Follow Resting Soundly on His grace

Hebrews 13:7-9 

7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.

We are to honor our spiritual leaders, the elders, preachers, teachers, and others whom God gives gifts to that we might know and grow in Christ and His grace.  The ones who act as God’s mouth to speak what is on His heart for us are to be considered for their labors and obeyed in what comes from Him through the word of God.  As far as they demonstrate faith toward Christ in their own following of Him, we are to do the same by their example as well.  This of course means we examine the results of their actions, attitudes, instructions, and insight to imitate those things in them which are true and not those areas where they go astray or speak wrongly.  We are to exercise discernment and follow where godly faith leads.  This is based on the immutable Christ in them who cannot ever change in regards to who He is or what He does or says.  His word shows Himself, so any teaching carrying us away from His holiness, righteousness, love, wrath, and all other attributes and actions must be rejected in our discernment resulting from His Spirit and Word.  We do good to be settled upon grace and not by outward keeping of restrictions where God gives none; the example of sacrifices and food prohibitions meant to teach us faith must yield to the freedom of grace in this area.  We walk by faith, not obedience alone as the way to life.  Our faith trusts Christ’s obedience and fulfillment of the Law as it rests soundly on His grace.