Melchizedek 23 rd November 2014

Genesis 14 reading

Psalm 110 reading

So who was Melchizedek ?

Hebrews 7 reading

He had no beginning or end He was a king (of righteousness and of peace) He was a priest of the Most High God

What is a priest ?

Why was Melchizedek’s priesthood superior to the Levitical priesthood ?

1. Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek; later, the Levites would receive tithes from their countrymen. Since Aaron was to be a descendent of Abraham, it was as if the Levitical priesthood were paying tithes to Melchizedek. (Heb. 7:4-10)

2. The one who blesses is always greater than the one being blessed. Thus, Melchizedek was greater than Abraham. As Levi was to be a descendant of Abraham, it follows that Melchizedek is greater than Levi. (Heb. 7:7-10)

3. If the Levitical priesthood had been effective, God would not have called a new priest in a different order in Psalm 110. (Heb. 7:11)

4. The basis of the Levitical priesthood was ancestry; the basis of the priesthood of Melchizedek is everlasting life. That is, there is no interruption due to a priest's death. (Heb. 7:8,15-16,23-25)

5. Christ, being sinless, does not need a sacrifice for his own sins. (Heb. 7:26-27)

6. The priesthood of Melchizedek is more effective because it required a single sacrifice once and for all (Jesus), while the Levitical priesthood made endless sacrifices. (Heb. 7:27)

7. The Levitical priests served in an earthly copy and shadow of the heavenly Temple. Jesus serves in the real heavenly Temple. (Heb. 8:5)

Applications

1. We have direct access to God though our Great High Priest – let’s make use of it

Melchizedek gave bread and wine to Abram He blessed Abram Jesus has given Himself for us and we have received a greater blessing

2. We are a royal priesthood – let’s bring others to God

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

We have been saved for a reason We must declare God’s praises to those around us Then we can tell them how to come to God in faith and repentance

3. Let’s give what is due to our King

Abram gave a tithe to Melchizedek Tithe means a tenth It was the “king’s share”

What should we be giving to God ?

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

God really wants us to give our whole lives to Him as an offering