Study Questions for March 8, 2026

March 5th, 2026
by Kyle Carnahan

The Heart of the Gospel by Dale Beaver

Read Romans 3:21-28; Romans 4:1-8, 20-25; and Psalm 32:1-2.

Read Psalm 32:1-2. Pastor Dale begins by highlighting the "wonderful word joy" associated with having a record cleared of sin. When you think about your standing before God, do you more often feel the weight of your "debts" or the joy of being forgiven?
Pastor Dale describes the gospel as a "house call" from a doctor coming to us in our brokenness. If last week focused on the "bad news" of our condemnation, how does this week’s focus on grace change the atmosphere of your spiritual life?.
The Components of Salvation. The sermon outlines three specific aspects of salvation: Justification (our legal standing), Sanctification (our progressive growth), and Glorification (our future hope). Why is it vital to understand that our character is not the basis for our justification?
Read Romans 3:21-26. Pastor Dale explains the term Dikaióō, a judicial or courtroom word meaning "to make right". In this "divine courtroom," what is the difference between being found "innocent" and being declared "not guilty" by a pardon?
Universal Need. The text says that "everyone has sinned" and "falls short," meaning there is no "three strikes" rule—one break of the law is enough. How does this "level the playing field" in our relationships with others, especially those we might normally judge?
Read Romans 4:1-3. Abraham is used as the proof that God’s plan has always been justification by faith, even before the law existed. Pastor Dale notes that Abraham didn't just "believe in God," but he "believed God". What does it look like in your daily life to take God at His word rather than just acknowledging His existence?
The Banking of Grace. The financial term Logizomai means to credit or count something to an account. Pastor Dale uses the analogy of a parent's good credit rating "piggybacking" onto a child's account. How does the reality that you are "credited with the righteousness of Christ" provide more security than your own "spiritual bank account"?
Status Change. Pastor Dale compares justification to a social media "status change" from being a stranger to being a citizen and family member. How should this new "status" affect the way you view your purpose and identity this week?
Faith as the Instrument. It is emphasized that faith itself does not save you, but is the "receiving agent" or instrument that accepts the gift of God’s grace. Why is it important to distinguish between the gift (grace) and the hand that takes it (faith)?
Reflect and Respond. Pastor Dale asks: "Have you trusted Jesus alone for this righteousness?". What is one area of your life where you are still trying to "earn" God’s favor instead of resting in His all-sufficient sacrifice?
Close in Prayer: Thank God for the "out-of-body" wonder of being justified freely by His grace. Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your joy and help you walk in progressive obedience as a response to His love.

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Analogy for Understanding: Trying to earn your way into heaven is like a child trying to buy a mansion with play money; the currency simply doesn't match the cost. However, justification is like the Father depositing the full purchase price into your account and handing you the keys, not because you earned it, but because He delights to call you His own.

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