Bible Studies
The Lesser Is Blessed by the Greater (Heb. 7:7)
Series: Additional StudiesIntroduction:
1. “Without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater.” 2. The statement seems obtuse when disconnected from its context, but I assure you it states a principle of far-reaching implications. 3. What is its context and what are some of its implications for your life?Discussion:
I. The statement is made in a context reasoning for the similarity between the priesthood of Melchizadek and that of Christ.A. Melchizadek was a great man.
1. He was a king, and a priest.
2. He is mentioned in the O.T. only on one occasion found in Gen. 14:17-20.
3. Abraham had just delivered Lot who had been kidnapped by Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him.
4. Abraham gave Melchizadek a tenth of the spoils of the battle, but Melchizadek blessed Abraham saying, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”
5. Abraham was a great man, but the greater was the one who gave the blessing.
B. The writer considers it unthinkable that anyone would question that the greater always blesses the lesser. It is a matter accepted without argument it is so generally recognized.
II. What does it mean to give a blessing? The concept of blessing is prevalent in Scripture in both O.T. and N.T.A. The most prominent Greek term for blessing is “eulogeo.”
1. It is the word from which we derive the English “eulogy.”
2. At an individual’s death a eulogy is often given that exalts the deceased contributions to the well-being of those he/she lived among.
3. It is a show of appreciation, an acknowledgement and reminder of the good things the individual has done.
B. D. C. Davis (ZPEB, “Bless, Blessings”) says, “While blessing can refer to man’s praise and worship to God in acknowledgement of His provision (Gen. 24:48; Deut. 8:10), a more specific emphasis is on the blessings themselves, the gracious character of God in giving them, and also the identification of those who receive God’s favor (Ps. 1).”
1. The primary thing to note here is that God gives blessings—gracious gifts and provisions for man.
2. Thus again the greater blesses the lesser.
3. And so, for our purposes, blessing can be defined as bestowing prosperity and goodness upon another.
4. Thus Melchizadek blessed Abraham.
C. The principle of the greater blessing the lesser is further illustrated in the following examples.
1. Isaac blessed Jacob (Gen. 27:27ff).
2. Jacob blessed his sons (Gen. 49:28).
III. Who blesses you?A. God blesses with rains and fruitful seasons (Acts 14:17). He blesses us with His Son (Acts 3:25) and in so many innumerable ways. God is greater than we. The lesser is blessed by the greater.
B. It is expected that parents bless their children in following the fatherly provision of God in blessing His children.
C. Who has blessed you? How? What did they do?
1. Recall the principle: the lesser is blessed by the greater.
2. Humbling isn’t it? What is the appropriate response? Thanksgiving!
IV. Whom do you bless?A. The people of God are known by the way they bless others (Rom. 12:9-21).
B. From our mouths should come blessing upon others (James 3:10; 1 Pet. 3:9).
C. If the lesser is blessed by the greater and we withhold blessing or substitute cursing instead what might the implication be? Do we prove ourselves lesser rather than greater? Read Matt. 20:26-28. How does this establish the greater and lesser?
D. What are some ways that you can be a blessing?
1. In your family?
2. In the church?
3. In the world?
Conclusion:
1. The lesser is blessed by the greater. 2. Are you lesser or greater?
