Then He also said to him who invited Him, ‘When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.’" (Luke 14:12-14)

In this passage Jesus challenged his audience to examine the motives behind their hospitality.  It is not surprising that the Pharisees, desiring the praises of men, would miss the true spirit of generosity.  

It is easy for hospitality to grow into a selfish desire for show.  When this happens one misses out on the real joy of giving.

When carnal motives creep in, giving may become like the grim duty of paying taxes. One might deem his gift a way of buying his way to heaven, or a means of exercising his superiority over the beneficiary of his gift.

The spirit of true hospitality is illustrated in this passage. One must give because they cannot help it! One must strive to be like God who gave his only son, expecting nothing in return. (John 3:16)  One must give with no thought of the reward.  Such an outflow of love allies one with the noblest of men and women in the world.

According to the Lord those who give generously will be rewarded at the resurrection of the just. (John 5:28, 29) Summarily, all who grudgingly withhold their gift when opportunities arise, will in like manner be recompensed.

There is a great reward for those with large hearts, who give bountifully of their lives and resources.  When such kindness is based on faith, hope, and love both the giver and the recipient are blessed and God is pleased.

By George Slover
 

So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”  (Acts 20:32)

Knowing that he will never again see these spiritual leaders, Paul leaves them with one final word of encouragement. He speaks candidly of the work he is done at Ephesus. Foreseeing the rise of false teachers, he charges these shepherds to duty and watchfulness. His eloquent conclusion is recorded in the above verse.

Be committed. Here we see a personal charge. The word actually means to place beside or to entrust. These men were appointed to duty by the Holy Spirit. They had been given a solemn charge to care for the Lord’s sheep. They must not take this charge lightly.

Be committed to God. Knowing God precludes all other spiritual activity. He is transcendent and separate from his creation. However, he longs for a relationship with us. Pleasing him is utmost. Thus, spiritual leaders must acknowledge their accountability to him comes before their accountability to humans. 

Be committed to God's word of grace. God's word, like God is also inseparable. His counsel is not dependent upon human acceptance. Jesus said, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) Spiritual leaders must be fully committed to the sound words of the Gospel. They must know it and teach it.

Be committed to building up. God's word is powerful. It has life-changing power. It is able to enlighten, promote faith, purify our hearts, probe our innermost thoughts, and equip for every good work. Shepherds must use this tool to edify themselves and their flock.

Stay focused on the inheritance. God has promised an undefiled and incorruptible inheritance to those who are sanctified. It is easy to get distracted by the world. Spiritual leaders must keep an eternal perspective.

Thus, having invested his life and energy in these brethren, Paul realizes he will never see them again. To whom can he intrust their care? He commends them to God and to his Word of Grace.  

By George Slover         
 

Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  (2 Timothy 1:6,7) 

Paul's words to Timothy are given to encourage and strengthen this young evangelist. Timothy's old mentor is in prison. False teachers at Ephesus are threatening Timothy's work. To lift the spirits of this disciple, Paul reminds him of the past.

Spiritual despondency can be overcome by remembering our foundation. New Testament writers commonly use this psychology to bolster those saints who might become timid, and weary of the battle (see 2 Peter 3:1). It is good to remember the excitement we had when we first came to Christ or when we first started our work as an evangelist.

Furthermore, Timothy is exhorted to stir up the gift given to him. The word “stir” means to kindle the fire or fan the flame! However, there are forces that can quench the fire. False teaching, the pull of the world, disillusionment, apathy, and the unloving behavior of a brother can easily douse the flames of the most devoted disciples. Thus, Timothy is must stir the flame.

There is some dispute over exactly what gift Paul has in mind here. Paul tells us that it was a gift that was given to Timothy by the laying on of his hands, which leads some to believe it may have been a miraculous gift. Regardless of what it was, the text tells us of its effect. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  (vs.7)

Timothy must remember that God did not give him a “spirit of fear” or timidity. He is called to be courageous. It is “power” or manly vigor, it is “love” or an earnest care for souls, and a “sound mind” or self-control, that will encourage Timothy to resolve, and to refuse the solicitations of the world.

To encourage Timothy in his possible apprehensions, Paul recalls the old days and reminds him of the tools given to him by God that will ensure his success. Dear reader, when faith begins to waver and the challenges seem overwhelming renew the zeal and stir the flame!

By George Slover          
 

And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD,' whether they hear, or whether they refuse." (Ezekiel 3:11)

I am impressed with the number of times in Ezekiel that the prophet uses the term “Sovereign Lord” (NIV) or “Lord God” (NKJV).  The Hebrew is “Adonai Jehovah”. These names given to God represent the truthfulness and fullness of the prophet’s message.  God is speaking to hard-hearted, Hebrew exiles from Judah to Babylon.

A Sovereign is one who has supreme power and undisputed rule.  His word is absolute and in the case of God is unchanging.  In this setting God is revealing his truth to Ezekiel.  The prophet’s job, regardless of how it is received, is to preach to the captives.  Consider some lessons here.

First, God’s word is unchanging and does not depend upon human acceptance.  "And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD,' whether they hear, or whether they refuse." (Ezekiel 3:11)

Second, God’s word will be accepted by some and rejected by others.  Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, which has eyes to see but does not see, and ears to hear but does not hear; for they are a rebellious house. (Ezekiel 12:1-2)

Third, our responsibility is to teach God’s truth regardless of the reception.  "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: (Ezekiel 3:17)

God has the right to speak and act as he wishes.  This is His role by reason of His position as Creator, Sustainer, and Savior.  Our job is to seek his approval and to be loyal to his righteous cause.

By George Slover