Hebrews 13

Installation of a new elder took place last Sunday. It was an encouragement to watch and partake it. We have not been at this church to see this ordination yet. God has truly placed us in a Godly church, and I am thankful.

Hebrews 13:7-17 Leaders Who Keep Watch

The book of Hebrews was written to persecuted Jewish Christians. It esteems Jesus above all else; focuses us heavenward, toward Jesus, that our affections can be unfettered by other things.

Christians are to follow their leaders. Leaders are to be who has the truth of Jesus, can preach Jesus, and the followers can see Christian living in action through the lives of their leaders.

Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

The goal of leadership is to watch over the congregants' souls. Leaders are for the benefit of the congregants.

Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

Hebrews 10:39 is the goal of leaders of churches. Salvation is a lifelong battle against temptation, sin, and unbelief. Leaders teach how to fight, as well as work with you to do that. Leaders are not commanded to only seek "decisions for Christ". Salvation is a DAILY work of God.

Hebrews 2 we are commanded to pay close attention to what we have heard so that we don't drift away.

Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession,

"Consider", in the verse above, means to take a microscopic look at Jesus. Why? Because He is the author and perfector of YOUR faith. Leaders must exemplify this.

A leader who is cold in his joy for the Lord doesn't care about his ministry in Christ's church. Leaders able to love congregants depends upon their joy in the Lord. The truth of the gospel ignites joy! Lording your leadership over others is not being a servant.

Further reading: Philippians, Psalm 42

Pray for your leaders, dear reader, that they may serve in joy; that we would not hinder that joy by constant bickering, and nit-picking; learn to be obedient (persuaded by; rely on; trust) by the example God has placed in front of you.

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.