JESUS IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER, Ron Ward
OBEY YOUR LEADERS
Passage: Hebrews 13:17~25  
Key verse: 20,21
17 Have confidence in your leaders(A) and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you(B) as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
18 Pray for us.(C) We are sure that we have a clear conscience(D) and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.(E)
Benediction and Final Greetings
20 Now may the God of peace,(F) who through the blood of the eternal covenant(G) brought back from the dead(H) our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,(I) 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will,(J) and may he work in us(K) what is pleasing to him,(L) through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.(M)
22 Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.(N)
23 I want you to know that our brother Timothy(O) has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.
24 Greet all your leaders(P) and all the Lord’s people. Those from Italy(Q) send you their greetings.
25 Grace be with you all.(R)
Cross references
- Hebrews 13:17 : ver 7, 24
- Hebrews 13:17 : Isa 62:6; Ac 20:28
- Hebrews 13:18 : S 1Th 5:25
- Hebrews 13:18 : S Ac 23:1
- Hebrews 13:19 : Phm 22
- Hebrews 13:20 : S Ro 15:33
- Hebrews 13:20 : Ge 9:16; 17:7, 13, 19; Isa 55:3; 61:8; Eze 37:26; S Mt 26:28
- Hebrews 13:20 : S Ac 2:24
- Hebrews 13:20 : S Jn 10:11
- Hebrews 13:21 : 2Co 9:8
- Hebrews 13:21 : S Php 2:13
- Hebrews 13:21 : 1Jn 3:22
- Hebrews 13:21 : S Ro 11:36
- Hebrews 13:22 : 1Pe 5:12
- Hebrews 13:23 : S Ac 16:1
- Hebrews 13:24 : ver 7, 17
- Hebrews 13:24 : Ac 18:2
- Hebrews 13:25 : S Col 4:18
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
1. Spiritual order (17-19)
If we are to grow in faith and in usefulness to God, e must accept spiritual order in the Christian community. Leaders must give an account to God for their ministry and for their influence. Shepherds are not necessarily more able or qualified than those under them, but they are our leaders. When we submit to their authority with joy, we can learn obedience to God--and this is how our faith grows.
2. Our Great Shepherd (20-25)
Jesus is our Great Shepherd. Through his death, he sealed our blood covenant with God. He was established by God who raised him from the dead. God himself equips us with everything good for doing his will; he works in us what is pleasing to himself--when we trust and obey the shepherds whom he has appointed to be our leaders.
Prayer: Lord, help me to learn deeper faith through obedience to the leaders you have raised up. Help me to do your will, depending on the equipment you give. Help me to glorify my Great Shepherd Jesus.
One Word: Obey your leaders