Given to Hospitality Romans 12 13 What is

Given to Hospitality Romans 12: 13

What is Hospitality? q Vine’s Expository Definition of NT Words: • "love of strangers" (philos, "loving, " xenos, "a stranger"), is used in Rom 12: 13; Hbr 13: 2, lit. "(be not forgetful of) hospitality. " q Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries: • “Hospitableness: - entertain strangers”; and it comes from a root word (philoxenos) which means “fond of guests. ” q Google’s Definition: • the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.

Hospitality was regarded by most nations of the ancient world as one of the chief virtues. The Jewish laws respecting strangers (Leviticus 19: 33 -34) and the poor (Leviticus 23: 14) seq. Deuteronomy 15: 7 And concerning redemption (Leviticus 25: 23) seq. , etc. are framed in accordance with the spirit of hospitality. In the law compassion to strangers is constantly enforced by the words "for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. " (Leviticus 19: 34). And before the law, Abraham's entertainment of the angels (Genesis 18: 1) seq. , and Lot's (Genesis 19: 1) are in exact agreement with its precepts, and with modern usage (compare Exodus 2: 20; Judges 13: 15; 19: 17; 19: 20 -21). In the New Testament hospitality is yet more markedly enjoined; and in the more civilized state of society which then prevailed, its exercise became more a social virtue than a necessity of patriarchal life. The good Samaritan stands for all ages as an example of Christian hospitality. The neglect of Christ is symbolized by inhospitality to our neighbors (Matthew 25: 43). The apostles urged the Church to "follow after hospitality, " (Romans 12: 13) cf (1 Timothy 5: 10). To remember Abraham's example (Hebrews 13: 2) to "use hospitality one to another without grudging, " (1 Peter 4: 9) while a bishop must be a "lover of hospitality (Titus 1: 8) cf (1 Timothy 3: 2). The practice of the early Christians was in accord with these precepts. They had all things in common, and their hospitality was a characteristic of their belief. In the patriarchal ages we may take Abraham's example as the most fitting, as we have of it the fullest account. ~ Smith’s Bible Dictionary

Why Be Given to Hospitality?

Why Be Given to Hospitality? q It is a Commandment of God: • Rom. 12: 13; 1 Pet. 4: 9; 1 Tim. 3: 2; Tit. 1: 8; 1 Tim. 5: 10

Why Be Given to Hospitality? q It is a Commandment of God: q Approved NT Examples:

Why Be Given to Hospitality? q It is a Commandment of God: q Approved NT Examples: • And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay. " So she persuaded us. Acts 16: 15 (NKJV)

Why Be Given to Hospitality? q It is a Commandment of God: q Approved NT Examples: • And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay. " So she persuaded us. Acts 16: 15 (NKJV) • “Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king--Jesus. " Acts 17: 7 (NKJV)

Why Be Given to Hospitality? q It is a Commandment of God: q Approved NT Examples:

Why Be Given to Hospitality? q It is a Commandment of God: q Approved NT Examples: • Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge. Acts 21: 16 (NKJV)

Why Be Given to Hospitality? q It is a Commandment of God: q Approved NT Examples: • Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge. Acts 21: 16 (NKJV) • And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. Acts 28: 2 (NKJV)

Why Be Given to Hospitality? q It is a Commandment of God: q Approved NT Examples:

Why Be Given to Hospitality? q It is a Commandment of God: q Approved NT Examples: • In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. Acts 28: 7 (NKJV)

Why Be Given to Hospitality? q It is a Commandment of God: q Approved NT Examples: • In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. Acts 28: 7 (NKJV) • Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, 6 who have borne witness of your love before the church… 3 John 1: 5 -6 a (NKJV)

Why Be Given to Hospitality? q It is a Commandment of God: q Approved NT Examples:

Why Be Given to Hospitality? q It is a Commandment of God: q Approved NT Examples: q There is much benefit to giving & receiving! • God commands & commends: it will benefit your soul. • Your heart will be refreshed. • Others will be encouraged. • Blessings shared. • Relationships built, forged into bonds. • Barriers of formality abolished.

Hospitality in Action

Hospitality in Action q Abraham and Lot • Heb. 13: 2; Gen. 18: 1 -8; 19: 1 -3

Hospitality in Action q Abraham and Lot q Jesus • Matt. 8: 20; Mk. 2: 15, 7: 24; Lk. 8: 3, 19: 6

Hospitality in Action q Abraham and Lot q Jesus q NT Christians • Acts 2: 46

Hospitality in Action q Abraham and Lot q Jesus q NT Christians q Modern Examples

Given to Hospitality q Be encouraged by what the Scriptures teach concerning this topic. q Leave here with a better understanding & be encouraged to incorporate these principles into your life. q Some may have “sold themselves short” on their own ability to fulfill this command. q This lesson has been intended to inform, encourage, and overcome possible hinderances in being “Given to Hospitality. ”

Given to Hospitality Romans 12: 13