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1 Timothy 3:1–2

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop [overseer/pastor/elder], he desireth [aspires for] a good work. A bishop then must be blameless [above reproach], the husband of one wife [a one-woman man], vigilant [sober-minded], sober [self-controlled], of good behaviour [modestly respectable], given to hospitality [a lover/friend of strangers]…

GIVEN TO HOSPITALITY (Greek: philoxenon)—philos: friend/love & xenos: stranger/foreigner

GIVE HOSPITALITY TO ONE ANOTHER …

Last week, we considered: James 2:14-17; Romans 12:1-16; Hebrews 13:1-3; 3 John 5-8; 1 Peter 4:8-10; Luke 10:25-37

GIVE HOSPITALITY AS A RECIPIENT OF THE GOSPEL MESSAGE .

Since the earthly ministry of Jesus, the gospel of the Kingdom and the church has spread across the globe through world-transforming hospitality.

See: Acts 16:14-15, 40; 21:7-8; Extra: Acts 28:14-15; Romans 16:1-24; Luke 10:1-16

GIVE HOSPITALITY AS A LOVER OF CHRIST.

The passage we are about to read probably contains the most influential words of Jesus on Christian hospitality. These prophetic words pierce. And they extend our object of hospitality to not only messengers of the gospel but also to all followers of Christ and the “least of these” in society. Jesus teaches us here that the righteousness of His true followers will be seen at the day of judgment by how they had loved the stranger as Him.

Matthew 25:31-46; John 21:1-17

Of all the characteristics Jesus could have chosen to distinguish between the righteous and the unrighteous, the eternally redeemed and the eternally condemned, Jesus chose feeding, housing, clothing, visiting, and loving strangers.

Those who have received the love of God in Christ are expected to love Christ by loving His sheep. They also go after the lost and call them to be made Christ’s sheep. They love strangers who are beloved of God.

Q: Do you love Jesus? Does your hospitality show it?

GIVE HOSPITALITY AS GOD HAS DONE AND IS DOING FOR YOU.

This is it. This is what separates works-based religions from grace-based service. False humility from true humility. Self-love and godly love. The sheep from the goats. From beginning to the end, the Bible tells us not only to love the stranger but also, why.

Leviticus 19:33-34; Deuteronomy 10:17-19; 24:17-18; Matthew 9:9-13; John 15:12–15; Ephesians 2:11–19; Revelation 21:1-8;

It is because God had lovingly rescued and redeemed Israel from being enslaved strangers in Egypt that they were commanded to treat the stranger “as one born among you” and to “love the stranger as yourself.”

Since we have received God’s great love, we are to love greatly.

Q: Is this true of you? Do you trust that Jesus laid down His life for you? For your sins? To save you from God’s just wrath? Have you received God’s love in the crucified and risen Christ?

Q: Is your trust in Christ evidenced by your love for one another? Selfless, giving love that does things for real people? Love that inconveniences yourself? Love that pauses your journey? Love that opens your home, empties your cabinets, and meets needs of others who can do nothing in return for you? Love that shows Christ to others? Love that reflects Christ to other members in your church? Love that supports the spread of the gospel and Christ’s church around the world?

SERMON IN A SENTENCE: Knowing God has redeemed you as His eternal friend in Christ will move you to love and befriend strangers with hospitality .

In eternity, no one will truly be a stranger, but we’ll have countless new friends to get to know!

Acts 2:46-47; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

Church gatherings and fellowships are central to Christian hospitality. We have a weekly feast. During the week, we go out into the highways and hedges and compel strangers to “Come and dine”! Sunday gatherings—especially the Lord’s Supper—are a foretaste of God’s eternal hospitality secured for us in Christ. No wonder Jesus commanded us to eat together!

Q: Do you agree on the importance of biblically prescribed fellowship and hospitality?