Devotionals for Wednesday: March 8
Introduction
As we study the Gospel, we pray for, anticipate, and expect spiritual growth in our lives. To facilitate this spiritual growth, we will use two components. One component is the commitment to attend the Wednesday Bible study from 7 pm-8:15 pm, either on campus in the Worship Center or via Livestream at www.bethelhampton.com. The second component is a set of weekly devotionals that we complete prior to the Wednesday Bible study.
The questions listed below are for you to answer and reflect upon as you study the chapter for this week. We suggest that you take at least four or five days each week for this personal devotional.
A Study of Jesus’ Superiority
Book of Hebrews Chapter 7
Day 1 – Hebrews 7:1-3
Jesus, according to Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:6 and 6:19, has been declared a High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Let’s focus on Melchizedek for a day or more.
To be called according to “the order of Melchizedek” is to be called according to the likeness or after the pattern of Melchizedek.
What do we learn about Melchizedek in Hebrews 7:1?
In Hebrews 5, we discovered that Melchizedek, being the king of Salem, was the king of peace. What additional information does chapter 7:2 provide in reference to his kingship?
The third verse of chapter 7 says Melchizedek was “without father, without mother, without genealogy;” what does this really mean?
Verse 3 also says he had “neither beginning of days nor end of life;” what does this really mean?
Verse 3 finally says “made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually:” what does this mean?
Day 2 – Hebrews 7:4-10
Melchizedek’s greatness is being measured in verses 4-10 by the fact that the patriarch Abraham, paid tithes, one-tenth, of the spoils that he took in battle. It was a common practice for tithes to be paid to a god or his representative.
What does the patriarch Abraham’s paying of tithes in verse 4 to Melchizedek indicate to the reader about the two men?
Verse 5 indicates who received the legitimate rights to receive tithes of the Children of Israel?
Verse 6 not only revealed tithes being paid to one who was not of the tribe of Levi, but it showed this man doing what?
The reference in verse 8 to mortal men refers to whom? The second part of that verse states “there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.” Where is such a witness found?
Verse 9 indicates that “Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham.” How did that occur? (verse 10)
Day 3 – Hebrews 7:11-20
Verse 11 raises a very good question; “what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, rather than according to the order of Aaron?”
Verse 12 indicated that the changing of the priesthood set into motion another chain of changes. What were they?
Who is the man that verse 13 is referring to?
If Jesus was not selected to be the High Priest according to the law that Moses commanded the Israelites to live by; then by what standard was He selected? (verses 15-17)
Verse 18 speaks of “an annulment of the former commandment;” what does this verse mean? (read verse 19 also)
Day 4 – Hebrews 7:20-28
Verses 20 and 21 demonstrate that Jesus was indeed made a High Priest with an oath and verse 21 contains the oath; but what does that mean to mankind, both then and now and in the days to come?
What benefit does the eternal priesthood of Jesus afford to those who seek and find Him? (verse 25)
Jesus has no need to offer daily sacrifices for himself and the people: why not? (verse 27)
