Genesis 14:17-24

This passage is calling us to resist the way of Sodom and embrace the way of Salem, to resist the way of sin and embrace the way of peace.

Outline

  • First, Resist the way of sin (14:17, 21-24)
    • The way of sin tests our anxiety through self-protection (17)
    • The way of sin tests our appetites through self-provision (21)
    • The way of sin tests our approval through self-promotion (24)
  • Second, Embrace the path of peace (14:18-20)
    • What type of king is Melchizedek? (14:18a)
    • What type of priest is Melchizedek? (14:18b)
      • The path to peace depends on a better promise (14:22)
      • The path to peace depends on a better sacrifice (14:23-24)
      • The path to peace depends on a better hope (14:25)
    • Third, what type of blessing does Melchizedek bring? – (14:19-20a)
    • Fourth, what type of response does Melchizedek require? (20b)

Christ Connections

  • The words of the king of Sodom point forward to the words of Satan in the third temptation. “You can have all the kingdoms of this world if you bow down and worship me.” All it takes is one simple thing—surrender to another king. That gives us a pattern for our sin,  it isn’t just disobedience, it’s rebellion, it’s treason.
  • Hebrews 7:1–3, Psalm 110, the name of Melchizedek (king of righteousness), and his location of Salem (King of Peace) show us that he is designed to be a replica, a copy, a reflection of Jesus. Hebrews tells us it is not that Jesus resembles Melchizedek but that Melchizedek resembles Jesus—the convergence of king and priest,
  • As a priest, Melchizedek is the first priest of Yahweh in the Bible, generations before the Levitical priest. Melchizedek points ahead to a better priest—Jesus Christ. Jesus is able to guarantee a better covenant that any other priest could, serving as priest forever.

Applications

  • The king of Sodom’s temptation shows us that we must resist the lies we’re told about our identity:
    • “I am how I feel” – The lie of self-protection
    • “I am what I have” – The lie of self-provision
    • “I am what I do” – The lie of self-promotion
  • Abram’s commitment to Melchizedek in giving a tithe points to how we should show commitment to our king through giving our first and best of our time, talent, and treasure. Keep investing in your local church to embrace the way of the kingdom.
  • What defines your life? Your success at work? at home? in Politics? If you anchor your soul to these, you’ll never experience the path to peace. In Jesus, we have an eternal blessing—a sure and steadfast anchor for our soul.