Daily Devotions
Hebrews
"Remember those who rule over you..."
Text: Hebrews 13:7
SPIRITUAL LEADERS
When God planned for the Church, He included a structure where there would be those who would be entrusted with spiritual oversight. This was certainly taught by the apostle Paul as well in three of his epistles (Cf. Ephesians 4, 1 Timothy and Titus 1 where pastors/ teachers, bishops/presbyters and deacons were clearly mentioned as leaders of the Church). The writer of Hebrews enjoined his readers to give due respect to these spiritual leaders.
“Remember those who rule over you,
who have spoken the word of God to you,
whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.”
Hebrews 13:7
1. Remember those who rule over you
a) This is a reference to those who lead the church.
b) They are to be “remembered”.
i) They are to be remembered in prayer.
ii) They are to be remembered for the good work they do.
iii) They are to be remembered (by implication “regarded well’).
2. The work of these spiritual leaders
a) These teach “the word of God”. (In New Testament times the following taught the word of God.)
i) The Apostles/prophets who laid the foundation of the Church (Cf. Ephesians 2:20; 4:11)
ii) The evangelists (Cf. Ephesians 4:11)
iii) The pastors/teachers (Cf. Ephesians 4:11)
iv) The presbyters/bishops (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:7-9)
b) Whose faith follows considering the outcome of their conduct.
Faith and conduct were inseparable! These spiritual leaders were to rule and lead the church with strong faith and good conduct. All believers were encouraged to emulate their example of faith and conduct.