ANOINTED BUT NOT YET APPROVED – THE RISE OF SAUL
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Samuel 9:1-27, 1 Samuel 10:1-27
Supporting Texts: Romans 11:29, Proverbs 19:21, Ecclesiastes 3:1, Luke 12:48, 1 Timothy 3:6
INTRODUCTION:
The rise of Saul marks the beginning of a new dispensation in Israel—the era of kings. In response to the people's demand for a king, God directed the prophet Samuel to anoint Saul, a Benjamite, as the first monarch of Israel. Though Saul was divinely chosen and anointed, his journey reveals a crucial principle: being anointed is not the same as being approved. The oil may pour before the heart is prepared. God may grant position, but He still waits for character.
In chapters 9 and 10, we see how divine providence led Saul from looking for lost donkeys to being chosen as king. His physical appearance, his humility, and even his ability to prophesy seemed to align with God’s calling. Yet behind the scenes, God was testing his heart, setting the stage for deeper lessons in leadership. Anointing is a divine endorsement of potential—but approval is earned through obedience and process.
This message is vital in a generation that celebrates gifting over character, titles over maturity, and position over preparation. Saul had oil, but he lacked spiritual depth. He had the crown, but not the cross. This teaching reminds us that divine elevation requires inner transformation. Anointing may open the door, but only consistent faithfulness keeps one standing inside.
1. DIVINE CHOOSING THROUGH SEEMINGLY ORDINARY EVENTS
a) Saul Was Sent to Look for Lost Donkeys (1 Samuel 9:3)
What began as a natural assignment turned into a divine encounter. God often hides destiny in the ordinary.
b) God Had Already Informed Samuel (1 Samuel 9:15–17)
While Saul was searching, God was arranging. God is always ahead of us, orchestrating divine connections.
c) God Called Him from the Least Tribe (1 Samuel 9:21)
Saul was from Benjamin, the smallest tribe, and considered himself insignificant. God often chooses the least to confound the mighty.
d) Divine Encounters Begin With Obedience in Small Things
Saul’s journey began with a simple task. Destiny unfolds as we walk in daily obedience.
Biblical Example: Moses was keeping sheep when he encountered the burning bush and was called to deliver Israel (Exodus 3:1–4).
2. THE ANOINTING AFFIRMS GOD'S CALLING AND POTENTIAL
a) Samuel Anointed Saul Privately (1 Samuel 10:1)
This private anointing was God’s confirmation that Saul had been chosen. The oil symbolised divine endorsement and empowerment.
b) Anointing Comes Before Manifestation
God often marks a man before the world recognises him. The anointing prepares you for what is ahead.
c) Samuel Gave Specific Prophetic Signs (1 Samuel 10:2–7)
Saul was told what would happen step by step. God confirms His word with signs for reassurance.
d) “The Spirit of the Lord Will Come Upon You” (1 Samuel 10:6)
Anointing is not just a title; it comes with empowerment. The Spirit transforms natural men into spiritual vessels.
Biblical Example: David was anointed by Samuel while still a shepherd boy—years before he became king (1 Samuel 16:13).
3. ANOINTED, TRANSFORMED, BUT STILL BEING TESTED
a) Saul Was Turned Into Another Man (1 Samuel 10:6, 9)
God gave him a new heart and spiritual capacity. The anointing initiates a process of transformation.
b) He Prophesied Among Prophets (1 Samuel 10:10–11)
He was immersed in spiritual experiences. God gave him supernatural utterance to validate his calling.
c) Yet Some Still Questioned His Calling (1 Samuel 10:11–12)
Not everyone believed in Saul’s transformation. Anointing does not automatically change people’s opinions.
d) He Remained Silent When Questioned (1 Samuel 10:27)
Some despised him, but he kept his peace. Sometimes maturity is proven by restraint, not reaction.
Biblical Example: Joseph had dreams and divine favour but endured rejection and trials before he was approved for leadership (Genesis 37–41).
4. PUBLIC RECOGNITION FOLLOWS DIVINE ANOINTING
a) Samuel Gathered the Tribes at Mizpah (1 Samuel 10:17–19)
Though God had chosen Saul, He used a public process to confirm His will. God does not anoint in secret and leave in obscurity.
b) Saul Was Chosen by Lot (1 Samuel 10:20–21)
Even the method of human selection aligned with God’s earlier revelation. His sovereignty governs even human systems.
c) Saul Hid Among the Baggage (1 Samuel 10:22)
Despite being chosen, Saul was fearful and hesitant. Anointing does not remove insecurities overnight.
d) God Exposed and Elevated Him (1 Samuel 10:23–24)
Saul was brought forward and publicly proclaimed king. When it’s your time, God will bring you out of hiding.
Biblical Example: Jesus was affirmed by the Father during His baptism before He began public ministry (Matthew 3:16–17).
5. ANOINTING IS NOT APPROVAL—THE JOURNEY HAS JUST BEGUN
a) Some Men Despised Saul (1 Samuel 10:27)
They did not bring him honour. Being chosen by God does not mean universal acceptance.
b) Saul Held His Peace
He did not retaliate. True leaders understand that not every insult deserves a response.
c) Approval Comes Through Testing, Not Titles
God watches how we handle power, people, and pressure. Saul’s real test was still ahead.
d) Don’t Mistake Oil for Endorsement
Many fall because they confuse an early anointing with final approval. God looks for faithfulness over time.
Biblical Example: Paul told Timothy not to elevate novices to leadership, lest they fall into pride and condemnation (1 Timothy 3:6).
CONCLUSION:
The rise of Saul teaches us a powerful lesson: God may anoint you today, but He watches your process before giving full approval. Saul had potential, position, and power, but his heart still needed shaping. Anointing is a divine beginning, not the destination. It's the start of a journey into greater responsibility, humility, and obedience.
In our time, many are called and gifted, but not all are proven. The Church must not elevate the anointed without watching their fruit. God uses seasons to test our character, shape our motives, and mature our hearts. Like Saul, many are anointed—but only those who remain submitted, teachable, and obedient will be approved. Don’t rush the process. Let the God who anoints you also prepare you for the throne.
