Embracing Doubt: A Journey to Deeper Faith
Summary
Beloved congregation, today we embarked on a journey through the valleys of doubt and the peaks of faith. We delved into the heart of the gospel, the good news that is so sweet because the bad news is so dire. We are all sinners, fallen short of the glory of God. Yet, in His infinite grace, God sent His son, Jesus, to be the perfect sacrifice, to die for our sins and rise again, conquering death and offering us redemption.
We explored the raw reality of doubt, the kind that can grip even the most faithful among us. I shared my own struggle, standing on the precipice of preaching, overwhelmed by doubt, questioning the very reality of God. But in that moment of vulnerability, I was reminded of the transformative power of Jesus in my life, the undeniable change that faith has wrought in me.
We talked about the disciples, those who walked with Jesus, saw His miracles, and yet some doubted even in the presence of the resurrected Christ. This gives us comfort, knowing that doubt is not the antithesis of faith, but rather a part of the journey of faith. We looked at Thomas, often dubbed 'Doubting Thomas,' and we sought to dignify his doubts. His questions did not disqualify his faith; they made his faith real, tangible, and relatable.
We addressed the fears of parents whose children may question their inherited faith. We encouraged openness, understanding that these questions are not a rebellion but a search for personal conviction and truth. The church and home must be safe havens for these inquiries, for it is through wrestling with doubt that faith is often strengthened.
Finally, we invited everyone, in the midst of doubt or certainty, to come to Jesus. To bring their questions, their fears, their brokenness, and lay them at the feet of the one who gives grace without conviction. We celebrated those who made the spiritual decision to step away from the old life and embrace the new life in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Doubt is not a sign of weak faith but an indication of a faith that is alive and wrestling with the realities of life. It is in the struggle with doubt that we often find a deeper understanding and a stronger relationship with God. [19:03]
- The story of Thomas, often labeled as 'Doubting Thomas,' serves as a powerful reminder that having questions or needing evidence does not make one a lesser believer. Thomas's journey from doubt to proclamation of faith ("My Lord and my God") illustrates that sincere questions can lead to profound revelations of truth. [17:07]
- Faith is not a static destination but a dynamic journey. It is not about having all the answers or never experiencing doubt; it is about continually seeking, growing, and trusting in God through all seasons of life. [08:09]
- The church and home should be the safest places to express doubts and ask tough questions. Creating an environment where questions are welcomed and addressed can prevent people from walking away from their faith due to unresolved doubts. [09:29]
- The act of coming to Jesus is not about having everything figured out or being free from sin and doubt. It is about approaching Him with honesty and openness, ready to receive His grace and mercy, and allowing Him to transform our lives. [27:53]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:16-17 - "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted."
2. John 20:24-29 - "Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord!' But he said to them, 'Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.' A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!' Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.' Thomas said to him, 'My Lord and my God!' Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What did the disciples do when they saw Jesus on the mountain in Matthew 28:16-17? What was the reaction of some of them? ([01:45])
2. In John 20:24-29, what conditions did Thomas set for believing in the resurrection of Jesus? How did Jesus respond to Thomas's doubts? ([16:06])
3. According to the sermon, how did the pastor describe his own experience with doubt while preparing to preach? ([20:11])
4. What reasons for doubt were mentioned in the sermon? ([06:16])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the reaction of the disciples in Matthew 28:16-17 help us understand the nature of faith and doubt? ([01:45])
2. What does Thomas's story in John 20:24-29 teach us about the relationship between doubt and faith? ([16:06])
3. How can the pastor's personal struggle with doubt, as shared in the sermon, provide comfort or encouragement to those experiencing similar feelings? ([20:11])
4. Why is it important for the church and home to be safe places for expressing doubts, according to the sermon? ([09:29])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced doubt in your faith. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome? How can Thomas's story encourage you in future moments of doubt? ([16:06])
2. The pastor mentioned that doubt can be a catalyst for stronger faith. Can you think of a specific doubt or question you have that could lead to a deeper understanding of God? ([08:09])
3. How can you create an environment in your home or church where questions and doubts are welcomed and addressed? What practical steps can you take to ensure this? ([09:29])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of coming to Jesus with our doubts and brokenness. What specific doubts or fears do you need to bring to Jesus today? ([24:02])
5. Think about someone in your life who may be struggling with doubt. How can you support and encourage them in their faith journey? What actions can you take this week to reach out to them? ([17:07])
6. The pastor shared his own moment of doubt while preparing to preach. How can you be more transparent about your own struggles with doubt in your faith community? ([20:11])
7. How can you apply the lesson that faith is a journey, not a destination, in your daily walk with God? What steps can you take to keep growing and seeking, even in the midst of doubt? ([08:09])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Doubt as Faith's Companion
Doubt is often seen as a weakness, especially in the context of faith. However, it is a natural part of the human experience and can be a sign of a faith that is alive and actively wrestling with the complexities of life. Doubt does not signify a lack of belief but rather an engagement with belief that seeks to understand and grow. It is in the struggle with doubt that individuals often find a deeper understanding of their faith and a stronger relationship with God. This process of wrestling with doubt can lead to a more resilient and authentic faith, one that is not easily shaken by the trials and questions that life inevitably brings. [19:03]
"O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!" - Psalm 84:12
Reflection: Recall a time when doubt led you to a deeper understanding of your faith. How did this experience strengthen your relationship with God?
Day 2: The Validity of Questioning Belief
The story of Thomas, often labeled as 'Doubting Thomas,' is a testament to the fact that having questions or needing evidence does not make one a lesser believer. Thomas's journey from doubt to a profound proclamation of faith illustrates that sincere questions can lead to significant revelations of truth. It is important to recognize that faith is not about blind acceptance but about seeking understanding and truth. The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding, and this includes the exploration of doubts and questions. [17:07]
"Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths." - Psalm 25:4
Reflection: What questions have you been hesitant to ask about your faith, and how can you approach these questions to seek greater understanding?
Day 3: Faith as a Dynamic Journey
Faith is not a static destination but a dynamic journey that involves continual seeking, growing, and trusting in God through all seasons of life. It is not about having all the answers or never experiencing doubt; it is about the ongoing process of learning, questioning, and deepening one's understanding and trust in God. This journey is marked by moments of certainty and uncertainty, and both are valuable in the development of a robust faith. [08:09]
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7
Reflection: In what ways can you actively seek to grow in your faith, even amidst uncertainty or doubt?
Day 4: Fostering Safe Spaces for Doubt
The church and home should be the safest places to express doubts and ask tough questions. Creating an environment where questions are welcomed and addressed can prevent people from walking away from their faith due to unresolved doubts. It is through open dialogue and the willingness to explore difficult topics that individuals can find the support and answers they need to strengthen their faith. [09:29]
"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance." - Proverbs 1:5
Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a safe space in your community where doubts and questions can be expressed and explored?
Day 5: Approaching Jesus with Openness
The act of coming to Jesus is not about having everything figured out or being free from sin and doubt. It is about approaching Him with honesty and openness, ready to receive His grace and mercy, and allowing Him to transform our lives. This invitation is extended to all, regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey. It is in the presence of Jesus that individuals can find rest, healing, and the courage to embrace a new life in Him. [27:53]
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28
Reflection: What are the fears or doubts you need to lay at Jesus' feet today, and how can you take a step towards doing so with honesty and openness?
Quotes
- "I am convinced there are some people that are leaving the church not because God isn't good, but because they have questions they don't feel safe asking." [05:27] ( | | )
- "Your doubts don't have to take you away from God. Your doubts can actually draw you closer to God. Because it's so important to understand that your faith is actually a journey. It's not a destination." [08:09] ( | | )
- "The church and the home should be the safest places in the world to ask the hard questions, should be the safest places in the world. And I hope that you'll discover that the strongest faith isn't a faith that never doubts." [09:29] ( | | )
- "Your doubts don't disqualify your faith. In fact, if you ask me, in my very pastoral opinion, to rank the disciples in order of spiritual strength and greatness and faith, you know what I'd do? I'd put Thomas right up there at the top." [12:45] ( | | )
- "Jesus came to Thomas in the middle of his doubts. And this is hard for me to tell you because I am your pastor. But it was only three years ago or so, when I was about to preach in my spot, on song number two, standing right here, trying to worship, and feeling nothing." [20:11] ( | | )
- "Jesus is not a standoff savior. He's willing to be touched. If he feels far away, reach out to him because he's reaching out for you. You can ask questions. You can take your frustrations to him. You can wrestle with him." [17:07] ( | | )
- "Keep pressing into the things of God. And watch, how did Jesus respond to Thomas's doubt? Well, this is what scripture says Jesus did. The Bible says, 'Eight days later, the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was there.'" [15:22] ( | | )
- "If there's questions, if there's doubt, this is not a time to panic. It's a time to process. It's a time to talk, because the church and the home should be the safest places in the world to ask the hard questions." [09:29] ( | | )
- "And I discovered that faith is not the absence of doubt. But faith is the means to push through doubt." [22:03] ( | | )
- "God can use your doubt to draw you to himself. God is so good. Jesus came to Thomas in the middle of his doubts." [19:03] ( | | )
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?