HospitalityJanuary 15, 2012

Everlasting Mercy Fellowship

2nd John 1:1-13

1 The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love. 4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5 And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. 12 Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13 The children of your elect sister greet you.

The Elect Lady

Elect Lady Who is she?

Is she Electa or Kuria (or Kira) – Kuria is the Greek term for lady We don’t actually know her name but clearly, John knows her. He knows

her so well, he simply calls her Elect Lady and calls himself, Elder . In addition to that, she was known among the community of believers (see 2nd John 1:1)

What do we know about her? She had children, which the Apostle John had some personal knowledge

of, who walked in truth (see 2nd John 1:4) What do we know about the time historically?

Using your home to entertain was common however, using it as a ministry tool was unique.

There were many itinerant teachers who went from town to town and usually stayed at a host home. Because of this, there were many itinerant false prophets who went out (see 2nd John 1:7-9)

She exercised hospitality through the use of her home however John gave her a ground rule for the use of that gift (see 2nd John 2:10)

Hospitality

Excuses for not showing hospitality

That’s not my calling or gifting (see Romans 12:3-8; Romans 12:13, 1st Peter 4:8-10) Romans 12:3-8

▪ 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans 12:13▪ 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

1st Peter 4:8-10▪ 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Just because it’s not your calling, does that mean you are to have no participation in it ie. Evangelists vs. Evangelism.

Hospitality is the fruit of generosity and should be practiced towards all as an expression of God’s common grace but especially to the saints with whom we share a common Father (see Romans 12:10)

Excuses for not showing hospitality

I don’t have any money (see 2nd Corinthians 8:1-5) 2nd Corinthians 8:1-5

▪ 1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

I don’t like people (see Hebrews 13:1-2; Genesis 18:1-8; 2nd Kings 4:8-16) Hebrews 13:1-2

▪ 1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.

Genesis 18:1-8 – Abraham shows hospitality and generosity 2nd King 4:8-16 – A Shunammite shows hospitality to Elisha

Charity is a scam (see Matthew 10:16: 2nd John 1:10) Matthew 10:16

▪ 16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Next week

3rd John – Living in Truth