointing, and Blessing
[03:15] - The Anointing: Heaven to Earth
[05:05] - Our Bodies: Temples of the Holy Spirit
[06:31] - Obedience and the Flow of Power
[09:33] - The Veil and Spiritual Blindness
[12:30] - Revelation and Unveiled Faces
[15:35] - Transformation into Christ’s Image
[17:29] - The Process: Word, Faith, Trials, Patience
[21:02] - Hearing and Doing the Word
[24:03] - Endurance and the Promise
[26:55] - The Corporate Anointing
[30:40] - The Yoke Destroyed by the Anointing
[33:08] - Forgiveness and Restoration
[35:13] - The Power of Forgiveness
[38:04] - Diffusing the Fragrance of Christ
[41:59] - Changing the Atmosphere
[43:00] - Surrender and Trust
[44:53] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Flow of the Anointing—Unity, Obedience, and Blessing
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### Bible Reading
Psalm 133 (ESV)
> Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
> It is like the precious oil on the head,
> running down on the beard,
> on the beard of Aaron,
> running down on the collar of his robes!
> It is like the dew of Hermon,
> which falls on the mountains of Zion!
> For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,
> life forevermore.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (ESV)
> But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Matthew 18:20 (ESV)
> For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 133, what is the result of believers dwelling together in unity? How is this unity described?
2. In 2 Corinthians 3, what happens when someone “turns to the Lord”? What is the significance of the veil being removed?
3. What does Jesus promise in Matthew 18:20 about gathering in His name?
4. The sermon says, “Unity is the place of the anointing. The place of the anointing is the place of blessing.” What does this mean in practical terms? [02:02]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon teaches that unity is not just agreement, but a deep alignment of heart and purpose. How does this kind of unity allow God’s presence and blessing to flow? [02:02]
2. The pastor said, “The anointing is not reserved for a select few, but for every believer who yields in obedience.” What does it look like for an ordinary believer to walk in this anointing? [06:31]
3. When the veil is removed and we see “with unveiled faces the glory of God reflected in us,” how does this change the way we see ourselves and others? [13:34]
4. The sermon mentions that “forgiveness is essential; without it, we give the enemy an advantage.” Why is forgiveness described as the first and most essential act of obedience? [35:13]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says, “Unity is the birthplace of the anointing.” Is there a relationship in your life (family, church, work) where you sense a lack of unity? What is one step you could take this week to move toward deeper unity? [02:02]
2. The pastor emphasized that “obedience unlocks the flow of God’s power.” Is there an area where you know God is asking you to obey, but you’ve been hesitant? What is holding you back, and what would it look like to take a step of obedience this week? [06:31]
3. The message taught that “revelation comes when the veil is removed.” Are there ways you still see yourself through the lens of past failures or shame? How can you begin to see yourself as a reflection of God’s glory instead? [13:34]
4. The process of walking in the anointing involves “trials, patience, and endurance.” Can you share about a recent trial where you saw God develop patience or endurance in you? How did it change your faith? [24:03]
5. The sermon said, “Forgiveness diffuses the fragrance of Christ.” Is there someone you need to forgive, or a situation where you need to release bitterness? What would it look like to take a step toward forgiveness this week? [35:13]
6. Gathering together multiplies the anointing. How has being part of a group or church community helped you experience God’s presence or blessing in a way you couldn’t on your own? [26:55]
7. The pastor challenged us to “change the atmosphere wherever we go.” Think of a place you regularly go (work, home, school, etc.). What is one practical way you can bring the presence and fragrance of Christ into that environment this week? [41:59]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for unity, a fresh flow of the Holy Spirit, and the courage to walk in obedience and forgiveness. Ask God to help each person become a vessel of His blessing and presence in their daily lives.
Devotional
Day 1: Unity is the Place of the Anointing
True unity among believers creates an atmosphere where God’s anointing flows freely, bringing blessing and life. When brothers and sisters dwell together in unity, it is like precious oil poured out, signifying the overflow of God’s presence from heaven to earth. This unity is not just a feeling but a spiritual reality that opens the way for God’s commanded blessing—life forevermore. If you desire the blessing of God, begin by seeking unity with Him and with others, for in that place, the anointing and blessing are released. [02:02]
Psalm 133 (ESV)
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.
Reflection: Is there someone in your church or family with whom you need to pursue unity today? What practical step can you take to move toward reconciliation or deeper connection with them?
Day 2: The Veil Is Taken Away in Christ
When you turn to the Lord, the veil that blinds your heart and mind is removed, allowing you to see and experience the glory of God with clarity and freedom. No longer are you limited by old ways of thinking or by the law, but you are invited into a relationship where revelation and transformation are possible. As you behold the Lord’s glory, you are changed into His image, moving from glory to glory by the Spirit. This is not reserved for a select few but is available to every believer who turns to Christ. [14:34]
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (ESV)
But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Reflection: When you look at yourself, do you see your old self or do you see the glory of Christ being formed in you? What is one way you can intentionally focus on Christ’s image in you today?
Day 3: The Power of Forgiveness and Obedience
Forgiveness is the first and essential act of obedience that allows the anointing to flow through your life, breaking the enemy’s hold and releasing freedom. When you forgive others, you close the door to Satan’s schemes and open yourself to the fullness of God’s blessing. Unforgiveness gives the devil an advantage, but forgiveness diffuses the fragrance of Christ everywhere you go. Walking in forgiveness is not always easy, but it is the path to victory, restoration, and the overflow of God’s presence in your life and in the lives of others. [35:55]
2 Corinthians 2:10-11 (ESV)
Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today, even if it feels impossible? Ask God to help you take the first step toward forgiveness and freedom.
Day 4: The Blessing Is Life Forevermore
The true blessing God commands is not material wealth or comfort, but eternal life—life forevermore—which gives you strength to endure every trial and transforms your perspective on what it means to be blessed. When you understand that the greatest blessing is the revelation of eternal life, you can face any circumstance with hope and endurance. Earthly blessings may come and go, but the promise of life forevermore anchors your soul and empowers you to live victoriously, no matter what you face. [25:17]
James 1:2-4 (ESV)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Reflection: How does knowing that God’s greatest blessing is eternal life change the way you view your current struggles or desires? What is one way you can shift your focus from temporary blessings to the promise of life forevermore?
Day 5: The Anointing Flows in the Atmosphere of Gathering
There is a unique and powerful anointing that is released when believers gather together in the name and character of Jesus, creating an atmosphere where needs are met, healing flows, and God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven. While individual anointing is important, the corporate anointing that comes from assembling with others multiplies faith, expectation, and the presence of God. Don’t neglect gathering with other believers, for in that place, Jesus is present, and the anointing destroys every yoke and brings freedom. [27:47]
Matthew 18:20 (ESV)
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.
Reflection: How can you prioritize gathering with other believers this week, whether in person or virtually, to experience and contribute to the corporate anointing? What expectation will you bring to your next gathering?
Quotes
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