Online Sermons
Lesson #18 - Be Hospitable To One Another
Series: The One-Another WayLESSON #18 – BE HOSPITABLE TO ONE ANOTHER
WHAT IS HOSPITALITY?
Philoxenia is a compound Greek word that is translated, "love of strangers”.
? 1Pet.4:9 exhorts us to be hospitable to one another without complaint.
Participating in this expression of kindness ought not emanate from a sense of obligation.
? Paul admonishes those in Rome (Rom.12:13) to engage in practicing hospitality.
? Heb13:2 instructs: do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels unaware.
This New Testament text is likely a reference to an Old Testament incident recorded in the book of Genesis.
While encamped at the oaks of Mamre (Gen.18:1f), Abraham & Sarah were visited by three strangers.
When three “men” suddenly appeared, they were warmly welcomed - - feet washed; rest offered; a meal provided.
They delivered a message about the birth of Isaac.
The text reveals that these three strangers were angels representing The Lord. cf. Gen.1:1-2, 13 with 16-17, 22 & 19:1.
What lessons might we derive from the above story?
Do you see any connection between this story and the words of Jesus in Mt.25:34-45?
IN WHAT WAYS DID THE EARLY SAINTS PRACTICE HOSPITALITY?
The Acts of The Apostles details many occasions when hospitality was exercised in Christian circles.
cf. Acts 10:6; 14:28; 16:15; 16:34; 21:4, 7, 8, & 16; 28:14
Other examples are found in the epistles - - Rom.15:24 & 32 and 16:23; 1Cor.16:5-7; Gal.1:18; and Philem 22.
Note also 3Jn.5-8.
Many of the early Christians became scattered “fugitives” - - forced by persecution to sojourn in foreign lands (Acts 8:4).
In fact, this diaspora actually served to facilitate and expand the spread of the gospel.
One of the key ingredients to the success of this diaspora (scattering) was HOSPITALITY.
Think how a mere cup of cold water helped open up dialogue and friendship and the sharing of the gospel of Christ.
Exhortations abound that urge greeting others with a kiss of love.
cf. Rom.16:16; 1Cor.16:20; 2Cor.13:12-13; Philp.4:21-22; 1Thess.5:26; Titus 3:15; Heb.13:24; 1Pet.5:14 & 3Jn.14
Church Elders/Shepherds are charged to be given to hospitality (1Tim.3:2 & Titus 1:8).
Church widows who qualified for support were to have given hospitality to strangers (1Tim.5:10).
HOW CAN WE PRACTICE HOSPITALITY TODAY?
Generally speaking, the concept of hospitality is often thought of in the sense of “feeding someone in your home".
This is a good way, but it is certainly not the only way we express hospitality.
The broader meaning of hospitality encompasses various acts of kindness and compassion.
GREETING OTHERS WARMLY!
Regardless of their appearance, their hygiene, their status in life.
True hospitality is color-blind, showing no prejudice against ethnicity or creed.
SHARING WITH OTHERS IN NEED!
The full text of Rom.12:13 reads, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
Perhaps no parable illustrates the manifold nature of true hospitality better than The Good Samaritan (Lk.10:30-37).
