gracious hospitality

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SESSION 3

GRACIOUS HOSPITALITY

The Point Ground your service and love in hospitality.

The Passage 1 Peter 4:7-11

The Bible Meets Life We tend to evaluate ourselves based on what we believe, but we evaluate others based on what they do. Those outside the church do the same thing. We can have the right doctrines, but it’s how we live out those truths that makes a difference to those around us. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 3:35). Our graciousness and hospitality to those outside our circle of friends attracts people to the gospel we profess.

The Setting Peter was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles (Mark 3:16). He became a leader in the early church and eventually was martyred under the Roman emperor Nero about AD 64. Probably a few years earlier, Peter wrote the letter we call 1 Peter to a group of churches in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Peter encouraged them to stand strong and to realize the hope they had in Jesus Christ, even as they faced persecution and suffering.

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BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

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What does the Bible say?

1 Peter 4:7-11 (CSB) The end of all things (v. 7)— The New Testament writers described the times following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension as the “last days,” anticipating Jesus’ return.

The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer.

Hospitable (v. 9)— Hospitable people provided food, shelter, and protection for their guests. Practicing hospitality was a natural extension of the practice of brotherly love (Hebrews 13:1-2).

Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.

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Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. 8

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Be hospitable to one another without complaining.

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If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. 11

Gift (v. 10)—A God-given empowerment for ministry, many different gifts exist (1 Corinthians 12:4‑11). All believers have at least one gift and should use their gifts to bless others.

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THE POINT

Ground your service and love in hospitality.

GET INTO THE STUDY

10 minutes

DISCUSS: Invite group members to

Notes

discuss Question #1 on page 29 of the PSG: “What’s the most interesting place you’ve stayed on a trip? SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 30): The world’s largest hotel chain owns exactly zero square feet in hotel room space. Airbnb® was launched in 2007 when two roommates could not afford to pay their rent in San Francisco. To make a little extra money to cover their expenses, they had the idea of putting an air mattress in their living room and charging people to stay there. More than a decade later, Airbnb has three million lodging listings in 65,000 cities and 191 countries. These are real people opening their homes to strangers and inviting them in. Clearly, the thought of staying in a real home resonates with a lot of folks in many cultures.

TIP: Teaching is most effective— and most enjoyable for you—when you’re not distracted. Before you begin your lesson, make sure you’ve eaten, gotten enough sleep, and released your worries to God in prayer.

SAY: “Gracious hospitality is nothing new. Being hospitable is a very spiritual characteristic. Hospitality is a command and one Christians must embrace if we want to live in a welcoming posture to those coming into the faith. Our graciousness and hospitality to those outside our circle of friends attracts people to the gospel we profess.” LEADER PACK: Display Pack Item #1, “Welcome Home” poster, to remind group member of the coming sessions. GUIDE: Draw attention to The Point on page 30 of the PSG: “Ground your service and love in hospitality.”

PACK ITEMS:

PRAY: Pray that group members will be impacted by the Bible study.

Pack Item #2 “Welcome Mat” poster Pack Item #3 “Hospitality” handout

PLAYLIST PICK: “Legacy” By Nichole Nordeman

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BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

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10 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE 1 Peter 4:7 (CSB)

Notes

The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for  prayer. 7

READ: Call on a volunteer to read aloud 1 Peter 4:7. ALTERNATE QUESTION: What are some tips or techniques that help you remember to pray for others?

DISCUSS: Question #2 on page 31 of the PSG: “As Christ-followers, why is it important that we pray for others?” SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGES 31-32): Hospitality is a quality characterizing the New Testament church.

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Hospitality played a key role in the spread of the gospel when the church was beginning to flourish. When traveling to new areas, people were at the mercy of others.

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Times have changed. The nature of hospitality runs counter to the fact that we like our personal space and time. Hospitality is sharing what we consider to be “personal.”

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Hospitality is more than a character trait; it’s a command. We are to pursue and practice hospitality without complaint.

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To live lives of hospitality, we must begin with prayer. When we pray, we recognize that we are incapable of doing something on our own.

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In prayer, we express our reliance on God. In prayer, we acknowledge our selfishness and commitment to our own desires.

LEADER PACK: Prior to the session, duplicate Pack Item #3, “Hospitality” handout. Distribute, then give group members time to read to discover the importance of hospitality in biblical times. GUIDE: Use commentary (p. 43) to help group members understand Peter’s declaration that the end of all things is near. TRANSITION: The next verses explore how constant love leads to a lifestyle of hospitality.

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THE POINT

Ground your service and love in hospitality.

1 Peter 4:7 Commentary Verse 7. In preceding verses, Peter had encouraged readers to align themselves with Christ’s mission and purpose (1 Peter 4:1), doing God’s will rather than pursuing evil deeds as before (vv. 2‑3). They were to identify with their new life in Christ rather than with former lives, for all one day would give account to God (vv. 4-5). In verses 7‑11, Peter provided practical application. Peter’s declaration, the end of all things is near, may sound strange, since Peter wrote this letter almost 2,000 years ago. Two ideas require mention. First, in his next letter, Peter would remind his readers the Lord’s timetable differed from theirs. As he said, “With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day” (2 Peter 3:8). When we understand that God reigns from eternity to eternity (Psalm 90:2), we better understand Peter’s mindset. Second, New Testament writers saw Christ’s resurrection and ascension as the beginning of the last days. On Pentecost, Peter so informed his listeners (Acts 2:17). Other writers used similar words (1 Corinthians 10:11; 1 John 2:18). Jesus was coming soon, and every day was a day closer! In light of the coming end of the age, Peter encouraged readers to be alert. Life was serious business, because eternity was coming! People’s relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ or lack thereof meant the difference between an eternity with God and an eternity without God. The stakes were too high to waste their lives. Rather, they needed to use them for God’s purpose. Peter challenged his readers to be sober-minded. The words contain the notion of intentionality. We cannot accomplish God’s purpose by accident, nor by living one day at a time. We must consider how we will invest our lives in light of eternity. Peter was not saying life had no room for spontaneity or fun, but he was challenging his hearers to live their lives with eternity in view. Peter desired prayer to result from people’s serious and disciplined lifestyles. As they considered the brevity of life, they would realize they must pray to God regularly. He could intervene and accomplish great things in situations beyond His children’s abilities (Isaiah 55:8‑9). When God’s children pray, they recognize their dependence on Him and His power to handle situations. Paul elsewhere encouraged us to pray constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17). However, Peter’s words suggest a more intentional, planned pursuit of prayer in light of our daily routines. Believers should consider how to make prayer a more intentional and significant part of their walks with God.

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BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

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10 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE 1 Peter 4:8-9 (CSB)

Notes

Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 8

READ: Call on a volunteer to read aloud 1 Peter 4:8-9. SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGES 32-33): Love is not a feeling; it’s a deep commitment for another’s good that is worked out in tangible ways.

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Hospitality is not a suggestion. “Be hospitable to one another without complaining.” Among his practical exhortations of gospel-rooted living, Paul urged believers in the Roman church to “pursue hospitality” (Romans 12:13).

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Hospitality is not an act to be performed, but a lifestyle to be assumed. While sharing one’s home shows hospitality, the characteristic has a deeper meaning.

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When we were strangers, God took us in (Ephesians 2:12-19). When we were without a home, God brought us into His. When we were “without hope and without God in the world” (v. 12), God adopted us as His children. Hospitality is a characteristic built into the spiritual DNA of those who have experienced God’s divine hospitality.

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During His earthly life, Jesus epitomized hospitality, while having no resources. Hospitality is not just actions, but living that grows out of “constant love for one another.” Let’s love like Jesus.

ALTERNATE QUESTION: What obstacles can prevent us from demonstrating hospitality?

DISCUSS: Question #3 on page 32 of the PSG: “How does hospitality demonstrate the gospel?” DO: Lead group members to complete the activity on page 35 of the PSG. HOSPITABLE OR NOT: We are commanded to be hospitable. Write two or three things you can do to become more hospitable. TRANSITION: The next verses explore how God enables us to love and serve others.

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THE POINT

Ground your service and love in hospitality.

1 Peter 4:8-9 Commentary Verse 8. Constant love leads to a lifestyle of hospitality. Peter commanded readers to maintain constant love for one another. The word translated “love” designates a decision of the will rather than emotion. Biblical love is characterized by self-denying commitment. Paul affirmed this truth in 1 Corinthians 13. The Corinthian church had many questions about spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12). Paul highlighted that love surpassed all the gifts (13:1-3). He affirmed that one day, all gifts would pass away, but love would go on forever (v. 8). Constant love further stressed the depth Peter sought from readers. Love covers a multitude of sins. Most interpreters believe Peter was alluding to Proverbs 10:12. James used similar language when he encouraged believers to restore sinners from their errant ways (James 5:20). Love is able to cover a multitude of sins. A believer’s attitude of self-denying commitment and readiness to forgive will be evident to those who see it. Love can break down walls of hostility and bring reconciliation. Paul said that without love, we are nothing; whatever else we do is of little account (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Peter likewise placed love as our highest command. Verse 9. In the ancient world, cities and towns did not typically have quality hotels for travelers to use. People counted on the gracious hospitality of local residents to take them in and provide their basic needs. The Greek term for “hospitable” comes from two words that together mean “to show love toward a foreigner.” Hospitality did not merely extend to foreigners, of course. Examples of hospitality abound in the Bible. Lot, Abraham’s nephew, showed hospitality to the two messengers who came to Sodom (Genesis  19:1‑3). Rebekah’s brother, Laban, showed hospitality to Abraham’s servant, who came to Haran seeking a wife for his master, Isaac, Abraham’s son (24:31-33). In many such circumstances, a traveler would likely attempt to compensate his host, but the host could not necessarily count on this. The word “complaining” can be rendered “grumbling.” It occurs in Acts  6:1 (“complaint”), where it describes the concern over the unequal treatment of widows. In Philippians  2:14, Paul instructed believers to do all things without grumbling. A host might grumble: he or she took on a certain level of responsibility for guests’ protection (Genesis 19:6‑8). Peter’s perspective was that showing hospitality to strangers was a wonderful way to demonstrate Christ’s love! As they put aside their own needs to show kindness to strangers, they demonstrated the self-denying commitment Jesus displayed and encouraged them to display (John 13:34‑35).

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BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

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10 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE 1 Peter 4:10-11 (CSB)

Notes

Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. 10

READ: Call on a volunteer to read aloud 1 Peter 4:10-11. DISCUSS: Question #4 on page 34 of the PSG: “How do you see God’s provision and our responsibility at work in these verses?” SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGES 33-34): God gives His children spiritual gifts, not for our sake, but for the sake of building up others. He gives us what we need to be used in service.

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Think of this divine/human partnership like a sailboat. A sailboat propels through water by the wind’s force. The sailor positions the boat so that it can make the most of the wind when it starts to blow. The sailor raises sails, ties knots, and moves the vessel into the appropriate position—all while knowing his efforts mean nothing without the wind.

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So it is with us and God’s enabling power. For our hospitality to make a difference, we need God’s empowerment. We are to position our lives so we are ready to make the most of what God will do through us.

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When God works through us using our spiritual gifts, things happen and people benefit. They might benefit from an encouraging word, from an act of service, or from the gracious welcome of hospitality.

»» ALTERNATE QUESTION: How has God equipped our group to love and serve others?

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Our willingness to be used to serve others communicates important things: our provision, our contentment, and our future.

DISCUSS: Question #5 on page 35 of the PSG: “What can we learn from 1 Peter 4:7-11 about becoming a more welcoming group?”

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THE POINT

Ground your service and love in hospitality.

1 Peter 4:10-11 Commentary Verse 10. God enables us to love and serve others. Peter wanted readers to be good stewards of the spiritual gifts they had received. A steward manages the concerns of another. Believers had nothing to offer God that they had not received from Him as a gift (1 Corinthians 4:7). They were stewards, not owners, and were to use what God had given them to serve others for His glory. The expression “the varied grace of God” describes God’s wide purpose in extending to the church many different types of spiritual gifts. All come through His grace; each is unique. Verse 11. Peter gave two examples of ministry for the church. He gave instructions on the manner of speech. Peter designated the person’s speech as God’s words. Those who spoke were to recognize they were presenting God’s words, and should never have presented their own opinions. Those receiving the words were to recognize them as from the Lord. The word translated “serves” could be translated “minister” (KJV) and is related to “deacon.” Another word similar to this term is often translated “ministry.” In the church today, we have pastors and others who lead us in the worship of God and in our Christian walks. Wherever we serve, we should serve with the knowledge that we are part of the story God is writing. Peter said the service people offered should be from strength God provided. Believers were to recognize that only what they did in the power of Jesus’ name and by the Holy Spirit’s enabling would make an eternal difference. We only accomplish God’s purpose from His strength. The purpose of our speaking and serving in His Name is so that God may be glorified through everything. Paul said believers are to do all in Jesus’ name (Colossians 3:23). Our relationship with the Lord is to be an all-consuming relationship. All other relationships and priorities flow from it. Peter concluded: “To him be the glory and the power forever and ever” reminds us that all begins and ends with God. His glorious power brought the world into existence, and will bring human history as we know it to an end. The word “amen” comes from a Hebrew word that means “to be reliable, confirmed, or established.” Peter emphasized that he had spoken truth. Read the article “Hospitality: Unspoken Rules and Expectations” in the Fall 2018 issue of Biblical Illustrator.Previous Biblical Illustrator articles “The Role of a Steward” (Spring 2007), “Peter’s Eschatological Understanding” (Spring 2007), and “Comparing the ‘Gifts of the Spirit’ Lists” (Spring 1997) relate to this lesson and can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at www. lifeway.com/biblicalillustrator. Look for Bundles: Bible Studies for Life.

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5 minutes

LIVE IT OUT SAY: “Hospitality might be easier for some than others. Regardless of whether or not

Notes

our natural personality is welcoming, we are compelled by how God has welcomed us to extend the same welcome to others.” GUIDE: Lead group members to consider the responses to the Bible study listed on page 28 of the PSG.

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Greet. Arrive at church a few minutes early this week. Spend extra time in the area outside the worship room to be sure you say hello and meet people you don’t know.

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Host a group. Look for an opportunity to host a small group in your home or to be a greeter in your Bible study group.

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Share a meal. Dedicate one Sunday each month to be a day when you will invite someone into your home for lunch. Make this a regular rhythm in your life.

Wrap It Up
 SAY: “Let’s embrace hospitality and make it part of our daily lives. God will receive the glory and honor!”

Grow with other group leaders at the Groups Ministry blog. LifeWay.com/GroupMinistry 48

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