Hello dear friends,
Today, let’s explore how believers should treat their leaders in the faith:
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.
— Hebrews 13:17
As the author of Hebrews gives his final instructions to his readers, he emphasizes the importance of obeying their leaders. This passage highlights several key aspects of the Christian’s relationship with their leaders:
The Authority Of Leaders
Implicit in this instruction is the idea that it pleases God to have leaders within the church. The church is not merely a social club but a structured community with appointed leaders. Although every believer partakes equally in the grace of salvation, certain individuals are ordained to take leadership roles. In Paul’s letter to Titus, he instructs his child in the faith to establish leadership in the churches of Crete:
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you.
— Titus 1:5
The presence of leaders in the church does not imply that they have more favor with God than the rest of the congregation. Their authority is intended to maintain order within the church. It’s crucial to understand that this authority extends only to matters pertaining to the church. Matthew Henry’s commentary provides insight into the extent of this authority:
The apostle states what is the duty to living ministers: to obey and submit to them, so far as is agreeable to the mind and will of God, made known in his word.
— Matthew Henry
Henry suggests that church authority is valid only when it aligns with the will of God. Another commentator, John MacArthur, notes that church leaders exercise Christ’s authority when they preach and teach the Word of God accurately:
The pastors/elders of the church exercise the very authority of Christ when they preach, teach, and apply Scripture.
— John MacArthur
Believers must recognize that they have an authority over them within the church context and should be careful not to abuse this fact. Some may be tempted to use their knowledge, experience, or wealth to manipulate church authority. Matthew Henry warns against this attitude:
Christians must not think themselves too wise, too good, or too great to learn. The people must search the Scriptures, and so far as the ministers teach according to that rule, they ought to receive their instructions as the word of God, which works in those that believe.
— Matthew Henry
This warning applies to all congregants, emphasizing the need to acknowledge the authority of their local church leaders. With today’s many sources of information through social media, television, and radio, believers might be tempted to gravitate toward leaders outside their local church. However, the authority of local church leaders should take precedence.
Obedience And Submission
The author instructs the church to obey and submit to their leaders. These two words, though seemingly similar, have distinct meanings:
Obedience is an action, while submission is an attitude. Obedience means to do as ordered, while submission means to yield or give way to another.
The text suggests that congregants should not only follow their leaders’ instructions but also maintain an attitude of willingness to submit to their leaders’ guidance. This distinction emphasizes that obedience and submission are both necessary for a healthy church dynamic.
It is important to note that this authority must align with the will of God as revealed in Scripture. When obedience and submission are practiced correctly, leaders can exercise their authority healthily, facilitating church discipline and other essential functions.
Leaders and Responsibility
The author states that leaders must keep watch over their flock, a phrase encompassing all the responsibilities of caring for the congregation. Jesus used similar language when speaking to the apostle Peter:
So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
— John 21:15-17
Leaders are responsible for the holistic care of their congregants, particularly their spiritual well-being. They must teach, instruct, train, reprove, and correct their congregants, ensuring their growth in faith. To fulfill this responsibility, leaders must be present and engaged in their congregants’ lives.
Leaders And Accountability
The phrase “as those who will give an account” highlights the accountability of leaders. Their performance will be tested and measured, urging them to fulfill their duties diligently. James offers a similar warning to aspiring teachers:
Do not, many of you, become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment.
— James 3:1
Jesus also warned the Pharisees about leading people astray, indicating the severe consequences of such actions:
Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.
— Mark 9:42
Leaders must exercise their authority with care, knowing they will be held accountable to God for their actions.
The Attitude of Leadership
The author suggests that if congregants obey and submit to their leaders, the leaders will be able to lead with joy rather than with groaning. Leaders should not use their congregants’ responses as an excuse for poor attitudes. Peter emphasizes the proper attitude of leadership:
Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, overseeing not under compulsion, but willingly, according to God; and not for dishonest gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to you, but being examples to the flock.
— 1 Peter 5:1-3
Finally, the author indicates that a positive attitude in leadership can benefit the followers. Obeying and submitting to their leaders will make it easier for leaders to act in ways that are profitable for the congregation.
I pray that this word will help us reconsider how we treat the leaders appointed to watch over us.
Be blessed,
Paul
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