Bible Study:
When the Anointing Departs but the Position Remains
Introduction:
The Bible makes it clear that God is not impressed by titles, platforms, or positions. What matters to God is obedience, humility, and His presence. Scripture shows us that it is possible for someone to still hold a position of authority while God has already withdrawn His anointing.
One of the clearest and most sobering examples of this is King Saul.
This study will examine how Saul lost God’s anointing but still continued in his role as King, how he prayed and received no response from God, and how his story serves as a warning—especially to those in leadership and ministry—that position does not guarantee presence, and title does not guarantee truth.
1. God Removed Saul’s Anointing:
1 Samuel 15:28 (NKJV)
“So Samuel said to him, ‘The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today, and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you.’”
Saul’s rejection came as a result of repeated disobedience, partial obedience, and valuing people’s approval over God’s command. At this point, God rejected Saul as king just two years after being appointed king, even though Saul still sat on the throne years after.
2. The Spirit of the Lord Departed
1 Samuel 16:13–14 (NKJV)
“Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him… and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David… But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul.”
This passage is critical: it shows that while David was anointed, Saul remained king. Even though Saul’s official position remained, God’s Spirit had already moved on, and His presence was no longer with him.
3. Saul Prayed—but God Would Not Answer
1 Samuel 28:6 (NKJV)
“And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by the prophets.”
Saul still prayed.
Saul still sought direction.
But God was silent.
This teaches us a hard truth:
Prayer without obedience does not move God. You can still preach and not be empowered.
4. Saul Continued Reigning Without God
Saul remained king until his death (1 Samuel 31).
According to Acts 13:21, Saul reigned about 40 years total.
That means Saul ruled for 38 years after God had rejected him—Saul led without God’s Spirit, ruled without God’s favor, functioned without God’s approval. He kept the title and remained king, but without God’s favor.
5. New Testament Confirmation
Jesus warned that this same reality would exist under the New Covenant:
Matthew 7:21–23 (NKJV)
“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name…?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me.’”
Notice, these individuals:
Preached
Prophesied
Ministered publicly
Yet Jesus said He never knew them.
Modern-Day Application:
A modern example that illustrates this principle is TD Jakes. This analogy is intended as an illustration of the concept rather than a final judgment of the heart.
Documented facts:
Early in his ministry, T.D. Jakes publicly preached doctrinal positions centered on the oneness of God, the deity of Jesus Christ, and the importance of holy living. Over time, his public theology and ministry associations shifted, and his preaching increasingly reflected elements commonly associated with worldly influence and the prosperity gospel. Additionally, he publicly allowed Tyler Perry to lay hands on him in a church setting, an action that raised concerns regarding spiritual discernment and biblical accountability.
This doctrinal shift is public, documented, and acknowledged. T.D Jakes did all of this while maintaining the role of senior pastor and scripture warns strongly about changing doctrine:
Galatians 1:8 — preaching “another gospel”
2 Timothy 4:3 — people turning away from sound doctrine
The Laying on of Hands Issue:
Scripture teaches that laying on of hands is not casual.
1 Timothy 5:22 (NKJV)
“Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.”
It is a public act of spiritual identification and affirmation.
T.D. Jakes publicly allowed Tyler Perry to lay hands on him in a church setting.
This is significant because:
Tyler Perry has publicly promoted and normalized lifestyles and behaviors in his media that Scripture identifies as sinful and acts that are considered an abomination. (Deuteronomy 22:5, Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11).
The Bible commands spiritual leaders to be separate, discerning, and cautious in spiritual endorsement.
This raises a biblical red flag about discernment, separation, and spiritual accountability.
Regarding accusations:
In recent years, T.D. Jakes has been publicly named in accusations and controversies circulated online and in media spaces.
Though these are allegations,
The Bible requires fairness:
1 Timothy 5:19 (NKJV) — accusations must be established by witnesses.
So the point is not to declare guilt—but to recognize a pattern Scripture warns us about:
When truth is compromised, God’s approval is at risk—regardless of platform size.
Just like Saul:
The position can remain
The influence can grow
The audience can increase
While God’s anointing quietly departs
Conclusion:
The story of Saul teaches us that God can remove His anointing from someone while allowing that person to remain in their position for a season. It serves as a reminder that God can stop responding and move on to someone else, even while someone is permitted to stay in their current role for a period of time.
This is why:
Calling does not replace obedience
Title does not replace truth
Position does not guarantee anointing
Revelation 3:1 (NKJV) says:
“You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”
This study is not about attacking individuals—it is about heeding biblical warnings.
May we never:
Trade truth for influence
Trade obedience for acceptance
Trade God’s presence for a platform
Because when God moves on, no title can replace His anointing.
