Who's In Charge Here? A Series on Authority
Sunday, January 18, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Dear Jesus, Thank you for those who have spoken the Word of God to me and shared their faith. I thank you for the impact that they have had on my life. Help me to have that same type of impact on somebody else's life. I want my faith in You to speak not only while I live, but also after I pass on from this life. May my life be an example to others, just as those who have been an example to me. I ask Father for your grace and strength to do this. In Jesus name, Amen.
Bible Verses
Hebrews 13:17-19
Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this joyfully and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do.
Reflecting on God's Word
Where (and in whom) was the root of our former leader's faith?
What does the verse "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever," have to do with linking the faith of those in the past to those in leadership today? Why?
If our spiritual leaders today have the same faith that is rooted in Jesus Christ (who doesn't change) as those in the past, should we listen to them?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
In verse 7, the author of Hebrews asks his listeners to "remember your leaders who first TAUGHT you the word of God." The word "taught" is used to describe someone that had knowledge of the Bible and passed it along to others. Because of this, there is a direct link between spiritual authority and proper teaching of faith through God's word. In other words, those who preach and teach are in authority over those who listen and hear. It therefore means greater responsibility on their part. If you are a teacher of God's word, be faithful to Jesus in how and what you teach. If you are a listener, obey the teaching set forth by those in spiritual authority.
Understanding God's Purpose for Us
How does remembering the spiritual leaders in authority over us in the past, link with those who are in spiritual authority over us today in the church today? Is there a link? (see verses 7-8)
How can you set an example of faith to those around you today? What are some possible areas where you have spiritual influence?
Is there anything in your life right now that is not a testimony of faith in Jesus? If so, ask the Lord to help you to live in such a way that helps others to see Jesus.
Applying God's Word to Our Purpose
Write down a list of those in the past who, as a spiritual leader, have shared their faith with you. Maybe it is a pastor, Sunday school teacher, etc...? Why did you listen to them? What things did they teach you with their words and actions? How has their faith continued to speak to you today? After you have written this list down, now take some time in prayer to thank the Lord for the blessing and the opportunity to know them. (See the prayer above.)
Thoughts
In talking about the issue of authority in the church, the writer of Hebrews is asking his listeners to remember the leaders of the past and the example they set forth in faith. When I think of some of those who first taught me the Bible, I have to think of some of my Sunday school teachers (many who have already gone to be with Jesus), my youth leaders, Bible Study teachers, mentors, pastors, and accountability partners. All of us can think of people in our past who have shared their faith in Jesus with us. For some of us, the list may be longer than others, but nevertheless we can all think of someone. What the writer is asking us to do in talking about respecting the authority of current church leaders (found later in chapter 13) is linking that respect with those leaders of the past.
In sharing their faith with us, many of those who have gone before us have given us the most important thing they could give - a testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. Even though they may be gone now, their faith still continues to speak to us. What the author of Hebrews is asking us to do in verse 7 is to "imitate" their faith. It is not to say that those persons were perfect in every way, but their lives are faithful to Jesus enough for us to imitate and respect. The good that has come from their lives is something that is like a stone thrown into a pond, which just keep rippling out. Just think, our lives are the ripple effect from theirs. Today, I encourage you to live your life in such a way that it has that same effect on others.