Prophecy Watchers Podcast Summary
Episode: A Living Sacrifice | Studies with Stearman
Host: Gary Stearman (with Mondo Gonzales)
Date: March 4, 2026

Overview: Living as a Sacrifice According to Romans 12

In this in-depth Bible study episode, Gary Stearman explores Romans 12, unpacking the rich themes of spiritual worship, personal transformation, and the dynamics of the body of Christ. Stearman methodically moves verse by verse, emphasizing the practical application of spiritual gifts, humility, self-sacrifice, and genuine Christian love, all rooted in Paul’s exhortations to the early church. The discussion is scholarly yet practical, blending Greek word studies with real-life examples and warm, anecdotal tones.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Presenting Ourselves: A Living Sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2)

• Paul’s Plea:

  • Paul urges believers to present their bodies as "living sacrifices," drawing parallels to ancient Levitical practices but emphasizing the direct relationship mediated by Christ alone ([00:12]).
  • Quote:
    “We needn’t go through any priest. We can present ourselves a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service. It’s the logical thing to do given what we know about God.” – Gary Stearman ([00:26])

• Transformation, Not Conformity:

  • Rather than copying the world, Christians are called to be "transformed by the renewing of [the] mind…” ([00:40]).
  • Aim: to "prove… the good and acceptable and perfect will of God" by demonstrating through our lives that “God is what He says He is” ([00:52]).

2. Humility and Sober-Mindedness (Romans 12:3)

• Self-Esteem vs. God’s Approval:
  • Stearman distinguishes worldly self-esteem from Christian self-acceptance, framing the latter as humbling in light of being "accepted by God" ([01:07]).
• Sober-Mindedness:
  • The Greek sophrenen means “to be in one’s right mind.”
  • Conceit, according to Paul, is akin to insanity—losing touch with reality due to internal pride ([01:31]).

3. The Church as Organism, Not Corporation (Romans 12:4-5)

• Body Metaphor:
  • The church is depicted as a body with Christ as the head, as opposed to a hierarchical corporation ([01:53]).
  • There’s divine equality and union in the church—no "president, vice president, manager" structure ([02:02]).
• Function, Not Title:
  • Offices denote functions, not rank. Spiritual gifts are about role rather than hierarchical status ([02:10]).
• Contextual Flexibility:
  • Scripture leaves church structure open to adapt to local needs worldwide ([02:21]).

4. The Diversity of Spiritual Gifts (Romans 12:6-8)

• Seven Gifts Highlighted:

  • Prophecy: Inspired delivery, not mere prediction ([02:39]).
  • Ministry (Diakonia): Acts of service, “the servant in action” ([03:41]).
  • Teaching: Systematic instruction with humility; teacher must be teachable ([04:54]).
  • Exhortation: Encouragement or admonition, aligned with the role of the Holy Spirit (parakaleo) ([06:11]).
  • Giving: Generosity guided by simplicity and sincerity ([07:11]).
  • Ruling: Leadership executed with diligence and decisiveness ([08:12]).
  • Showing Mercy: Compassion that reflects God’s own merciful nature ([08:53]).

• Notable Quote:

  • “You can't hang out a shingle that says your name followed by your area of ministry. The idea here is that gifts are transmitted through Christ, through the believer, out into the world at large.” – Gary Stearman ([02:34])

• Prophecy According to Faith Proportion:

  • “Don't overrun your headlights—stay within the proportion of your faith.” ([03:27])

• Ministry’s Humility:

  • New Testament “minister” (huperetes) literally means the lowest rower on a ship, signifying humble service ([04:18]).
  • Quote:
    “So you want to be a minister? That means sweating at the oars.” ([04:36])

• Teaching with Humility:

  • A teacher must be open and teachable, not closed or arrogant ([05:11]).
  • Quote:
    “A good teacher always has his ears open and always considers himself to be last in wisdom rather than first.” ([05:59])

• Exhortation is Open, Spiritual Speech:

  • It’s rare and difficult, but vital: “Meaningful speech is very rare.” ([06:46])

• Giving with Simplicity:

  • Not legalistic tithing, but led by the Spirit; giving should be “uncomplicated by agreements, covenants, attitudes, or moods” ([07:32]).

• Mercy is Reflecting God’s Compassion:

  • Not everyone is naturally merciful; this is a unique spiritual gift ([09:10]).
  • Quote:
    “Twice in the name of God is this word mercy or compassion. So one of God’s primary personal features is mercy.” ([09:27])

5. Unhypocritical Love and Moral Clarity (Romans 12:9-10)

• Love without Dissimulation:
  • “Let love be without hypocrisy... The gift of the love of God is not to be a political gift.” ([10:21])
• Moral Sharpness:
  • A Christian’s love leads to clear moral opinions—"abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good" ([11:09]).
  • Quote:
    “The Bible is an opinionated book… the more I came to maturity in Christ, the more sharply defined became my opinions.” ([11:44])
• Brotherly Love:
  • Genuine familial affection within the church surpasses that often found in biological families ([12:10]).

6. Fervency, Endurance, and Hospitality (Romans 12:11-13)

• Energetic Service:
  • “Be fervent in spirit”—emotionally engaged by the Holy Spirit ([12:38]).
• Hope & Patience:
  • Christians are to “rejoice in hope, patient in tribulation,” and persistent in prayer ([13:04]).
• Practical Sharing:
  • “Distributing to the necessity of the saints,” hospitality as a spiritual marker ([13:35]).

7. A New Way: Blessing Instead of Cursing (Romans 12:14-16)

• Shift from Old to New Covenant:
  • Jesus’ command to “bless those who curse you” replaces the Old Testament tit-for-tat standard ([13:48]).
  • “The Christian standard is, bless those who curse you. That’s a difficult thing to do.” ([14:15])
• Empathy & Equality:
  • Rejoicing with others, weeping with them; avoiding arrogance whether educated or not ([15:19]).

8. Humility, Peace, and the Rejection of Vengeance (Romans 12:17-21)

• Peaceful Living:
  • As much as possible, Christians are to live at peace with all ([16:20]).
• Letting Go of Vengeance:
  • “Do not avenge yourselves… Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.”
  • Letting God handle justice is freeing ([16:48]).
  • Real vengeance: Responding to enemies with kindness creates “burning coals” of shame and opens the door to repentance ([17:33]).
• Defeating Evil with Practical Good:
  • “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
  • “The goodness that’s associated with Christianity is sturdy reality—the kind of goodness that you can take hold of.” ([18:16])

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Overestimating Ourselves:
  • “Conceit is treated as a type of insanity by Paul.” ([01:28])
• On Ministry’s Humility:
  • “That under rower, the third level rower, is called huperetes... If you're down at the bottom of the ship, you're in a very bad atmosphere… that's the word for minister. That is a humbling concept.” ([04:19])
• On Opinionated Faith:
  • “It is biblical to be opinionated. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love in honour preferring one another.” ([11:56])
• On the True Nature of Vengeance and Mercy:
  • “It’s very freeing not to have to avenge yourself, but simply to be able to turn it over to the Lord and he'll take care of it.” ([16:50])
• On Goodness:
  • “The goodness that’s associated with Christianity is sturdy reality… It is a practical worthwhile good that changes things and people around it.” ([18:20])

Important Timestamps

• 00:03 — Opening discussion, focus on Romans 12:1-2
• 01:07 — Self-esteem, humility, and sober-mindedness
• 01:53 — The church as an organism, not a corporation
• 02:39 — Introduction to the gifts of the Spirit
• 04:18 — The humbling nature of ministry (“huperetes” concept)
• 05:11 — Qualities of a true teacher
• 06:11 — Exhortation and meaningful speech
• 07:11 — True giving and generosity
• 08:53 — The gift of showing mercy and the character of God
• 10:21 — Letting love be without hypocrisy
• 12:10 — Brotherly love and the family of faith
• 13:04 — Hope, patience in hardship, persistent prayer
• 14:15 — Blessing those who curse you
• 15:19 — Humility, empathy, and equality in the church
• 16:48 — The futility of vengeance and God’s justice
• 18:16 — Overcome evil with good

Final Thoughts

Gary Stearman’s teaching is detailed and accessible, grounding deep Greek word studies in practical, everyday application. The episode’s tone is warm, conversational, and gently challenging—urging listeners to embrace humility, serve with authenticity, and let the Holy Spirit guide both their gifts and their attitudes. In sum, the essence of Christian living rendered by Stearman is summed up in humble service, authentic love, and a faith that transforms ordinary life into unceasing worship.