Cheryl

Thanks Lin!

Hebrews 13:17 actually says that we are to “be persuaded” by the leaders – those who keep watch over us. It doesn’t say that these leaders are taking authority over us, but rather that we are to allow them to persuade us of what is right. Also it doesn’t say that they will give an account for us. Instead they will give an account to God for how they have done their work in the flock. If this verse was about leaders taking authority over the flock, then God should have used that terminology. There is nothing about taking authority. The responsibility is for the sheep to submit to the gifts of the leaders. The leaders have been gifted by God to protect from doctrinal error. When the sheep refuse to listen, then those who are trying to protect cannot do their job. They have no authority to protect unless we allow them to convince us of the truth and protect us by teaching us true doctrine. The onus is on us to be convinced, not on the leaders to take an authority over the sheep.