1. Concepts of Authority Inference & Silence – A Demonstration of the Concepts Hebrews 7:1-19

2. Premise of Lesson The Hebrew writer “argues” that Jesus, as a priest after the order of Melchizedek, is better or superior to the those priests who served under the Old Covenant. In doing so, the Holy Spirit demonstrates for us two very important principles regarding the way we establish authority in scripture as we apply God’s will for mankind.

3. Jesus Christ is Superior as High Priest Established by Implication The text “implies.” For us to obtain the truth implied, it is necessary that we make a logical connection to the text. This is called inference. Text: Genesis 14:18-20 The Argument: Hebrews 7:4-9

4. Other Truths Established by Implication The Resurrection (Matthew 22:31-33) “God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” Marriage as a lifetime commitment (Matthew 19:4-6) “Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.” Frequency of Observance (L.S.) (Acts 20:7; cf. Exodus 20:8; Deut. 5:12)

5. Christ unable to serve under the Old Covenant The Silence of Scripture is Restrictive Christ’s geneaology was from the tribe of Judah. Priests, under the Old Law, were taken from the tribe of Levi. Text: Hebrews 7:11-19 The Argument: “For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood” (vs. 14).

6. Other Passages establish this truth - The Silence of Scripture is Restrictive (Leviticus 10:1-3), Nadab and Abihu “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy.” RESPECT FOR GOD (Matthew 7:21-23), “…but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17), “that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped.” (Revelation 22:18-19), “add to…”

7. Conclusion The primary lesson of the text is the superiority of Christ as High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. However, other lessons can be derived from the text. God expects us to use our mind to delve into His word, and gain from it all that He reveals – either explicitly or implicitly. God expects us to respect Him by limiting ourselves to obeying His will, and it alone.