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tcalbrecht · #3 (**permalink**) 03-12-2007, 04:21 PM

Calvin wrote:

Quote:

I doubt not but that he speaks of pastors and other rulers of the Church, for there were then no Christian magistrates; and what follows, for they watch for your souls, properly belongs to spiritual government. He commands first obedience and then honor to be rendered to them. These two things are necessarily required, so that the people might have confidence in their pastors, and also reverence for them. But it ought at the same time to be noticed that the Apostle speaks only of those who faithfully performed their office; for they who have nothing but the title, nay, who use the title of pastors for the purpose of destroying the Church, deserve but little reverence and still less confidence. And this also is what the Apostle plainly sets forth when he says, that they watched for their souls, -- a duty which is not performed but by those who are faithful rulers, and are really what they are called.

Our allegiance to leaders is not unconditional. We are to obey them insofar as they are obedient to Christ the King. We accept their teaching insorfar as it is in conformity to the Word of God.

As in all things we need to focus on Christ as we consider our responsibility to our leaders.

And speaking of our further obligation to our leaders, he adds:

Quote:

As hardly one in ten considers this, it is hence evident how great generally is the neglect of salvation; nor is it a wonder how few at this day are found who strenuously watch over the Church of God. For besides, there are very few who are like Paul, who have their mouth open when the people's ears are closed, and who enlarge their own heart when the heart of the people is straitened. The Lord also punishes the ingratitude which everywhere prevails. Let us then remember that we are suffering the punishment of our own perverseness, whenever the pastors grow cold in their duty, or are less diligent than they ought to be.