INTRO: HOSPITALITY IS LOVE IN ACTION (Hebrews 13:1-2;1 Peter 4:8-9)

The Greek word for hospitality means "love to strangers." The word "strangers" doesn't necessarily mean that they are strange, it normally applied to travelers and aliens. You always take a risk, though, when you entertain people that you don't know very well. That's why sayings such as these have become common:

Unbidden guests are often welcomest when they are gone.

William Shakespeare

Fish and visitors smell in three days.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

It may not even take 3 days! As someone else said:

Some people can stay longer in an hour than others can in a week.

To entertain gracefully, you need to have tact.

Tact--The ability to make your guests feel at home when you wish they really were.

And this last one take a positive view on hospitality:

Visits always give pleasure--if not the coming, then the going.

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As we study this topic today, we're going to see that hospitality is something that we are commanded to do but it's not something that we always feel like doing. In this way it is similar to love. Which is why our introduction says: HOSPITALITY IS LOVE IN ACTION.

The Bible commands us to love others despite how we might happen to feel about them. Love is primarily an action, not a feeling. So, if hospitality is "love to strangers" then we need to recognize from the beginning that we cannot base our hospitality on how we feel about those we are ministering to. If we rely on our feelings, then we will tend to neglect our duty to show hospitality. Hospitality is a duty of love. Which is why commands about hospitality were linked together with commands to love:

Hebrews 13:1-2

Hospitality is a lot of work. It is often inconvenient. It can ruin your plans and invade your privacy. It may not even be enjoyable. It is something that we may tend to complain about having to do. So Peter wrote:

1 Peter 4:8-9

Again, hospitality is linked to love, and Peter says we should do it without grumbling. We hear grumbling like this all the time. Complaining about having to take care of guests on top of our already too busy schedules.

I read something that made me feel really guilty. So I'd like to share it with you, too!

Dr. David Batsone told the following story to illustrate Christian hospitality: "A flatbed truck of Salvadoran refugees lumbered down the main road of the village and stopped in front of us. The refugees were fleeing the aerial bombardment that we could hear in the distance. They carried all of their meager worldly possessions with them.

"My wife and I were eating lunch at an old wooden table outside the one-room cardboard-and- palm-leaf hut of our hostess, Sandra, and her family. Twelve people lived in that small hut, and the lunch that Sandra had prepared for us went well beyond the means of her family.

"As the truck dropped off some people who were seeking shelter with relatives in the village, Sandra jumped up and grabbed the tortillas and beans that had not yet been eaten. She ran over to the truck and gave the food to the refugees, who wasted no time in filling their empty stomachs.

"Returning to the hut with a joyful smile on her face, Sandra said, 'Isn't it wonderful that we can serve others? God could have called the angels to do all of the work that needs to be done. God doesn't need us, but He allows us to participate!'"

How many of us would have the same attitude under those conditions?

[Decision, Nov 1993. Pages 31-32.]

I doubt I would. But that is true hospitality. That is love in action. That is a true reflection of our wonderful God who loves everyone.

Deut. 10:17-19

God says that showing hospitality is a requirement. Our first point talks those for whom it is required.

1. PRACTICING HOSPITALITY IS A REQUIREMENT FOR:

First of all, PRACTICING HOSPITALITY IS A REQUIREMENT FOR:

A. PASTORS (1 Tim. 3:2)

1 Tim. 3:2

Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

If you're looking for a new pastor (maybe I shouldn't give you ideas like this right before we leave for 7 weeks!), one of the qualifications you should look for is hospitality.

Since Pastor TJ and Jeannie are gone this Sunday, I can say this without it going to their heads or embarrassing them. Tim and Jeannie have many wonderful gifts. But after knowing them for years now, I would say that hospitality is one of their main gifts. I am amazed at not only the number of people they entertain, but with their non-grumbling attitudes while doing it. Remember when you pray to thank God for them and to ask for strength and grace to continue on in this ministry. There would be a big hospitality hole in our church if it weren't for their work. Many of you also are doing well in this area and I thank God for all of you.

The next people on the outline are widows – widows who are qualified to be put on the church's list.

B. WIDOWS ON THE CHURCH’S LIST (1 Tim. 5:9-10)

This was a list that each church kept to show which widows were to receive special privileges and material support from the church. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul described some of the qualifications required.

1 Tim. 5:9-10

Hospitality is not absolutely required to be on the list. What's required is that she is well-known for her good deeds. Hospitality is listed as an example of those good deeds. If a woman has been gracious in meeting other people's needs, then it is appropriate at her time of need for the church to be hospitable to her.

Hospitality was seen as an indication of a person's faith and love. And so, as our next point says, it is something that should be a part of every Christian's life.

C. CHRISTIANS (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:1-2; 1 Peter 4:8-9)

Christians are commanded to show hospitality. We've already looked at Hebrews 13:2 and 1 Peter 4:9. Let's look at one more:

Romans 12:13

Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Again, since it's a command, it is something that we should do regardless of our feelings. And it should be done without grumbling.

In his book Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis wrote, "Do not waste your time bothering whether you `love' your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this, we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him."

I think it's also true that if you practice gracious hospitality you will probably become a gracious and hospitable person.

Our next point tells us that there are also benefits to practicing hospitality.

2. THE BENEFITS OF PRACTICING HOSPITALITY

Elda Mills writes: "When I was a very young girl growing up in South Dakota, it often annoyed me that my parents put themselves out so much for total strangers. Our farm was on a windswept prairie, miles from the next farm, more miles from town--miles of unpaved road. Cars were always breaking down, bringing stranded strangers to our door day and night.

"Those were depression days, hard times, when our farm wasn't always able to provide enough food for our large family. Even so, my parents were always ready to share. Whenever I complained that their hospitality was depriving the family of our own needs, either my father or my mother had a Bible passage as an answer.

…(She gives a number of examples of people that ended up as guests in their home and how she became annoyed with the inconveniences. Then she tells about another family that needed help.)

"One windy summer day a family stopped at our house because of car trouble. My mother offered them a plate of hot ears of corn we were supposed to have ourselves and loaves of fresh bread she had just baked. They ate away, while my brother worked on their car. I was too young to appreciate the attention of their teenage son, who teased me and tugged at my braids. I was glad when they finally drove off.

"Before I could complain, my mother said, 'Ecclesiastes 11:1.' I looked it up. "Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again." I was hoping that didn't mean those people would come back.

"Today that is my favorite verse. Here's why: Over the years my parents corresponded with that family. When they were passing by, they'd stop for a visit. The son continued to tease me and tug at my braids until I outgrew them.

"But I never outgrew the boy. Today that boy is the man who is my husband!"

[Guideposts Magazine, 1981.]

I don't guarantee this same result but there are benefits to showing hospitality.

My parents were like this in many ways. I hardly remember a thanksgiving or Christmas dinner that we didn't have strangers at the table. Some kids bring home stray animals. My older sister had a tendency to bring home stray people. I am very glad that God put me in a family like that because I learned many things about hospitality, including the fact that some strangers will rip you off and take you for everything they can get. But the majority of people were genuinely thankful for what my parents did for them.

Our next point tells us the most important benefit – as well as motivation for hospitality: SHOWING HOSPITALITY IS A GREAT WAY TO EXPRESS OUR LOVE FOR JESUS.

A. SHOWING HOSPITALITY IS A GREAT WAY TO EXPRESS OUR LOVE FOR JESUS (Matthew 25:31-43)

Matthew 25:31-40

Do you want to do something for Jesus? Show hospitality to others.

Isaiah 58:6-7

God is pleased when we meet the needs of others.

Sometimes another person's greatest need is encouragement. So our next point tells us that: SHOWING HOSPITALITY IS A GREAT WAY TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS.

B. SHOWING HOSPITALITY IS A GREAT WAY TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS (Philemon 1:7)

Philemon 1:7

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

Philemon had a great ministry to others. He was an oasis of love in a desert of discouragement. Many people were refreshed because of his hospitality.

The Holy Spirit gives gifts to every Christian. These gifts are to be used for the benefit of others.

1 Peter 4:10

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

Hospitality is never mentioned in the Bible as a gift, but as Strauch wrote in his book: "Hospitality is a vehicle through which a number of spiritual gifts are practically displayed – mercy, serving, giving, evangelizing, helps, etc." (39)

He mentions evangelism, which is the subject of our next point: SHOWING HOSPITALITY IS A GREAT HELP TO EVANGELISM.

C. SHOWING HOSPITALITY IS A GREAT HELP TO EVANGELISM (Matthew 5:16)

A missionary couple from Africa wrote some time ago, "It is our conviction that the most effective, single way to reach people is through the home. The churches might encourage their members to set aside one day each month in which they would invite unsaved couples over for an informal evening of chatting and perhaps playing games followed by some light refreshments. Then, having enjoyed good hospitality and friendship, the guests would be more receptive to a witness for Christ. More of us should be accused, as was our Lord, of associating and eating with sinners."

Hospitality can be planned, but it should also be a lifestyle that looks for opportunities.

Late one night a salesman drove into a strange city and tried to get a room in a hotel. The clerk informed him that there was no vacancy. Disappointed, he started to leave the lobby when a dignified gentleman offered to share his room with him. Gratefully the traveler accepted his kindness. Just before retiring, the man who had shown such hospitality, knelt and prayed aloud. In his petition he referred to the stranger by name and asked God to bless him. Upon awakening the next morning, he told his guest it was his habit to read the Bible and commune with God at the beginning of each day, and he asked if he would like to join him. The Holy Spirit had been speaking to the heart of this salesman, and when his host tactfully confronted him with the claims of Christ, he gladly received the Savior. As the two were ready to part, they exchanged business cards. The new believer was amazed to read, "William Jennings Bryan, Secretary of State." This high government official was an ambassador of Heaven who had not failed to represent his King, the Lord Jesus.

In Strauch's book he has a number of illustrations of how the ministry of hospitality has benefited those who practice it, as well as benefiting others in their family, but, we must remember that even if there were no benefits to us, we are still commanded to do it.

Let's take a brief look at a few people who our next point says are: SOME BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO SHOWED HOSPITALITY.

3. SOME BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO SHOWED HOSPITALITY

There are many examples, but let's look at just three.

A. LYDIA (Acts 16:15)

Lydia was the first European converted to Christ under the preaching of Paul at Philippi. She was probably fairly wealthy and she used her home to show hospitality to others.

Acts 16:15

When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.

Another person who is mentioned for his hospitality was Gaius.

B. GAIUS (Romans 16:23)

Paul mentions him by name in:

Romans 16:23

Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings.

We don't know much about him, but he was known for his hospitality.

The third person I want to highlight we've already mentioned – Philemon.

C. PHILEMON (Philemon 1:7)

Philemon 1:7

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

These three and others like them are obviously appreciated by many people because of their ministry of hospitality. We should try to be like them. But, there's a problem – something that gets in the way. The next point says: THE BIGGEST HINDRANCE TO HOSPITALITY IS OUR SELFISHNESS.

4. THE BIGGEST HINDRANCE TO HOSPITALITY IS OUR SELFISHNESS

Alex Strauch writes:

In another article, called "Family Plus," the author points out that selfishness may not be limited to just individual matters. She points out that there is such a thing a family selfishness. In other words, People look to meet only the needs of their own family and don't open up to those outside. She writes:

She goes on to say that if a family is going to be healthy it must have a balance between meeting its own needs and meeting the needs of those in the local church, the world-wide church, and those outside the church.

Let me give you one more quote:

"Family plus" by Maxine Hancock. Faith Today, Jul/Aug 1995 (Vol 13, No 4). Page 37. Topic: FAMILY LIFE. See also 10565, 10485, and 10474.

Our next point deals with a few practical suggestions. We only have time to state them briefly. If you'd like the fuller discussion please get a copy of Strauch's book or other books on hospitality.

Let's look at: SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR PRACTICING HOSPITALITY.

5. SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS FOR PRACTICING HOSPITALITY

Planning ahead – if you wait until you're not too busy you will rarely find time to show hospitality.

Sunday noon is suggested as a good time to plan to invite others to your home or out to lunch.

Make a list of people who would be especially encouraged by an invitation.

Don't forget your neighbors – Plan a time to get to know them.

Reach out to others on special holidays – especially to those who have no family near them.

Keep it simple – you're goal is not to impress people.

Keep it inexpensive – this will allow you to do it more often.

Make a special effort to invite missionaries or travelers when they come through.

Learn the art of conversation. Strauch recommends buying a book called, 201 Great Questions, Jerry D. Jones, NavPress.

Be creative; pray, read scripture, take a walk.

Buy and use a guest book – it's great way to look back and recall special times and friends.

Read some good books on hospitality – I've listed some ideas in the bulletin.

A lot of sermons conclude with an invitation. I'd like to invite all of you over for lunch – next Sunday! (Just ask me for the address and map to where we'll be in Portland, Oregon!)

Seriously, I'd like to give you a different kind of invitation. Our conclusion calls this: AN INVITATION TO GIVE INVITATIONS

CONC: AN INVITATION TO GIVE INVITATIONS

I'd like to invite you to make special efforts to put your love into action through hospitality. Besides the suggestions we've just looked at, there are two more very important things that we should do.

First of all, let's confess our selfishness. Let's admit it to the Lord, and ask him to change our hearts.

Secondly, let's pray for joy in serving – so we can practice hospitality without complaining.

Let me close with a verse that could be applied to almost any sermon:

John 13:17

Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Let's pray,

Dear God,

You are the God who invites people into your eternal family. You provided the way by sending your own son to die on the cross for our sin that we could receive eternal life. If there is anyone here today who has never accepted your invitation of eternal life, I pray that they would open their heart to you. I pray that if they want to know more about how to do this, that they would talk to me or to a Christian friend. You are the God who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. You defend the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and love the alien, giving him food and clothing. Lord, You also invite us to come to you saying, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. And you promise that whoever comes you will never drive away. Thank you for your gracious and generous hospitality. May we go and do likewise. Amen.

Extra material:

SUGGESTED BOOKS:

Alexander Strauch, The Hospitality Commands, Littleton, CO

Rachael Crabb, The Personal Touch: Encouraging Other Through Hospitality (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1990)

Karen Burton Mains, Open Heart, Open Home (Elgin: David C. Cook, 1976)

Edith Schaeffer, L’Abri (Wheaton: Tyndale, 1969)

Grace Pittman, Hospitality with Confidence (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1986)

Doris W. Greig, We Didn’t Know They Were Angels: Hospitality Even When It’s Inconvenient (Ventura: Regal Books, 1987)

TEACH ME TO PRAY

It was an exceptionally hot day, and they were having company for dinner. Mother asked five- year-old Jason to say the prayer before they ate.

"But what should I say?" asked Jason.

"Just say what you hear me say," said his mother.

Little Jason bowed his head and said, "Dear Lord, why did I ever invite people over on a hot day like this?"

Hospitality is a test for godliness because those who are selfish do not like strangers (especially needy ones) to intrude upon their private lives. They prefer their own friends who share their life-style. Only the humble have the necessary resources to give of themselves to those who could never give of themselves in return.

Erwin W. Lutzer (1941- )

QUICK-QUOTE: 11831 FAMILY PROBLEMS

"When we envision the church as an idealized family, we are not very capable of welcoming the stranger. When family is the only metaphor we use, people with whom we cannot achieve intimacy, or with whom we do not want to be intimate, are squeezed out. Since intimacy often depends on social and economic similarities, church then becomes a place of retreat rather than true hospitality. Such a church does everything in its power to eliminate the strange and cultivate the familiar. Such a church can neither welcome the stranger nor allow the stranger in each of us to emerge."

--Molly Marshall (quoted in The Other Side, Nov/Dec 1996, page 57)

TEN HOSPITALITY HINTS FOR CHURCHES

A visit to a Six Flags amusement park inspired a pastor to list the things churches could learn from big business about making visitors feel more welcome.

"Ten hospitality hints for churches" by Henry Simon. Evangelism, Aug 1995 (Vol 9, No 4). Pages 121-124.

EITHER WAY

A wealthy woman was interviewing an applicant for a job on her household staff.

"Do you know how to serve company?" she asked.

"Yes, ma'am, either way," replied the young girl.

"And what do you mean by `either way'."

"Why, so they will come back or so they won't."

RECOVERING THE ART OF HOSPITALITY

»"Beneath our excuses is a root cause. We are selfish. Hospitality requires giving ourselves to others."«

One of the most neglected practices among Christians in the late 20th century is hospitality. There are lonely, hurting people everywhere who need a human touch, a word of encouragement or counsel, and a sense of belonging.

We are independent. We hate to depend on others and go to great lengths to be sure we don't have to. We are busy. Both spouses may work, and after hours they drive the children to music lessons and soccer games. When they attend church, they're still in a rush, both to get there and to get back home. All of these are factors, but the bottom line is that we are selfish; we don't want to be inconvenienced.

"Recovering the art of hospitality" by Doug Erlandson. Moody, Nov 1995