Freedom in Christ — Obedience: there is the mark of obeying leaders. Verse seven tells us the kind of leader that is to be obeyed: leaders who have proclaimed the Word of God Read Hebrews 13:7

1.      The word obey (Greek word is peithō) is a verb; therefore an action must take place.  The Christian is to bring about an activity that will show movement of their will to another.  The word here means to consent or agree with confidence by evidence of authority, to one that is in charge or the leader.  39And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Matthew 26:39  Also read Matthew 26:42, Mark 14:36 and Luke 22:42

2.      The word rule (Greek word is hēgeomai) is a noun: therefore it speaks of a person.  In this case the person is one that leads.  A person that is in command with official authority.      11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ    Ephesians 4:11-12 (KJV)

 The church and its pulpit exist first and foremost to proclaim the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Then, after preaching redemption, the church exists to carry the message and ministry of redemption to a lost and needful world. The minister who has been truly called by God exalts Christ and the redemption that is in Him. That minister is to be obeyed. Three reasons are given for obeying him. Look at verse 17 as we discuss these three points

1. God called leaders to watch over our souls. They are concerned about our welfare, growth, holiness, purity, knowledge, faith, love—about our trials and temptations—about our sicknesses and diseases and suffering. Therefore, we should listen to them and obey their counsel and exhortation.

2.  God called leaders to know their accountability. This keeps the leader from abusing us. The leader knows that he is accountable to God and will stand before God to give an account as to how he led. Therefore, we can rest assured that if a leader is God-called, he will not mislead us. He is accountable to God and he knows it.

3.  God-called leaders can be grieved and hurt. If we follow them, they are filled with joy because the work of Christ goes forth. The world is reached for Christ and people are ministered to. But if we fail to follow our leaders, they are hurt and grieved, for the work of Christ is hampered and we are not growing in Christ like we should. When we oppose our leaders, we hinder or slow our growth. We stop growing and begin to cause hurt and pain and division not only in the body of Christ but to ourselves. We become tools of destruction instead of instruments of love and care and nourishment. Keep in mind our disobedience and rebellion affects us. It does not profit us. We lose out on the contribution and growth the leader could have contributed to our lives. The people are the greater losers for it. They miss out on the contribution the minister's particular gifts could have made to their lives.
 
Discussion Point 1. What are some ways people reject the leaders? In service to the church, In conversation, In actions. 

Think about how often people refuse to accept the leadership of a minister or some church leader.  God perfects us in every good work. God has a will for every one of us, but there is only one way it can be perfected in us. Note two facts below as you read:  Philippians 2:12-14 and  2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 (KJV)

·         The will of God is not perfected in us by our own works and efforts. We can try and try to work up the energy to do God's will, but we will only fail. We may show initiative and a lot of activity, but our own human efforts and work will only fail. No matter what we do, we can never perfect ourselves. Our works and efforts will eventually cease and pass away.

·          The will of God can only be perfected in us by God Himself. God Himself must work within us, stirring and energizing us to do what is well-pleasing in His sight. The word work has the idea of energizing. We can do God's will only as He works within us and energizes us to do it. What determines the energy and power of God in our lives? One thing: our walk and fellowship with God. If we walk in fellowship with God—in His Word and prayer, trusting and depending upon Him—then He will stir and energize us and give us the knowledge, wisdom, ideas, and visions of what He wants done.

"That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to everyone that helpeth with us, and laboureth" (1 Cor. 16:16).

"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God" (Ephes. 5:21).

"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder [leader], Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5).

"And they that have believing masters [leaders], let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort" (1 Tim. 6:2).

Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken" (Jeremiah 6:17).

Additional Scripture Reading

Deuteronomy 21:18-19

Proverbs 15:20

2 Samuel 22:45

I Chronicles 29:23

I Samuel 15:22

Isaiah 1:19

Zechariah 6:15