2024-01-23 “considering the end of their conversation”

Hebrews 13:7  “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Pastors/Elders are not to be worshipped or unduly adored; but, Paul Commands us to “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” (I Timothy 5:17).  Thus, the Biblical objective of faithful Pastors/Elders is to “labour in the word and doctrine”.  The “end of their conversation” [their manner of living] is to Preach, Teach, and live the Lord’s “word and doctrine”.  Honest Pastors/Elders will quickly tell you that they are fallible men and that they are prone to and do fail; but, their hearts’ desire is to live outwardly what they Preach and Teach.  Therefore, we are instructed to ‘consider’ “the end of their conversation”; that is, what they are laboring and striving to obtain.  While faithful Pastors/Elders are good examples, they are not the standard, but the Lord’s “word and doctrine” is.  Paul put it this way, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12); thus, we should likewise “follow after”, always striving to “apprehend” that blessed perfection found in our Lord’s “word and doctrine”.