Whom Do You Serve?
Key Moments in This Message
Message Overview
Pastor Tommy McClain contrasts two kings in Genesis 14: the King of Sodom and Melchizedek, King of Salem. A piercing call to examine our allegiances and reject the corrupting bribes of the world.
Expository Study Guide
Summary of the Teaching
After rescuing Lot from foreign kings, Abram returns victorious and meets two very different rulers: Melchizedek, King of Salem and priest of God Most High, who brings bread and wine and pronounces blessing; and the King of Sodom, who offers material goods. Abram receives the blessing of Melchizedek and pays him a tithe, but firmly refuses even a thread from the King of Sodom so that God alone receives glory.
Theological Theme
The royal priesthood of Christ (foreshadowed by Melchizedek) and the uncompromising purity of God's people in refusing worldly compromise.
Historical & Biblical Context
The first recorded war in scripture. Lot had pitched his tent toward Sodom in Genesis 13 and is now caught in its judgment.
Key Takeaway for Faith & Obedience
We serve King Jesus, our eternal High Priest. Reject the compromises of Sodom so that Christ alone gets the glory for your life.
Sunday School & Small Group Discussion Questions
Use these questions in your personal reflection, family devotion, or Sunday school small group.
- 1The pastor emphasized that Lot's progression went from looking toward Sodom, to pitching his tent near Sodom, to living inside Sodom. How does small compromise lead to captivity?
- 2How does Melchizedek serve as a shadow and type of Jesus Christ (see Hebrews 7)?
- 3Why was Abram so careful to refuse the King of Sodom's riches? What worldly entanglements might compromise our testimony today?
- 4How does giving the firstfruits of our resources honor the God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth?
Interactive Sermon Notes
Our Discipleship Framework: Love for Jesus • Learn from Jesus • Live Like Jesus • Lead to Jesus
Whom Do You Serve?
Pastor Tommy McClain • August 23, 2026 • Genesis 14:1-24
1. Love for Jesus — Bowing to our High Priest
Worshiping Jesus as our King of Righteousness and King of Peace.
- Christ brings spiritual nourishment: bread and wine of the new covenant.
- We offer our lives and gifts in gratitude to Him.
2. Learn from Jesus — The Danger of Proximity to Sin
Examining where we pitch our tents in modern culture.
- Do not flirt with the world's values.
- Be willing to rescue brothers and sisters who wander into danger.
3. Live Like Jesus — Uncompromising Integrity
Refusing the world's shortcuts to prosperity and recognition.
- Never let the world claim it made the church rich or successful.
- Keep clean hands and a pure heart before God.
4. Lead to Jesus — Pointing to the King of Salem
Directing seeking hearts away from false rulers and toward King Jesus.
- Proclaim the peace that only the Prince of Peace can give.
- Live visibly different so others see God's glory.
More From Genesis: The Covenant Promises of God
View Full Series →
God's Judgement and Salvation: The Doom of Sodom
Pastor Tommy McClain preaches through Genesis 19:1-29, examining God's holy wrath against unrepentant wicked cultures, His mercy toward Lot, and the enduring truth that God alone delivers the righteous by grace.
The Fate of a Wicked and Disobedient Nation
Pastor Tommy McClain preaches on Genesis 18:16-33, where Abraham stands before the Lord and pleads on behalf of Sodom. A powerful message on the Judge of all the earth and bold intercession.
Taking God's Promises into Your Own Hands
Pastor Tommy McClain exposes the tragedy of Sarai and Abram taking matters into their own hands with Hagar, and the incredible tenderness of the God who sees (El Roi).