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Sermon Introduction

The author explained that leaders who take care of God’s flock are accountable to God. The author was referring to spiritual shepherds, in other words, pastors, teachers, and elders. The author also explained that the members of God’s flock, his readers, are accountable to their leaders, reflected in the instruction to obey and submit to the leaders. Every believer should submit to God’s sovereign authority. God expects His people to express their submission to His word and to His leaders who deliver His word.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Hebrews 13:7, 17-19 NASB

7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.

17 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 grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. 19 And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Notes

The author explained that leaders who take care of God’s flock are accountable to God. The author was referring to spiritual shepherds, in other words, pastors, teachers, and elders. The author also explained that the members of God’s flock, his readers, are accountable to their leaders, reflected in the instruction to obey and submit to the leaders. Every believer should submit to God’s sovereign authority. God expects His people to express their submission to His word and to His leaders who deliver His word.

1. The author instructed the believers to remember leaders who taught them, reflect on their way of living, and imitate their faith (13:7). Furthermore, the believers should obey and submit to their present leaders (13:17).

2. The author gave three reasons, (1) they watch over the souls of the flock, (2) they are accountable to God, (3) so they would serve with joy and not groan, which is unbeneficial for the flock (13:17).

3. The author attested that they have a clear conscience and expressed the desire to conduct themselves honorably in every way. He sought prayer so that they would be restored in fellowship with the Jewish believers (13:18-19).

Application

1. Imitate the faith of godly leaders, obey your leaders, and submit to their spiritual authority, which is rooted in the word of God. We must understand that godly leaders should not entertain strange doctrines (13:9).

2. Appreciate the accountability of leaders to God, do not make it difficult for them to lead you and make them do this with joy. Making it difficult for them will not be beneficial for you.

3. Pray for church leaders consistently that they may always have a clear conscience and that they may live honorably in every way. Pray as well to have meaningful fellowship with them and imitate them as they follow Christ.

Discussion / Reflection

1. Who are our leaders in the church? Mention them by name.

2. Why should we obey and submit to them? (13:17)

3. Why do you think it is unbeneficial or unprofitable for us if the leaders serve with less joy?

4. What may we imitate from our leaders?