“Them Which Have the Rule Over You”

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. have the rule...: Or, are the guides - Hebrews 13:7

    “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.” Hebrews 13:7

    The preaching of the Gospel is ordained of God for many good purposes. As I prepare to preach to you, and when I stand in this place to preach the Gospel of God’s grace and glory in Christ, I try to keep these things constantly in mind: The Glory of God ― The Salvation of God’s Elect ― and the Comfort and Edification of Your Souls.

    God has promised to give his church pastors/teachers, after his own heart to feed you with knowledge and understanding (Jer. 3:15), to guide you in the old paths of gospel truth, that you may constantly find rest for your souls in Christ that your hearts may be “established with grace.”

    If we would have our hearts established with grace, we must constantly set our hearts upon Christ, living in the pursuit of him (Phil. 3:7-14). In Hebrews 13:7-14 we are given six important, pressing admonitions, admonitions we need to constantly heed. They are admonitions concerning faithful pastors (v. 7), our immutable Savior (v. 8), our hearts (v. 9), our Altar (v. 10), our Sacrifice (vv. 11-12), and our place (vv. 13-14). The admonition in verse 7 concerns the believer’s attitude and responsibility toward his pastor. ― “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.”

    Rulers

    Christ’s church is a kingdom. He is King. Faithful pastors of local churches are his subordinates, his appointed governors over his churches. They are here called “them which have the rule over you,” because they are men appointed and gifted by God to rule his house, just as a husband is to rule his house for the glory of God (1 Tim. 3:4).

    God’s servants do not rule his churches arbitrarily, according to their own wills, but according to the Word and Spirit of Christ. They rule his house faithfully, with prudence, exercising great diligence, seeking the will and glory of God, the good of his people, and the furtherance of the gospel.

    God’s servants are not, and do not wish to be demigods. They are not little tyrants and dictators over the souls of men. But they are not June-bugs on a string, controlled by men. They are God’s servants, men who watch over your souls, and serve the eternal interests of your immortal souls, for the glory of God.

    The word “rule” could be rendered “guides” or “leaders.” The mean-ing is that the gospel preacher is one who points out the way of peace, life, and salvation to men, directing sinners to Christ. He is one who guides men and women into the understanding of the Scriptures, and the truths of the gospel, and leads them in the paths of faith, faithfulness, and true godliness, by Word and by example. The admonition here is threefold.

    Remember

    First, God admonishes his people to “remember” those men who serve their souls by the gospel. Own and acknowledge them, respect and obey them, submitting to the Word of God they deliver to you. To remember them involves knowing them, making yourself acquainted with them and their labor for your souls (1 Thess. 5:12-13). To remember them is to treasure up, remember and heed the gospel they preach to you (2 Tim. 1:13-14). To remember them is to remember their needs and supply them with their needs. To remember is to remember those who preach the gospel to you before the throne of grace (2 Thess. 3:1-2).

    The reason given for this admonition, the encouragement to heed it is the fact that faithful pastors are men “who have spoken unto you the Word of God.” Without question, this refers to the faithful exposition of Holy Scripture. God’s servants are faithful to God’s Book. But the word used here for “Word” is commonly used in Holy Scripture to refer to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the living, eternal Word, of whom the written Word speaks. The singular subject of Holy Scripture is the love, mercy and grace of God in Christ, the sinners’ Substitute.

    Follow

    Second, the apostle says, “whose faith follow.” — Here God’s people are urged to follow the faith of their pastors, as the pastors guide them in the way of life, and faith, and godliness. Faithful pastors are faithful men, responsible to set before men an example of faith and faithfulness, so that they can say to those who hear them what Paul said to the Corinthians and the Thessalonians, “be ye followers of us” (1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1; 1 Thess. 1:6). Certainly, to follow a faithful pastor is to follow his instruction; but here Paul is urging God’s people to imitate those men who lead them by example. In verse 17 he speaks of obeying their doctrine. Be wise, my friends, and follow the examples of faithful men. Follow them in their doctrine, in the faithful discharge of your responsibilities, in the worship and service of Christ, in faith and patience, in love and good works, and in steadfastness and perseverance.

    Consider

    Third, Paul urges believers to remember and follow their pastors, “considering the end of their conversation.” This third part of Paul’s admonition includes a reason for following such men. Paul urges believers to consider the end of their conversation, to consider the end, consummation, and glory awaiting such faithful men. The end, the drift, the scope of such conduct is the glory of Christ, the good of men, and everlasting salvation. What a motive this is!