TABLE MANNERS
November 25, 2018 • Jeff Hughes
Acts 10:1-23
1. PRACTICE HOSPITALITY.
He replied, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." – Luke 5:31-32
The physical force of gravity pulls everything to the center of the earth. In order to break free from earth-centered life, thousands and thousands of pounds of energy have to push the space shuttle away from the center. There is also a psychological force of gravity that constantly pulls our thoughts and affections and physical actions inward toward the center of our own selves
and our own homes. Therefore the most natural thing in the world is to neglect hospitality. It is the path of least resistance. All we have to do is yield to the natural gravity of our self-centered life, and the result will be a life so full of self that there is no room for hospitality. We will forget about it. And we will neglect it. So the Bible bluntly says. Stop that! Build a launching pad. Fill up your boosters. And blast out of your self-oriented routine. Stop neglecting hospitality. Practice hospitality.
– John Piper
2. EAT WHAT’S ON YOUR PLATE.
Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate 18 and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there.
Acts 10:17-18
3. “PASS THE FOOD!”
19 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” 21 And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” Acts 10:19-21
4. MAKE MORE ROOM AROUND THE TABLE!
We are all invited and welcome to a table of GRACE! There is nothing you did to earn a seat at the table – and nothing you can do to be excused from the table! You are Welcome! Therefore, scoot over and make room for another seat, because somebody else is hungry!
How We Can “Erase the Excuses for Being Exclusive”
1. Practice Hospitality
2. Eat What’s on your Plate.
3. Pass the Food.
4. Make More Room Around the Table.
