Psalm 111:1-3 Majesty 1x - #10 Our Great Savior vs, 1,2,5 #17 I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 Worthy of Worship 1,2,3 - #153 But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

Hebrews (part 16) Melchizedek and Christ A Great Comparison Hebrews 7:1-10 The Superiority of Christ

Hebrews 7:1-10 (ESV) 1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace.

Hebrews 7:1-10 (ESV) 3 He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. 4 See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils!

Hebrews 7:1-10 (ESV) 5 And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham.

Hebrews 7:1-10 (ESV) 6 But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. 8 In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives.

Hebrews 7:1-10 (ESV) 9 One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, 10 for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.

4 questions that can help us understand the message of Hebrews 7:1-10

1) Who was Melchizedek? He was a king who is briefly mentioned in Scripture → Genesis 14:17-20; → Psalm 110:4; → Hebrews 5:6; 5:10; 6:20: 7:1-28

17 After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 19 And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. Gen 14:17-20

1) Who was Melchizedek? Speculation abounds as to who he was → Shem – Noah's son → an angelic or celestial being → preincarnate Christ

1) Who was Melchizedek? Melchizedek – King of Righteousness → Melek - King → tsedeq - righteousness

1) Who was Melchizedek? He was a king of a place called Salem → Salem – Shalom – Peace → Salem - Jerusalem King of a place called Peace

1) Who was Melchizedek? He was also a priest → In Old Testament Israel these offices were kept separate → Melchizedek not only was both king and priest but seemed worthy of both offices

1) Who was Melchizedek? He was king who lived in Abraham's time He was king of Salem and a priest of God He blessed Abraham and received a tithe from him

2) Why is Melchizedek important? Melchizedek resembles Christ in many ways Comparing Melchizedek with Christ allows the author to show the superiority of Christ's priesthood

3) How does Melchizedek relate to Christ? Melchizedek was both king and priest Melchizedek blessed Abraham in front of others

3) How does Melchizedek relate to Christ? Melchizedek shows a greater priesthood Melchizedek had no written genealogy Melchizedek received a tithe

4) What truth do we gain from learning about Melchizedek and Christ? Christ is the eternal High Priest Christ is greater than any earthly priest Christ is able to give all manner of blessing

4) What truth do we gain from learning about Melchizedek and Christ? Christ is worthy to receive our tithes and offerings Christ is worthy of our trust, faith, and commitment

Jude Worthy Cleanse Me 1,3,4 - #657 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.