Search The Scriptures: The Anointing

               
               PITFALLS OF THE ANOINTING -LESSON 16.

                   

MEMORY VERSE:“The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen! Ye mountains of Giboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.” 2 Sam. 1:19, 21


 TEXTS: Matt. 4:3-10, 1 Sam. 15:10-29; Judges 16:18-20

INTRODUCTION: Anointing on a man announces his arrival among the devils, provokes jealousy and rage in the kingdom of darkness, making the man a target for the devil's wicked attacks and temptations. It usually comes with several pitfalls. The devil knows that anointing is the most potent weapon he cannot withstand, so he will hunt anyone who carries it with all vehemence, seeking every means to possibly leak out the anointing on the man's life and steal, kill, destroy or contaminate the anointing on his head.

 ANOINTING FACTOR -Zech. 4:6
 - A man or woman who carries the anointing, carries the power and of course the presence of the Almighty God.
 - Anointing is empowerment of the Spirit of God for supernatural accomplishments.
- Anointing is a visitation from heaven, which pushes for accomplishment, incites for fulfilment, shakes for freedom, blows in an atmosphere of peace and separates for unlimited operations.
 - Anointing packages for display, lifts for high responsibilities and bring about an atmosphere of glory.
 - Anointing is God's power, His empowerment that enables you to live the life God has destined you to live.

DELUSIONS ABOUT ANOINTING 
a. There are so many false opinions or beliefs about anointing. Conservatively, people believe that anointing is mainly for ministerial workers and only relevant for the ministry of the Church. It is not so. It is for every man or woman to make exploit in their chosen field and career. God is interested in the church and the business world and He gives anointing for different purposes for people to function effectively and extraordinarily in the field theychoose.

b. Different types of anointing
1. Workmanship anointing - Exod. 35:30-35 (Bezaleel & Ahaliah)
2. Administrative anointing - Gen. 41 (Joseph)
3. Invention anointing- Gen. 6:13-16 (Noah)
4. Military exploit anointing Joshua, Jephtal, Gideon, Deborah among others.
5. Followership anointing Elisha, Timothy, Titus, Joshua
6. Leadership anointing - Num. 12:3 (Moses)
7. Governance anointing David. In contemporary history, we have people like Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Martin Luther, King James.
8. Kingly anointing
9. Ministry anointing-
-Evangelistic anointing
-Healing anointing
 -Intercessory anointing
-Preaching anointing
-Worship anointing
-Teaching anointing
-Prophetic anointing
-Prayer anointing

PITFALLS OF ANOINTING
- What is pitfall?Unsuspected snare or danger.
- Something designed to make a person fail or fall physically or spiritually into error.
 DIFFERENT PITFALLS:
1. Tests of the flesh- Matt. 4:3-4; Song 1:3; Isa. 61:6.
 2. Misused of authority -Matt. 4:5-7.
3. Violating the restrictions on the anointing
4. Taking shortcuts in the ministry - Matt. 4:8-10
5. Failure to kill the Jezebels of your ministry- Judges 16:1-20
6. Rebellion and witchcraft - 1 Sam. 15:23
7. Disobedience to God and His Word- 1 Sam. 15:10-11
8. Pride of becoming big in your own eyes -1 Sam. 15:17
9. Interest in financial and earthly benefits - 1 Sam. 15:18-19
10. Indulging in iniquity - Rom. 6:1-2
11. Failure to listen to counsel of men - Exod. 18:18-27
12. Giving the glory due to God to yourself - Isa. 42:8; 48:11; Acts 3:11-16
13. Regular and reckless attacks from the devil - 1 Pet. 5:8-9
14. Fear of people -1 Sam. 15:24
15. Over confidence that will break watchfulness and make one to forgo the basic spiritual things that are needful
16. Failure to live holy life - 2 Tim. 2:20-21
17. Possibility of over exposure and ostentation
18. Deviating from the original covenant that set up the ministry 19. Merchandising the anointing (last topic)

HOW TO AVOID PITFALLS OF ANOINTING
 1. Remain in a close vital relationship with Jesus -John 15:4-7
2. Keep up a daily devotion with God.
3. Avoid extra attention or questionable closeness to the opposite sex- 1 Tim. 5:2
 4. Avoid delay-ed, selective or incomplete obedience to the Godhead.
5. Avoid sin of any sort 1 Thess. 5:22
6. Regular Bible study, meditation and application - Joshua 1:8
7. Daily living in holiness and righteousness
8. Worship God and praise Him freely and happily - John 4:24
9. Daily repentance and necessary restitution even in simple things -1 John 1:6-10
10. Live life of godliness, contentment and discipline
11. Live a ceaseless life of prayer and fast regularly as directed by the Holy Spirit.
12. Avoid sins against the Holy Spirit

CONCLUSION: Jesus the giver of anointing and who was given anointing by the Spirit of God in His days in the flesh (Isa. 61:1-2) and without measure (John 3:34) was severally tempted by Satan in order to make His anointing stale and dry. As a carrier of the power of God you cannot expect less from Satan who is ready to push you into the pitfalls of anointing. If you want to become unique, prominent, outstanding and even exceptional in your ministry or career, follow the voice of the Holy Spirit. This is the distinguishing feature of anointed men or women of God who cannot fall into satanic pitfalls.
Be blessed Today and happy Sunday.