Bible Study Lessons

A Model of Hospitality

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Introduction

Would you want thousands of strangers to walk through your house each day? What if it meant you had an opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them? Jonathan and Rosiland Goforth faced those two questions in inland China. As missionaries, they were praying for ways to reach the people for Christ. God made that part easy by bringing the people to them – by the thousands. They wanted to see how the Goforth’s lived. Quickly, the Goforth’s decided to use their home as an evangelism tool. Each day as people came to see their home, the Goforth’s would divide them into groups, share the gospel with them, and take them on a tour of the house. Despite that fact that many of their possessions were regularly missing, regardless of the fact that they often lost their voices after speaking to so many people all day long, Jonathan and Rosiland continued to view their home as a place of ministry. A way they could reach their world for Christ. Often in the months and years that followed, when they would go into a town or village to share the gospel, people would listen intently and invite them into their homes to share more. Why? Because, they said, they had been so welcomed at the Goforth’s home before. Few of us are called to hospitality at that level, but 3 John 1:5-8 presents an example of a Christian who was faithful to practice hospitality. Learn what the Bible says about this important aspect of Christianity…

Observation

Pray

When you begin to read or study the Bible, you should pray first. Eventually it will become a habit – something you do without having to remind yourself. Ask the Lord to show you what His Word says, and to give you the humility to believe it and do what it teaches.

Read Focus Verses

Now read 3 John 1:5-8 carefully, noting the individual phrases, and seeing how they connect to each other.

Read in Context

Before diving in, let’s step back and get a little perspective on these verses by reading their context. Look at 3 John 1:1-8.

Addressed

What is the name of the man addressed by the word ‘beloved’ of ‘friend’ in verse 5?

A Single Word

What word does the Apostle John use in verse 5 to describe Gaius’ work?

Witnesses

In verse 6 we are told that certain people have told John and the churches about Gaius’ love. Looking at verses 5 and 6 together, who are these people?

Doing Well

What will Gaius do well to do from verse 6?

Whose Name?

Whose name is referred to in verse 7?

Receiving These

Say in your own words which kind of people are described in verse 7 and referred to in verse 8.

Why?

According to verse 8, why should Gaius and other believers receive this kind of Christian?

Interpretation

Hospitality

This passage in 3 John speaks of Gaius’ hospitality. Let’s look at a few other passages that speak of Christian hospitality. The first is Romans 12:13, which is speaking to all Christians.

Christian Hospitality

The word used in Romans 12:13 to describe the way Christians practice hospitality sounds a lot like what John is describing in 3 John as he relates what the other believers say Gaius’ hospitality is like. Notice the interesting meaning of the word “given to” or “pursue” hospitality.

Strong's G1377

Greek,dioko [dee-o'-ko]

--Verb

Origin: a prolonged (and causative) form of a primary verb dio (to flee; cf the base of (1169) and (1249))

Definition:

  1. to make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away
  2. to run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing, to run after
    1. to press on: figuratively of one who in a race runs swiftly to reach the goal
    2. to pursue (in a hostile manner)
  3. in any way whatever to harass, trouble, molest one
    1. to persecute
    2. to be mistreated, suffer persecution on account of something
  4. without the idea of hostility, to run after, follow after: someone
  5. metaph., to pursue
    1. to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavour to acquire

The Model

Titus 1:8 describes how a pastor, who is supposed to be a model to other believers, is to think about hospitality.

Entertaining Angels

Hebrews 13:2 gives an interesting reason to practice hospitality.

Without Grudging

1 Peter 4:9 gives a warning to those who are hospitable.

A Servant’s Heart

What attitude are Christians supposed to guard against when they show hospitality to others.

Personal Testimony

Do you know a Christian who is a model of this virtue of hospitality?

Partaker

Notice the similarity between 3 John 1:6-8, and 2 John 1:10-11, which warns against hosting false teachers.

Hosting

What do both passages say about the relationship between the host and the guest?

Why?

Why is the host part of the guest’s work by hosting them?

The Power of Hospitality

Notice what Max Lucado says about the power of hospitality.

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Benefits

What are some of the benefits of hospitality?

In Your Own Words

Based on what you’ve seen from Scripture, why is hospitality so important?

Application

Following Jesus

These passages about hospitality are for those who are following Jesus Christ. Have you believed what the Bible says about Him – that He is the Son of God who became a man to save us – and do you trust in His death and resurrection as your only hope of salvation?

Showing Hospitality

Do you regularly show hospitality to other people? Could it be said that you pursue hospitality? How can you improve your hospitality this month?

Wrapup

Closing

We hope this study has helped you understand what the Bible says about Christian hospitality.

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