Christian Virtues: Part 4

INTRO

I. CONTRIBUTING TO THE NEEDS OF THE SAINTS

A. What does this mean? Financial and material help is in view. See koinonia in Acts 2:44; 4:32; Rom. 15:26, 27; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:13; Gal. 6:6; Phil. 1:5; 4:15; 1 Tim. 6:18; Heb. 13:16.

B. How should this be practiced?

1) Help all men but believers first. Gal. 6:10.

2) The principle developed in the NT.

Lk. 10:30-37 –

Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35 –

Gal. 2:10 –

Rom. 15:26-27-

1 Cor. 16:2 -

1 Tim. 6:18-

Heb. 13:16-

2 Cor. 8-9 -
*sacrificial – 8:1-3;
*voluntary and as an expression of love, patterned after the grace of     Christ – 8:7-8, 24
*according to one’s ability – 8:11-12
*equality – 8:13-15
*make good on a promise – 9:3-5
*reap what we sow – 9:6. 8-11
*be purposeful and plan – 9:7
*be joyful – 9:7
*results in thanksgiving and glory to God – 9:12-13
1John 3:16-18

II. PRACTICING HOSPITALITY

A. Meaning of “hospitality” – literally the word hospitality (filoxeni÷a) means “loving strangers.” Heb. 13:2. Applies to strangers, traveling evangelists, other believers in general, and unbelievers.

B. “Practicing” - or “pursuing” indicates taking the initiative in this ministry

C. A common exhortation in the NT. There are a number of exhortations in the NT concerning hospitality: 1 Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:8; Heb. 13:2; 1 Pet. 4:9.

A qualification for elders: 1Tim. 3:2 Titus 1:8

For all believers: 1Pet. 4:9

Our hospitality should be without partiality or self-interest: Lk. 14:12-14

Hospitality is one of the birthmarks of the family of God. It is a Christian virtue. God requires every Christian to pursue it. It is a command. It gives a blessing and receives a blessing.

Hints:
1) plan

2) Make a list

3) Think of unbelievers to have over. Pray for them in advance.

4) Don’t have to kill the fatted calf

5) Be interested in people’s lives. Seek to minister God’s grace to them.

III. WHY WE SHOULD BE ENGAGED IN THESE MINISTRIES.

    1) Christ takes it personally. Mt. 25:34-40

2) Treasures in heaven.    Matt. 25:34; Matt. 25:21

3) Present harvest of righteousness and blessings. 2 Cor. 9; Prov. 22:9

4) Glorifies God because His love is ministering through us.