The Order of Melchizedek

Scripture Introduction

Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 5:11 “About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.”

Hebrews 6:1 “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,”

Hebrews 6:19 “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,”

Application

a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

Connection

Hebrews 7:17 ESV

For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

TAKE HOME

Both Yahweh’s promises and the unfolding of history assure us that we rightly place our hope in Jesus. He alone saves us fully and forever, continually interceding for us.

Message Focus

We are anchored in God’s presence (previous message)

The substance of our anchor (i.e., hope) that make it a secure & reliable .

The Assurance of Our Hope vv. 1-22

GPS notification of turn

History Points to Jesus vv. 1-10

The Christ Will Bring Righteousness

Hebrews 7:1–2 ESV

For this Melchizedek, . . . by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace.

The Christ Will Bring Peace

Not the absence of problems but His presence and promises

Hebrews 7:1–2 ESV

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, . . . that is, king of peace.

Salem is the city of Jerusalem’s (meaning- foundation of peace) original name.

The Christ Will Be a King

Hebrews 7:1 ESV

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,

The Christ Will Be a Priest

Hebrews 7:1 ESV

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,

The Christ Will Be Eternal

Hebrews 7:3 ESV

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.

Melchizedek is Greater than Abraham vv. 4-9

Tithe v.6

Natural superiority rather than provision of a law

Blessing v.7

Levi in the loins

two times- great-grandfather of Levi

153 years before Levi’s birth

*Abiding

You may encounter scriptures that don't seem impactful right now, but in time their significance will become clear.

Continue to abide in God’s word.

Yahweh Points to Jesus vv. 11-22

Hebrews 7:21 ESV

but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’ ”

Quoting Psalm 110

“after the order of Melchizedek”

Melchizedek first mentioned in Genesis 14.

Prophesied 1,000 years later, in the messianic Psalm 110.

1,000 years later, Jesus fulfills.

*REFLECTION

“. . . for he [God] has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Heb 13:5-6

The Comfort of Our Hope vv. 23-28

Hebrews 7:24 ESV

but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.

Hebrews 7:25 ESV

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:26 ESV

For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

*Praise God

Jesus, who is holy, innocent, unstained, set apart, and exalted, has saved you completely.

Summary

Both Yahweh’s promises and the unfolding of history assure us that we rightly place our hope in Jesus. He alone saves us fully and forever, continually interceding for us.