Choose peace

I. Peace brings unity!

1. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall (Ephesians 2:14).

2. "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful" (John 14:27).

3. Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Circumcision" which is performed in the flesh by human hands (Ephesians 2:11).

II. Peace brings freedom!

  1. By abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace (Ephesians 2:15).
  2. "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished" (Matthew 5:17-18).
  3. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come (2 Corinthians 5:17).

III. Peace brings reconciliation!

  1. And might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity (Ephesians 2:16).
  2. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise (Galatians 3:27-29).
  3. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9).
  4. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors (Matthew 6:12, See also Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13).
  5. What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete (1 John 1:3-4)

Sermon by Pastor Dane Nissen, July 13th, 2025.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Choose Peace

An important Guideline of Life Groups: What we believe impacts how we behave! Discuss the biblical teaching of how loving God and loving people impact how we forgive others.

Getting Started:

  1. How does Jesus embody and provide peace, particularly in the context of division and hostility?
  2. How did Christ abolish the "dividing wall of hostility" and what does this look like in practice?
  3. How does the idea of Jesus as your peace resonate with you personally "Have you experienced His peace in your life, especially during times of conflict or division"

Discussing Truths:

  1. What are some specific "walls of hostility" (divisions, prejudices, etc.) that might exist within your own life, your church, or your community?
  2. What are the potential challenges and rewards of pursuing unity and reconciliation with those who are different from us?
  3. If Christ made "both one," why is there still so much division and hostility in the world?
  4. How would you approach a fellow Christian not choosing peace but division?

Now What? Application:

  1. How can you, as an individual, actively work towards building bridges and fostering unity in your relationships and community based on the principles found in this passage?
  2. What are some relationships that require reconciliation in your life right now?