Study Questions for March 22, 2026

Freed from Sin Alive to God by Dale Beaver
Read Romans 5:20–7:25; Galatians 3; and Revelation 8:1.

1. Pastor Dale opens the sermon mentioning "March Madness" and the popular brand Nike, which is the Greek word for "victory". He wears these "shoes of victory" not for basketball, but to symbolize the victory of the gospel. How does it change your daily perspective to realize that your "standing" before God is a gift you didn't buy, rather than something you earned through your own performance?
2. Read Romans 5:20-21. The sermon highlights the phrase "Grace rules." Where sin used to be the "master" that brought death, grace now reigns through Jesus Christ. In what areas of your life are you still living as if sin is the boss, rather than living under the rule of grace?
3. Read Romans 6:1-4. Paul uses a strong negation ("Of course not!") to answer the idea that we should keep sinning so God can show more grace. Pastor Dale explains that in baptism, we have "one foot in the grave" because we have died to our old selves. Why is it impossible to remain the same person once you have been "joined with Christ" in His death and resurrection?
4. Pastor Dale notes that Paul refers to believers not just as "Christians," but as those who are "in Christ." How does finding your primary identity "in Christ"—rather than in your career, relationship status, or successes—provide a sense of security that the world cannot offer?
5. Read Romans 6:15-18. This passage describes an "Exodus" from slavery to sin into a new "slavery" to righteous living. What does it look like practically to "wholeheartedly obey" God’s teaching this week, especially when your old "master" (sin) tries to call you back?
6. Read Romans 7:7-14. Pastor Dale clarifies that the Law is not sinful; it is "spiritual and good." Its job is to show us our sin—like a sign that tells us not to pick the neighbor's apples. How has God’s word recently acted as a mirror, showing you a "need for a Savior" that you might have otherwise ignored?
7. The Struggle of the "Tension." Read Romans 7:24-25. Paul cries out, "Oh, what a miserable person I am!" because he still struggles with a sinful nature even though he wants to obey God. Why is it actually a sign of spiritual life (rather than failure) that you feel an "honest tension" and a struggle against sin in your heart?
8. Trash-talking Sin. As an application for "March Madness," Pastor Dale suggests we should "trash talk" the sin in our lives by telling it: "This is not who I am anymore... you have no power here." What is one specific temptation you can "trash talk" this week by reminding yourself that you belong to Jesus?
9. The Role of the Deliverer. The sermon reminds us that Jesus is not just our "voice in the courtroom," but He is cheering us on and empowering us through the Holy Spirit. How does knowing that Jesus is "relentlessly" for you help you get back up after you stumble?
10. Close in Prayer: Thank God that you are no longer a slave to sin but are alive to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you "exercise" the victory Christ won for you and to find peace in the middle of the struggle.

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Analogy for Understanding: Living in the tension of Romans 7 is like a soldier who has been officially liberated from a prisoner-of-war camp. Though the war is won and the "shoes of victory" are on his feet, he may still hear the distant shouts of his former captors or feel the habits of his old life. However, those voices no longer have legal authority over him. He is free to walk toward home, not because he is strong enough to escape on his own, but because a Deliverer has already broken the gates.