You Cannot Fight God: A Biblical Warning Against Attacking His Anointed

A Serious Spiritual Warning Against Fighting God 

In today's hypercritical world, full of opinions, social media debates, and viral criticism, many have unknowingly or knowingly crossed a spiritual line — it's become common to attack, slander, and undermine spiritual leaders. Fighting against God by attacking His anointed servants. Whether out of envy, misunderstanding, or misinformation, such actions are not only unwise but spiritually dangerous. But the Bible issues a sobering warning: "You cannot fight against God" (Acts 5:39). 

The Bible offers strong warnings against touching God's anointed or criticizing His prophets. Scripture shows us that God fiercely defends His servants—and those who oppose them may unknowingly be opposing God Himself. As believers, we must tread carefully and allow God to be the ultimate judge. This article explores powerful scriptures that remind us that: you cannot fight God and win. 

Let’s explore what the Bible says about this critical truth and why we must handle God’s anointed with wisdom and reverence. 

Biblical Truth: Touch Not My Anointed 

One of the most powerful declarations in the Bible comes from Psalm 105:15 (KJV) "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." 

This divine command is a warning to anyone who dares to oppose those whom God has set apart for His service. Whether it's a Prophet, Pastor, Evangelist, Apostle, Teacher, or any servant of God, speaking against them can be equivalent to speaking directly against God Himself. 

Many forget that God Himself commands us not to harm or slander His chosen servants. Whether you agree with their style, message, or methods, the instruction remains: do no harm to God's prophets.

1. Biblical Examples of Those Who Fought God’s Anointed (And What Happened) 

A. Saul (Paul) Persecuted Christians—Until God Stopped Him (Paul's Experience—a Warning to All) 

Saul, later known as the Apostle Paul, was once a zealous persecutor of Christians, thinking he was defending truth. But Jesus Himself confronted him on the road to Damascus, revealing that attacking God's people is equivalent to attacking God. The same is true today: persecuting a man or woman of God is a direct confrontation with the Lord. 

On the road to Damascus, he encountered Jesus in a life-changing revelation (Acts 9:4–5 KJV) “And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” 

Here, Jesus equates persecution of His followers with persecution of Himself. If you are criticizing or opposing a true man or woman of God, you may unknowingly be fighting against the very presence of Christ. 

- Acts 9:4-5 – Jesus asked Saul, "Why do you persecute Me?" 

- Lesson: When you attack God’s people, you attack Christ Himself. 

B. David Refused to Harm Saul—Even When He Had the Chance (David’s Example: Respect for God’s Anointed) 

In 2 Samuel 1:14 (KJV), David confronted a man who had killed King Saul, God’s anointed. “And David said unto him, How wast thou not afraid to stretch forth thine hand to destroy the LORD’S anointed?” 

David refused to harm King Saul, even when he had the chance. Why? Because Saul was still God’s anointed. This sets an example for all believers today — fear God enough to respect those He has called. 

David understood that even when God’s leaders made mistakes, they were still appointed by God. We must show reverence to those God has placed in authority over us spiritually. 

- 2 Samuel 1:14 – David rebuked the Amalekite for killing "the Lord’s anointed." 

- Lesson: Even flawed leaders are under God’s protection.  

C. Miriam and Aaron Spoke Against Moses—And Faced Consequences (Moses’ Defense: Speaking Against God’s Servant) 

God defended His servant Moses from criticism by Miriam and Aaron in Numbers 12:8 (KJV): “With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” 

Miriam and Aaron, Moses' own family, were rebuked by God for speaking against him. This story reminds us that proximity to a servant of God does not grant permission to criticize. God defends His own. 

God does not take lightly to those who speak against His chosen messengers. He defends them personally because their calling comes from Him. 

- Numbers 12:8 – God defended Moses, asking, "Why were you not afraid to speak against My servant?" 

- Lesson: God takes accusations against His servants personally. 

D. A Heavenly Perspective: You Cannot Overthrow What God Has Ordained 

In Acts 5:38–39 (KJV), Gamaliel gives wise counsel: “But now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.” 

When the apostles were opposed by religious leaders, a wise man named Gamaliel advised caution. His reasoning was simple: if their work is truly of God, opposing them is a fight against God Himself, and that’s a fight no one can win. 

If something is truly from God, no human effort can stop it. Trying to oppose it only places you in direct conflict with Almighty God. 

E. Hebrews 10:31 – Falling Into the Hands of God 

Hebrews 10:31 (KJV) delivers a sobering truth: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” 

Criticizing God’s work or His people might seem harmless, but spiritually, it's a dangerous slope. It invites divine judgment. Instead of playing the judge, fear the Lord and honor His ways.

Those who persist in attacking God’s servants may soon find themselves facing divine judgment. God does not remain silent forever. 

F. Let God Speak for Himself 

Acts 23:9b (AKJV) “But if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.” 

When someone claims a divine encounter or call, we must approach the matter with spiritual discernment and caution — not reckless criticism. God is capable of defending His Word and His workers. You cannot fight for God by tearing down His people. 

2. Key Scriptures Warning Against Fighting God’s Anointed 

✔ Psalm 105:15 – "Touch not My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm." 

✔ Hebrews 10:31 – "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." 

✔ Acts 5:38-39 – "If it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you be found fighting against God."  

Key Takeaway: God does not take lightly when people attack His chosen vessels. 

3. Why You Should Stop Criticizing God’s Servants 

A. You Might Be Fighting God Without Realizing It 

- Just as Saul thought he was serving God by persecuting Christians, some today criticize ministers while believing they’re "exposing error." 

- Proverbs 21:30 – "No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord." 

B. God Judges Those Who Harm His Anointed 

- Jeremiah 23:1-2 – God pronounces judgment on shepherds who scatter His sheep. 

- 1 Chronicles 16:22 – "Do not touch My anointed ones; do My prophets no harm." 

C. If a Leader Is Wrong, God Will Deal With Them 

- Romans 14:4 – "Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls." 

- 1 Samuel 24:12 – David trusted God to judge Saul rather than taking matters into his own hands. 

4. Practical Application: What Should You Do Instead? 

Instead of criticizing or trying to tear down people of God, believers should:

• Pray for discernment 

• Respect God’s appointed leaders 

• Let God handle justice 

• Focus on personal growth in faith. 

✅ Pray for Leaders – Even if you disagree (1 Timothy 2:1-2). 

✅ Test Teachings by Scripture – Without attacking the person (Acts 17:11). 

✅ Leave Vengeance to God – "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay"  (Romans 12:19). 

We must remember that God fights for His own. Our job is not to attack but to build up, pray, and trust in the sovereignty of God. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

1. What does "touch not my anointed" mean? 

This phrase from Psalm 105:15 means that God protects those He has chosen and consecrated for His service. Anyone who harms or opposes them will face divine consequences. 

2. Can humans fight against God? 

No, the Bible clearly teaches that no one can successfully fight against God. As Acts 5:39 warns, doing so may result in fighting against God Himself. 

3. Who persecuted God’s prophets in the Bible? 

Saul (Paul), before his conversion, persecuted early Christians. Other examples include Jezebel’s persecution of Elijah and the Jewish leaders' rejection of John the Baptist and Jesus. 

4. What happens if you fight against God? 

Spiritual blindness, divine correction, and eternal consequences may follow. However, God is merciful and offers forgiveness to those who repent. 

Ultimately Reflections: 

A Call to Wisdom and Reverence 

In a time when criticism spreads faster than truth, believers must remember this eternal truth: you cannot fight God and win. If you truly believe someone is in error, pray — don’t persecute. Let the Word of God judge rightly. 

Stop the spiritual warfare against God's anointed. Let God speak. Let God defend. And let God be God. 

The Bible is clear: You cannot fight God and win. If a leader is truly anointed, God will defend them. If they’re in error, God will correct them. Our role is to pray, discern, and trust God’s justice—not take matters into our own hands. 

The Bible makes one thing very clear — you cannot fight against God. No matter how powerful or determined someone may seem, opposing God and His chosen vessels will always lead to destruction. 

You cannot fight against God and win. History, Scripture, and experience all confirm this truth. If you feel led to criticize a man or woman of God, pause and ask yourself — am I truly hearing from the Holy Spirit, or am I being deceived? 

Let this be a wake-up call: stop your mission of opposition, turn back to God, and allow Him to deal with hearts according to His will. 

Final Warning: "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." (Galatians 6:7). 

• If you found this article helpful, please share it with others who may need to hear this divine reminder — you cannot fight God and win. 

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By CovenantMedia