June 23, 2013 Pastor Jim Cecy “OPEN HEART! OPEN DOOR!” Principles of Biblical Hospitality (Part One) Introduction “Christianity should be characterized by an open hand, an open heart and an open door.” (William Barclay)

Romans 12:9-13 “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.” “practicing hospitality” (Romans 12:13) * “given to hospitality” (Romans 12:13; KJV) Biblical hospitality is not a spiritual gift — given to just a few. Biblical hospitality is a responsibility — given to us all. “practicing” = Greek: dioko = pursue it with passion/to press forward ALL OF US are to be pursuing getting better at biblical hospitality!

I. WHAT IS BIBLICAL HOSPITALITY? A. Biblical hospitality is NOT entertaining family and friends. Luke 14:12-14 And He (Jesus) also went on to say to the one who had invited Him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return, and repayment come to you. But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” B. Biblical hospitality is entertaining people we do not know. Greek: philoxenia = philos (love/friend) + xenia (stranger) In Old Testament times people believed strangers were sent by God — that each encounter with a new person was a divine encounter. For some it truly was an encounter with God Himself. Such was the case with Abraham (Genesis 18:3), Lot (Genesis 19:2), Gideon (Judges 6:11-20), and Samson’s parents (Judges 13:2-14). Hebrews 13:2 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” 1. We are to practice hospitality toward believers — even those we do not know very well. 1 Peter 4:9 “Be hospitable to one another (i.e. fellow believers) without complaint.” Gaius is said to have showed hospitality to the whole church. (Rom. 16:23) Our priority is to extend hospitality to Christian workers, missionaries, etc. (3 Jan 1:5-8) • We are to show hospitality to all believers EXCEPT those who are unrepentant sinners. 1 Corinthians 5:11 “But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he should be an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler — not even to eat with such a one.” 2. We are to practice hospitality toward unbelievers — even those we do not know very well. 1 Corinthians 5:9-10 “I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters; for then you would have to go out of the world.” We are NOT to show hospitality to unrepentant believers but we ARE to show hospitality to even the most vile of unbelieving sinners. 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’” We are to open our homes to unbelievers EXCEPT those who are false teachers. 2 John 1:10-11 “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.” II. WHY PRACTICE BIBLICAL HOSPITALITY?

Reason #1. Hospitality is commanded by God. Leviticus 19:33-34 “When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall do him no wrong. The stranger who resides with you should be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” Deut. 10:19 “...show your love for the alien.” 1 Peter 4:9 “Be hospitable to one another.” — i.e. your fellow believers Hebrews 13:2 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers...” — even those who may not be believers

Reason #2. Hospitality is an evidence of spiritual maturity. Job 31:32 “The alien has not lodged outside, for I have opened my doors to the traveler.” Example #1. Biblical hospitality is a requirement for church leadership. 1 Timothy 3:2 “An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach...” Titus 1:7-8 “For the overseer must be . . . hospitable . . . “ Example #2. Biblical hospitality is a requirement to be an “honored” widow. (1 Tim.5:9-10) Biblical hospitality is to be practiced by all maturing disciples of Jesus Christ. cf. Deuteronomy 10:18-19 speaks of us being like God who shows His love for the alien. cf. Matthew 25:34-40 Reason #3. Hospitality reflects a grateful heart. Deuteronomy 26:11 “...and you and the Levite and the alien who is among you shall rejoice in all the good which the Lord your God has given you and your household.” We are to use what God has given us for His glory or He may take it from you. (cf. Haggai 1-2) Luke 16:10 “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.” Reason #4. Hospitality has great effect on people. “A table bond” = “We broke bread together...” Psalm 41:9 “Even my close friend, in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.” “The covenant of salt” = “We have salt between us…” Hospitality opens doors of opportunity... cf. Colossians 4:3-5; Acts 10:34-35 1 Corinthians 3:6-11 “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 “For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.” THE SEVEN STEPS OF HOSPITALITY EVANGELISM Step #1. God opens our HEARTS. Step #2. We open our HOMES. Step #3. Our guests open their EARS. Step #4. We open our MOUTHS. Step #5. God opens their HEARTS. Step #6. They open their MOUTHS. Step #7. The Good News spreads from HOME to HOME. See you next time in Part Two:

• GUIDELINES FOR PRACTICING AND RECEIVING HOSPITALITY

Concluding Challenge:

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, the tempest-tossed. I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” (Emma Lazarus) “...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

© 2013 Dr. James M. Cecy, Campus Bible Church, Fresno, CA. 93726 www.campusbiblechurch.com