“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).

Main Scripture passage: James 1:1-12

There are three components to the nature of tests: 1) tests are inevitable and will occur repeatedly throughout our lives, 2) tests are mysterious, meaning we may not always know when we are being tested, and 3) tests are universal–every Christian will be tested. The purpose of tests and testing through trials is to refine that thing which is being tested. That is, the purpose of testing is to perfect our faith and character. Lastly, our response to tests ought to be to endure them (not to abort the process). The only way to get past the test is to go through it. And not only are we supposed to endure them, we should not take matters into our own hands. This means we should not try to smooth things over when God is doing a deeper work in our lives. As James says, “Let patience have its perfect work.” Then, after we have been approved, we will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (v. 12).

Romans 12:9-21

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” (Romans 12:9-13).

Hospitality is important for several reasons. First, hospitality is important because it is commanded. There are no trivial commands when it comes to God’s Word, because God is the author of the command (Matthew 5:17-20). Secondly, hospitality is important because it is part of the church’s mission. The church is to be a people eager for good works (Titus 2:11-14; Ephesians 2:10). That is what makes the church different from the world. The church is not only performing good works but is zealous for them. In addition, hospitality as a good work brings glory to God (1 Peter 2:11-12). This is yet another reason for hospitality’s importance. Thirdly, hospitality is important because it is a means of evangelism and proclamation. The demonstration of hospitality proclaims that people really matter. Although the image of God has been marred by the fall, we still bear that image. Therefore, humans are valuable and thus ought to be treated with respect, honor, dignity, and even love. Not only does the demonstration of hospitality proclaim that people matter; it also proclaims the love of God. By showing people the love of God in a concrete way, we are proclaiming the gospel. Lastly, hospitality is important because by engaging in it, we become imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1-2). Hospitality incarnates the message of God’s redemption–that throughout the history of the world God has sought out the outcasts, the strangers, and invited them into His family (Ephesians 2:11-19). Therefore, we are saved by God’s hospitality. And because we are called to be imitators of God, we ought also to demonstrate hospitality to others.

Psalm 127-128

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:3-5).

God loves children. He sees them as highly valuable. The reason for their value is seen throughout Scripture. Firstly, children are valuable because they are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). They are His own special creations, created with an immortal soul. They will live forever somewhere, and thus have eternal value. Secondly, children are valuable because God encourages the reproductive process (1:28). He desires His image to be spread across the face of the earth. Thirdly, children are precious because God is the protector of life. He desires to protect human life and the nursery of life–the family. This is seen by commands not to murder and commands against things that would erode the family, such as adultery and covetousness. Lastly, and most importantly, children are valuable because God sent His only begotten Son to die for them on the cross (John 3:16). God loves children so much that He would sacrifice Himself to save them. Children are as precious as the blood of the Lamb. Without a doubt, God loves children.

How one lives is an expression of his values. Therefore, when people pursue hospitality toward strangers, they are demonstrating the values that cause them to be hospitable. Specifically, three values are expressed by the practice of hospitality. These are 1) the priority of the person, 2) the supremacy of love, and 3) the gospel.

Romans 12:9-13

Christians are called to be hospitable. Hospitality is simply the love of strangers. We can express our love for strangers by simply introducing ourselves and getting to know them. Although hospitality sometimes comes at a cost, it has many benefits. Specifically, hospitality affords for unity and fellowship among the body and for the exercise of spiritual gifts. In addition, hospitality towards those who don’t know Christ is a great opportunity for evangelism.

Romans 12:9-21

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” (Romans 12:10-13).

“Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward” (2 John 8).

Order of events:

TFC Camp sharing

Exhortation on 2 John 8