Source: https://cmpps.org/hebrews-chp-1317-25/
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 18:23:33+00:00

Document:
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you (ESV 13:17).
The heart of a person in leadership (e.g., group leader/teacher, elder, deacon) is expected to be humble and sensitive to God the Holy Spirit as he exercises his role. Why? He will have to give an account to God.
James does remind us “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” Therefore, the role of leadership (elder, deacon, teacher) in the church is a holy calling and expected to be taken very seriously.
As spiritual leaders are led by the Holy Spirit and humbly teach and preach the gospel, their joy will be evident, especially as obedient followers submit and engage in the process of maturity to the glory of Jesus Christ. Any other process and outcome will only bring grief and is unprofitable to both leaders who groan and followers who don’t benefit.
Do we see how Spirit led leaders need Spirit led followers in order for the body to benefit?
How critical it is for disciples of Christ to examine themselves and constantly yield to the Spirit. All of us have to make a deliberate choice to walk humbly with God and our fellow brothers and sisters.
Can we disagree with the leadership or elders in the local church? What does it mean to submit and obey?
Therefore, as we walk humbly, yielding to the Spirit, may we determine the nature of the disagreement and why we are choosing to disagree. We have to be persuaded by the truth as revealed in the Word of God.
An excellent article by Steve Atkerson is very persuasive from Scripture: Elder-Led Congregational Consensus appears to be a balanced biblical perspective worth exploring.
v. 18-19 “…Pray for us” or “Keep praying for us.” The writer is demonstrating his dependency on the supernatural power of God. Prayer: How often should we pray? 1 Thes 5:12ff How should we pray for others, especially leaders in this context? cf. Heb 4:14-16.
How determined are we to “live honorably” as we work out our differences with others?
v. 19 “I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner” (ESV). Again, the significance of prayer for each other is highlighted. In this context, pray, pray, pray, so the writer can be restored to the readers soon.
We really do not know what the circumstances for the writer that hindered him from being “restored.” It is certain it was something out of his control and he needed earnest prayer.
May we earnestly pray for others and our own circumstances: that God would be glorified through all things as we diligently do our part to be humble and obedient.
Is it important that we make an effort to intimately know others in order that we can pray genuinely?
4. Jesus always gets the glory for ever and ever!
v. 22 “Brothers, I urge…” could also be translated “I beg you.” “Brothers” highlights a softer appeal with affection. He wants to encourage his readers as he has done throughout the letter.
How do others perceive our approach in sharing our faith with them?
Do we have a sense of urgency fueled by a genuine supernatural love that others know Christ as Lord?
How about a genuine desire for brothers and sisters to mature and experience the power of God?
May our prayer be that God work in us what is pleasing to Him through authentic and dynamic relationships with other believers.
v. 23 The writer depended on relationships with other believers, (Timothy) even longing to be reunited with the readers of the letter.
v. 24 The recipients of the letter appear to be a group of believers making up the church body and not necessarily leaders.
v. 25 We persevere because of God’s grace. AMEN!

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