The Anointing
Every Christian has an anointing from God, not just pastors and evangelists. It is not something spooky or weird. The anointing is the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives to lead us, teach us, and empower us to live the Christian life. (I John 2:27) Unfortunately, many believers are unaware of this or unsure about the anointing. We all need to hear what this verse says loud and clear.
When we become a Christian the Holy Spirit abides in us. He is a Person, not a thing. He is the Spirit of truth. He is there to teach us, so that we do not need anyone else to teach us. That does not mean that we do not need the Bible or that we can't benefit from preachers and teachers. It means that as we are led by the Spirit and filled with the Spirit, we can understand and rightly interpret the Word of God. It means that we can pray and have a conversation with the Lord, as He speaks to us and directs us personally. This teaching is about all things. It is always true and not a lie. This same anointing teaches us that we will abide in Christ, and thus we will always have the Spirit to comfort and guide us.
This is wonderful, but it also brings great responsibility. No believer can claim that they did not know enough to follow the Lord. We can't excuse ourselves, because we do not understand the Bible. If we do not know or understand, it is because we are not listening to the Spirit, and submitting to His teaching. The anointing is essential if we are going to do God's will. Since we always have the Spirit, we can always do God's will, if we will stay in constant touch with the Spirit and receive the benefits of the anointing of God.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I John 3-4.
When we become a Christian the Holy Spirit abides in us. He is a Person, not a thing. He is the Spirit of truth. He is there to teach us, so that we do not need anyone else to teach us. That does not mean that we do not need the Bible or that we can't benefit from preachers and teachers. It means that as we are led by the Spirit and filled with the Spirit, we can understand and rightly interpret the Word of God. It means that we can pray and have a conversation with the Lord, as He speaks to us and directs us personally. This teaching is about all things. It is always true and not a lie. This same anointing teaches us that we will abide in Christ, and thus we will always have the Spirit to comfort and guide us.
This is wonderful, but it also brings great responsibility. No believer can claim that they did not know enough to follow the Lord. We can't excuse ourselves, because we do not understand the Bible. If we do not know or understand, it is because we are not listening to the Spirit, and submitting to His teaching. The anointing is essential if we are going to do God's will. Since we always have the Spirit, we can always do God's will, if we will stay in constant touch with the Spirit and receive the benefits of the anointing of God.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I John 3-4.