Impartation: The Divine Transfer of Spiritual Power and Authority

Impartation is the act of giving or sharing something, particularly spiritual blessings, gifts, wisdom, and knowledge. God uses various means to transfer these divine resources to His people, equipping and empowering them for His purposes through the laying on of hands, prophetic utterance, teaching, prayer, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Foundations and Divine Methods

God uses various means to transfer spiritual blessings, gifts, wisdom, and knowledge to His people. These methods include the laying on of hands, prophetic utterance, teaching, prayer, and the work of the Holy Spirit. The impartation of spiritual gifts is essential for church growth (1 Cor 12:4-7). While it is desirable to share with others what God has given us, the focus and credit must always be on the divine giver, not any human involved who is only a channel through which the blessing is transferred.

Sometimes God works sovereignly (Num 11:16-17,24-25). However, mostly God uses others in the body of Christ "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry" (Eph 4:11-12). Paul desired to see others develop effective Holy Spirit ministry, giving away from himself those things God had placed within him, "For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift…" (Rom 1:11-12). He understood he could replicate or equip others through impartation of spiritual gifts, healings, and greater infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus passed on to His disciples what He had; He gave delegated authority to do as He did (Mt 10:1, 28:19-20; Mk 16:17-18). Peter said to a crippled man, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, walk" (Act 3:6,8). As believers, we should be walking in health, victory, and the joy of the Lord so we can impart from the storehouse within to bless hurting humanity (Jn 7:38).

Prayer is asking God to intervene in people's lives and impart some of the riches of heaven into their situation and provide strength to enable them to accomplish God's call on their lives. This is often actioned through the 'laying on of hands' and may include extra infillings of the Holy Spirit (Act 8:15,17). As we can't give out what we don't have, it is essential to be continually full of the Spirit so we can give the favour of heaven generously into the lives of hurting humanity (Eph 5:18).

Do I 'share' God with others?

Jesus' Ministry of Impartation

Jesus imparted a blessing to children and healing to those sick in body (Mk 10:13-16; Lk 4:40-41). Peter said to a crippled beggar, "Money I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus, walk" and the man jumped to his feet praising God (Act 3:2,6,8). Although God works through human channels it is crucial to continually recognise it is not by our own power or godliness that there is a demonstration of His life transforming power (Zech 4:6; Act 3:12,16). The streams of living water that Jesus said would flow from His followers is the work of the Holy Spirit, bringing blessing to those around us (Jn 7:38).

Jesus "appointed the disciples that He might send them out to preach and drive out demons" and said various signs would be evident in the lives of His followers, using the authority invested in His name to give divine release to suffering humanity (Mk 3:13-15, 16:17-18). As an obedient believer, Ananias was able to impart healing to Saul through restoration of his sight (Act 9:17-20). These biblical examples demonstrate that impartation is a divinely ordained method for distributing spiritual resources within the body of Christ.

The early church continued this practice of impartation, with apostles and leaders laying hands on new believers to receive the Holy Spirit, ordaining ministers for service, and praying for the sick and those in need. This pattern established by Christ and His disciples has continued throughout church history as a primary means of transferring spiritual authority, gifts, and anointing from one generation of believers to the next.

Do I pass on to others the blessings I have received from the Lord?

Principles and Requirements for Effective Impartation

Effective impartation requires certain spiritual conditions and attitudes from both the giver and receiver. Those who impart must maintain humility, recognizing that they are merely channels through which God's power flows, not the source of that power themselves. The focus and credit must always be on the divine giver, not any human involved who is only a channel through which the blessing is transferred. This prevents pride and ensures that God receives the glory for all spiritual manifestations (Act 3:12,16; Zech 4:6).

Those receiving impartation must exercise faith and openness to God's working. Faith provides the spiritual container that receives and retains what is being imparted. Without faith, impartation may be hindered or ineffective (Heb 11:6; Mk 6:5-6). Additionally, receivers must maintain teachable spirits and proper honor for those God uses as instruments of impartation, as dishonor can block the flow of spiritual blessing (Mt 13:57-58; 2 Kings 2:23-24).

Character development should accompany spiritual gifts and anointing received through impartation. The gifts of the Spirit without the fruit of the Spirit can lead to imbalance and potential misuse (1 Cor 13:1-3; Gal 5:22-23). Believers must steward what has been imparted to them by developing Christlike character, maintaining intimacy with God, and using spiritual gifts in love and service to others. This ensures that impartation leads to lasting spiritual growth and effective ministry impact (1 Tim 4:14-16; 2 Tim 1:6).

It is important to distinguish between impartation and imputation, as these terms are sometimes confused. Righteousness is not imparted—it is imputed, meaning it is credited to the account of another. For example, "Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Rom 4:3,20-22). Understanding this distinction prevents theological confusion and helps believers appreciate both the positional righteousness imputed to them through faith in Christ and the spiritual gifts and anointing imparted for ministry and service.

Am I continually full of the Spirit so I can give generously to others?

Reflection and Application:

Examine your personal openness to receiving impartation from spiritual leaders and mentors, considering any barriers of pride, independence, or unbelief that might hinder the flow of spiritual transfer.
Identify areas where you desire greater spiritual empowerment and effectiveness, and seek appropriate opportunities for impartation through prayer, laying on of hands, and relationship with anointed ministers.
Reflect on how you are stewarding the gifts and anointing you have already received, ensuring that character development and love for others accompany your spiritual gifts.
Consider your role in imparting to others—whether through formal ministry, mentoring relationships, or informal encouragement—and ask God how you can be a channel of His grace and power to those around you.