Study Questions for April 12, 2026

Living the Gospel by Pastor Dale Beaver
Read Romans 12:1-2, 9-13; Romans 13:8-14; Romans 14:1, 17-19; and Ephesians 4:1.

1. Pastor Dale shares a story about his old college ID cards and the importance of "validation". He notes that some people treat Easter or Christmas church attendance like getting a "parking pass validated" or a "passport stamped" for heaven. How can we move from seeking "validation" through religious attendance to a genuine relationship with Jesus?
2. Read Romans 12:1-2. The first 11 chapters of Romans focus on God’s actions for humanity (Justification), while chapters 12–16 focus on our response to God (Sanctification). Why is it important to understand what God has already done for us before we try to do anything for Him?
3. "Your life is worship through service, not just a worship service". Pastor Dale says we need to "get up off the altar" because the sacrifice has already been made by Jesus. What does it look like in your specific daily routine—at work, home, or in the community—to live as a "living sacrifice"?
4. Vocation vs. Profession. The sermon distinguishes between a profession (what you aspire to) and a vocation (a calling you respond to) 11, 12. How does viewing your current job or stage of life as a "vocation" change the way you use that platform to serve God?
5. Read Romans 12:9-13. Pastor Dale emphasizes that "learning to love authentically takes practice". The Greek word for "don't pretend" refers to being "unmasked" or "unhypocritical". Why is it often easier to "act" like we love others rather than "really" loving them?
6. The "Do for One" Strategy. Pastor Dale admits to feeling overwhelmed by the "impossible" task of loving everyone. He suggests an upcoming series called "Do for One," focusing on the person directly in front of you. Who is the "one" person God has placed in your life this week that you can serve or love specifically?
7. Read Romans 13:8-10. Even if you are financially debt-free, Pastor Dale notes that every believer has a permanent "obligation to love one another". How does this "debt of love" affect the way you view people you might otherwise find difficult or inconvenient?
8. Read Romans 13:12-14. We are told to "remove dark deeds like dirty clothes" and "clothe ourselves with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ". What are some "dirty clothes" (attitudes or habits) you need to take off, and how do you practically "put on" the presence of Jesus each morning?
9. Put up, Huddle up, and Grow up. Pastor Dale uses these three expressions to summarize the call to harmony. Read Romans 14:1, 17-19. When someone makes a "basic discovery" in their faith, why is it vital that we don't "flex" on them with our own knowledge, but instead rejoice with them?
10. Aiming for Harmony. In the early church, people argued over food, drinks, and special days. Today, we might argue over different "opinions" or "preferences". According to Romans 14:17, what are the three true characteristics of the Kingdom of God that should define our groups and our church?
11. Close in Prayer: Read the blessing from Romans 16:25-27 aloud. Thank God for the "Good News" that makes us strong. Ask the Holy Spirit to transform your thinking this week so that your life becomes a "living sacrifice" that points others to the wise and only God.

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Analogy for Understanding: Living the gospel is like a soldier who has been honorably discharged from a life of slavery and given a new identity and "uniform" representing a different Kingdom. We don't wear the uniform to earn our citizenship—that was already secured by the King—but we wear it and practice the "drills" of love and service so that we can represent our true Home in a world that is still full of shadows.