A Priesthood Like Melchizedek
Notes
Transcript
Introduction:
Review:
19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, 20 where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Conclusion:
19 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Prophecy:
A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” 2 The Lord will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.” 3 Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; In holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew. 4 The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.” 5 The Lord is at Your right hand; He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath. 6 He will judge among the nations, He will fill them with corpses, He will shatter the chief men over a broad country. 7 He will drink from the brook by the wayside; Therefore He will lift up His head.
Goal: Set the hope and confidence of the church in Christ and nothing less.
How is he going to do this?
Show them how the law, Abraham and Levi, and even the priesthood were wanting what only Christ could provide.
Greater
Necessary
Different
Good
Perfect
In what ways is this priestly order greater than Levi?
A perpetual priesthood (vs. 1-3)
He’s deserving of honor from Abraham (vs. 4-5)
He blessed Abraham and Levi (vs. 6-10)
App. Before we exalt a person beyond their proper place...
Will they last?
Even they are to give honor to God!
Even they receive their blessing from someone greater!
Is this something better, but is it really necessary? (vs. 11-12)
Why is it necessary?
The law and priesthood could not perfect the people of God.
What happens when we treat the necessary like something that’s merely beneficial?
What happens when we treat something beneficial like that’s all we need?
App. No one individual or movement or church or set of standards is enough to make us perfect?
What are some standards we might tend to set our hope and comfort in?
We recognize there’s something necessary that we haven’t fully recognized yet. Let’s make sure we recognize it’s differences.
How is it different? (vs. 12-16)
It establishes a new law. (vs. 12)
God hasn’t changed. The law is a reflection of God’s character.
The kingdom looks different. How has the law changed with respect to the new nature of the kingdom?
A priesthood from a different tribe (vs. 13)
We’re no longer looking for Levites.
Established according to the power of an indestructible life. (vs. 16)
In what ways might man try to subject God to man’s standards?
Lower standards which man can meet
Lower standards which we try to subject God to.
“Why do your disciples eat on the Sabbath?”
“This priest isn’t from the line of Levi!”
Why is this good for us? (vs. 19-25)
It brings a better hope through which we draw near to God (vs. 19) - It gives us a way to be with God.
It comes with an oath! (vs. 21) - Certainty
It guarantees a better covenant! (vs. 22) How is the New Covenant Better?
This priesthood is permanent. (vs. 24) We don’t need to worry about “Moses or Aaron Dying”
He is able to save forever! (vs. 25) Salvation isn’t temporary or partial.
Why would we settle for anything less?
Why might we settle for a feeling of communion with God rather than the sure hope of his presence through faith?
Why might we settle for temporary and visible rather than invisible and forever?
Why would we cling to the Old Covenant?
How is Christ the Great High Priest greater than ordinary priests?
holy (vs.26)
innocent
undefiled
separated from sinners
exalted
no daily sacrifices
no offering for his own sins
He offered himself
He offered one sacrifice
He is a Son
He is Perfect
He is forever
