Hospitality The Biblical Way

Life Group Qs: What do you think of when you think of the word “hospitality”? What is your best/worst hospitality story? No names or places! What was it like when you first came into Chi Alpha? For Chi Alpha regulars, why did you stick around?

Paula, Martha, & Mom

Where is “hospitality” in the Bible? I Timothy 3:2 & Titus 1:8, qualifications of church overseers I Peter 4:9, final remarks Greek adjective: lover of hospitality use hospitality generous to guests hospitable given to hospitality

I Peter 4:7-10 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Where is “hospitality” in the Bible? Hebrews 13:2, entertain strangers, they might be angels Romans 12:13, sacrifice, serving, love Greek noun: Love to strangers Hospitality

Romans 12:9-14  Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 

What is hospitality? Greek: Dictionary: Wikipedia: Generous, love, receive, entertain, hospitality/hospitable Dictionary: Friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers Quality or disposition of receiving or treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, and generous way Wikipedia: Respect for guests, providing for needs, treating them as equals

Biblical Examples Lydia to Paul, Silas & Timothy Abram to Lot Acts 16:13-15 Abram to Lot Genesis 11-19 Joseph to Pharaoh Genesis 39-41 Abigail & Nabal to David I Samuel 25 Mary & Martha to Jesus Luke 10:38-42

What is hospitality? Attitude is more important than the activity. It’s not what we do, it’s how we do it. Welcoming someone beyond the door. Bringing someone all the way through, even beyond belonging. We are all commanded to be hospitable to everyone. Banquet, Luke 14:12-14

Hospitality is People To live like Jesus around people, we must be hospitable! Fruits of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-26

What do you have to give? The Gospel Money, time, food, gifts, people, other resources Invite, welcome, bring them all the way through Attention, awareness, listening ear Love The Gospel Ask God to show you!

Is God hospitable? Philippians 2:1-8 Jesus’ Example: Jesus said “come, follow me” and showed them how Jesus welcomed all kinds of people Jesus healed hurts & wounds Jesus went to find the lost sheep Jesus welcomed children Jesus feeds abundantly Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice Jesus even said “see you later” when he left! 

Life Group Qs How do you see God as hospitable? How will you respond to God’s hospitality today? Who can you be hospitable to? How? Who can your Life Group be hospitable to? How?