REMEMBER YOUR CHURCH LEADERS 

Hebrews 13:7

October 13, 2024

     The context of Hebrews 13:7 is also crucial in understanding its significance within the larger theme of the Book of Hebrews. Written to a Jewish-Christian audience, the Book of Hebrews serves to exhort believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to persevere in the face of persecution and temptation. Throughout the book, the author emphasizes the supremacy of Christ and the new covenant He has established, urging believers to hold fast to their confession and to run with endurance the race set before them.    

     The last chapter of the book of Hebrews, we can find three times, in verses 7, 17, 24 which tells us the importance of church leaders.

Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24 “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. ¹⁷ Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. ²⁴ Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.”

     Of course, the work of God has a connection to the leaders of God.

Hebrews 13:7 “Remember them which have the rule over you,“ -  KJV

Hebrews 13:7 “Remember those who led you,“ NASB

Hebrews 13:7 “Remember your leaders,“  ESV

     This verse from the Book of Hebrews offers profound insight into the Christian concept of leadership and the importance of following the example set by spiritual authorities. The verse urges readers to remember and honor those who have been placed in positions of authority within the church. In doing so, it emphasizes the significance of the words and teachings spoken by these leaders and encourages believers to heed their counsel.

     The word “rule”, “led” or “leaders” in Greek “hegeomai” means first to lead, then to think or regard. Obviously, the former meaning describing men in any leading position.  The word “hegeomai” refers to a ruler or leader who goes before as a guide. The church spiritual leaders lead us believers in Christ as they are going in front of us and guiding us the right direction we ought to go, which is according to God’s Word.

     Since these spiritual leaders know the Word of God and lead us into God’s truth, that is why they are in a position of ruling and guiding the people of God.

     Notice the word “remember” (recall to one’s mind, bearing in mind) in Greek “mnemoneuo” from mimnesko means to exercise memory, call something to mind, recollect, to pay attention to something and so to be warned. It means to use the faculty of memory given by God and keep in one’s mind people, things, and circumstances because memory is basis of learning and of motivation for future action.

     The word “Remember” is in the present imperative which is a command to keep on remembering. It means that God wants us to continually call to our minds the memories of faithful leaders and rulers who guided us into the things of God, specifically into understanding the grace of God.

     It is very possible that this refers to former leaders who have presently passed away. Think back into the past, to leaders who have passed on to glory in Hebrews 13:17, 24.

Hebrews 13:17, 24 “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. ²⁴ Salute all them that have the rule over you,…”

     These verses taught us that there was a mentor who made difference in the life of each believer because of the bible that these leaders taught them. Our passage says that these leaders became God’s instrument in molding us, shaping us, through their leading, teaching, living and faith, that is why we should never forget them.  

     Four areas to remember our church leaders:

I – Remember those who have the rule over you – v. 7a

Hebrews 13:7a “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”

     In fact, the word “rule over you” KJV; “led you” NASB; “your leaders” ESV is used, indicates leaders who have led.

     Notice the noun contains an article “the”, so it was stated “the rule over you,” which teaches us to remember certain leaders who rules us or leads us in a specific way.

     The Greek noun “hegeomai” describing men in any leading position. They are leaders who understand the word of God precisely, who fight a good fight of faith and finished their course. God wants us to remember them so we can follow their example and stay and finished the course as well.  

II – Remember those who have spoken unto you the word of God – v. 7b

Hebrews 13:7b “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”

     Notice the word “who” that means whoever they were, no one specific in mind here.

     Notice the word “spoken” in Greek “laleo” which originally referred to the chattering of birds or conversation of children. This is use to the highest form of speech as the Holy God choose a language as God’s primary medium of communication to the fallen, sinful mankind. 

     It is worth remembering for a spiritual church leader who have been known for his commitment and dedication in communicating the Scriptures to the people. Our text says, that leader will be known as one who spoke the Word of God. Leading believers and knowing and teaching the Word of God go hand in hand.

     We notice in our text that it did not mention specific book of the bible, we therefore believed that this mean to mean we are to specifically remember those who were teaching us the entire Holy Scriptures. Our text does not mean we are to have in memory their attitude of spending much of their time for leisure time, drinking coffee with their social friends, but we are to remember their ability to teach the Scriptures. The most important thing that stands out concerning each of these men is their love for the Word of God and their teaching of the Word of God.

     It is for our own benefit to remember in your prayers those preachers who preach the Word of God to us, for what can these church leaders do without the divine assistance? And how can we be profited by these spiritual leaders unless they are first blessed of God? Therefore, remember them.

     Notice the words “the word of God” is a great legacy. It should be the legacy of every Pastor and teacher and elder and the goal of every father that the Word of God likewise be their legacy. In that in our text they were those who spoke the Word of God.

     The Word of God is the only source for sound teaching. Yet we live in a day when very few Pastors devote themselves to teaching the Word of God in a systematic way. Many evangelical churches have abandoned teaching through the Bible verse by verse, word for word in an attempt to reach the unchurched seekers and for fear that some of the difficult doctrines may offend people. These evangelical preachers aim their church service at giving the customers to comfort what they want topical messages on how to have a happy and prosperous life. These evangelical, modernist and liberal preaches of today avoid talking about sin or judgment or anything controversial issues like abortion, death penalty or homosexuality, worldliness, etc. Most of the time, the sermon’s messages of these evangelical and modernist preachers could have come out of Reader’s Digest rather than the Bible. Each everyone of you should evaluate any teaching by the criteria by asking “Does it explain the text of Scripture in its context and apply it to my life?”

     The phrase "who have spoken unto you the word of God" highlights the weight of the message carried by spiritual leaders, symbolizing the divine authority and responsibility entrusted to them. Their words are not to be taken lightly, but rather to be heeded and followed, as they serve as vessels for the transmission of God's truth to the congregation. That is why we need to remember them in their teaching.

     First, they led us, and secondly, they spoke unto us the Word of God, now thirdly…

III – Remember to Imitate their faith – v. 7c

Hebrews 13:7d “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”

     The phrase “whose faith follow” KJV; or “imitate their faith” ESV, NASB.

     The words “imitate” in Greek “mimeomai” from “mimos” refers to imitator or from which we get our English word mimic. Mimeomai means to imitate, to use a model, to emulate, to follow someone’s actions or way of life, especially to follow a good example and not to follow a bad example (III John 1:11 “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.”). 

    Paul said in I Corinthians 11:1 “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”; Philippians 3:17 “Brethren, be followers together of me”; 

     The word “imitate” is in the present imperative which means “keep on imitating” the faith of the church leaders. Make it your habit to imitate their faith. These church leaders or Pastors were not perfect and yet God calls them faithful and calls the readers to follow their examples of faithfulness. We need imitating the godly leaders and faithful leaders so far as they imitate Christ.

     Faith here of course speaks to both their faith and their conduct. The author of Hebrews emphasizes the faith of the church leaders because the writer of Hebrews wants us to see that faith in Christ is the firm foundation for Christian conduct. 

     Our behavior is not to be outward conformity to rules or rituals. Paul thought in his letter to the Galatians in Galatians 5:6 “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.”

     The faith of someone here do not refer to those who have an external form of godliness. If you try to imitate these men’s conduct, you become a religious fake, deceived just as they are. People who have learned to form of godliness and know nothing of the power that comes from genuine faith (II Timothy 3:5). Instead, the writer of Hebrews says we have to look at the whole course of their conduct and how they finished their course, and get the same motor that made them what they were (that is their faith).

     We are to actually imitate other believers who have proven themselves faithful to God and faithful to the Word of God.

     There is valuable list of people in Hebrews 11 who demonstrated a great faith in God and great faith in the Word of God. We are to mimic that in our lives.

     Furthermore, the exhortation to "remember" and "consider" the faith and conduct of these leaders underscores the importance of mindfulness and reflection in the followers' relationship with their spiritual authorities. This symbolism encourages believers to actively engage with the example set by their leaders, contemplating the implications of their teachings and striving to emulate their faith and way of life.

IV – Remember the result of their way of life – v. 7d

Hebrews 13:7c “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”

     Notice the words “considering the end of their conversation.” KJV; “Considering the result of their conduct.” NASB; “Consider the outcome of their way of life.” ESV.

     The words “considering” in Greek “anatheoreo” from “ana” which is emphatic and “theoreo” means to view or observe. Anatheoreo means to look again and again. The idea is to view or to look attentively making sure that one observes accurately and considers carefully.

     Although Paul lived well in his Christian life, said that he was still working on things and even testified that he was working on his thought life. II Corinthians 10:5 “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

     The words “end” in Greek “ekbasis” in this context speaks of the result of one’s way of life, with the implication of it being spiritually successful. This is not merely the “end” of their physical life, but the manner in which they closed a well-spend life as exhibited by their spirit in dying.

     The word “conversation” here refers to conduct or way of life or lifestyle.

     The “end of their conversation” is not just what they say but it is how they live, the lips and live must match. It means to look at the whole course of their life, especially the end of it. How did they run? Did they hold fast until the end? Did they finish well? What if they cease to be winner or victorious before they die? When this occurs as it is too common in today’s Christianity, we are disappointed, disillusioned, let down, even discouraged.

     Remember those whose conduct you can survey from beginning to end, and consider all of it but consider especially how they ended! 

In conclusion, Hebrews 13:7 offers a compelling portrayal of the Christian concept of spiritual leadership and the significance of submitting to those in authority. By remembering and honoring their leaders, believers demonstrate their commitment to following the example set by those who have spoken the word of God to them. This verse encapsulates the themes of submission, honor, and perseverance found throughout the Book of Hebrews, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to emulate the faith of their spiritual authorities.