When God Responds To Our Dedication Series

WHEN GOD RESPONDS TO OUR DEDICATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 9:1-28

Supporting Texts: 2 Chronicles 7:11-22; Deuteronomy 28:1-14, 15-68; Matthew 7:24-27; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Revelation 2:4-5

INTRODUCTION:

After Solomon completed the building of the temple and his royal palace, God appeared to him a second time. This was a direct response to the intense dedication and prayer Solomon had offered in the previous chapter. However, God’s response was both affirming and sobering. While He accepted the temple and confirmed His willingness to dwell there, He also laid down conditions for continued favour and warned of the consequences of unfaithfulness.

This chapter reminds us that God does not only delight in beginnings—He watches over how we continue. Dedication is not the end of the journey; it is the beginning of a covenant walk that demands consistency, obedience, and integrity.

We must understand that God responds to our spiritual commitments with promises, but also with expectations. Our responsibility is to walk in obedience if we want to sustain His presence and blessings.

1. GOD CONFIRMS HIS PRESENCE WHERE TRUE DEDICATION IS MADE

The Lord appeared to Solomon and declared that He had heard his prayer.

a) “I have heard your prayer and your supplication… I have consecrated this house.” (1 Kings 9:3)

When we genuinely dedicate something to God, He receives it.

b) God does not ignore sincere prayers of consecration

Solomon’s prayer was not in vain; God responded visibly.

c) God’s confirmation brings assurance and peace

He declared that His Name, eyes, and heart would be there continually.

d) The place of divine response becomes a spiritual landmark

The temple became the national altar because of God’s approval.

Biblical Example: When Elijah prayed on Mount Carmel, fire fell as a divine response (1 Kings 18:36-38).

2. CONTINUED BLESSING DEPENDS ON CONSISTENT OBEDIENCE

God made it clear that Solomon’s continued success depended on walking in His statutes.

a) “If you walk before Me as your father David walked… then I will establish your throne.” (1 Kings 9:4-5)

Past obedience is not a licence for future disobedience.

b) God honours covenant faithfulness over time, not just emotional moments

Obedience is the foundation for sustained legacy.

c) A great start must be followed by daily faithfulness

The temple would only remain glorious if the people remained obedient.

d) Spiritual leadership demands integrity in both private and public life

Solomon was reminded to follow David’s example in wholehearted devotion.

Biblical Example: King Asa began well but later turned from the Lord and lost favour (2 Chronicles 16:7-10).

3. DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES, EVEN TO SACRED PLACES

God warned that if Israel turned away, even the temple would be rejected.

a) “If you or your sons turn away… then I will cut off Israel… and this house… I will cast out of My sight.” (1 Kings 9:6-7)

No place, person, or promise is above divine judgement.

b) The glory of a place does not preserve it when the people defile it

The temple was not an idol; it was subject to God's holiness.

c) Sin turns what was once holy into a reproach

God warned that people would mock the temple if they forsook Him.

d) The presence of God departs from those who persist in rebellion

Privilege must not be mistaken for immunity.

Biblical Example: Ichabod was named after the glory departed from Israel due to sin (1 Samuel 4:21).

4. LEADERS MUST BEWARE OF COMPROMISE AFTER SUCCESS

After the dedication, Solomon entered various alliances and expanded his wealth.

a) “King Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities… but they did not please him.” (1 Kings 9:10-14)

Solomon’s dealings lacked earlier spiritual zeal.

b) Compromise can begin subtly through wealth, comfort, and politics

Solomon’s generosity to Hiram seemed strategic but displeased both man and God.

c) Prosperity without discernment leads to loss of spiritual favour

This marked the beginning of Solomon’s slide from spiritual sensitivity.

d) Leaders must guard their hearts after major victories or spiritual milestones

The test after success is often greater than the test before it.

Biblical Example: King Uzziah was marvellously helped until he became strong, then pride ruined him (2 Chronicles 26:15-21).

5. WORKING FOR GOD MUST BE BALANCED WITH A HEART THAT STAYS WITH GOD

Solomon continued building projects but there is a noticeable shift from spiritual to civil emphasis.

a) “All the work of Solomon… the house of the Lord, his house, the wall of Jerusalem…” (1 Kings 9:15)

He was still active, but spiritual passion seemed less central.

b) Serving God outwardly must not replace loving God inwardly

The temple was complete, but the man who built it needed renewal.

c) God is not only watching our hands—He watches our hearts

Work for God is meaningless if our hearts drift away from Him.

d) Every believer must learn to guard their devotion while fulfilling responsibilities