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Hebrews 13:17
This command given by the author of Hebrews comes in two parts: the first is for the pastor, priest, and teacher of the Bible. The NKJV and the KJV begins verse 17 by stating to “obey those who rule over you,” but I believe the NIV relates this passage a little better for our understanding today as it states, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority”. But verse 17 goes on to soften the blow of the command by stating, “for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.”
The second part of this command is a call to the hearers of the Word of God to submit to the authority of the Word of God as is opened to them by the pastor, priest, and teacher of God’s Word. This second part of verse 17 calls for the congregation to, “do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” We might ask, “how would this be unprofitable for me?” The lesson is twofold just as the command is twofold; the pastor, priest, and teacher of the Bible must present the lesson from the Bible as it is inspired to them from God with Biblical support – not as an opinion of an individual, but as a teaching from God’s holy Word. The author of Hebrews also places accountability on the pastor, priest, and Bible teacher to stay true to God’s Word as they will be held accountable for the paths in which they lead their hearers/congregation. On the day they die physically and stand before God, their teachings will be held accountable before God, and their spiritual reward or rejection will come to light and determine the sincerity of their hearts in their ministry. The hearer of the Word of God must also receive the lesson as a lesson from God as revealed to them through the pastor, priest, and Bible teacher.
This is a command to the preacher, priest, and Bible teacher to share the Word of God through the working of God’s Holy Spirit as is the gift given them from God through their salvation in and through Christ Jesus.
This is a command to the hearer of God’s Word/congregation to receive the teaching of God’s word through the pastor, priest, and Bible teacher as a lesson from God that is Biblical truth which is to be implemented into our lives in growing in our relationship with God through our salvation in Christ Jesus.
For the pastor, priest, and Bible teacher, the words of the Apostle Paul to Timothy hold true in 1 Timothy 1:15-19 (NKJV) which proclaims, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
“This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck,”.
For the hearer of God’s Word/congregation, the words of the Apostle Paul are the hope and joy for us all in 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 (NIV) stating, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
“Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.”
Dear LORD,
You call Your pastors, priests, and teachers of Your Word to proclaim to the people the way, the truth, and the life that is only found in Your one and only Son Jesus, our Savior whom You sent to save the world from the wages of sin that we, through Him, may have eternal life. Please help us to expound Your Word in a way that will be helpful to the hearer/congregation in growing in their relationship with You through their salvation in Christ Jesus that You would be glorified through all our lives – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.