Don't Let Temptation Sneak In.

Abram Defeated Four Kings - Returned with the people and all their goods.

We all like to recognized those who have made accomplishment.

Recount how Abram divided a small number of people and conquered these four kings.

Abram acted with great faith and courage.

Everyone loves a hero and someone who have been successful.

Abram had won the impossible victory.

How would Abram respond as recognition and honor were to be heaped upon him.

Vs. 17 - How would Abram respond to worldly honor

King of Sodom - represents the world.

He fled for his life and hid in the tar pits to stay alive.

He had heard that Abram was returning with all the people and their possession.

According the the law of war and conquest - Abram had the right to keep everything he now possessed.

King of Sodom knew Abram was a friendly person and he hoped to make a deal and be able to rebuild his land.

Remember Sodom land that represents sin.

Abram was about to be tempted with worldly honor because of his success.

How would he respond?

Vs. 18-20 - The honor of God brought to Abram

Melchizedek king of Salem (Jerusalem). Shorter name for Jerusalem.

Salem had not been attack by the invading army.

Melchizedek knew if these Eastern armies had not been stopped they would have eventually came to Jerusalem.

Abram eliminated this danger.

Melchizedek gather his entourage and came to express his deep gratitude for Abram victory.

Melchizedek was a priest of God that represented the Most High God.

Melchizedek wanted to honor Abram and honor God.

When we receive the blessing of God they are lasting and permanent.

Worldly honor is fleeting.

Vs. 18 - Melchizedek helped met their physical needs.

Vs. 19 - Melchizedek helped with the spiritual needs.

Remember they’re thousands of unbelieving Canaanites present.

Believers are called to;

Help meet the needs of people in the name of Jesus.

We are called to honor the name of Jesus before others as a witness.

Most High God

El Elyon

Elyon means highest, most high.

El is the word for God.

God is called the most high God, the highest of God.

Abram belonged to the most high God (vs. 19).

He is the creator of heaven and earth (vs. 19).

The Most High God exercises authority over heaven.

Cast Lucifer out of heaven down to hell (Is. 14:15-15, Vs. 12 focal).

Believers dwells “under the shadow of the Almighty” (Ps. 91:1).

The Most High God exercises authority over earth.

He delivers the enemies of believers into their hands (vs. 20).

The Most High God is approached in prayer (vs. 22).

Melchizedek

This is the only time Melchizedek appeared on the scene of world history.

Yet he is declared by scripture to be of extreme importance.

He stands as a marvelous type of Christ.

More than a 1000 years after this event David prophesied about the Lord Jesus

Psalm 110:4 KJV 1900

The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.

David by the impression of God declared the priesthood of Melchizedek to be eternal.

Jesus Christ is to be the priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

The author of Hebrews gives and entire chapter to answer this question (ch. 7).

The author of Hebrews claims about Melchizedek and Christ.

Hebrews 5:5-6, 9-10, 6:20, 7:1-3, & 14.

Vs. 20 - Abram was stirred to honor God.

Abram gave a tenth of everything to the priest.

This is the first time a tenth or tithe is mentioned in the Bible.

Tithing was an apparent practice of believers from the earliest of times.

Abram practices giving a tithed before the law was given by Moses.

Some people want to say tithing is meant for people under law.

This is incorrect because Abram gave out of an act of worship before the law was in existences.

Vs. 21-24 - Your witness is more important than what you might gain in the world!

We are all faced with compromise in our life.

This is exactly what Abram was face with at this moment.

Abram had every right to keep everything - conquering king.

Vs. 21 - The king came to Abram with nothing - he had nothing.

Offer - you keep the goods I’ll take the people.

What would have been wrong with that deal?

Vs. 22 - Abram response

Abram had sought the face of God before going into battle.

He knew the battle was the Lord’s.

He intended for God to get the credit not him.

Abram wanted to be a witness to those around him.

Vs. 23 - Abram had determined in his heart not to take anything from the victory.

Four things to note

First, Abram knew it wasn’t war and conquest that God chose to make Abram great.

If he kept all those captive he couldn’t force them to serve his God.

He knew God in His time and way would bring Abram into the promise land and multiply his seed.

Second, Abram sought God before hand.

He determine not to gain any personal ambition from this battle.

He wasn’t fighting for territory, he was fight for his nephew (Lot).

Third, if Abram compromised with the world (Sodom) the king would boost he made Abram rich and successful.

Fourth, Abram wanted to be a strong witness to the nations for God.

Conclusion

I sure Abram gave everyone opportunity to chose were to stay.

Stay and serve God or go back to the world.

We don’t know what decisions were made.

Except for Lot - we know he was back in Sodom.

Application

It is better that God be seen through you than you be seen by man.

We can’t force anyone to serve the God of heaven.

When we act in grace towards others they have the opportunity to be touched by God and follow Him.

We are much better off have a little in this world and showing God goodness to others.

We have eternity to spend with the One Who Created All that should be good enough for us.