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.

Hebrews 13:7

Explanation:

In verses 5 and 6, the preacher commands the reader to consider their “conversation” which means manner of living.  He tells them to live a life without greed, with contentment, looking to Jesus to supply their needs and give them help.  In verse 7 he gives them the practical advice of making sure to find good examples, namely people who have spiritual stewardship like the elder/pastor/bishop.  We know it is that position because of the qualifier “who have spoken unto you the word of God”.  

Their are two biblical offices in the church still in function today that are named in the scriptures.  There is the office of deacon and the office of pastor.  Three terms are used interchangeably when it comes to the office of pastor, including also bishop and elder.  

In this verse the preacher calls the reader to “remember” them, and to “follow” their faith and “consider the end of their conversation”.  The main point is this.  The pastor is not only to be the preacher of the Word, but also the example of living out the Word of God.  It is one thing to hear the Word of God taught which is critical.  It’s yet another thing to see the Word of God lived out.  We all need examples, and the pastor ought to be a living example of how our faith is to be lived out.

Notice it demands discernment by the reader.  He says “whose faith follow”.  This is similar to what Paul said when he said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”  There is a sense in which he is saying that any example we follow is going to have gaps.  Yet at the same time we must “consider the end of their conversation”.  What is the outcome of the faith that they live out.  Think about what their life will look like when they live out that faith and point your life in that same direction.

Application:

Last night I was at the church looking at some historical documents that are being displayed because this weekend is our churches 70th anniversary.  I came across the letter that our churches founding pastor sent to the church family upon his retirement.  He pastored our church for over 50 years, and was known for his faithful evangelism, doctrine, and shepherding.  This morning as I consider this text, and I think of “the end of his conversation”,  I remember the letter I read just last night.  Here it is.

January 6, 2003

Mv beloved Church family,

Dorothy and I want to express our thanks to you for the tremendous 50th anniversary celebration. You did an outstanding job. We want to especially thank David, the staff, and the officers of Trinity Baptist.

Several have asked me of late, “Pastor, when are you retiring?” I wish to inform you Gene Milioni will never retire. I will always be active in the Lord’s work.

Trinity Baptist is a terrific church with a great staff, officers, and the very best people in the area. All of you mean so much to Dorothy and I. Soon I will be 76 years old and I believe it’s time for Trinity Baptist to call a younger man to take the helm. David was asked if he would like to be considered for the position. After much prayer, he believes it is not God’s will for him to be the next pastor.

We have been in contact with many successful key pastors and we feel two of them are interested and well qualified for the position. I will continue to pray and assist the pulpit committee (the deacons) in having additional qualified men come so that you may hear them. You need to be in much prayer. When you meet these men, give your insight to the pulpit committee. I believe that the new pastor can build upon my efforts and take this ministry and each of you to new places and new heights with the Lord. I will remain as your shepherd until the mantle is passed on to your new shepherd.

I will be moving to Tecumseh, Michigan. I want my dear sweetheart to live close to my son should God take me home. I will keep my membership at Trinity Baptist and assist the new pastor in any way he decides. My future plans are to hold evangelistic crusades, mission conferences, etc.

This is absolutely the hardest decision of my life. I have been your Pastor for over 50 years and we love those that God has given us to shepherd. We will never forget you.

We love and thank all of you for 50 wonderful years. You are the greatest.

Your pastor,

Gene Milioni

P.S. Since you will have many questions on your heart, we will meet on Sunday right after the morning services in the Family Center to take time to answer all of your questions. Coffee, punch and cake will be served.

Letter from Gene Milioni to Trinity Baptist Church, Findlay, 2003

I love the tenderness and love expressed in this letter. There is a love for the Lord and His work. There is a love expressed for the people of our church. There is thoughtfulness for planning out a future leadership. There is the ability to leave the ministry at the end of giving an entire life to staying and working in that one place. I am considering his end, and I praise the Lord for how he was used.

This was a man worth imitating in so many ways. I hope that I can have that same kind of faith in the Lord in the coming days.

Response

God, help me to have that same kind of faithfulness to you. Help me to live out a good example of faith to my kids, my wife, your church and this city. I pray that my faith will be worth imitating for everyone that you will give me opportunity to influence. Help me to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Amen