Faithfulness, a central theme in the Bible, is often demonstrated through the careful stewardship and protection of things dedicated to God. This aspect of faithfulness is evident in various biblical narratives and laws, where individuals and communities are called to honor their commitments to God by safeguarding what has been consecrated to Him.

Old Testament Examples

1. The Tabernacle and Temple: The Israelites were instructed to construct the Tabernacle as a dwelling place for God among His people. The Levites were appointed to care for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, demonstrating faithfulness in their sacred duties. In Numbers 3:7-8 , it is written, "They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, doing the work of the tabernacle. They are to take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting, fulfilling the duties of the Israelites as they perform the work of the tabernacle."

2. The Ark of the Covenant: The Ark, representing God's presence, required careful handling and protection. In 1 Samuel 7:1 , we see the men of Kiriath-jearim faithfully taking the Ark to the house of Abinadab and consecrating Eleazar his son to guard it: "So the men of Kiriath-jearim came for the Ark of the LORD and took it into the house of Abinadab on the hill. And they consecrated his son Eleazar to guard the Ark of the LORD."

3. Offerings and Sacrifices: The Israelites were commanded to bring offerings and sacrifices to the Lord, which were to be handled with utmost care and reverence. Leviticus 22:2 instructs, "Tell Aaron and his sons to treat with respect the sacred offerings the Israelites consecrate to me, so they will not profane my holy name. I am the LORD."

New Testament Insights

1. The Early Church: In the New Testament, the early church exhibited faithfulness in the care of resources dedicated to God. Acts 4:34-35 describes how believers sold their possessions and laid the proceeds at the apostles' feet for distribution: "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need."

2. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries: The Apostle Paul emphasizes the faithful use of spiritual gifts and ministries for the edification of the church. In 1 Corinthians 4:2 , he writes, "Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful."

Principles of Faithfulness in Dedicated Things

· Reverence and Respect: Faithfulness in the care of dedicated things begins with a deep reverence for God and His holiness. This reverence is reflected in the meticulous care and respect shown towards sacred objects and offerings.

· Stewardship and Responsibility: Those entrusted with dedicated things are called to be responsible stewards, ensuring that these items are used in accordance with God's purposes and commands.

· Community and Accountability: The care of dedicated things often involves the community of believers, who hold each other accountable in maintaining the sanctity and purpose of what has been set apart for God.

· Faithfulness as Worship: The careful handling of dedicated things is an act of worship, acknowledging God's sovereignty and expressing devotion to Him through obedience and diligence.

Throughout Scripture, the faithful care of dedicated things serves as a testament to the believer's commitment to God, reflecting a heart aligned with His will and a life devoted to His service.2 Chronicles 31:12
And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... is to make us familiar with those types exhibited in the ... God, and of the treasuries
of the dedicated things: also for ... they lived upon the bounty and care of God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Women of the Frankish Church
... the land, intrusted her to the care of Golo ... his repeated attempts on her conjugal
faithfulness, accused her ... somewhat less ferocious than those exhibited by the ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/viii women of the frankish.htm

Preface by the Editor.
... to follow the like freedom and faithfulness in discharge of ... did not accompany it,
he took care at least ... important truths he inculcated were exhibited, may have ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/preface by the editor.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ...
... sixty, and the school, now under the care of William ... The faithfulness with which
he discharged his duties in this ... William Ross is not exhibited as a great man ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... we say, that all they [the papists] err foully, and speak things unworthy the ... thinking
seriously of present amendment, and of a continual care of innocency and ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

Another Wonderful Record of 25.
... I am trusting in God to take care of a ... face, she replied: 'Oh, thank God for his
faithfulness! ... or, claim by the debtor, who exhibited unmistakable obstinacy ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/another wonderful record of 25 00.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... Care not for it: but, even if thou canst become free ... of the Gentiles, who have become
all things to all ... that virgin who has once for all dedicated herself to ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

The First Theban Empire
... Even in our own day things go on in much ... arduous, and the commissioners generally
took care to inform ... so fast that two chapels were built, dedicated to Hathor ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... and griffins of a singular delicacy and faithfulness to nature. ... He dedicated the
town to Artemis, and by means ... before the decree, and confiding the care of his ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... Noble men of approved faithfulness were selected, men of well-known ... tree be cut down,
because it had been dedicated to a ... Is it not a part of the care of the ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm

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