Essentials of Christian

Living
Sunday School Lesson # 44
Hospitality
Memory Verse: I Peter 4:9
“Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”

Introduction: We’ve all heard of “Southern Hospitality.” People in the

south have a reputation of being friendly or hospitable. Wouldn’t it be nice
if people said, “Baptist Hospitality,” meaning that Baptist people had a
reputation of being friendly? It is sad, but true, that visitors sometimes go
into Baptist churches and never get a handshake or a friendly smile. Being
hospitable is part of being a good Christian. Those who want to be for God
as much as they possibly can must work hard at always being hospitable.

Definition: Hospitality—Cordial and generous reception of or disposition

toward guests.

Bible Examples:
1. Jethro (Exodus 2:16-21)
Jethro (Reuel) extended the hand of hospitality to Moses after Moses
had protected his daughters. Soon, Moses married into the family and Jethro
became the father-in-law of the great leader.

2. Manoah (Judges 13:15-21)

Here Manoah was entertaining the Angel of the Lord—Jesus Himself.
He was very hospitable to Him though he did not know he was Jesus. He
and his wife were fearful when they realized who had visited. Surely, they
were glad they had been hospitable.

3. Gaius (III John 1-6)

Notice the testimony of this fine man. He did whatever he could to
help everyone in the church and even the strangers. This should be the goal
of every Christian.

Points to teach:
1. We must use hospitality without grudging. (I Peter 4:9)
The natural man will feel slighted when he had to do something for
another. Helping one in need or entertaining a guest or stranger may be
rather imposing. It is very easy to wish we did not have to do such things.
The mature Christian must realize that hospitality, though it may not always
be convenient, is a vital part of the Christian life.

2. Hospitality is a test of true Christian character. (I Timothy 5:9-10)

Notice that Paul was instructing Timothy to take care of widows who
have taken care of others. These widows were widows indeed and were
worthy of the care of the church. This simple test is true in our lives as well.
Our Christian character can be measured by our willingness to be hospitable.

3. We should be careful to be hospitable with strangers. (Leviticus 19:33-

34, Hebrews 13:2)
There are plenty of rude people in the world. Christians should not
add to the number. Being polite and friendly is a part of being a good
Christian. We never know when God has allowed us to cross someone’s
path so that we can fill a special need in their life; maybe even getting them
saved. Furthermore, the Bible says some of us may be entertaining angels
when we see strangers. We must be hospitable.

4. We should especially be hospitable to the poor. (Isaiah 58:7, Luke 14:13,

James 1:27)
Most people are only nice to those who can do something for them.
Pure religion is doing something for those who can give no reward. This is
biblical hospitality.

5. The Bible instructs us to be hospitable to our enemies. (II Kings 6:22-23,

Romans 12:20)
Having been persecuted or attacked by someone is no excuse to be
unkind. The carnal Christian seeks revenge. The spiritual Christian shows
hospitality to those who have tried to hurt him. This is college level
Christianity.

6. God promises to bless us for helping those who cannot help themselves
or give us anything in return. (Luke 14:14)

7. Here are some basic ideas to help make our church feel hospitable.
a. Smile. e. Volunteer when people need
help.
b. Shake hands. f. Look for opportunities to be
helpful.
c. Greet all visitors. g. Slow down, and calm
down!!
d. Fellowship with more h. Sing aloud, say amen,
participate in
than a select few. congregational services.

Elementary ideas:
1. Practice being hospitable to visitors by having one student play the part
of a visitor. Have each of the others greet him and be friendly as they would
a real guest. Teach them how to do it. Play the part of a rude Christian and
then a hospitable Christian. Ask them which is more delightful.

2. Challenge your class to be hospitable every week. Help them set goals to
shake hands, open doors, and greet as many people as possible. Teach them
the importance of smiling. Have a contest and see who can smile the
longest.