HOSPITALITY
Romans 12: 4-13
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Greek philoxenia (Strong’s Concordance #5381) Here it is used as a Noun with the meaning – “Love of strangers” (philos, “loving,” xenos, “a stranger”)
In this verse we notice that the Apostle Paul through the inspiration of Holy Spirit is expounding on the various positions in the Body of Christ. The offices are used to denote positions in Jesus Body. Some of these positions also have gifts accompanying them. The exercising of the various gifts coupled with the office is known world renown as ministry. This is a true statement that one need not be ordained by man to be a minister of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. For our Father has already ordained all of His children to bring forth fruit. (Refer to John 15:16) In the latter verse of the above caption the Spirit of God emphasizes the heart (spirit) of the minister when they (he/she) are ministering to the saints. Notice kindly affectioned, in honour preferring, not slothful (thinking the details don’t really matter), fervent in spirit (zealous), serving the Lord (not for man’s approval), rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in praying to be sensitive on how to distribute to the needs of the saints. Given the task of ministry to the necessities of the saints is why one must be GIVEN TO HOSPITALITY. In this context the Lord is not only referring to people known as strangers because they are outside the body of Christ but rather those that you are unfamiliar with within the Body of Christ. These could very well be your brethren in Christ that you have never formally met (been introduced to) or others that you seen around but usually don’t fellowship with. Here being hospitable to unfamiliar faces produces casual acquaintances, which then can be transformed into future friends. This type of first step outreach is encouraged by our Lord to help develop the growth, stability and maturity of the Body of Christ. Each part being closely knit together edifying itself in Love.-Ephesians 4:16
Hebrews 13:1,2
Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Notice in those reference verses The Lord starts out with the term “LET BROTHERLY LOVE CONTINUE” by entertaining your brothers in Christ both known by you and also those unknown by you. Remember that the Lord always reserves to Himself those that we know not according to 1 Kings 19:18 and Acts 18:9,10. Whether people chosen of God to be in His family, or relatives of other believers in prayer for them or even the Angels in heaven visiting upon the earth we should consider everyone of these scenario’s as members in the Kingdom of God. Our Father has chosen to call them unto Himself with His hands (the Body of Christ) outstretched toward His people, His spirits and souls which make up His Kingdom. For we know that one believing parent can sanctify a household even if some within that household aren’t showing the fruits of holiness or salvation to those around them according to 1 Corinthians 7:14. God knows how to save those prayed for by His children. For Our Heavenly Father and Lord did put King David’s children on the throne of Israel because of the righteousness of King David. How much more shall our own children be placed in the throne of Christ Jesus for the righteousness of Christ in us, brought to us by the Precious Blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God. Salvation is for our households according to Acts 11:14 and 16:30-32. Walking in hospitality ushers others into the manifest blessing (presence) of God. The Lord’s saints (His Body) is His Presence on the earth. If Christians don’t greet and make unknowns (even unbelievers) feel welcomed and loved, who will? Is this not our assignment in Christ while we are on the earth and a prerequisite for ministry? Indeed it is, Yes and Amen, unto the glory of Christ Jesus, our Lord, Leader and example. We will point out at least three biblical examples in the New Testament so that this truth may be established in you as a Christian:
1 Timothy 5:10 - window must have lodged strangers,
And Acts 16:14,15 - Lydia lodges Paul and His company
And Luke 19:1-10 - Jesus is Zacchaeus guest at his house
Now notice 1 Timothy 3:1-5:
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
Greek philoxenos (Strong’s Concordance #5382) Here it is used as an Adjective with the meaning – “Hospitable”
In this content the Holy Spirit inspires the Apostle Paul to help Timothy (As a Pastor) along with the Body of Christ (The Laity) to teach believers what character traits are essential in the office of a Pastor. This outlines a resume of heart and conduct for all those aspiring to be in that office. When Timothy has to make a selection from the laity he now knows what fruit to look for in the individuals to make them a potential candidate. The simple truth of the matter is that one should be faithful over his own household before even being considered to rule in the Church. In this particular passage of scripture the phase “of good behavior” comes to mind. This shows us that we always need to behave right. The thought of being on your best behavior can be misleading, because if it is not normal for you to act right something is wrong. We Believers always have the Presence of God, His Holy Spirit is forever with us. Our normal behavior should be good, our very nature cries out for holiness. The very essence of our Father’s Spirit is Goodness, therefore, we do good because Jesus is Goodness. The fruit of your reborn spirit is goodness. When you act the way you are suppose to act in holiness, displaying the love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, faith, meekness, temperance and goodness of God people will be drawn toward you. If Jesus be lifted up He Will draw all men unto Himself.
John 12:32
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.KJV
This drawing starts the moment we believers release the spirit of God unto the world and other believers. The Spirit of God is in the fruit of God. We openly reach out our hand to give the hungry hearts God’s rich nutritious fruit of Love. If they are open to Him and hungry for more of God in their life they will receive it with all gladness. How foolish would it be for God to extend His wide hand of mercy to a condemned world through His Body (the Born-again Church) and we not receive them into our care because we are lacking hospitality? This is why goodness is used in this verse right before hospitality. Showing us that we should behave like God (showing Godliness) to them by extending the loving hand of hospitality to others around us. Notice that you only are required to be hospitable to those that are in your sphere of influence. We should always be hospitable (willing to show kindness to anyone) but only those that are near us can partake. In other words our heart of hospitality is for the whole world, but our actual deeds showing our hospitality will only be given to those around us who receive from God’s outstretched arm. As one desiring to be in a ministry office as a full time occupation it is necessary and essential that the minister of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ understand his calling and knows for sure his expected behavior in that calling. For to much is given much is required. If an Elder knows not how to receive others, is he really qualify to be a Minister to (or for) the Body of Christ? I think not, at least not according to the scriptures found in the New Testament. We see this truth also brought to our attention in Titus 1:5-9 the same greek word is used but with a stronger motive. Let us examine it together:
Titus 1:5-9
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Here the phrase is used a “lover of hospitality” denoting that the Man of God (An Elder, A Pastor, A Overseer, An Undershephard, A Bishop) must show forth hospitality in opening his house and heart to others (strangers and brethren alike), but the Man of God must also delight in doing it. A Lover of Hospitality characterizes a person who takes pleasure in fellowshipping with others. He is not trying to like people he is unfamiliar with, his hearts compassion is truly interested in the other persons welfare and acceptance into the Body of Christ. He seeks to represent the Kingdom of God in its full light, showing outsiders and insiders that there is no air of conceit in Christ Jesus. The genuine love of God is manifested through this Pastor because he is mature enough in Christ to clearly reflect the Glorious Light of the Lord Jesus Christ. This task of being hospitable many in the Body of Christ do not practice. Those that are inhospitable cause the weaker saints (least traditional accepted brethren or potential brethren) to stumble by shining a false light of superiority rather than the true light of love showing our Lord’s identification with the sins of the whole world. Since Jesus all man’s sins over the face of the earth can be forgiven. How is it that we can not tolerance the small sins of our neighbor through the fruit of forbearance? Does longsuffering abide within us, or not? How can we neglect the love due unto our fellowman at the moment it is sought for or the moment it is called upon? If we turn our hand away from the needy, does not that action turn the heart of God away from us? Oh yes, we will always be His sons and daughters by His Grace but much better is it when we have our rights through what He did and His rewards through our obedience to His Purpose and Plan for our life. We are by no means trying to say entertain everyone, nor is it encouraged in the Holy Bible to bring someone in your home that you have no knowledge of. The first (trying to entertain everyone) could lead to excessive works without the reward of being led by the Spirit of God. Whereas the latter (bringing unknown people into your home) could jeopardize your health and the security of your family, not to mention the state of your assets. Remember Jesus said don’t cast your pearls before swine in Matthew 7:6. We should not give place to people who may have covetousness as shown in Isaiah 39:1-7. When Hezekiah showed strangers from Babylon all the treasure of the Lord’s House much to the displeasure of the Lord. This foolish gesture resulted in the King of Babylon carrying those treasures away to his kingdom at a latter date. What we are stating is to be ready to show kindness to those you know not. Never, we repeat, never put yourself or any of your love ones in harms way. If you really don’t know the person invite them to church. If the person doesn’t want to go to a local church how shall they grow and develop in Christ? If you know the person as a Christian invite them to a neutral ground like a restaurant for lunch or dinner. Be ready to listen to them when they need a hearing ear, or just be ready to help if you see a need or the Lord places something specific on your heart. For in doing this faithfully you have ministered unto the Lord by sharing a portion of the blessings you have received from Him. This may be a word of encouragement, a scripture of edification or even an extra coat for a cold child. Jesus said in Matthew 25:40 that when you did an act of kindness unto the least in his Body you did it unto Him. Simply put receive all people with an open heart and a kind expression of God’s Love. So when called upon to put forth your efforts to show kindness be sure you extend the Hand of the Lord in hospitality by Love. Please do not withdraw the blessing of the Lord’s presence within you from another who needs the life of Christ to live in the world today. Amen. Since some people can be deceptive by trying to con you out of your goods we are told to be cautious and compassionate at the same time. The Word declares “Be wise as serpents but harmless as doves”.-Matthew 10:16 This simply means do nothing rashly but through watching and prayer do that which is right in the eyes of God following the peace of God in your heart. If you really do not know the individual you don’t have to do anything (do nothing physically) just watch and pray for them. If you know the individual fairly well then you will have a better understanding of how to effectively minister to that individual. We must always remember that this is not about just doing good deeds but this is about being lead by God’s Spirit of Hospitality in Jesus Name. Amen!
1 Peter 4:7-9
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
Greek philoxenos (Strong’s Concordance #5382) Here it is used as an Adjective with the meaning – “Hospitable”
This passage of scriptures simply shows that godly hospitableness is not just for those in the full-time ministry or inspiring to be in positions of authority in the Church of God in Christ but this commandment is to all men everywhere in the Body of Christ. Simply put we all should love one another. Inside these demonstrations of love for everyone we use HOSPITALITY as a means to communicate His Love for them. Our attitude should always be without “grudgingness” but special emphasis was placed on this verse because our All Wise Father and His All Wise Son Jesus Christ knew with all certainty that our flesh would not always feel like entertaining guest through hospitality. Therefore He wanted us to know that if grudgingness was in our heart (soul) it would show up in our fleshly expressions or in our attitude. It is better not to display toward an unfamiliar guest a false picture of hospitality by a half hearted effort. An unfamiliar guest could easily assume that what they experienced is the real heart of God, and having come away with a substitute, their desire for the Real God may be quenched by the actions of the inhospitable. Not knowing how to access the presence of God for themselves they go away at a loss due to man’s flesh as opposed to a true holy encounter from the Presence of our Father in Love. Let us be follower of God’s Love as His beloved children according to Ephesians 5:1,2. It is always better in God’s eyes to perform His ministry in excellence, wholeheartedly, void of reservations or regret, then to do something in His Name on a subpar level (below His Standard of excellence). In Revelations 3:15 we see that the Church of Laodiceans was neither hot nor cold, therefore God will spew them out of His mouth because the Lord states that He would have us to be either cold or hot, not both at the same time. No man can serve two masters: either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other according to Matthew 6:24. This is a biblical principle illustrated with money (mammon) but applied throughout the Holy Bible. How can a good tree bring forth bad fruit, or how can fresh water spring bring forth salt water? Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing my brethren these double standards ought NOT TO BE according to James 3:10. For the flesh and the spirit are contrary one to another according to Galatians 5:17. Therefore serve the Lord your God with all your heart, soul (mind) and strength.-Mark 12:30 Hospitality is a part of that service so do it heartily as unto the Lord Jesus or stay in His presence until His goodness overwhelms the very core of your being so that hospitality is as much a part of you as smiling is. If you have neither of the two, please realize that the joy of the Lord is needful in your daily walk with Him according to Nehemiah 8:10, because His Joy is your strength. Then, and only then, you can truly and accurately represent Him before the world and present Him correctly to the world or even to your fellow brethren in Christ Jesus. Amen.
THEREFORE BE YE HOSPITABLE FOR GOD IS OUR HOSPITILY.
In His Love, Eric & Angela Foster