Obey them that have the rule over you

[thephnxman]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

Awesome. This is what we understood as well when we studied this passage out.
Obey
πείθω STRONG’S NUMBER: g3982
To persuade, particularly to move or affect by kind words or motives.
Obedience is unto their example, as in verse 7 mentioning "whose faith follow" not unto their person or desires. Their example is produced by the Holy Ghost, and so one's obedience would be to the Holy Ghost-- not to a particular man.
Rule over
ἡγέομαι STRONG’S NUMBER: g2233
To lead or go before, go first, lead the way.
Better said:
Be persuaded by the example of those who go before you

I had never heard it taught this way all the many, many years I was in OP churches though. We were to "obey" - meaning every little whim and wish of the pastor - because this verse was used as a stick to beat us with if we didn't.

We are to obey the word that comes through the anointing, whether by the Ministry
or the church; for therein lies the power. Now this is worth repeating: Power and
authority is manifest in direct proportion to the Ministry's or individual's OBEDIENCE
to the Word.