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Do not forget to entertain strangers

Text: Hebrews 13:1-3; Genesis 18
5 November 2006

(I) A COMMAND TO BE RICH IN GOOD WORKS

1. From the lips of Jesus

“But love your enemies, do good, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil” Luke 6:35

2. From the writings of the apostle Paul

“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” 1 Timothy 6:18

3. From the pen of the author of Hebrews

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Remember the prisoners as if chained with them- those who are mistreated…” Hebrews 13:1-2

(II) UNDERSTANDING GOD’S COMMAND

1. A special command to “the rich”

“Command those who are rich in this present age…” 1 Timothy 6:17a

2. A command to trust the Lord and not in uncertain riches

“Not to be haughty nor trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy” 1 Timothy 6:17b

3. A command to do good

“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, ready to share” 1 Timothy 6:18

a) Practical Ramifications

i) Rich in good works

ii) Ready to give

iii) Ready to share

b) Significance

i) A good foundation is built

ii) That they may lay hold of eternal life

(III) MANNER OF DOING GOOD WORKS

The example of Abraham ministering to Three strangers (Genesis 18)

Three distinct features must be noted:-

1. Eagerness to serve

“And when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them…”Genesis 18:2a

2. Humility

“And bowed himself to the ground…” Genesis 18:2b

3. Generosity of heart

“And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and a good calf, gave it to a young man. And he hastened to prepare it” Genesis 18:7