• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"As those who must give account..."

Text: Hebrews 13:17

A CALL TO IMPROVE RELATIONSHIPS

There is no mistaking the call to improve relationships between congregations and their spiritual leaders. In Hebrews 13:17 the slant is towards the exhorting members of the local church to learn how to relate better to their spiritual leaders. The following words of advice were given.

1. Obey those who rule over you

a) Obedience is the operative word.

b) The word “obedience” has a special slant (“peitheste”).

i) No coercion or use of force is hinted at.

ii) Instead the appeal is to be “persuaded to obey”.

iii) The appeal is to the logic of obedience.

iv) This text does not call for blind obedience.

v) No true leader wants followers who obey blindly.

2. Be submissive

a) The word “submissive” here is the usual word that is often translated as “obedience”
(“upeikete”).

b) The significance of the combination of the two words must not be missed.

i) There is “persuasion”.

ii) There is “submission”.

iii) These two words are combined together to spell out what “obedience” means.

DIFFICULTIES IN OBEDIENCE

That there should be difficulties in challenging authority should not surprise us! Mankind has never fully obeyed the Lord. Why should we be surprised that man would also constantly challenge the authority of spiritual leaders?

Nevertheless, the call to obedience must be sounded out! There must be an improved relationship and regard for spiritual leaders!