Sermon Central
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Showing Up, But Fired! When Disobedience Costs You Your Anointing
Contributed by Frederick Tanner on Nov 13, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Have you ever known someone who still showed up for work every day, dressed right, on time, doing all the motions, but the truth is, they’d already been fired? The title and position might still say “employed,” but the authority and favor behind the role are long gone.
Saul was chosen by God, anointed by Samuel, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. He had divine backing, heavenly authority, and public favor. But one act of disobedience changed everything. God gave Saul a command, destroy Amalek completely, but Saul did it his way, not God’s way. He kept what looked good to him and claimed it was for God. But God said, “I reject you, Saul.”
You can be called and still lose your covering if you stop obeying God.
You can still wear the robe, still hold the mic, still walk in the building, but if obedience is missing, the oil begins to dry up.
Point 1: Disobedience Dulls the Anointing
When Saul disobeyed, something shifted in the atmosphere. The anointing that once brought victory now brought confusion. The same man who once heard God’s voice clearly now only heard silence. When you stop listening, Heaven stops speaking.
You can’t operate in old oil. Yesterday’s anointing won’t carry you through today’s battle. Saul’s mistake was thinking that the title guaranteed the oil, but the oil follows obedience, not position.
You might still be standing where you were anointed, but if your heart has drifted, the Spirit will not dwell in rebellion.
Point 2: You Can Still Be in the Palace but Fired in the Spirit
Saul still had the throne, still gave orders, still looked the part, but he was empty on the inside. That’s what happens when you keep showing up, but the presence of God is no longer backing you.
You can sing, but there’s no shift in the room.
You can preach, but the words don’t pierce the heart.
You can serve, but the joy is gone.
Why? Because when obedience leaves, the anointing lifts. Saul didn’t even realize God had already chosen another, a shepherd boy named David, someone after His own heart.
Point 3: You Can Recover What’s Lost Through Repentance
The difference between Saul and David wasn’t perfection, it was repentance. Saul defended his disobedience; David fell on his face. Saul made excuses; David made confession.
Disobedience may cost you something, but repentance can restore what you’ve lost. You may feel like the oil stopped flowing, but if you humble yourself and return to obedience, God can anoint you again.
There’s still hope for those who say, “Lord, not my will, but Yours be done.”
Tell somebody “I may have messed up, but I’m not giving up!”
I may have lost my way, but I’m coming back to obedience!
I’m not showing up empty anymore I want the oil back!
Because where there’s obedience, there’s anointing…
Where there’s submission, there’s power…
And where there’s humility, there’s restoration!
