Positioning for Fresh Anointing:
Examining the Spiritual Requirements and Obstacles Involved
Introduction — The Cry for Fresh Oil
Every generation of believers must rediscover what it means to walk in the fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit. King David prayed, “I shall be anointed with fresh oil” (Psalm 92:10, KJV), expressing a heart that longed not just for past experiences but for continual renewal.
The need for fresh anointing is critical. It is God’s empowerment upon human vessels to accomplish His divine purposes. Without the Spirit’s fresh oil, we become like the foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1–13) who ran out of oil and were unprepared for the bridegroom’s arrival.
This exposition explores the spiritual positioning necessary for fresh anointing, the obstacles that block it, and the blessings that flow from it, anchored firmly in Scripture. Understanding Anointing — Biblical Foundations
What is Anointing?
In the Old Testament, to be anointed meant to be consecrated by God for a specific task. Kings (1 Samuel 10:1), priests (Exodus 28:41), and prophets (1 Kings 19:16) were anointed with oil as a sign of divine selection and empowerment.
In the New Testament, anointing speaks of the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus declared:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me…” (Luke 4:18, NKJV).
John writes that believers have an anointing from the Holy One (1 John 2:20,27), which teaches, guides, and empowers them.
Fresh vs. Stale Anointing
A fresh anointing indicates a renewed, vibrant work of the Holy Spirit. The alternative is a stale, routine religion devoid of power (2 Timothy 3:5). God calls us to live filled continually with His Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
The Spiritual Requirements for Fresh Anointing
1. Hunger and Thirst
God fills only the hungry. Jesus promised,
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
David cried,
“My soul thirsts for You… in a dry and weary land…” (Psalm 63:1).
A complacent spirit is a major hindrance. Revival always begins with holy dissatisfaction.
2. Holiness and Purity
Psalm 24:3–4 asks,
“Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart…”
God does not pour His holy oil on defiled vessels. Isaiah’s cleansing by a coal from the altar (Isaiah 6:5–7) preceded his prophetic commission.
3. Prayerful Dependence
The early Church was anointed after persistent prayer (Acts 1:14; Acts 2:1–4). Jesus Himself prayed constantly (Luke 5:16) and received the Spirit’s anointing without measure (John 3:34).
Page 4: More Requirements — Humility and Brokenness
4. Humility
God resists the proud but gives grace (and by extension, His empowering) to the humble (James 4:6). Pride quenches the Spirit; humility attracts His presence.
David, though a mighty king, remained humble:
“I will be yet more undignified than this…” (2 Samuel 6:22), dancing before the Lord.
5. Brokenness and Surrender
Psalm 51:17 says,
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart…”
Mary broke her alabaster jar to anoint Jesus (Mark 14:3). Until we are broken — willing to lose reputation, plans, and control — fresh oil cannot flow.
The Obstacles to Fresh Anointing
1. Unconfessed Sin
Sin grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) and hinders the flow of God’s power. Achan’s hidden sin brought defeat to Israel (Joshua 7).
2. Bitterness and Unforgiveness
Hebrews 12:15 warns:
“…lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.”
Unforgiveness clogs the spiritual pipeline.
Worldliness and Distractions
Jesus warned against hearts weighed down with “cares of this life” (Luke 21:34). The love of the world crowds out love for God (1 John 2:15).
Spiritual Laziness
Proverbs 13:4 says,
“The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing…”
Desiring fresh oil without paying the spiritual price results in dryness.
Enumerating the Benefits of Fresh Anointing
Empowerment for Ministry:
“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8).
Supernatural Wisdom and Insight:
“The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom…” (Isaiah 11:2).
Protection and Preservation:
“Do not touch My anointed ones…” (Psalm 105:15).
Joy and Refreshing:
“You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.” (Psalm 23:5)
Victory Over the Enemy:
“It shall come to pass… that his burden will be taken away… and the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil.” (Isaiah 10:27)The Efforts Required — Cultivating a Life Positioned for Fresh Anointing
1. Consistent Prayer Life
Paul urged,
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Times of waiting on God (Isaiah 40:31) renew our spiritual strength.
2. Deep Devotion to God’s Word
Jesus said,
“The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63)
The Word renews the mind (Romans 12:2) and cleanses us (John 15:3).
3. Fellowship and Unity
The oil flowed from Aaron’s head down when he was fully robed — a picture of unity (Psalm 133:1–2). Isolated believers often miss corporate anointing.
4. Acts of Obedience and Service
When we step out in obedience, God supplies fresh oil for the assignment. Samuel poured oil on David’s head before Goliath ever appeared (1 Samuel 16:13).
Biblical Examples of People Positioned for Fresh Anointing
Moses:
Spent forty days on Sinai. Returned with his face shining (Exodus 34:29).
Elisha:
Followed Elijah relentlessly, refusing to be left behind. Received a double portion (2 Kings 2:9–14).
The Early Church:
Devoted themselves to prayer and unity in the upper room, leading to Pentecost (Acts 2).
Jesus:
Before launching into public ministry, He spent 40 days in the wilderness, emerged “in the power of the Spirit.” (Luke 4:14).
Avoiding the Tragedy of Lost Anointing
Samson’s Example
Samson did not guard his consecration. The Spirit departed, yet he did not know it (Judges 16:20). Tragically, a once-anointed judge became a blind grinder in a Philistine prison.
Saul’s Example
King Saul lost God’s anointing because of disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23). David pleaded,
“Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51:11)
Fresh anointing must be valued and guarded.
Conclusion — A Call to Pursue Fresh Oil
God invites us to a lifestyle of continual refreshing:
“Be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18) — literally “keep being filled.”
Practical commitments:
Regular self-examination (Psalm 139:23–24).
Daily surrender (Romans 12:1).
Confession and cleansing (1 John 1:9).
Seeking fresh encounters with God.
Prayer:
Lord, anoint us with fresh oil. Renew our passion, purify our hearts, and fill us anew with Your Spirit, that we may shine as lights and serve Your purposes in our generation. Amen.
