divine Invasion, part 3

Divineinvasion, part 3

OPENING QUESTION:

1. Here is a weird question:  What smells do you normally associate with Christmas? 

DIGGING DEEPER:

1. Let’s read the following passages and then we can talk about them: 

Isaiah 11:1-5, Exodus 30:34-38 & II Corinthians 2:14-16

2. The word translated as ‘delight’ in Isaiah 11:3 is the verb “to smell”.  This verse literally reads that God smells good to the coming Messiah!  What do you think God might smell like?
3. In Exodus 30, God directed Moses to create a sacred incense for the tabernacle.  This incense was very sweet smelling.  Why do you think God wanted this special incense to burn in His tabernacle?  What purpose would it serve?
4. Does anyone in your group know anything about the spices listed in Exodus 30:34?  (Perhaps their study bible has a side note or something.  It is fun to talk about it for a bit.)
5. The neat thing is that each time God’s people thought of the tabernacle, they would probably have remembered the scent of this incense.  What smells do you typically associate with church?

GETTING PERSONAL:

1. READ II Corinthians 2:14-16 again.
2. What is the difference between those who perish and those who have life?
3. Tonight we have talked about what God might smell like to us, but the more important question is, “What do you smell like to God?”  How would you answer this question?

PRAYER:

1. Pray for one another to experience God’s presence in an undeniable way this Christmas season.
2. Pray that God reveals something fresh to you from the Christmas story this season.