Friday, July 5, 2013

Hospitality

If the Apostle Paul, is the pattern for those who would believe after him, that Christ might continue to shew forth all longsuffering (1 Tim. 1:16), then not only is the revelation of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery important to doctrinally understand, as it was committed solely to Paul, but his life should set forth details of that doctrine effectually working in him.  Paul says this himself in 2 Timothy 3:10,
"But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,"
Therefore, is should be easy to find the action or active process of the doctrine moving from the mind and come out of the body in specific ways, or to at least find a descriptions that this
does take place. 
A specific example of this is in 1Corinthians 9:19-22.  Before one handles this passage it should be acknowledged that Paul is dealing with a wide range of people in different situations or circumstances: some Jews, some with law, some without law, some weak.  Paul concludes however by saying, "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.". We see this as Paul's 'manner of life', but where did this manner begin. 
"...given to hospitality.  Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.  Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." ~ Romans 12:13b-14
It comes by Paul 'proving' this instruction given by our Father.  An example is found in our base passage, but its' kind is found in the Romans passage. 
Notice first, Paul's conduct of being 'hospitable' in blessing and not cursing those who persecute him.  Paul is functioning as a one man 'hospital' facing diverse situations, but able to provide the primary 'need' of salvation to every lost person.  Paul makes an environment (hospitable) to meet the need by utilizing the 'all means' to meet that need.  Notice secondly, the 'all means' or the spiritual bear all; the spectrum of 'rejoicing' and 'weeping' to provide the 'all means' to meet the sole need of salvation to those in every and any situation and circumstance. 
These two passages and many, many others manifest clearly Paul's 'doctrine' and 'manner of life'.
Look Up,
Pastor Josh Strelecki

3 comments:

dc said...

I heard a right-division program suggest that we 'keep our ears open' to hear his call & the trump of God 1 Thes 4:16.
Unlike the Jews who require a sign 'looking up' for their Redeemer, we who are in the body of Christ wait for his shout.

If we are to walk by faith and not sight, this makes sense! 2 Cor 5:7

Twin Cities Grace Fellowship said...

Hello DC,

Also keep in mind, although, "faith, hope, and charity abide", one day our faith will be sight, and one day our hope will be reality; therefore, the rapture or His APPEARING, we shall SEE Him and our faith will become sight. I agree their will be a shout, but that day I will not only hear that shout, I SHALL SEE HIM. "When Christ, who is our life, shall APPEAR, then shall YE ALSO APPEAR with Him in glory". I long not only to hear something, but to SEE HIM. (Col. 3:4) Although, we don't see Him now and walk by faith not by sight there will be a day where "faith" no longer abides and we will see Him. It is this reason among others, why I say "LOOK UP"!!!

Pastor Josh Strelecki

Twin Cities Grace Fellowship said...

I should quickly add, I am not looking for a "sign", but for Him.