The following outline and discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon on February 9, “20/20 Vision and Hebrews 13:17” (Hebrews 13:17). The questions can be used for discussion in small groups or for personal reflection.

Outline

1. The responsibility of the people: Obey and submit (v. 17a)
2. The responsibility of the leaders: Keep watch over souls (v. 17b)
3. The accountability of the leaders: They will give an account to God (v. 17c)
4. The mutuality of the leaders and the people (v. 17d)

Main Points:

• People: Obey your leaders because they are working for the everlasting good of your souls and they will receive an everlasting judgment for it.
• Leaders: Be a joyful shepherd and not a groaning shepherd because that will not benefit your people.

Discussion Questions

• In Hebrews 13:17, part a, what is the main call upon the people?
• In Hebrews 13:17, part b, what is the main reason that the people should want to obey?
• In Hebrews 13:17, part c, what does it mean that shepherds will give an account?
• How do the responsibilities of both the people and the shepherds work together for mutual good and mutual joy?

Application Questions

• How well do you know this text? How well do you think you are obeying this text? What do next steps look like in your knowledge/understanding of the text, your attitude toward it, and your obedience of it?
• How does this passage impact and influence the 20/20 Vision of the elder council? Do you agree or disagree? Why? Do you have ongoing questions that the elders need to answer?
• What part of this message do you need to share with someone this week?

Prayer Focus
Pray for a grace for leaders and people to joyfully keep in step together as we walk together into our Chief Shepherd’s eternal pastures.