I Fight Authority Series

HoHum: Stick it to the man, Fight the power, I fight authority- Summarizing our societies thoughts on authority.

WBTU:

There are many places in the NT where it talks about the roles, responsibilities and reputations of church leaders. Many of these verses talk about the responsibilities of church leaders to their congregations.

Here we have some verses from Hebrews 13:7, 17 that talk mainly about the responsibilities of Christians to their church leaders.

Sometimes leaders fail not because they are bad leaders but because they are surrounded by bad followers. Many people are concerned only with their own interests and they are not concerned about others or even the church as a whole.

These Hebrew Christians were in danger of going back to Judaism. They were going to abandon, not just their faith in Christ, but the church and their church leaders.

How can all of us be better followers of Jesus Christ and help our leaders be all that they can be for Jesus Christ?

From Hebrews 13:7, 17 I have 6 positive things, and 6 negative things- state it in a positive way and then state it in a negative way- 6 things altogether.

Thesis: The 6 positive things start with RE and the 6 negative things start with DIS

For instances:

Remember, do not dislike

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you- Hebrews 13:7

Notice that this does not specifically talk about the elders or evangelist. This is talking about anyone who has lead us into a saving or better relationship with Christ through the Word.

Now the word “remember” may suggest that these leaders were dead. Isn’t it amazing that we remember them when they died but while they lived we didn’t? Good things said at funerals

How easy it is to forgot the Christians of the past (and the present) who make it possible for us to minister.

Now we do not worship people or give them the glory. However, it is certainly right to honor them for their faithful work, to appreciate them.

Bob Walton, Ervin Walton, Bill Finley, (SS and VBS) Jessie Mae Kittle, Gladys Bailey, (Music) Helena Hastings, (Alive today) Don Campbell, George Potter, Donald Lee Kittle, Everett Walton

Do not dislike your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you- Hebrews 13:7

There was a church that had experienced a lot of growth in numbers in a short time. The preacher told me that they were having an “Esteem” service. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 KJV: And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.

After they esteemed the many who had gone on (many of them most of the congregation had never heard of) the preacher called it an “extinction” service. We don’t need to dislike them.

Reflect, do not discard

Try to reflect on the outcome of their way of life- Hebrews 13:7

The proof is in the pudding.

Today we talk about needing people who are dynamic, active, passionate, a success in business. Whatever happened to the influence of a godly life?

Every one of us casts a shadow. The ministry of personal influence is something wonderful.

Do not discard (cast aside) the outcome of their way of life- Hebrews 13:7.

Titus 1:6: An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.

This is not important, what is important is power, prestige, money, motivation (coercion).

Repeat, do not discourage

Repeat or imitate their faith- Hebrews 13:7

1 Corinthians 11:1: Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Used to think that was so arrogant until Philippians 3:17: Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

In the early years of the church, Christians needed practical guides for conduct. They still do. This pattern he talks about includes not only himself but Timothy and others.

John Paul Hill died in 1980 when I was 10 years old. My ministry is much like his.

At least do not discourage those who are trying to imitate their faith.

Need good role models. We become like those we are around. Matthew 23:15: Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.

Respect, do not disobey

Obey your leaders and submit to their authority- Hebrews 13:17. To obey must respect them

The Bible mentions several times that they are to be worthy of respect.