The Dedicated Life (4)

Definition

Dedication

66 The Cost of Dedication

Luke 14:25–35

God wants dedication from all His children. As we dedicate ourselves to Him, we will make Him our Lord and Master and He will have first place in our lives. Perhaps we could say that dedication is to sign our name at the bottom of the page and allow Him to fill in what He wishes.

1. THE COST OF DEDICATION—vv. 25–27

2. THE CONSIDERATION OF DEDICATION—vv. 28–32

3. THE COMPLETE DEDICATION—vv. 33–35

Some people may dedicate part of their lives to God. However, God wants all of the person! No one can truly be happy until he has dedicated himself fully unto the Lord!1

1 Pentz, C. M. (1972). 150 Expository Sermon Outlines (pp. 41–42). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

36 Complete Dedication

Joshua 14:8

Though Caleb was eighty-five years old, yet he had complete dedication unto the Lord. The older we become as Christians, the more dedicated we should be. Though he was old, Caleb nevertheless had the desire and ambition to take the mountain for God—Joshua 14:12.

Note the three-fold dedication:

1. COMPLETE SPIRITUAL DEDICATION

2. COMPLETE PHYSICAL DEDICATION When you are completely dedicated to God, you will: (1) Read your Bible daily, (2) Pray daily, (3) Attend church, and (4) Witness for the Lord.1

1 Pentz, C. M. (1972). 150 Expository Sermon Outlines (p. 28). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

3. COMPLETE MATERIAL DEDICATION

To Pour Oneself Out as To Dedicate Oneself — To dedicate oneself to something is conceptualized as pouring oneself out.1

1 (2016). The Lexham Figurative Language of the New Testament Dataset. In J. R. Westbury, J. Thompson, K. A. Lyle, & J. Parks (Eds.), Lexham Figurative Language of the Bible Glossary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

DEDICATION.—The idea of withdrawing (persons, places, things) from a common and setting apart to a sacred use, which seems to be the original connotation of the important Sem. root קדשׁ, is embodied in various expressions of EV, such as consecrate, dedicate, devote, hallow (holy, etc.), sanctify. Of the first two we may say that the general usage is to apply ‘consecrate’ and ‘consecration’ to the setting apart of persons, and ‘dedicate’ and ‘dedication’ to the setting apart of things. Accordingly, we read of silver being ‘dedicated unto J″ ’ (Jg 17:3), so that it could no longer be used for other than sacred purposes, of ‘vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass (נְחשֶׁת)’ so dedicated or set apart by David (2 S 8:10, 11 = 1 Ch 18:10, 11, 1 K 7:51 = 2 Ch 5:1), just as we read of the dedication of a bowl ‘of the first (quality) of copper (נְחשֶׁת)’ to Baal-Lebanon (CIS, Tab. iv.; cf. Mesha’s inscription, lines 17, 18, כְּלֵי יהוה vessels of J″ dedicated to Chemosh). The same Heb. word is used of the dedication of the ‘tent of meeting’ (Ex 29:44,1

1 Kennedy, A. R. S. (1911–1912). DEDICATION. In J. Hastings, J. A. Selbie, A. B. Davidson, S. R. Driver, & H. B. Swete (Eds.), A Dictionary of the Bible: Dealing with Its Language, Literature, and Contents Including the Biblical Theology (Vol. 1, p. 585). New York; Edinburgh: Charles Scribner’s Sons; T. & T. Clark.

  2. The Spoils for the Treasury (1 Chronicles 26:26–28)

“Treasures of the dedicated things” (1 Chronicles 26:26). Many spoils of battle were dedicated to the Lord and needed treasurers to care for them. Some were things David (1 Chronicles 26:26) had dedicated, others were dedicated by “Samuel … Saul … Abner … and Joab” (1 Chronicles 26:28). These names mentioned are a contrast. That David and Samuel are recorded as dedicating spoils of battle is not surprising, but we would never have suspected that Saul, Abner and Joab had dedicated anything to the Lord had not Scripture informed us.1

1 Butler, J. G. (2012). Analytical Bible Expositor: I Kings to II Chronicles (p. 471). Clinton, IA: LBC Publications.

  8223

dedication

The single-minded devoting of a person, object or action to the honour of God.

Personal dedication to God must be wholehearted

Jos 22:5 See also Dt 10:20; Jos 24:14-15; 1Ch 28:9; Ne 10:28-29; Ps 119:106; Mt 22:37 pp Mk 12:30 pp Lk 10:27; Dt 6:5

OT dedication to the worship and service of God

Dedication of individuals Nu 6:1-8 See also Jdg 13:5,7; 16:17; 1Sa 1:11; Pr 20:251

1 Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. London: Martin Manser.

1ded•i•cate \ˈde-di-kət\ adjective

[Middle English, from Latin dedicatus, past participle of dedicare to dedicate, from de- + dicare to proclaim, dedicate—more at diction] 14th century: dedicated 1

2ded•i•cate \ˈde-di-ˌkāt also ˈde-ˌdē-\ verb transitive

-cat•ed; -cat•ing 15th century

1: to devote to the worship of a divine being specifically: to set apart (a church) to sacred uses with solemn rites

2 a: to set apart to a definite use 〈money dedicated to their vacation fund〉

b: to commit to a goal or way of life 〈ready to dedicate his life to public service〉

3: to inscribe or address by way of compliment 〈dedicate a book to a friend〉

4: to open to public use synonym see devote—ded•i•ca•tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun

ded•i•cat•ed adjective

circa 1600

1: devoted to a cause, ideal, or purpose: zealous 〈a dedicated scholar〉

2: given over to a particular purpose 〈a dedicated Web server〉—ded•i•cat•ed•ly adverb1

1 Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc.

1. The Dedication in the Praise (Psalm 71:14)

The dedication of the psalmist to praise God is expressed at the beginning of this section.

• The expectation in the dedication. “But I will hope continually” (Psalm 71:14). The psalmist shows honor for God by continually hoping in God’s help. Faith honors God, and hope in God is great faith in God.

• The exaltation in the dedication. “I will … yet praise thee more and more” (Psalm 71:14). Too many of us are less and less in our honor of God but the psalmist wants to improve his dedication to the Lord1

1 Butler, J. G. (2012). Psalms (Vol. 6, p. 405). Clinton, IA: LBC Publications.

  What does it mean to be dedicated to God?

bible reading: 2 Chronicles 7:1–22

key bible verse: King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. And so the king and all the people dedicated the Temple of God. (2 Chronicles 7:5)

God’s purposes become our priorities. The temple was dedicated to God, and Solomon and the people prepared to worship him. Dedication means setting apart a place, an object, or a person for an exclusive purpose. The purpose of this dedication was to set apart the temple as a special place to worship God. Today, our bodies are God’s temple (2 Corinthians 6:16). Solomon’s dedication of the temple shows us that we should dedicate ourselves to carry out God’s special purpose (Ephesians 1:11–12)1

1 Wilson, N. S. (2000). In The Handbook of Bible application (p. 139). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

  B. Dedication Defined: Give Everything (14:25–35)

SUPPORTING IDEA: Dedication to God has no limits; cross bearing means total sacrifice of everything.

14:25–27. The more Jesus isolated the Jewish leaders, the larger the crowds who followed. Jesus taught them as well as his disciples (cf. 8:10). Following Jesus has consequences. It isolates and separates you from those closest to you. Dedication to Jesus means rejection of any who are not dedicated to him. Dedication to Jesus means rejecting self-interest and personal fortunes. Discipleship is a full-time commitment. Nothing should modify, interrupt, or compete with it. (On hatred of family and self, see “Deeper Discoveries.”)

Jesus again (see 9:23) used the image of cross bearing to illustrate what he meant by absolute dedication. Dedication to Jesus is a life-long commitment to follow the road that leads to death. Persons in the crowd who sought power, responsibility, food, health, fame, or fortune could quit now. Earthly rewards were not in view. Dedication to Christ is dedication to crucifixion. Rewards come only in the next world, with the resurrection (see 14:141

1 Butler, T. C. (2000). Luke (Vol. 3, p. 238). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

  7. The Continuity in the Dedication (Exodus 29:29)

The dedication service was to be practiced each time a new high priest or other priests were added to the priesthood. The garments are especially noted here. “The holy garments of Aaron shall be his sons’ after him, to be anointed therein, and to be consecrated in them” (Exodus 29:29). The high priest who followed Aaron was to be dedicated in the same garments in which Aaron was dedicated (cp. Numbers 20:28 and Eleazar’s [Aaron’s replacement] wearing of these robes).

8. The Consecration in the Dedication (Exodus 29:36, 37)

The consecration of all involved is commanded.

• The sacrifices for the consecration. “Thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement” (Exodus 29:36). Consecration is not apart from sacrifices. Our modern saints would like to leave out sacrificing.

• The sanctifying in the consecration. “To sanctify it” (Exodus 29:36). Emphasis is again made about the cleansing need for service.

• The seven days for the consecration. “Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar” (Exodus 29:37). Consecration takes time. “Take time to be holy” is more than a song, it is a principle.

• The stipulation in the consecration. “Whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy” (Exodus 29:37). “Shall be holy” is often translated “must be holy” (cp. Haggai 2:11–13). Holiness is required to serve the Lord.1

1 Butler, J. G. (2008). Analytical Bible Expositor: Exodus (p. 243). Clinton, IA: LBC Publications.

  2. The Proof From Dedication (2 Samuel 8:11)

“David did dedicate unto the Lord” (2 Samuel 8:11).

David dedicated his spoils of victory to Jehovah God. Dedicating the spoils of victory to the Lord proved David’s devotion to the Lord.

No king of Israel was more devoted to Jehovah God than David was as his gifts demonstrate.

David’s love for the Lord was proven in his gifts.

Some say they love the Lord but their giving says otherwise.

We give where and when we love—“God so loved the world … that he gave” (John 3:16).

3. The Portion for Dedication (2 Samuel 8:10, 11)

“Brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass … David did dedicate unto the Lord, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued” (2 Samuel 8:10, 11). David did not tithe! David gave much more than a tithe. The language of the text does not show David giving a small portion to God but rather giving a large portion, if not all. We realize that few can put all their income in the offering plate, for they must provide for their personal and family needs—an incumbent duty from God (1 Timothy 5:8). But much emphasis in giving today is unacceptable because it emphasizes too little giving. A tithe was only for Israel and they had much more to give than a tithe. A tithe is where it started not where it finished. The example of giving which Jesus pointed out was of a widow who gave her all (Luke 21:4), not some person who regularly gave a tenth of his income. The work of God crawls when it could run full speed ahead if people were as dedicated in giving as David was.1

1 Butler, J. G. (2010). Analytical Bible Expositor: I & II Samuel (pp. 688–689). Clinton, IA: LBC Publications.

  B. The Dedication of the Walls

Nehemiah 12:27–43

Sometime after the walls were completed a great dedication service was held in Jerusalem. Waiting until after the city had been increased in population before the dedication service assured the dedication ceremony of great attendance and more honor. Nehemiah was in charge of the dedication ceremony.

1. The Preparation for the Dedication (Nehemiah 12:27, 30)

Much preparation was done for the dedication ceremony.

• The seeking in the preparation. “They sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps” (Nehemiah 12:27). The Levites were sought to furnish music for the dedication ceremony. This was their task. The music was to praise God, thank God, and produce gladness. The dedication was to be a time of rejoicing for what God had done in building the wall around the city.

• The sanctification in the preparation. “The priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the walls” (Nehemiah 12:30). Some of this purification would be ceremonial especially in the case of the walls. But the message is that purification is essential for any special service for the Lord. Purity is one of the main qualifications for service.

2. The Procession in the Dedication (Nehemiah 12:31–39)

A procession of people on the walls was a major part of the dedication ceremony.

• The companies in the procession. Nehemiah divided the people into “two great companies” (Nehemiah 12:31) for the procession. First, the chiefs of the companies. The two men to lead the two companies were “Ezra” (Nehemiah 12:36) who represented the spiritual and “Nehemiah” (Nehemiah 12:38) who represented the secular (civic). Second, the composition of the companies. The two companies were composed of “princes” (Nehemiah 12:31) and musicians (Nehemiah 12:31) equally divided (Nehemiah 12:32). No laity are recorded in the companies although they could have been in the procession.

• The courses in the procession. The course of the two companies was upon the walls. The walls were wide enough for people to walk upon. Nineveh, as an example, was said to have walls wide enough drive several chariots side by side on the top of the walls. The width of the wall made it stronger than just a row of blocks, and it made it better for security with watches being able to watch from the walls without difficulty. First, the dividing of the courses. “One [company] went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate … the other company … went over against them [in the opposite direction]” (Nehemiah 12:31, 38). The two companies met near the Prison Gate (Nehemiah 12:39) on the other side of Jerusalem. Then they went together to the Temple (Nehemiah 12:40). Second, the description of the courses. Nehemiah describes some of the scenery near the walls which corresponds to Nehemiah 3. Some of the scenes included the “stairs of the city of David … the house of David” (Nehemiah 12:37), “The tower of the furnaces … broad wall … tower of Hananeel … tower of Meah” (Nehemiah 12:38, 39).1

1 Butler, J. G. (2012). Analytical Bible Expositor: Ezra to Job (pp. 178–180). Clinton, IA: LBC Publications.

Actually, dedication or willingness to do anything is more important than discovering your spiritual gift(s). The passage on gifts in Ephesians 4 begins with an exhortation to a worthy life and lowly walk (vv. 1–2). The extended discussion on gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 is preceded in that letter by several exhortations to dedication (3:16; 6:19–20; 10:31). And the passage in Romans 12 begins with that great call to dedication of life in verses 1 and 2. One who is not dedicated will never discover all the abilities God has given1

1 Ryrie, C. C. (1999). Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth (pp. 428–429). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

  a. the dedication of the priests

Exodus 29:1–35

The great portion of Exodus 29 concerns the dedication of the priests to their work.

1. The Command for the Dedication (Exodus 29:1–3, 35)

“This is the thing that thou shalt do unto them … thus shalt thou do unto Aaron, and his sons, according to all things which I have commanded thee” (Exodus 29:1, 35). The dedication of the priests was initiated and commanded and ordered by God. He decided the details about the dedication.

• The separating in the command. “To hallow them” (Exodus 29:1). The word translated hallow has a great variety of meanings. Here it means to set apart, to separate from the others for the duty of the priesthood.

• The service in the command. “To minister unto me in the priest’s office” (Exodus 29:1). We noted in the last chapter that all service is primarily for the Lord. Here this great truth is reiterated. We need to remember that in our service we are first serving God, then man.

• The supplies in the command. “Take … bullock, and two rams … unleavened bread … and cakes” etc. (Exodus 29:1–3). The command gives a list of supplies needed for the dedication service. They included animals and bread and flour and oil, all of which would be used in the sacrifices in the service of dedication to the priesthood of Aaron and his sons.

• The span in the command. “Seven days shalt thou consecrate them” (Exodus 29:35). The dedication service was to last a week. Today we would have trouble getting people to stay the whole week, for people today cannot endure much time in spiritual matters.

2. The Cleansing for the Dedication (Exodus 29:4)

“Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water” (Exodus 29:4). Before the dedication ceremony began, the people called of God to be priests had to be cleansed.

• The site of the cleansing. “Bring unto the door of the tabernacle” (Exodus 29:4). The cleansing occurred where their service was to occur. They were to be clean to serve.

• The symbol in the cleansing. Cleansing before service is in principle necessary for all service. Unholiness will destroy and corrupt service quickly. We need a better emphasis today on the purity of the servants of God in our churches.

3. The Clothing for the Dedication (Exodus 29:5–9)

“Thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron … and thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put bonnets on them” (Exodus 29:5, 9). Detailed instructions were given regarding the clothing of Aaron and his sons for the dedication ceremony.

• The attire in the clothing. “Take the garments … mitre” (Exodus 29:5, 6). The first clothing is that of Aaron the high priest. His garments were more glorious and ornate, and his position was of higher rank than the other priests.

• The anointing with the clothing. “Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him” (Exodus 29:7). The anointing occurred after the attiring. In principle it still does. We must be prepared properly before God anoints us with His power.

• The assistants in the clothing. “Thou shalt bring his sons, and put coats upon them” (Exodus 29:8). Aaron’s assistants were his sons. They, too, were to be clothed in their proper dress for this special ceremony. As we have noted, their clothing was not nearly as ornate as Aaron’s clothing. They were dressed more humbly. Not everyone likes to be dressed humbly to serve the Lord, but it is a Divine requirement for most of us.

4. The Confirmation in the Dedication (Exodus 29:9)

“Thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.” This is a repeat of the orders already given, but the repeating confirms the command for consecration and calling. God will confirm our calling when we are obedient to it.

5. The Ceremony for the Dedication (Exodus 29:10–18)

A large section of Exodus 29 (verses 10 through 18) give details regarding the ceremony for the dedication. The details especially focus on the sacrificing of two animals.1

1 Butler, J. G. (2008). Analytical Bible Expositor: Exodus (pp. 240–242). Clinton, IA: LBC Publications.

(b) Dedication. Sanctification includes both a separation from and a dedication to; it is “the condition of believers as they are separated from sin and the world and made partakers of the Divine nature, and consecrated to the fellowship and service of God through the Mediator.” The word “holy” is used mainly in connection with worship. When applied to men or things it expresses the thought that they are used in His service and dedicated to Him, in a special sense His property. Israel is a holy nation because dedicated to the service of Jehovah; the Levites are holy because specially dedicated to the services of the tabernacle; the Sabbath and feast days are holy because they represent the dedication or consecration of time to God.

Pearlman, Myer. Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible . BookMasters. Kindle Edition. 

Dictionary of Bible Themes 8223 dedication

The single-minded devoting of a person, object or action to the honour of God.