Hospitality and the Church 06/27/21

Series: Open House

Hospitality and the Church

3 John

Hospitality…

·      was valued in the Scripture and in the culture. 

·      is consistent with the character of God.

·      is a key part of the Christian mission strategy.

·      is expected to be prevalent among church members. 

3 John

Quick Facts

            It was written between 60 - 90 AD. 

            Historically, it has been attributed to John, the apostle. 

            It is the shortest book in the Greek New Testament.

            It focuses on 3 men:  Gaius, Diotrephes and Demetrius. 

The Context

The congregations still met primarily in homes.  Mission work is expanding rapidly. The early church was still governed by the apostles; however, the leadership structure of the church was starting to transition.  

The Message

Christians and churches are expected to be hospitable, especially toward those who are serving Jesus.  

The Text

            “I have no greater joy than this:

 to hear that my children are walking in truth.”

            “you are acting faithfully in whatever you do 

for the brothers and sisters, especially when they are strangers.”

            “we ought to support such people so that

 we can be coworkers with the truth.”

“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.”

biblical lessons

The one who knows God is transformed.  The lack of Christian obedience is to be regarded as a mark of an absence of a Christian experience.

A part of “walking in the truth” is living a hospitable lifestyle.

All Christians are called to missionary investment.

Hospitality is a billboard for Jesus.