Hospitality

Introduction

A. Hospitality has changed over the years. With the presence of hotels which may be nicer than a home; the increase in expected privacy; the hectic pace of life; and the increase in expected government intervention, less hospitality seems to be taking place. There are some here who are quite hospitable and for those I am thankful. My mother tells stories of growing up in a small town and how those who rode the rails would make their way to her parent’s house. Her mother would provide breakfast and a brief respite for these often weary travelers.

B. Hospitality is now relegated to having friends over to entertain. This is a good thing, but it is different from previous generations. Hospitality used to include welcoming strangers into the home. Welcoming strangers into the home is seen as a risky business today. Unless a person comes with references or some type of verification, then we are skeptical of bringing strangers into our home. Warranted or unwarranted is not the point. It is that the practice of hospitality has changed over the years.

C. When 2 John was written hospitality was not only practiced but necessary for the spread of the gospel. Those who traveled in order to bring the gospel to different cities depended upon the hospitality of believers in each city for lodging, food, and financial support. In this way not only did the gospel spread but those who provided the hospitality shared in the ministry in a real and direct way. Without hospitality, the gospel would not have spread as quickly as it did.

D. John writes this second letter to a group who is struggling with hospitality. In this case the people want to extend hospitality to these traveling teachers. However, John is concerned that the congregation is not being as discerning as they need to be about the extending of hospitality. It does not appear that such practices have occurred but the letter is written to warn. Bottom line—do not be indiscriminate about hospitality. As we study 2 John today, let us be thankful for opportunities to support the work of God throughout the world.

The Text

A. The elder—a title that carries some weight. Literally it means the old man; but it carries the idea of the spiritual father. It is believed this is the apostle John. Much of the language of this mirrors the language of the 1st epistle. We do not know who the chosen lady and her children are. Some think this is a literal person; others think this is a designation for a congregation and its members. Congregations in the 1st century met in homes. The home was the place not only for worship but the place for hospitality to be extended to traveling teachers. The hospitality would have included food, lodging, but especially financial support. Only through the financial support of the various congregations could the traveling teacher continue his work of spreading the gospel.

B. At times it was not possible to know who a real teacher was and who was a false teacher. Some teachers came with letters of reference and support; others arrived seeking the body of believers in that city. John begins the letter by reminding the congregation that loving one another is God’s desire for his people. But that love is not a sentimental love. It is a love based on keeping God’s commands even as we love each other. This is similar to what was said in 1 John. One must keep God’s commands as well as love.

C. Verse 7 begins with the word “because” which is untranslated in the NIV. John is giving the reason for verses 4-6. Both factors—keeping commands and loving each other are necessary. Because there are those who do not acknowledge Jesus as coming in the flesh. Such a person who refuses to acknowledge Jesus as coming in the flesh is the deceiver and antichrist. So in verse 8, the warning—watch out for such a person. This false teacher can lead you away. There is a word difference in verse 8 in some translations. Some translate as the NIV with the word “you;” others translate “we.” The more inclusive “we” points to the fact that John has a vested interest in this warning. If the congregation is deceived then not only will they lose what they have worked for but John, too, will lose as well.

D. So in verse 9 John gives a fuller statement. Anyone who runs ahead (goes by the side of God’s commands is John’s intent) and does not remain committed to the teaching of Christ does not have connection with God. This teaching of Christ means teaching about Christ. It has to do with what John just mentioned—failure to believe that Jesus came in the flesh. Only those who hold to Christ have connection with God.

E. Thus, John says the congregation is to give no practical encouragement to these false teachers. No hospitality to the deceiver. Do not bring him into the house (the place where the church meets perhaps) and by in no way do you welcome him or greet him with the welcome of God. To do so is to share in the false teachers wicked work. John ends the letter stating that he intends to visit and share more with them.

The Point

A. Within the cultural context, John is telling this congregation not to give financial support nor lodging to these false teachers. To do so would be to support their deception and to help them continue their deception. The question, of course, is how is this to be applied today? I want to make two applications. The first has to do with modern culture and hospitality; the other with truth.

B. In a practical vein, we are not to support any person or group who diminish the exalted majesty of Jesus. Any person or group who says Jesus was created by God; or that Jesus is one of many gods; or that denies that Jesus is the Christ are not to receive financial support. This does not mean that we act in unloving ways. It does not mean that we are rude to those who may knock on our doors; or who invite us to engage in dialogue. It does not prohibit us from giving a cup of cold water to someone. In our culture some groups get a hearing because of the ability to produce ads or to do good works among us. Do not be deceived. We must keep our eyes open and be aware of false teaching and refuse to support that work or even that which appears to be a good work when originating by false teachers about Jesus.

C. This may seem harsh; however, what we may not realize is that truth takes precedence. In our culture tolerance is a key value. But tolerance is only possible if one understands that there is truth. The word tolerance in our culture has come to me acceptance of any view without prioritizing those views. This is not tolerance; it is relativism. In our culture tolerance is really accepting any view—you believe what you want and I’ll believe what I want.

D. Tolerance means knowing what you believe but allowing a counter belief without prejudice. I think chocolate ice cream is best; you may think vanilla. I can tolerate your view while holding to mine. But when it comes to faith—truth isn’t based on preference or opinion. John writes that there truth and those who live by that truth cannot tolerate an alternative view. Truth says:

1. Jesus came in the flesh

2. that he is the Son of God

3. that he is eternal

4. that he is the means by which one is saved.

5. that he is the way, the truth, and the life and that no one comes to the Father except through him.

6. Truth will not tolerate another view.

E. Someone says but that is too harsh. We must be loving to all people. I am not saying that we are to be rude, crude, and unjust to anyone.

1. But how is it loving to diminish the person and work of Jesus in order to be "loving" toward another?

2. How is it loving to tell God he is wrong?

3. How is it loving to Christ's church to encourage and support those who hold to views that diminish the church?

4. How is it loving to each other to allow false teachers to gain a hold in our minds and our hearts?

F. So John’s warning remains. Hold to the truth. Do not give welcome to any who deny the person of Jesus. Do not share in the work of deceivers. Jesus reached out to all so that they could be saved. So should we. But his harshest words were for those who denied who he was. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Come to him and allow him to bring you to the Father. Invitation.

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