Let elders watch your soul with joy

Daniel Patz, Lead Pastor

Grace Church, Sunday Worship

Hebrews 13:17

February 6th, 2011

introduction

The TEXT

(Heb 13:17)  Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

SUMMARY

Here we have the author of this letter concluding this book by instructing the believers to respond properly to the leaders in the church.

Implicitly we see the weighty duty of the leaders – most likely elders (who in Acts 20:28 watch over the sheep).

This verse has five sobering and weighty statements.

1. Obey your leaders and submit to them,
2. for they are keeping watch over your souls,
3. as those who will have to give an account.
4. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning,
5. for that would be of no advantage to you.

MAIN POINTS

To the Congregation:

This is written to a congregation or to believers so I will address it from this perspective first.

1. Command – Obey and Submit to Leaders

What does this mean? “be persuaded”

Absolutely?

What about spiritual abuse?

What does this mean for us today?

2. Motivation
   1. For Leaders are watching over your souls

                                                              i.      What does this mean?

                                                            ii.      How do they do this?

                                                          iii.      How important is this?

2. For Leaders will give an account of their watching over your souls

                                                              i.      Sobering

                                                            ii.      They are accountable to God

3. Command Remix – Cooperate: Let them do this with joy and not with groaning
   1. There is a way to relate to your leader that makes it easy and joyful for them to lead and watch over your soul
   2. There is a way that is full of groaning

   3. Illustrated in parenting

4. Motivation/Warning – this would be of no advantage to you

To the Elders:

This is not addressed to elders specifically, but it implies several things about the office of elders or church leaders.

1. Give good reason to the congregation to trust you and follow your leading in the Word and Life.
2. Keep diligent watch over the souls of the sheep entrusted to you
3. Remember that you will give an account for your watch-care.

CONCLUSION

Why this sermon?

The elders are called to shepherd you which includes watching over your souls.

You are called to make it easy for them to do it?

The elders are burdened and committed to obey our calling with the Lord’s help.

Shepherding Groups:

Each Elder is given (or chooses) specific individuals and families to watch over.

We will let you know that in a letter this week.

The elder is committing to regular specific prayer for you…wrestling for your soul.

They will contact you regularly and inquire how they can help you.

Please cooperate and do not be offended.