The Nativity Scene
Jesus brings us peace with God and others.
KEY VERSES
Ephesians 2:11-22 (NASB)
11 Therefore remember that previously you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the people of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who previously were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the hostility, which is the Law composed of commandments expressed in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two one new person, in this way establishing peace; 16 and that He might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the hostility. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.
UNDERSTANDING
Do you set out a nativity scene as part of your Christmas decorations each year? Do you have a nativity scene that is particularly special to you? If so, what do you love about it?
Do you have a certain arrangement for the pieces of the nativity scene that you stick to each year when you put it out for display? Who do you place closest to Jesus? Why? How do you determine who goes where?
In your own words, what does the nativity scene teach you about Jesus?
How had the Gentiles been spiritually shut out in the past? What changed their access to the blessings of God?
Why do you think Paul reminded the Gentiles of this difficult time in their history?
How does their former condition describe all of us at some point in our lives? Why is it healthy to remember the predicament we were in before God’s power changed us?
What changed to bring about the “but now” statement in verse 13? What privileges do all believers now share because Christ’s blood has brought them together? How did Paul describe the spiritual position of the Gentiles after they came to know Christ?
Why might people today feel as though they are excluded from a relationship with God and His people? Are there any barriers or walls that keep people in our community from hearing about God’s grace?
How was reconciliation between the Jews and the Gentiles ultimately accomplished? What tore down the dividing wall so that these two groups could be joined into one?
How did Christ’s death on the cross satisfy the requirements of the law? According to verse 15, what was the effect of Jesus Christ removing the law?
Can we have peace with God if we don’t have peace with one another? Can we have peace with others if we don’t have peace with God? Explain.
What dividing walls of hostility might exist today between believers? What are some of the issues that keep various groups separated in our churches?
Why is unity among seemingly diverse Christians so vital to our witness?
In your own words, describe the three metaphors Paul used to describe the unity Christians have with one another as a result of the work of Christ. What do each of these word pictures teach us about our relationship with one another?
Which of Paul’s analogies best helps you understand your relationship with other believers? Why?
If we, along with other believers in the Church, make up God’s dwelling place, what kind of relationships do we need to have with each other for Him to be at home in us as a body?
APPLICATION
When outsiders look at LCC, what do you think they see? Are they more apt to see unity or disunity? What do we need to do to improve in this area so that people might truly see Christ in and through us?
Think about the areas of your life where you struggle to find peace. If the barrier to peace is pride and the gift of peace always comes wrapped in humility, then how do you need to live differently? How can this group pray for you in that?
WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?
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GIVING
Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.