Who is Melchizedek (The most important biblical character you know little of nothing about) -- Rev. John W. Armstrong

Sermon notes:    

“Who is Melchizedek?”  (The most important biblical character you                                                          know little or nothing about)

I.     Will the real Melchizedek please stand up?  Circle the best answer(s).

A.  An angelic redeemer, judge and warrior (Dead Sea Scrolls).

B.  One of several Messiahs (various rabbinic sources).

C.  The pre-incarnate Christ (some early Christians).

D.  A manifestation of the Holy Spirit (some early Christians).

E.  A Canaanite King/Priest (Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 110; Hebrews 7).

II.    The significance of Melchizedek in Genesis 14.

A.  In a polytheistic world, he was one of the few who preserved the original ______________________ of the human race. 

B.  Even _________________was an idolator until God “took” him from his family (Joshua 24:2-3).

C.  His name means “King of _________________________.”

D.  Contrast his character with that of the King of Sodom:

1.  The first word from Melchizedek’s mouth is “_________________” (v.19);

2.  The first word from the King of Sodom’s mouth is “______________” (v.21).

E.  Melchizedek appears in the context of the __________________________ of captives (vv. 13-16).  Abram’s rescue of his nephew becomes the pattern for God’s ___________________________ throughout history (Exodus 6:6-8; Ruth 2:20; 3:9; Isaiah 43:1; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:17-19).

F.  Melchizedek is a _________________________ of the coming Christ (Hebrews 7:3; cf. John 5:39).