RESPECT. Hebrews 13:17 When the Holy Spirit “hath made them overseers,” men whose object is the eternal welfare of the Lord’s people, we are to respect them. Those who rebel against Church discipline bring loss and grief not only to those who rule but also to themselves. Those who profit from submission both give and receive joy.
Respect is one of the main things we owe to those who lead and guide God's people. It is our duty and responsibility to obey and submit to them. Their care for us involves keeping watch for false teachers who will undermine our faith. Their solemn responsibility is to give account to the Chief Shepherd. Their sincere desire is to do their work for the Lord with joy. For us to create grief is no advantage to anyone. When the Holy Spirit “hath made them overseers”, men whose object is the eternal welfare of the Lord’s people, we are to respect them. Those who rebel against Church discipline bring loss and grief not only to those who rule but also to themselves. Those who profit by submission, both give and receive joy. They have a responsibility to watch over us - we have the responsibility to obey them.
Leaders in a New Testament assembly are not a special caste of priests mediating between God and His people. All believers are priests. The church is a “kingdom of priests,” and each one has access to God “inside the veil” through our Great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. However, God has given gifts to the church, and in a local assembly, those who lead are gifts to serve God and to lead and guide His people. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Chief Shepherd who has given qualified men the duties and authority to care for His people. This is a God-given ministry.
Those whom God raises up to lead and guide His people are not elected by a local congregation to lead them because of their human qualifications. These are men raised up by the Holy Spirit who have a natural care for the saints, a commitment to the word of God as their source of instruction, the ability to lead and guide others with dignity and discipline, and a desire and love for the well- being and blessing of the people under their care.
These brothers in Christ are not lords over the people, nor do they rule as dictators, but are men of honor, faith, and love toward the saints, as a father has for his children. Assembly leadership is composed of mature men who know the Lord personally and whose lives are consistent with what they teach. They have been tried and proven by their life experiences, and the Holy Spirit has gifted them to lead God’s people. They know what the scriptures teach and have the desire and ability to pass on what they have learned of the truth of God in ways and words that are understandable. They “watch for the souls” of believers under their guidance because they know they will give account to the Chief Shepherd for their leadership.
The first Hebrew leaders had passed away, and others had taken their places as spiritual guides. Elders, bishops, shepherds, and deacons who know and follow the word of God then and now, are guided by the Spirit of God, and have a heart for the people, deserve our respect and obedience.
True spiritual leaders have the compassion of Christ for those He has committed to their care. True worship is practical, orderly, spiritual, and guided by the disciplined leadership of the Holy Spirit. A godly response to the counsel, experience, and prayers of leaders encourages them in the important work they have been called and gifted to do. It can be emotionally draining because of the close connections with the saints in an assembly. Often, there is no response to their counsel and teaching. It can be very discouraging when no one says, “Thank you for your counsel and care!”