Hebrews 7:4-10 Now consider how great this man was: even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the plunder to him. The sons of Levi who receive the priestly office have a command according to the law to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers and sisters—though they have also descended from Abraham. But one without this lineage collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises. Without a doubt, the inferior is blessed by the superior. In the one case, men who will die receive a tenth, but in the other case, Scripture testifies that he lives. And in a sense Levi himself, who receives a tenth, has paid a tenth through Abraham, for he was still within his ancestor when Melchizedek met him. Big Idea: We should bless God for blessing us. Hebrews 7:4 Now consider how great this man was: even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the plunder to him. “We see but little of him, yet we see nothing little in him. He is thus a type of our Lord. This great man blessed the blessed Abraham, and the victorious patriarch bowed before Melchizedek and gave him tithes. If Melchizedek was so great, how much greater is that man whom Melchizedek represents? If the type is so wonderful, what must the antitype be? Consider the greatness of Jesus Christ about whom the Lord said, ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.’” Charles Spurgeon in his sermon, "The Man Christ Jesus." Hebrews 7:5 The sons of Levi who receive the priestly office have a command according to the law to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers and sisters—though they have also descended from Abraham. Three Tithes in the Law of Moses Levitical (Sacred) Tithe Festival Tithe Tithe to the Poor (Every third year.) Hebrews 7:6-7 But one without this lineage collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises. Without a doubt, the inferior is blessed by the superior. …the inferior is blessed by the superior. Those who claim to be apostles or prophets for God today are more than likely just “Prophets for Profits.” Philippians 2:9-11 …God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow— in heaven and on earth and under the earth— and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Colossians 1:16 For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things have been created through him and for him. Psalm 24:1-2 The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord; for he laid its foundation on the seas and established it on the rivers. The Aseity of God - God is self-sufficient. “God has all life in himself, God is not dependant upon anyone or anything. We as his creatures are entirely dependant upon him. The life that we have, both physical and spiritual, has been derived from him. It is in God that we live and move and have our being, but God does not derive life from anyone or anything else.” Ligonier Ministries To bless: consecrate or make holy (blessing a marriage) ask for God’s help, favor, or protection (“God bless our soldiers”) make happy, prosperous, or successful (We have been blessed with children, or with a good job) praise or speak well of God ("Bless the Lord, O my soul.) So how do we bless God in return? Give financially to his work. Give of your time. Bless others with your blessings. Next Step: I will ask God how I am to praise him for his blessings in my life. Delayed obedience is disobedience. Hebrews 7:8 In the one case, men who will die receive a tenth, but in the other case, Scripture testifies that he lives. Hebrews 7:9-10 And in a sense Levi himself, who receives a tenth, has paid a tenth through Abraham, for he was still within his ancestor when Melchizedek met him. Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned. Next Step: I will repent and submit my life to Jesus.