Lydia's Hospitality - A Character Study Of Lydia

I. EXORDIUM:

Are we hospitable?

II. AUDIENCE PROFILE:

Believers

III. OBJECTIVES:

To show that we need to show hospitality during our time and age, but we need to know the requirements from the Bible before doing so.

IV. TEXT:

Acts 16:13 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there.

V. THESIS:

GOD honors people who shows hospitality to His people.

VI. TITLE:

Lydia's hospitality - A character study of Lydia

VII. EXPLICATION:

A. Author: Dr. Luke, the beloved physician

B. Main Theme: Missionary Campaign in the Early Church

C. Key Text: Acts 1:8

Acts 1:8 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

VIII. MAIN BODY:

A. Got born again unexpectedly.

"where we thought people would be meeting for prayer"

Acts 16:13-14 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there.

One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying.

The apostles together with Apostle Paul, are there for one purpose and that is to pray. They have not purposed it to share to a Greek woman from Asia minor.

B. She's one of the listening women

"and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there."

C. Invited Paul and the other apostles to her house.

Acts 16:15 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

She was baptized along with other members of her household, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.

And I agree with Paul and Dr. Luke, her invitation is something you can't turned down easily.

D. Paul and Silas went to her house after leaving prison.

Acts 16:40 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

When Paul and Silas left the prison, they returned to the home of Lydia. There they met with the believers and encouraged them once more. Then they left town.

Imagine the situation, two men with bruises and wounds because they were beaten with rods by a mob that Lydia have met just a while ago was her visitor in her house where they found a group of believers in her house. What a woman of the LORD. How many women like that nowadays with such great hospitality as such as Lydia, that GOD permitted her name to be mentioned, while other believing women with her in same place was not even named.

Acts 16:22 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods.

1. Requirements of persons who we can show hospitality:

Romans 12:13 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

1 Peter 4:9 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.

3 John 1:8 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.

Let's read the context before 3 John 1:8

3 John 1:5-8 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you.

They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God.

For they are traveling for the Lord, and they accept nothing from people who are not believers.

So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.

a. Traveling teachers who pass through

3 John 1:5 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you.

b. Even they are strangers

3 John 1:5 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you.