LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for July 15: Follow the leader

This week’s lesson from Judges is about godly leaders and our call to follow them. Rather than add to the observations from the text, I’d like to add to the subject matter with some additional biblical texts from the New Testament.

Part of being a Christian is learning to submit. Of course, all believers are called to submit themselves to Jesus as Lord. But we all have to submit to other people in some form or another, and we have to do this “out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21). Whether in the marital relationship (Ephesians 5:22-33), in a work environment (Ephesians 6:5-9) or as citizens under a government (Romans 13:1-7), we all are going to have to submit ourselves to another person at some point.

Even in the church, we are called to submit to those in authority over us. This does not contradict the Bible’s teaching that all who are in Christ, who are members of his body, are equal in him. The ground is level at the foot of the cross. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

Yet it is also true that God has gifted some people to be leaders in his body. In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul writes about how each person in the church should use his or her gifts for the good of the whole church body. Within the list of gifts given there, Paul writes, “the one who leads” should do so “with zeal” (v. 8).

In view of this reality, how should Christians think about leaders in their churches? How should we understand the biblical call to follow godly leaders? And what are the specific ways the Bible calls church members to follow church leaders?

First, I believe we must understand submission as a high and godly calling. Following is not a lesser calling than leading. The greatest follower in the Bible is Jesus Christ, himself.

Jesus said, “I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me” (John 8:28). On the night before he was crucified, reflecting on his earthly ministry, Jesus prayed to the Father, “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do” (John 17:4). Jesus was submitted to God the Father completely and perfectly while he was on earth.

This means submission is not something that is beneath us. It is a high calling. It was what Jesus did, and it is what we are all called to do in some form. It should not be despised, but embraced.

Even when we find ourselves submitting to authorities who are not godly, this can be an honorable thing. Peter calls on believers to submit even to unjust masters, trusting in the Lord. Doing this, Peter writes, is “a gracious thing in the sight of God” (1 Peter 2:20). The Greek literally says this is “grace in God’s sight.” Why? Because it is living out the example of Jesus (1 Peter 2:21).

Second, we should consider the specific ways the Bible says to follow our leaders. Here I want to focus on pastoral leadership. Pastors are not supreme rulers. They are not dictators. In fact, their authority is limited in the New Testament strictly to their teaching and modeling of God’s word.

Pastors are those called to teach God’s word to his people. They do this by preaching publicly and modeling godliness personally. In fact, protecting the faithfulness of their teaching and their example is a means of salvation for both themselves and their hearers (1 Timothy 4:16).

As a pastor, my authority ends with the words of the Bible. I do not have authority to tell people what kind of car to buy, what size house to build or which type of job to take. My authority is tethered to the text of God’s Word, which simply means I have no authority in and of myself.

So if a pastor commands a church member to do something contrary to Scripture, the church member must, of course, not obey the pastor. But if the pastor is teaching from God’s word, the Christian who hears is accountable to obey (James 1:22-25).

Consider the words of Hebrews 13:17: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

To pastors, this verse emphasizes the incredible weight of responsibility that comes with their calling. Pastors will give an account for the souls who they are entrusted to shepherd in their churches. This should cause every church leader to joyfully tremble at the thought of every new believer and member in his or her fellowship.

To church members, this verse emphasizes the importance of being a willing, joyful follower. I’m just one pastor, but I think I can speak for some others when I tell you what I think that would look like.

It doesn’t mean cooking for your pastor more, or buying him a birthday present, or showing awkward deference to his every word and deed. I would be most encouraged as a pastor and leader by seeing people taking notes during my sermons, hearing they are talking about Sunday’s message through the week and knowing how people are applying God’s word to their lives.

I understand the Bible is the source and end of my authority in the church, and my leadership is only as effective as the changes people are making to live aligned with God’s word.