Topical Bible: Dedication of Property often Perverted

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The dedication of property to God is a practice rooted in the ancient traditions of Israel, where individuals would consecrate their possessions for religious purposes. This act was intended to honor God and support the work of the temple and the priesthood. However, throughout biblical history, there are instances where the dedication of property was perverted, either through insincere motives or outright deceit.

Biblical Context

In the Old Testament, the dedication of property is often associated with vows and offerings. Leviticus 27 outlines the laws regarding vows and the dedication of persons, animals, houses, and fields to the Lord. The chapter provides specific instructions on how these dedications should be valued and redeemed if necessary. The intention was to ensure that dedications were made sincerely and with respect for God's holiness.

Perverted Dedications

One of the most notable examples of perverted dedication is found in the New Testament account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. This couple sold a piece of property and deceitfully withheld part of the proceeds while claiming to have given the entire amount to the apostles. Their actions were not only dishonest but also a direct affront to the Holy Spirit. Peter confronted them, saying, "You have not lied to men, but to God" (Acts 5:4). The severe consequence of their deceit was immediate death, serving as a stark warning against insincere dedication.

Old Testament Warnings

The prophets frequently condemned the misuse of religious practices, including the dedication of property. In Isaiah 1:11-17, God expresses His disdain for empty rituals and offerings that are not accompanied by genuine righteousness and justice. The prophet Amos also speaks against those who exploit religious practices for personal gain, declaring, "I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies" (Amos 5:21). These passages highlight the importance of sincerity and integrity in dedicating property to God.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The perversion of property dedication reflects broader moral and ethical issues addressed throughout Scripture. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and the proper use of wealth. Proverbs 3:9-10 encourages believers to "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine" . This principle underscores the belief that true dedication involves a heart aligned with God's purposes.

Contemporary Reflections

In contemporary Christian practice, the dedication of property can take various forms, such as tithing, offerings, and charitable giving. The lessons from Scripture serve as a reminder that these acts should be carried out with genuine devotion and transparency. The account of Ananias and Sapphira, along with the prophetic warnings, calls believers to examine their motives and ensure that their dedications are not perverted by selfish desires or deceit.

The dedication of property, when done with a sincere heart, remains a powerful expression of faith and commitment to God's work. However, the biblical accounts of perversion serve as a cautionary tale, urging believers to uphold the integrity and sanctity of their offerings.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 7:9-13
And he said to them, Full well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

the Nature of this Oversight
... God, before they are sanctified by hearty dedication as the ... to monasteries, and cast
away property, yet we ... How often have carnal hearers gone home jeering at ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature.htm

Introduction. Chapter i. --Life of S. Cyril.
... at Jerusalem in the year 335, for the dedication of the ... on the charge of having sold
the property of the ... of the province, and that he has very often fought a ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction chapter i life of s.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... 580]460; they who fall under, often themselves insensible ... 856]339; Christ's ascending,
the dedication of the ... Lord's words about these latter perverted by, [866 ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

On the Councils, Or, the Faith of the Easterns.
... not attribute to you; you had been too often warned ... the unbegotten likeness did not
relinquish the property of His ... held on the occasion of the Dedication of the ...
/.../the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/on the councils or the.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... in the general wreck of monastic property at the ... upon the border of the metal; but
often, instead of ... plango, fulgura frango,' &c., or the dedication to Virgin ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

The General Conference of 1828
... which was prefaced by an epistolary dedication to the ... in despite of all our better
convictions, too often exist among ... the persons or to tax the property of our ...
/.../chapter 9 the general conference.htm

Footnotes
... 91 [It appears from the dedication prefixed to the "Theses ... the disputs, he bracke
Priscian's head verry often, for Mr ... county of Ayr, is now the property of John ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm