Topical Bible: Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Attend to Their Instructions

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian tradition, ministers hold a significant role as spiritual leaders and teachers within the church community. Their primary responsibility is to guide, instruct, and shepherd the congregation in accordance with the teachings of the Bible. The relationship between ministers and their congregants is one of mutual respect and accountability, where the people are encouraged to heed the instructions and teachings of their spiritual leaders.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides a clear framework for the role of ministers and the expected response of their congregants. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of adhering to the teachings of church leaders. In Hebrews 13:17 , it is written: "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you." This passage underscores the responsibility of the congregation to respect and follow the guidance of their leaders, recognizing the spiritual oversight entrusted to them.

Role of Ministers

Ministers are called to be stewards of God's Word, tasked with preaching, teaching, and providing spiritual care. In Ephesians 4:11-12 , Paul outlines the roles within the church: "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ." This passage highlights the diverse roles within church leadership, all aimed at equipping believers for service and spiritual growth.

Congregational Responsibility

The congregation's responsibility to attend to the instructions of their ministers is rooted in the recognition of the authority given to church leaders by God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 , Paul writes: "But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction. In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another." This exhortation calls for respect and acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication of church leaders, fostering a harmonious and supportive church environment.

Accountability and Mutual Edification

While ministers are entrusted with authority, they are also accountable to God and the congregation. The relationship between ministers and their people is not one-sided; it is characterized by mutual edification and growth. In 1 Peter 5:2-3 , Peter advises church leaders: "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." This passage emphasizes the servant-leadership model that ministers are to embody, leading by example and with humility.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for congregants to attend to the instructions of their ministers is a vital aspect of church life, ensuring that the body of Christ functions effectively and grows spiritually. Through obedience, respect, and mutual accountability, the relationship between ministers and their people reflects the order and purpose established by God for His church.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Malachi 2:7
For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 23:3
All therefore whatever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not you after their works: for they say, and do not.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Instructions to Converts.
... see what a responsibility rests on ministers, and elders ... This reaction that people
talk so much about after ... prompt and faithful in attending to their instruction ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xx instructions to converts.htm

Out of Sectarian Confusion
... Collections were taken up for the ministers and for ... He would have the people come
and shake hands ... joining anything, but were merely showing their mutual love ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xii out of sectarian.htm

Paul's Last Journey to Jerusalem
... high commission must give his people faithful instruction ... with His own blood." If
ministers of the ... own example is to illustrate and enforce their instructions. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 37 pauls last journey.htm

Organization.
... be the only means of keeping our people united, for ... They are bound in 13 folio volumes
and cost [USD ... had no authority to officiate as ministers; their synod was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/organization.htm

The General Conference of 1804, and of the Annual Conferences of ...
... impulse, and added fresh vigor to the souls of God's ministers and people. ... camp meetings,
many of which he attended, and entered into their exercises with ...
/.../chapter 6 the general conference.htm

The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... measure of grace becomes not such a people, nor will ... hell too late: they bear down
ministers, sermons, and ... who have often confessed their sins of negligence to ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm

Instructions to Converts.
... know they did make mistakes, just as ministers may do ... Sometimes people will neglect
to pray because they are in ... she should converse with them about their souls ...
/.../lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xix instructions to converts.htm

The Resurrection of Christ; his Last Interview with his Disciples ...
... same glorious spirits will be his attendants and ministers, when he ... sceptre of universal
government, and bearing his people, and all their interests upon ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture i the resurrection of.htm

The Ministry and Prayer
... are and whom they serve, so let His ministers be. ... will bring the preachers, the Church
and the people back to ... voice, will call the ministry back to their knees ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/vii the ministry and prayer.htm

The Lord's Day --The Worship of the Apostolic Church --Its ...
... practice was observed by the primitive ministers of the ... misconduct were induced to
suppress their testimony; and ... person," is addressed to the people, as well ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter i the lords daythe.htm