Category: Hospitality
Subject: Hospitality
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Timothy 1:15-18
In his second letter to Timothy, as Paul neared the end of his life, he was again in prison. The fact that he referred to his “chain” in verse 16 indicates that his circumstances were far worse than the house arrest of his first imprisonment.
During this imprisonment, the apostle had been deserted by some. He mentions individuals in Asia, including Phygellus and Hermogenes. These two are mentioned only here, and we know nothing else about them.
In contrast, we have Onesiphorus. While others deserted Paul, this man sought to help him. In doing this, Onesiphorus helped not only Paul, but the Lord Himself (cf. Matthew 15:36). We are told he “refreshed” Paul. Consider the relief that comes amidst dark despair when your brethren bring encouragement and help.
When Paul received such encouragement, he was quick to note that such diligence brings benefits to the one offering the gift (cf. Philippians 4:17). Here Paul prayed such for Onesiphorus and his family.
Three Rules
Social media is often criticized as a waste of time, and a potential stumbling block to Christians. This certainly can be so, but there are also good messages and thoughts that you come across from time to time.
A couple of weeks ago, I came across this jewel, and wanted to share it with you. Read it, and consider your own practice when you come to worship on the Lord’s day. Are you doing a good job of interacting with visitors and other members, to make them feel welcome and cared for? Consider these words:
My husband has three rules of engagement when we go to church.
- An alone person in our gathering is an emergency.
- Friends can wait.
- Introduce a newcomer to someone else.
Her husband sounds like a man who understands the importance of the church as a family. Each member of our congregation is equally important and significant. Each member is deserving of our attention and expressions of love. Is every member getting what they need and deserve from you? Think about it!
Click below to…
Hospitable
The New Testament admonishes Christians to be given to hospitality. It does so through command, as well as giving examples of this commendable behavior.
For example, Gaius was commended by John in 3 John 5-6, “Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well.”
Elders are required to be hospitable (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8). As is the widow to be supported by the congregation (1 Timothy 5:10). Lydia is a wonderful example of a hospitable woman, “And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.’ So she persuaded us” (Acts 16:15). So, hospitality is not only an attribute of the mature. Even babes in Christ can and should be hospitable.
The word is familiar to us, and means essentially the same in both our modern English and in the New Testament Greek. The word is philoxenos, a compound word. Philo (love) and xenos (stranger, guest). As a love for guests is properly shown in doing for them, hospitality consists of entertaining, feeding, and expressing love by having such into your home.
The show of hospitality is an expression of much of what it is to be a Christian. Are you hospitable?
Click below to…
COVID-19 (30) Be Careful
In Titus 3, Paul gave instructions to the evangelist Titus. He wrote, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”
The frequency
Paul told Titus to affirm the truth constantly. The phrase is not translated consistently by English versions. While the KJV and NKJV say to “affirm constantly”, the ESV says “to insist”, and the ASV to “affirm confidently.” Young’s Literal translation says, to “affirm fully.” Regardless of the different words used, the translations are not far apart in expressing the intent of Paul’s admonition.
Sermon: Doctrine – What is It? Why is it Important?
A discussion of the concept of doctrine as it is revealed in the Bible. Why is doctrinal preaching not popular today? What is it? and why is it so important?
Sermon: “Be Hospitable”
A discussion of the Christians responsibility to be hospitable. This command of God is defined, and the practice is examined by an appeal to the scriptures.
Sermon: Mary and Martha
The lesson is an examination of Luke 10:38-42, and a comparison of the two sisters who Jesus loved.
Devoted Disciples
The Lord’s church today needs devoted disciples! Webster’s New World Dictionary, in describing the nuances of the term “devote”, states, “Devote suggests the giving up or applying of oneself or something with the seriousness or earnestness evoked by a formal vow (to devote one’s life to a cause).” Consider the Apostle Paul’s sentiment as recorded in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” It must be stated that the only true disciple of Christ is the devoted disciple of Christ.
Refreshing the Spirits of the Brethren
One of the fundamental responsibilities of a Christian is to love his brethren. “In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another” (1 John 3:10-11). It is an imperative, and as Christians we should be mindful of obeying it.
One of the most effective ways to show your love for the brethren is through the practice of hospitality. It is one of an impressive list of characteristics which indicate a faithful child of God. “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” (Romans 12:10-13).
The Christian’s Responsibility to the Brethren
The Christian has the responsibility to be hospitable, to see unity with fellow believers, to edify his brethren and to love them as well.
“He who receives you receives Me”
In Matthew 10, Jesus sent His disciples to preach to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. In verse 40, He said to them, “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent me.”
This is an interesting truth as it relates to hospitality. By being hospitable to those who belong to Christ, it is as if we are receiving the Lord Himself (and by extension, His Father). Our Lord will appreciate and deal kindly with those who care for His own.
Going further, Jesus then said, “He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward” (vs. 41). In order to understand this sentence, the phrase “in the name of” must be explained. Albert Barnes wrote,
“To receive in the “name” of a prophet is to receive “as” a prophet; to do proper honour to his character, and to evince attachment to the cause in which he was engaged.”
So, both with a righteous man, and with a prophet (or preacher), when you receive them because they are righteous or because they preach the truth, you please God just as they do!
Hospitality is important. Hospitality expressed because of our common faith and love for our brethren is a selfless act that pleases God, and elicits His favor!
Sermon: Practicing Hospitality
The lesson discusses the qualities a Christian needs to successfully accomplish the command to practice hospitality. These attributes are: Compassion, Humility, Kindness and Generosity.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Be Hospitable
As you know I spent the last week preaching a gospel meeting in Lubbock at the Indiana Avenue church of Christ. The brethren there have long stood for truth, and were very accepting of the lessons I preached while there.
In addition to their kind reception of the preaching, they were hospitable to Debbie and I. This is the same group that adopted Josh when he was going to school at Texas Tech, and who are opening their arms and hearts to Kahley Paulsel as she begins her time there. I have a great fondness for all of them.
It is a wonderful thing to have such a kinship and affection with the faithful, wherever you go. All of us have received warm welcomes when traveling, even when meeting other Christians for the first time. In 3 John, the apostle commended Gaius for his hospitality, “Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church” (3 John 5-6a). We are so grateful that there are many of Gaius’ ilk among the people of God in our generation.
I also appreciate the brethren here at West Side, as many of you exhibit the same willingness to be hospitable. It is important for each of us to examine our hearts, and our practice to ensure that we are pleasing God. “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’ Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:8-10).
Invitation: The Greater Blessing is in Giving
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
Stan uses the text of Philippians 4:10-ff, to establish the truthfulness of the adage, it is better to give than receive. Paul was blessed by the gift given by the Philippians, but the church received the greater blessing.
