Sermon Cloud

Hebrews 13:17

Hebrews 13:7

Christians

Trust and Yield to your leaders (Heb. 13:17)

I expect some of us said, "Why? Who made them our leaders in the church?"

Our society questions authority.

Boston tea party - the king of England arbitrarily imposed a tax on American colonists. The king had absolute power.

Our colonists disagreed. They said the tax was unfair.

"Taxation without representation."

"All men are created equal."

The king had (essentially) declared himself supreme ruler.

. Self-strength. THAT'S what we question.

Our society teaches us to question Autocracy

Leaders in the church:

Now, look at these church leaders again. Who are they? How should we trust them, yield to them?

Hebrews 13:7 (NIV) Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

We should trust them because:

• they lead us
• They spoke the word of God to us

We yield to them by:

• Consider the outcome of their way of life
• imitating their faith.

These are not people who rely on their own strength. They didn't speak their OWN words to us. We imitate their faith in God, not faith in themselves.

Read the NEXT VERSE:

Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

These church leaders did not declare themselves leaders. Christ made them leaders.

The church needs leaders.

Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV) ¹¹ It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, ¹² to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

All Christians (disciples) - follow Christ

Servants/deacons/ministers - help disciples...

Leaders - show servants how to...

Leaders represent Christ

In one sense, we all represent Christ:

Matthew 5:13-14 (NIV) ¹³ "You are the salt of the earth. ...  ¹⁴ "You are the light of the world. ...

Christ designated twelve of his disciples to be apostles-representatives.

Matthew 10:1 (NIV) He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

Acts 3:6 (NIV) Then Peter said, "... In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

Acts 3:12 (NIV) ... Peter ... said to them: "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?

Church leaders REPRESENT Christ

Christ gives leaders responsibilities.

Matthew 10:7 (NIV) As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'

Hebrews 13:17 (NAS) - they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account

Church leaders are RESPONSIBLE

Leaders in the church should not operate on their own authority. They should operate ONLY on Christ's authority.

Vital for all Christians to hold their leaders accountable.

Must be following Christ.

Must represent Christ.

Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV) log & speck

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) ¹⁴ "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30)

Bags of money. Suitcases full.

All church leaders have enormous responsibilities:

Apostles - spread God's kingdom (missionaries)

Prophets - speak God's word

Evangelists - report God's good news

Pastors -shepherd the people

Teachers - teach God's teachings

We have to remember our own responsibilities as God's representatives:

Husbands to wives, wives to husbands.

Parents to children, children to parents.

Employees to employers,

Minister and elders to the congregation.

Resident, to my neighbors.

Adult, to younger people.

Christian, to fellow Christians and to outsiders.

People need to see God in us.

The role model for all Christians, servants and leaders is...CHRIST

Which one are you today?

• Christ is calling me to follow him.
• I am a Christian. Christ is calling me to serve.
• I am a servant. Christ is calling me to lead.
• I am a leader. Christ is reminding me to follow Him and serve others.