Spiritual
leaders, especially in the local church, provide an irreplaceable link in the process
of fulfilling the Great Commission. They are so valuable that in Ephesians
4:8-11 they are called God’s gift the church. Their work is so important that a
list of strict qualifications is given for them in I Timothy 3:1-7.
Thru
their words & way of life, spiritual leaders provide instruction on how
believers are to live.
Jesus’
words & example provided instruction to the early disciples about how to
live. As the church expanded, its leaders continued to provide the example thru
their repetition of Jesus’ words & way of life.
This
leads to the relevance of those who provide spiritual leadership today. Just as
Jesus gave the model to the early believers, pastors & other leaders now
provide a contemporary example. They are to proclaim & teach God’s Word.
They are to model how to live it.
What
is the responsibility of those who follow these God-called leaders? According to
Hebrews 13:17, believers are to obey them; this implies doing what they ask,
following their example. It is primarily an outward, behavioral emphasis. This verse
also calls believers to submit to them; this is more of a heart attitude
emphasis.
One
of the best ways to show our obedience to the Lord is to honor & submit to
the spiritual leaders He has placed in our lives.
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