The Holy Spirit (Part 4)

In this post I want to cover three questions about the Holy Spirit, but before I address those, I want to make clear the main purpose of the power of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit's power in our life isn't just something to make us feel good or to "speak in tongues," but it is to empower us for service.  It is this empowerment for service from the Holy Spirit that will give you the confidence you need to serve God.  And now for the three questions.

1.  What Is The Anointing Of The Holy Spirit?

The anointing of the Holy Spirit represents the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus told the disciples in Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."  It is when the Holy Spirit comes upon us that we receive power and anointing.  This power begins at the "new birth" and grows in empowerment when we are baptized in the Holy Spirit.

2.  Do You Have To Have The Anointing To Have The Power?

When Jesus took upon Himself humanity He had to have the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish what He accomplished. It is important to note that Jesus did no miracles until after His Holy Spirit anointing (Luke 3:22; 4:1, 18).  What Jesus did was done under the power of the anointing of the Holy Spirit.  If Jesus needed the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit then it only stands to reason that His disciples need it too.  So the answer to the question "Do you have to have the anointing to have the power?" is yes.

3.  How Does The Power Of The Holy Spirit Manifest Itself?

He begins to manifest Himself at the new birth first by being that inner Witness, Comforter, Teacher, Counselor, Leader, and Guide in the life of the believer.  He also manifests Himself through the anointing.  The anointing is for every believer, because the Holy Spirit is for every believer.  The power of the Holy Spirit should be demonstrated in the believer's life.

-- Pastor Temple