LESSON 8

Purposes of the
Anointing
efore we look at the purposes of the anointing, let’s be reminded of the
LESSON 8
B importance of dying to self if we want the anointing.

Philippians 3:2-8, 12 says:

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the
circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and
have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh.
If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I
more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin,
an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal,
persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless,
and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus
my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but
dung, that I may win Christ.… Not as though I had already attained, either
were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which
also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

God only trusts the dead. The cross is the symbol of death. Jesus said, “Take
up the cross and follow me” (Mark 10:22).
Paul speaks of the resurrection of the new man in Christ Jesus.
It is impossible to be anointed if you are in the flesh.

A PASSAGE ON THE ANOINTING

Isaiah the prophet wrote about Jesus Christ in Isaiah 61:1-7:

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to
preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenheart-
ed, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that
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are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of
vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that
mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning,
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of
righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. And they shall
build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall
repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. And strangers shall
stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and
your vinedressers. But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call
you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their
glory shall ye boast yourselves. For your shame ye shall have double; and for con-
fusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess
the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

The Spirit is “upon,” not “with” or “in.”

He did not simply say “Lord” or “God,” but “Lord GOD.” The word “Lord”
is Yahweh, while the word “God” is Elohim. Elohim is always connected to the
acts and power of God. Yahweh is connected to His covenant. The anointing is
given because of the covenant.

PURPOSES OF THE ANOINTING FROM ISAIAH 61

When we read Isaiah 61, we find these purposes of the anointing:
• bring good news to the afflicted (see verse 1)
• bind up the brokenhearted (see verse 1)
• proclaim liberty to the captives (see verse 1)
• proclaim freedom to prisoners (see verse 1)
• proclaim the favorable year of the Lord (see verse 2)
• proclaim the day of vengeance (see verse 2)
• comfort all who mourn (see verse 2)
• give beauty for ashes (see verse 3)
• give oil of joy (see verse 3)
• give garment of praise (see verse 3)
• cause former captives to become trees of righteousness (see verse 3)
• glorify the Lord (see verse 3)
• rebuild shattered lives (see verse 4)
• bring restoration and prosperity (see verse 4, 6)