Study Questions for March 1, 2026

Study Questions for March 1, 2026
February 25th, 2026 by Dale Beaver
The Need for the Gospel
Read Romans 1:18–3:20 and Job 9:32-33.

1. Pastor Dale emphasizes that Romans is a historical document written in 57 AD from Corinth. Why is it important for our faith to be grounded in actual history rather than just viewing the Bible as a collection of "fables" or made-up stories?
2. Read Romans 1:18-19. The sermon notes mention that the "usual suspects" are often the obvious offenders. Why is it so easy for us to fixate on the "obvious" sins of others while ignoring the rebellion in our own hearts?
3. The Suppression of Truth. According to the text, God has made His invisible qualities clearly seen through creation, yet people "suppress the truth". In what ways do you see people today trying to explain away God to avoid being accountable to Him?
4. Pastor Dale’s "Coal Miner Theology": He defines needs as "the things that happen as a result of the trouble my wants get me into". How has your pursuit of your own "wants" created a desperate need for the gospel in your life recently?
5. The Judgment of Abandonment. Read Romans 1:24-25. Pastor Dale explains that God’s wrath is sometimes expressed by simply leaving us alone to do whatever our hearts desire. Why is "getting what we want" actually a form of judgment if it leads us away from God?
6. The Not-So-Obvious Offenders. Pastor Dale points out that the list of sins in Romans 1 includes things like gossip, pride, and disobeying parents alongside "obvious" sins. How does this list level the playing field between those who "look put together" and the "usual suspects"?
7. Read Romans 2:1-3. The text warns that when we judge others, we condemn ourselves because we do the same things at a heart level. How can we practice pastoral care for our own souls by looking at our own "heart-level" sins instead of judging those around us?
8. The Purpose of the Law. Read Romans 3:19-20. If no one can be made right with God by obeying the law, what is the actual purpose of God’s commands in the life of a believer?
9. Read Job 9:32-33. Job cried out for a mediator—someone who could bring a mortal human and a holy God together. How does Jesus perfectly fulfill this ancient longing by being the one who "robes us in righteousness" we didn't buy for ourselves?
10. Reflect and Respond: Pastor Dale notes that we don't "want" Christ naturally, but we "need" Him desperately. What is one specific area of your life this week where you need to stop "arguing with God" and instead surrender to the peace provided by Jesus, our Mediator?

Analogy for Understanding: Being "religious" without a heart change is like being a whitewashed tomb; it might look like a "nice ride" above ground (like a classic car), but underneath, it is still a place of death. True life only comes when the Mediator, Jesus, replaces our internal rebellion with His own righteousness.