Biblical Hospitality (Part 4)

THEME: Hospitality is an essential Christian virtue that is both commanded and commended throughout Scripture. Sadly, however, hospitality is something many Christians don’t entirely understand or routinely practice. Understanding and practicing biblical hospitality has the potential to radically transform our church and our community. It is one of the most effective means to build closer relationships with people in our church and one of the most effective tools to build bridges to people in our community for the sake of the gospel. Consequently, we all need to develop a heart for and a habit of showing hospitality to people we know and don’t know; to believers and unbelievers alike. This subject can be broken into TWO PARTS:

1. THE BIBLICAL EXPLANATION OF HOSPITALITY

      A. HOSPITALITY DEFINED

      B. HOSPITALITY DEMONSTRATED

2. THE PRACTICAL EXECUTION OF HOSPITALITY

     A. HINDRANCES TO HOSPITALITY

     B. HINTS FOR HOSPITALITY

          1. HOSPITALITY IN THE CHURCH

          2. HOSPITALITY FOR FELLOWSHIP

          3. HOSPITALITY FOR EVANGELISM

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” These questions are designed to help you apply today’s message to your life. We encourage you to thoughtfully answer these questions and discuss your answers with others. For more information about joining a Grow Group that uses these questions as the basis for weekly discussion, prayer, and accountability, please call the church office at (936) 582-1977.

1. Since the start of this series on hospitality, have you taken any steps toward practicing hospitality more deliberately and regularly? Why or why not?
2. What excuses do you make for not reaching out and inviting others into your home and your life?
3. Of the five hindrances to hospitality mentioned in the message, which do you struggle with most (i.e. overcomplicating it, idolizing your home, selfishness, being too busy, not living on mission)?
4. Do you consider our church a friendly place where people feel indiscriminately welcomed, loved, and accepted? Are you guilty of showing favoritism or being cliquish (cf. James 2:1-8)? What can you do to help people feel more at home when they visit our church?
5. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:8. Who are some of the people in our church who have become dear to you? Who is someone you want to get to know better and/or you want to connect with someone else in our church because you know they have some common interest?
6. Read Luke 5:27-32. Make a list of people in your neighborhood or at your work or school that you would like to invite to your home for a meal. When and how do you plan to do it?
7. Thank God for making you a part of His hospitable people. Ask Him to remove those things that hinder you from putting His hospitality on display to others. Ask Him to grant you the wisdom and creativity you need to get into a regular routine of practicing hospitality so you can show prodigal sons and daughters that their heavenly Father is looking for them and calling them home.

“The secret weapon for gospel advancement is hospitality, and you can practice it whether you live in a house, an apartment, a dorm, or a high rise. It takes only your willingness to open your home and life to others….You can be an integral part of God’s mission from right where you are, without leaving the home you sleep in each night.”

Dustin Willis and Brandon Clements, The Simplest Way To Change The World: Biblical Hospitality As A Way Of Life,19-20