Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account… The relation which is formed between a minister of the gospel and the people committed to his charge is highly important. It is a relation most sacred in itself, and most awful in its consequences; and the duties which spring from it are such as ought to be well understood by both parties. I. THE DUTY OF MINISTERS TO THEIR PEOPLE IS THUS DESCRIBED. They "have the rule over them," or, as the word may properly moan, have the "guidance" of them; and "watch for their souls." This expression denotes that no small degree of diligence, perseverance, and anxiety is necessary for the discharge of the ministerial office. At least it implies that a minister in the faithful exercise of his calling is required to perform two things. 1. Solemnly to admonish the people of their danger. 2. To look out for every convenient opportunity of doing good to their souls. Now observe the obligation which they are under to a faithful performance of their duty. "They watch for your souls as they that must give account" (see Ezekiel 3:17-19; Ezekiel 34:4, 7-10). II. It must be plain THAT DUTY BEGETS DUTY. If ministers be required to have the rule over their people and to watch for their souls, what must be required of their people in return but obedience and submission? 1. It is the duty of the people to attend on their minister with a disposition to receive and follow his instructions. 2. It is the duty of the people to bear with the importunity and solicitude of their minister in watching for their souls. They are not to take offence at his plain speaking, nor be impatient under his friendly admonitions. 3. It is the duty of the people to join with their minister in such plans and attempts as may best promote the object of his ministry. Does he, for example, point out any particular means by which immorality and ungodliness may be checked, or the cause of true religion may be encouraged and strengthened? In these cases his people are justly required to attend to his proposals; and by their support to forward his endeavours. From this view of the people's duty towards their minister let us turn to the obligations which they are under to discharge it. (1) In the first place, the very office of the minister imposes it on them. The same authority which prescribes to him his duty prescribes also to them their duty. And the same reasons in both cases enforce the performance of it. (2) But, in the second place, the object which the minister has in view strongly obliges the people to discharge their duty towards him. For whose souls does he watch but for theirs? (3) But let it be considered, thirdly, that in this, as well as in every other instance, duty and interest are closely joined together. It is the people's interest to obey them that have the rule over them, and to submit to those who watch for their souls. (E. Cooper, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. |
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