Bgroup Lesson Jan 26
Big Idea: As a church, Bethany annually celebrates “Vision Sunday” as we give thanks to God for the accomplishments we have seen in the last year and look forward to the vision set before us this next year. Did you know that just as Bethany has a vision for the future, God also has a vision for His kingdom. In the following scriptures we read about a king named Melchizedek. There are many earthly kings mentioned in scripture but he is special and when we look at his role we can see a type of Christ as our high priest. We can also see a picture of ourselves in the person of Abraham and the honor he gave to this king. Let's take a look at the significance of Melchizedek and three elements of God’s vision for His kingdom.
Key Scriptures:
Genesis 14:18-20 (NLT) “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.
Psalm 110:1-4 (NLT) “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.’ The LORD will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem; you will rule over your enemies. When you go to war, your people will serve you willingly. You are arrayed in holy garments, and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew. The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.’ ”
Hebrews 7:1-3 (NLT) ”For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually”.
The word “kingdom” refers to a king’s dominion. God’s kingdom however is not geographical but is in the heart of His people. Because it is His kingdom, He is responsible for all who call Him king. He is responsible for their protection, provides for their needs and also sees to it that they receive justice. As king He has all authority and is deserving of our loyalty. His relationship with us is secured in His covenant with us.
In this kingdom, Jesus is king! So the question for us is will we come under His rule, seek His will for our lives, serve His purpose and receive His protection, provision and peace?
Discussion Question: Since we are a part of the kingdom of God, how should we respond when we are faced with a need in our lives? Explain.
Exodus 19:5-6 (NLT) “Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”
This is a tremendous promise to Abraham. God’s vision is for a kingdom filled with priests. Our role as kingdom priests is to stand in the presence of God and reflect His glory to the world around us. We are also to stand in the gap for others who are away from God. Furthermore, our role is to stand and offer up a sacrifice of praise and worship to our king!
Discussion Question: Looking at our role as priests in the kingdom of God, how would you see each responsibility lived out on a daily basis?
Revelation 5:9-10 (NLT) “And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.”
As a king you are invited to victory over sin, death and the devil. You are also invited into stewardship. You have been given talents to steward and are invited to rule with Christ in greater and greater ways as we see the kingdom advance and enlarge. You are also invited to use your influence to see others won for Christ. As we saw in last week's lesson, kings think differently. We need to see ourselves differently as well. God has saved us and has made us both kings and priests in His amazing kingdom. This is His vision.