Audio Sermons

Renewing Our Strength in the Lord:

The Greatness of Melchizedek

Life B-P Church Worship Service, 25^th May 2025

Text: Hebrews 7:1-10

• The writer now explains why Jesus Christ is a priest of the order of Melchizedek. (Cf. Psalm 110:4)
• According to Genesis 14:18-20, Abraham met Melchizedek as he was returning home after his victory over the four kings of the east.
• As the priest of the Most High God, Melchizedek blessed Abraham and received a tenth of the spoils of war from him.
• Melchizedek’s priesthood is greater than Israel’s priesthood in at least three ways:

1. The Great Offices Combined in It (vv.1-2)

• The priests and kings of Israel were from two different tribes. 
  Thus, these two offices could never be combined in one person.
• Melchizedek’s name suggests that he was a king who ruled his people with righteousness and justice. (Cf. Proverbs 14:34)
• The place where he reigned was Salem, which means peace, wholeness or soundness.
• The order of Melchizedek is therefore a royal priesthood characterized by righteousness and peace.

To consider: Jesus meets our needs perfectly as a king of righteousness, 
a king of peace, and a king-priest forever. (Cf. Isaiah 9:6,7; Luke 2:11,14; Psalm 110:2,4)

2. The Great Ministry Continued by It (v.3)

“Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life…”

• This refers to the fact that there is no recorded genealogy of Melchizedek in the book of Genesis.
• It presents a picture of a priesthood that does not depend on one’s lineage, and does not end with death. (Cf. Nehemiah 7:64)
• “…but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.”
• Melchizedek was a type or foreshadow of Jesus Christ.
• His priesthood points forward to the eternal priesthood of Jesus, which was fulfilled after He ascended to heaven.
  

To consider: There are immense benefits from having a priest who can go on serving indefinitely and does not need succession planning.

3. The Great Privileges Conferred on It (vv.4-10)

• The priests of Israel had two privileges: 
  Receiving tithes and Bestowing blessings
• Since Melchizedek received tithes from Abraham, he is worthy to receive tithes from Abraham’s descendants as well. (Cf. Romans 5:12)
• Hence all the priests of Israel gave tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham. (vv.9-10)
• Through Abraham, Melchizedek blessed the priests of Israel. 
  The one who blesses is greater than the ones who are blessed. 
  (v.7, cf. Genesis 48:14-16)
• All this means that Melchizedek is greater than the priests of Israel.

To consider: As Melchizedek is a type of Christ, Christ is greater than him. It follows that Christ must be greater than all the priests of Israel.

Applications: 

- Do not seek God through any other priest.

- Make full use of the priestly ministry of Christ. (Cf. John 6:35)

- Give Him the best gifts and offerings He deserves.

Questions for Personal Reflection:

1. How can this knowledge of Christ’s greatness help you to love Him more?

2. How will you make full use of His priestly ministry?

3. Have you given Christ what He deserves?