If a person is saved and living by faith, there will be some evidence of that faith. In this chapter, the writer presented some evidence that should appear in our lives if we are really walking by faith and not by sight.
In the first six verses of this chapter, it was noted that one of the evidences of faith is that the believer enjoys spiritual fellowship. The basis of fellowship is brotherly love. Where there is Christian love, there will also be hospitality. Love expresses itself in concern for others. Also, the home is the first place where love should be practiced. If we love God and others as we should, then we will have a right relationship to material things.
In this chapter, we have another evidence of faith. It is seen in submitting to spiritual leadership.
Three times the writer used the designation "them that have rule over you." This phrase refers to the spiritual leaders of the local churches. Each Christian has three responsibilities toward the spiritual leaders in the church.
REMEMBER THEM Verses 7-9
The identification (Verse 7). "Them that have rule" comes from the Greek expression (ton hegoumenon) which could be rendered "the ones leading." The verb means "to lead, lead the way, go first, be the leader." The fact that they have "the rule over you" signifies that they are leaders, those who guide others. This does not signify such spiritual superiority or authority as some men declare today. It simply means that we are to recognize the fact that God appoints pastors or overseers over the flock, the church.
1 Peter 5:2-3, "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight
thereof, not by constraint, but willingly: not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
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Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock."
The instruction. Remember them. The term "remember" (Greek mnemoneuo) means "to be mindful for, to call to one's mind." They are to be remembered because they have spoken the Word of God unto you. They are not to be remembered because of who they are, but because of what they said.
Follow them. Verse7b , "...whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." The term "follow" (Greek mimeomai) means "to imitate, to follow as an example."
1 Cor. 11:1: "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
Consider them in their example. The term "considering" is from the Greek word (anatheoro) which means "to observe attentively." The expression "end of their conversation" could be rendered the
"outcome of their conduct." (NKTV). The exhortation is to remember their leaders who have spoken the Word of God and to follow their example. But while we do not worship people or give them glory, it is certainly right to honor them for their faithful work.
1 Thessalonians 5:12- 13: "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which
labour among, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem
them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among
yourselves."
These leaders probably had led the readers to Christ because they had spoken the Word of God to them. The readers could follow or imitate the faith of their leaders and consider its outcome or end. The lives of their leaders followed the example of Jesus Christ Who is "the same yesterday,
and to day, and for ever" (Verse 8). Church leaders may come and go, but Jesus Christ remains the same, and it is Christ Who is the center of our faith.
The admonition (Verse 9). The warning (Verse 9a). The purpose of spiritual ministry is to establish God's people in grace and the Scriptures, so that they will not be blown around by every wind of doctrine. See Ephesians 4:11-14.
Ephesians 4:11-14: KJV 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and
some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the
saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till
we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God,
unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about
with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness,
whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Dr. John Hall said that no minister "shall have lived in vain if it can be written over his grave, 'He made people understand the Scriptures.'"
The wise counsel (Verse 9b). Some of the Hebrew believers were considering going back to the 270
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Jewish laws that governed foods and other aspects of life. The writer warned them that these dietary regulations would not profit them spiritually because they never profited the Jews spiritually. The laws impressed the people as being spiritual, but they were only shadows of the reality that we have in Jesus Christ. See Colossians 2:16-23.
Colossians 2:16-23: KJV 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink,
or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which
are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 18 Let no man beguile
you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding
into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19
And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having
nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as
though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not;
handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments
and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will
worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the
satisfying of the flesh.
OBEY THEM (Verse l7).
The command (Verse l7a). Obey them that have rule over you. The writer exhorted his readers to adhere to the teaching of their leaders and to yield trustfully to their teaching. Submit to them. The expression "submit yourselves" comes from the Greek word (hupeiko) and means "to cease fighting, to give way under, to yield."
The concern of the leaders. "They watch for your souls or lives." The word "watch" comes from the Greek word (agrupneo) and means "to be sleepless, lie awake (through care or anxiety); hence, to be watchful of or very intent upon a thing." The idea is that the pastors or leaders, like watchful shepherds, watch in the best interest of their lives or souls. They do so under the constant pressure of a consciousness that they must one day give an account of their care of the flock to the Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Obey them that the leaders, pastors, may discharge their responsibilities and perform these offices for you joyfully and not with grief or groaning. The term grief or groaning refers to the groaning when one resumes a thankless task, and with which he contemplates unappreciated and even opposed work.
Even for your own sakes, you should make the work of your rulers, pastors, easy and joyful, for otherwise it cannot profit you. Your unwillingness to listen to your leaders, pastors, means that you are out of sympathy with their teaching and that it can do you no good.
When a servant of God is in the will of God, teaching the Word of God, the people of God should submit and obey. This does not mean that pastors should be dictators. Some church members have a flippant attitude toward to pastoral authority, and this is dangerous.
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1 Peter 5:1-4: KJV 1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an
elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory
that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the
oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a
ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to
the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown
of glory that fadeth not away.
One day every pastor will have to give an account of his ministry to the Lord, and he wants to be able to do it with joy. A disobedient believer will find out on that day that the results of disobedience are unprofitable, not for the pastor, but for himself. Therefore, obey them that have the rule over you because they watch for your souls or lives. Submit yourselves to them so that they may watch for your souls or lives with joy and not with grief or groaning. Being a disobedient believer is unprofitable for you all because it means that you are not listening to the Word of God which the pastors that care for your souls and lives are speaking to you.
GREET THEM Verse 24
Definition of greet. It comes from the Greek word (aspazomai) which means "to draw to one's self; hence to embrace, salute, greet."
The sign of respect and love for their rulers, leaders, or pastors. Every Christian should have respect for his pastor and be on speaking terms with him. We should never allow any "root of bitterness" to grow up in our hearts (Hebrews 12:15), because it will poison us and hurt the church.
While it is true that each member of the church has an important part in the ministry of the church, it is also true that God has ordained spiritual leaders in the church to have the spiritual leadership and oversight.
Hebrews 12:15: KJV 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God;
lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Respect the leaders as men of God who speak the Word of God. When believers respect and follow the teaching of God's Word, it will encourage unbelievers to listen to their teachings also.
Conclusion
Submitting to spiritual leadership is evidence of faith. Believers are instructed to remember them that have rule over them. Believers are instructed to obey their teaching and to submit to their authority. Believers are called to obey the teaching of their leaders and not be carried away by divers and strange doctrines.
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