Choosing Faithfulness: Serving the Right King
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to all our new guests this morning. If you're visiting for the first time or have been here a few times, we're glad you're here. Please fill out a connect card so we can keep you informed about our church. We practice expository preaching, which means we go through books of the Bible chapter by chapter. Currently, we're studying the Old Testament book of Genesis. We started this last year and have covered the first section, chapters 1 through 11. After a break for holiday messages, we resumed with the second section, focusing on the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These men are crucial because they represent God's promise to send a Redeemer, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Today, we pick up in Genesis 14. Last week, we discussed the consequences of trusting the enemy's lies over God's promises, using Lot's story as an example. Lot, Abraham's nephew, chose to live in the wicked city of Sodom, leading to dire consequences: separation from God's protection, jeopardizing his family, and becoming a prisoner of war. This mirrors what happens when we give in to sin. However, Abraham rescues Lot, symbolizing how Jesus rescues us from sin and death when we put our faith in Him.
In Genesis 14, after Abraham's victory over Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, he is greeted by two kings: the king of Sodom and Melchizedek, the king of Salem. The king of Sodom, representing wickedness, offers Abraham a deal: "Give me the people, and take the goods for yourself." This is a temptation to choose temporary, worldly gains over eternal blessings. In contrast, Melchizedek, whose name means "king of righteousness" and "king of peace," brings bread and wine and blesses Abraham. Melchizedek is a representation of Jesus, the eternal high priest.
Abraham's response to these two kings is telling. He rejects the king of Sodom's offer, declaring that he will not take even a thread or a sandal strap from him, lest the king of Sodom claim to have made Abraham rich. Instead, Abraham gives a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, demonstrating his faith and trust in God as his provider. This act of tithing predates the Mosaic Law and is a principle of giving the first fruits to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty.
This leads us to consider our own choices. Are we serving the king of wickedness, represented by Satan, who blinds us to the truth and offers temporary pleasures? Or are we serving the king of righteousness and peace, Jesus, who offers eternal life and true blessings? Our allegiance should be demonstrated through our actions, such as water baptism for new believers and a daily commitment to dying to our old selves and living out the fruit of the Spirit.
In conclusion, we must ask ourselves: What king are we serving, and how is that being demonstrated in our lives? Trusting God provisionally, including through tithing, is a way to show our allegiance to Him. Just as Abraham was blessed for his faithfulness, we too will be blessed and used to bless others when we trust in God's provision.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Faithfulness: Abraham's story teaches us the significance of faithfulness to God. When Lot chose to live in Sodom, he faced severe consequences, but Abraham's faithfulness led to his rescue. This mirrors our spiritual journey; when we trust in Jesus, He rescues us from sin and death, bringing us into His kingdom. This faithfulness is not just about avoiding sin but actively choosing to live in God's promises. [03:49]
2. Choosing the Right King: Abraham was greeted by two kings, representing two choices: the king of Sodom, symbolizing wickedness, and Melchizedek, symbolizing righteousness and peace. This choice is a metaphor for our own lives. We can choose to follow the temporary, deceitful promises of the world, or we can choose to follow Jesus, who offers eternal life and true peace. Our daily decisions reflect which king we are serving. [08:09]
3. Demonstrating Allegiance: Our allegiance to Jesus should be evident in our actions. For new believers, this might mean taking the step of water baptism. For those who have been Christians for a while, it means continually dying to our old selves and allowing the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in our lives. This includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. [33:18]
4. Trusting God Provisionally: Tithing is a biblical principle that predates the Mosaic Law. Abraham's act of giving a tenth of everything to Melchizedek demonstrates his trust in God as his provider. This principle is affirmed in the New Testament, where Jesus and Paul both emphasize the importance of giving. Trusting God with our finances is a way to show our faith in His provision and to receive His blessings. [21:57]
5. Living in God's Promises: To live in the promises of God, we must give our allegiance to the right king and demonstrate that allegiance through our actions. This includes trusting God provisionally, as Abraham did, and allowing Him to bless us and use us to bless others. Our faithfulness not only brings blessings to us but also impacts those around us, just as Abraham's faithfulness led to blessings for many generations. [37:47]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:03] - Introduction to Genesis Study
[02:26] - Consequences of Sin: Lot's Story
[05:24] - Abraham's Rescue Mission
[06:54] - The Battle of the Kings
[08:09] - Introduction of Melchizedek
[09:50] - Melchizedek as a Representation of Jesus
[12:43] - Melchizedek's Blessing to Abraham
[14:26] - The King of Sodom's Temptation
[16:03] - Abraham's Response to the King of Sodom
[18:09] - Abraham's Response to Melchizedek
[19:46] - The Principle of First Fruits
[21:57] - Tithing Before the Law
[23:17] - Jesus and Paul's Affirmation of Tithing
[26:57] - Applications for Today
[28:08] - Choosing the Right King
[30:14] - Jesus as Our High Priest
[31:31] - Eternal Promises vs. Temporary Pleasures
[33:18] - Demonstrating Allegiance to Jesus
[35:15] - Trusting God with Finances
[37:47] - Living in God's Promises
[38:22] - Final Challenges and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 14:17-20 (ESV)
> "After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!' And Abram gave him a tenth of everything."
2. Hebrews 7:1-3 (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, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. 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."
3. John 3:16 (ESV)
> "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
### Observation Questions
1. What were the consequences of Lot choosing to live in Sodom, as discussed in the sermon? ([02:26])
2. How did Abraham respond to the king of Sodom's offer, and what was his reasoning? ([17:15])
3. Who is Melchizedek, and what does his name signify? ([08:09])
4. What did Abraham do after receiving a blessing from Melchizedek, and what does this action represent? ([19:04])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Lot and Abraham illustrate the consequences of trusting in worldly promises versus God's promises? ([03:49])
2. What does Abraham's rejection of the king of Sodom's offer teach us about the importance of where we place our trust and allegiance? ([17:15])
3. In what ways does Melchizedek serve as a representation of Jesus, according to the sermon and the passage in Hebrews? ([09:50])
4. How does the principle of tithing, as demonstrated by Abraham, relate to our trust in God's provision today? ([21:57])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a choice between a temporary, worldly gain and a decision that aligned with God's promises. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([16:03])
2. Abraham demonstrated his allegiance to God through tithing. How can you demonstrate your trust in God's provision in your own life? ([19:04])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of daily dying to our old selves and living out the fruit of the Spirit. What specific area of your life do you need to surrender to God, and how can you start doing that this week? ([33:18])
4. How can you actively choose to serve the "king of righteousness and peace" in your daily decisions? What practical steps can you take to ensure your actions reflect your allegiance to Jesus? ([28:08])
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of water baptism for new believers. If you haven't been baptized, what is holding you back from taking this step? If you have, how can you encourage others in your community to take this step of faith? ([33:18])
6. Consider the principle of tithing discussed in the sermon. How can you begin or continue to practice tithing as a demonstration of your trust in God's provision? ([21:57])
7. Abraham's faithfulness led to blessings for many generations. How can your faithfulness impact those around you and future generations? What specific actions can you take to live out this legacy of faith? ([37:47])
Devotional
Day 1: Faithfulness Leads to Rescue
Abraham's story teaches us the significance of faithfulness to God. When Lot chose to live in Sodom, he faced severe consequences, but Abraham's faithfulness led to his rescue. This mirrors our spiritual journey; when we trust in Jesus, He rescues us from sin and death, bringing us into His kingdom. This faithfulness is not just about avoiding sin but actively choosing to live in God's promises. Abraham's actions demonstrate that faithfulness to God brings about divine intervention and protection.
In our lives, we often face choices that test our faithfulness to God. Like Lot, we may be tempted to choose paths that seem appealing but lead us away from God's protection. However, when we remain faithful, God steps in to rescue and guide us. This faithfulness is a daily commitment to trust in God's promises and live according to His will. [03:49]
Genesis 19:29 (ESV): "So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived."
Reflection: Think about a recent situation where you had to choose between following God's will and taking an easier, more appealing path. How did your choice impact your relationship with God, and what can you do to remain faithful in future decisions?
Day 2: Choosing the Right King
Abraham was greeted by two kings, representing two choices: the king of Sodom, symbolizing wickedness, and Melchizedek, symbolizing righteousness and peace. This choice is a metaphor for our own lives. We can choose to follow the temporary, deceitful promises of the world, or we can choose to follow Jesus, who offers eternal life and true peace. Our daily decisions reflect which king we are serving.
Every day, we are faced with choices that reveal our allegiance. The world offers temporary pleasures and deceitful promises that can lead us away from God. In contrast, Jesus offers eternal life and true peace. By choosing to follow Jesus, we align ourselves with righteousness and peace, just as Abraham did when he chose to honor Melchizedek. [08:09]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did it align more with the temporary promises of the world or with the eternal promises of Jesus? How can you make choices that reflect your allegiance to Jesus in your daily life?
Day 3: Demonstrating Allegiance to Jesus
Our allegiance to Jesus should be evident in our actions. For new believers, this might mean taking the step of water baptism. For those who have been Christians for a while, it means continually dying to our old selves and allowing the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in our lives. This includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Demonstrating our allegiance to Jesus is a daily commitment. It involves more than just avoiding sin; it requires actively living out the fruit of the Spirit in our interactions with others. This transformation is a testament to our faith and a witness to those around us. By living out these virtues, we show the world that we belong to Jesus and are committed to His teachings. [33:18]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you struggle to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit. What practical steps can you take to allow the Holy Spirit to transform this area and make your allegiance to Jesus more evident?
Day 4: Trusting God with Our Finances
Tithing is a biblical principle that predates the Mosaic Law. Abraham's act of giving a tenth of everything to Melchizedek demonstrates his trust in God as his provider. This principle is affirmed in the New Testament, where Jesus and Paul both emphasize the importance of giving. Trusting God with our finances is a way to show our faith in His provision and to receive His blessings.
When we trust God with our finances, we acknowledge that He is our ultimate provider. Tithing is an act of faith that demonstrates our reliance on God's provision rather than our own resources. By giving the first fruits of our income to God, we honor Him and open ourselves to His blessings. This act of trust is a powerful testimony of our faith and commitment to God's sovereignty. [21:57]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: Consider your current approach to giving and tithing. Are you trusting God with your finances, or are you holding back out of fear or uncertainty? How can you take a step of faith in this area and trust God as your provider?
Day 5: Living in God's Promises
To live in the promises of God, we must give our allegiance to the right king and demonstrate that allegiance through our actions. This includes trusting God provisionally, as Abraham did, and allowing Him to bless us and use us to bless others. Our faithfulness not only brings blessings to us but also impacts those around us, just as Abraham's faithfulness led to blessings for many generations.
Living in God's promises requires a daily commitment to trust and obey Him. When we align our lives with His will, we open ourselves to His blessings and become conduits of His grace to others. Abraham's faithfulness serves as a powerful example of how trusting in God's promises can lead to generational blessings. By living in God's promises, we not only experience His blessings but also become a blessing to those around us. [37:47]
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (ESV): "And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God."
Reflection: Reflect on a promise of God that you are currently holding onto. How can you demonstrate your trust in this promise through your actions today? How can you be a blessing to others as you live out God's promises in your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Today would be a good day to decide that Jesus should be king. Amen? And make him king of your life. 100%. Which leads to the next challenge, because if you're willing to do that, here's what I want you to ask yourself. How is that being demonstrated in my life?" [38:59]
2. "When we put our faith in Jesus, Jesus rescues us from the consequence of sin and death, and he brings us into his kingdom. And that's why this familiar scripture, but this says it all. For God so loved the world that he gave his only son. He sent Jesus like on a rescue mission for you, so that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life." [03:49]
3. "Here's what Jesus wants. This is what King Jesus wants. He wants you to have a relationship with God. He wants you to experience all that God has for you. Not temporary pretend pleasure, but eternal promises forever. He offers you eternity." [30:14]
4. "You can give yourself to the king of wickedness, and I'm just going to give him a name today, and his name is Satan. And he wants to be your king. He does. Here's what Paul says about him. And this is important. If our gospel is veiled, in other words, if something is stopping it, it is veiled to those who are perishing. Why? Because in their case, the God of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." [28:08]
5. "You know what? You're one of those stars because you've been grafted in. You're one of the many, you're one of the stars in eternity. We could number them, right? Abram, because of your faithfulness, not only will you be blessed, but so many other people will be. Isn't that not what happens when we trust the Lord provisionally? He blesses us, and then he uses it to bless others." [37:47]
### Quotes for Members
1. "For those of you that maybe have been Christians for a while, here's the demonstration that you need to be committed to on a daily basis and that you are becoming less the old you. That you are putting the old you continually to death. That you're demonstrating that in your life. That on a daily basis, your sexual immorality is dying in you. Gossip is dying in you. Envy is dying in you. Substance abuse is dying in you. Greed is dying in you. Whatever is unholy, unrighteous is dying in you as you allow Jesus Christ to transform and change your life." [33:46]
2. "It's important to note that when Abraham is greeted by these two kings, he has a choice. And they're on different ends of the spectrum, aren't they? He can give his allegiance to the king of Sodom, a king known for great wickedness, or he can give his allegiance to a king that his name means king of righteousness. His name means king of peace. So he has a choice. And just like he had a choice, we have a choice." [28:08]
3. "You trust God with 100% of eternity, but you won't trust him with 10% of the temporal. I don't understand that. You're new to our church this morning, we want to especially welcome you. If it's your first time guest, maybe you've been here a few times, we're glad you're here today. Make sure you fill out that connect card or online, fill out a card. That's a great way to connect with us and we can send you information about our church." [35:15]
4. "He represents God of heaven, creator of the universe. The one who has delivered him from his enemies. And so in response to that, he gives Melchizedek what the Bible calls first fruits. He gives him the tithe. He gives him 10% of his wealth. And this isn't the first time we've seen this in the book of Genesis. We actually saw this back in Genesis chapter 4. God told Cain and Abel to, bring him an offering. Well, Abel brings an offering. It says he brought the first fruits of his flock. And God was pleased. On the other hand, Cain brought, we're told, what was left over. And God was not pleased." [19:46]
5. "You know, we don't have to do that anymore. We're not under the law anymore. We're under grace. Here's the problem with that. This whole episode with Abraham took place before the law. What do you think about that? This is before Moses. This is before the Ten Commandments. This is prior to all that. This isn't an Old Testament law. This is a biblical principle. This is you and I trusting God as our provider, that He can do more with 90 than we could ever do with 100." [21:57]
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