The Tender Heart of the Anointed

Summary

Drawing on the life of David, the preacher explored what it means to be a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22). The truest mark of a heart that carries God's anointing is its tenderness toward sin: when David merely cut the corner of Saul's robe, and later when he numbered the people, his heart was struck with grief and he repented. This sensitivity, not Bible knowledge or eloquence, is the real evidence of God's presence.

He warned that many believers are rich in information yet starving for the anointing, drawn to teachers who flatter their itching ears (2 Timothy 4:3). David refused to lift his hand against the Lord's anointed even when he had the chance, and he honored Saul even after his death. The anointing we have received abides in us and teaches us all things (1 John 2:27).

A second message called the church to live as people led by the Holy Spirit, the true author of the book of Acts. We come together not to judge the singing or the preaching but to be changed; a church without the Spirit is only a mausoleum. Jesus calls us to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8) - those who have actually seen and experienced Him - in our own city and to the ends of the earth. The service closed with prayer for a grieving family and for the nation.

Key Points

• A heart that grieves over the smallest sin is the surest sign of God's anointing, not knowledge or gifting.
• David spared Saul and refused to harm the Lord's anointed, even when others urged him on.
• Beware of choosing teachers who simply please your ears; hunger for God's presence instead.
• The anointing you received abides in you and teaches you all things (1 John 2:27).
• The book of Acts is really the acts of the Holy Spirit through surrendered people.
• We come to church to be transformed by God, not to evaluate the service.
• Be a faithful witness of Jesus - one who has truly seen and experienced Him.