Dedicating What Belongs To God Series

DEDICATING WHAT BELONGS TO GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 8:1-66

Supporting Texts: 2 Chronicles 6:12-42; Romans 12:1; Psalm 132:7-9; Hebrews 13:15; John 2:17

INTRODUCTION:

1 Kings 8 is one of the most powerful and spiritually charged chapters in the Old Testament. After years of preparation, building, and finishing, Solomon gathered the people of Israel to dedicate the completed temple to the Lord. The ark of the covenant was brought in, sacrifices were made in great numbers, and Solomon led the people in heartfelt prayer and worship.

This chapter teaches us that what is built for God must be formally committed to God. Dedication is not a mere ceremony—it is a spiritual act of submission, recognition, and consecration. Solomon did not take the glory for himself; he acknowledged that everything they had done was by God’s help and for God’s glory.

Through Solomon’s dedication, we also learn that God responds when we worship with sincerity, humility, and honour. He fills what is yielded to Him with His presence and power.

1. TRUE DEDICATION INVITES GOD’S PRESENCE TO DWELL PERMANENTLY

When the ark was brought in, the glory of the Lord filled the house.

a) “The cloud filled the house of the Lord… for the glory of the Lord filled the house.” (1 Kings 8:10-11)

Dedication is not complete until God responds with His presence.

b) God only dwells where He is welcomed and honoured

The temple was not just a building; it was God’s earthly throne.

c) Without the ark (God’s presence), the temple would have been empty religious architecture

True success is when God chooses to dwell.

d) Our churches, ministries, and lives must be places where God is pleased to dwell

He does not inhabit pride or performance, but humility and honour.

Biblical Example: The tabernacle was filled with glory when Moses completed it as God commanded (Exodus 40:33-35).

2. DEDICATION IS AN ACT OF GRATITUDE AND HUMBLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Solomon gave glory to God, not himself.

a) “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who spoke with His mouth to my father David…” (1 Kings 8:15)

He recognised that all achievements were the fulfilment of God’s word.

b) Every finished divine assignment must end in thanksgiving, not self-praise

Solomon acknowledged both prophecy and performance.

c) Gratitude sanctifies the work and ensures we don’t fall into pride

God responds to a grateful heart.

d) Humility in success keeps us under God’s favour and covering

Solomon’s words were seasoned with honour.

Biblical Example: Mary gave all praise to God for choosing her to birth Christ (Luke 1:46-49).

3. A DEDICATED HOUSE MUST BE MARKED BY FERVENT PRAYER

Solomon led a long, passionate prayer of dedication.

a) “Hear in heaven Your dwelling place; and when You hear, forgive.” (1 Kings 8:30)

The temple was meant to be a house of prayer, not a museum.

b) Dedication means setting something apart as a place for divine communication

Solomon asked God to respond to prayers made in or toward the temple.

c) Our homes, churches, and hearts should be established as prayer altars

The prayer of dedication should also be the lifestyle after dedication.

d) God honours the prayers of those who approach Him with sincerity and faith

Solomon’s intercession covered every possible situation—sin, war, famine, exile, and repentance.

Biblical Example: Jesus quoted Isaiah and rebuked those who turned the temple into a market—“My house shall be called a house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13).

4. A DEDICATED LIFE OR PLACE MUST REMAIN CONSECRATED

Solomon prayed that both the people and the place would remain holy.

a) “That all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no other.” (1 Kings 8:60)

Dedication is about making a place or person a witness to the world.

b) What is dedicated must remain set apart and not defiled later by carelessness

The temple would later be defiled by idolatry—something Solomon warned against.

c) Consecration is not a moment; it’s a lifestyle

What we give to God, we must not take back for ourselves.

d) God will not continue to dwell where sin is tolerated

Holiness protects what has been dedicated.

Biblical Example: Nadab and Abihu were struck down for defiling holy service with strange fire (Leviticus 10:1-2).

5. CELEBRATION IS PART OF DEDICATION, BUT GOD MUST REMAIN THE FOCUS

The people rejoiced and celebrated the dedication with reverence.

a) “They held a feast… before the Lord… and went to their tents joyful and glad of heart.” (1 Kings 8:65–66)

Joy is a proper response when we see the fulfilment of God’s promises.

b) Our celebrations must always return the glory to God, not to human effort

Solomon gave sacrifices beyond counting, but God remained the focus.

c) Every celebration that honours God results in lasting joy and peace