Remember those
who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow,
considering the outcome of their conduct.
(Hebrews
13:7)
One of the first words we learn to say is, “No!” Now, some children are more compliant than
defiant, but we all have this stubborn streak that doesn’t like anybody telling
us what to do. Since all authority flows
from God—in the nation, the home, on the job, in the school, or the church—our
rebellion against authority is at its core, rejection of God’s authority. This is the essence of sin. Isaiah said, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his
own way.” A mark of repentance is
that we have turned from our way to God’s way—and this is evidenced in respect
for authority. Hebrews 13:7-19 focuses
here on submitting to church leaders.
We are to follow THE LEADER’S WORDS (v.7-9). If our pastor’s words line up with the Word
of God, and if his conduct is consistent with his communication, then we should
follow him.
This will strengthen us in faith (v.7-8). “So then
faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom.10:17) True faith rests on Christ and not a
communicator. You can follow your
leaders as they follow Christ, but ultimately no man is good enough to be the
object of faith. We all have feet of
clay. It is Christ we worship!
Heeding the Word of God preached will also stabilize us in
grace (v.9). This has been a recurring
theme throughout Hebrews—the Old Covenant ritual versus the New Covenant grace. A storm of opposition had come to this church
comprised of Messianic Jews. All that
would keep them anchored in the storm would be the grace of God. There would be the danger of accepting the
false doctrine of salvation by works in a religious system—here the false
teaching is that eating kosher food was required. Christ is enough!
We are further to follow THE LEADER’S WORSHIP (v.10-16). We gather to hear the Word and to express our
worship.
This is a sanctifying focus (v.10-14). Under the Mosaic code, the focus was on the
altar at the Temple, the Levitical priests offering bloody sacrifices, and all
the ritual accompanying it. Yet, these
could never truly satisfy God’s righteous demands—that demanded the sacrifice
of Jesus. He was rejected by men, and
died outside the gates of Jerusalem as an outcast—even God-forsaken as He was
made sin for us! My task is like John
the Baptist’s to say, “Behold the Lamb of
God who takes away the sin of the world!”
We take up our cross to gain the crown (v.14). It will be worth it all!
There will be sacrificial fruit (v.15-16). This will include the sacrifice of a grateful
heart (v.15) in which we express our love for God and the sacrifice of a
generous hand (v.16) that shows our love for man. Worship is surrendering all! (Rom.12:1).
Follow also THE LEADER’S WATCHFULNESS (v.17). The shepherd not only feeds the sheep, he
leads the sheep—even willing to bleed for them.
He guides them and guards them.
Pastors have an eternal accountability (v.17a). Only a pastor understands what a burden this
is. How much value there is in a soul! What grave matters he deals with!
Pastors can have an earthly profitability (v.17b). Your response to your leader will determine
if he has grief or gladness! Your
choices decide if the sermon is profitable.
Follow your leader!
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