Embracing Doubt: A Journey to Deeper Faith
Summary
In my sermon, I began by addressing the post-Easter feelings that many of us experience, the sense of moving on too quickly from such a monumental event. I shared my personal reflection on how, after the family celebrations, I felt a reluctance to simply return to routine tasks and emails. This led me to ponder why we often feel a need to pause and not rush past these significant moments in our faith journey.
I then delved into the disciples' experiences after the resurrection, highlighting the emotional turmoil they must have felt. Despite witnessing the risen Christ, they were left with doubts and questions, much like we often do today. I emphasized that doubt is not a destination but a journey, and it's essential to walk through it to reach a deeper conviction.
Drawing from the Gospels, I recounted how each one presented a unique perspective on Jesus' post-resurrection appearances. In Matthew, we see the Great Commission, where Jesus empowers his disciples to make disciples of all nations. Mark's Gospel reveals the disciples' initial disbelief, even when confronted with the reality of the risen Christ. Luke's account shows Jesus providing peace and understanding to his followers, while John narrates the story of Thomas, who needed to see and touch Jesus to believe.
I stressed the importance of recognizing doubt as a natural part of faith, a sentiment echoed in the disciples' reactions. Jesus' approach to their doubts was not one of condemnation but of invitation to believe and understand. I pointed out that doubt often stems from a lack of trust, and it's crucial to address these feelings honestly within the safety of the church community.
I also touched on the idea that people don't leave the church because they have doubts, but because they feel they cannot express them. The story of Thomas was highlighted as an example of someone who had the courage to voice his doubts and, in doing so, found a deeper faith.
Throughout the sermon, I encouraged the congregation to be honest about their doubts and to see them as opportunities for growth. I reminded them that Jesus stayed on Earth for 40 days after his resurrection to ensure his followers were processing their experiences correctly, emphasizing that we, too, should take the time to process our doubts and fears.
Key Takeaways:
1. Doubt is not a destination but a journey that must be walked through. It is a natural part of faith that can lead to a deeper conviction if we are willing to engage with it and ask the hard questions. This journey can ultimately strengthen our faith and bring us closer to God. [30:21]
2. In moments of doubt, it is essential to find a safe space to be vulnerable and honest about our feelings. A hardened heart cannot perceive the fullness of God's plan, but a softened heart can begin to trust in God's eternal perspective. We must allow ourselves to be open to God's presence and guidance. [31:05]
3. At the core of doubt is a trust issue. We must confront our doubts with the truth of God's word and the reassurance of His promises. The church should be a place where we can safely express our doubts and find support and encouragement from our community. [32:33]
4. Faith must be allowed to expel doubt, rather than letting doubt expel our faith. We are called to draw near to God with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, holding fast to the hope we profess without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. [33:17]
5. Jesus' post-resurrection interactions with his disciples show His deep understanding of human emotions and doubts. He stayed with them to affirm and reassure them, teaching us that it is okay to take time to process our experiences and not rush through them. [15:45]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:16-20 (The Great Commission)
2. Mark 16:9-16 (The Disciples' Initial Disbelief)
3. John 20:19-31 (Jesus Appears to Thomas)
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the disciples' initial reactions to seeing the risen Christ in Mark 16:9-16? How did Jesus respond to their disbelief? [11:29]
2. In Matthew 28:16-20, what command does Jesus give to His disciples, and how does this relate to their doubts? [09:37]
3. How does Jesus address Thomas' doubts in John 20:19-31, and what is Thomas' ultimate response? [24:50]
4. According to the sermon, why did Jesus stay on Earth for 40 days after His resurrection? [17:41]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples doubted even after witnessing Jesus' resurrection? How does this reflect our own struggles with faith? [11:29]
2. How does Jesus' approach to the disciples' doubts in the Gospels demonstrate His understanding and compassion? [15:45]
3. What does the story of Thomas teach us about the importance of expressing our doubts within the church community? [24:50]
4. How can recognizing doubt as a journey rather than a destination help us grow in our faith? [30:21]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced doubt in your faith. How did you handle it, and what could you have done differently to address it within a supportive community? [22:43]
2. Jesus stayed with His disciples for 40 days to help them process their experiences. How can you create space in your life to process your spiritual experiences and doubts? [17:41]
3. Thomas needed to see and touch Jesus to believe. What tangible actions can you take to strengthen your faith when you are struggling with doubt? [24:50]
4. The sermon mentioned that people often leave the church because they feel they cannot express their doubts. How can you contribute to making your church a safe space for others to share their doubts and questions? [22:43]
5. Jesus' post-resurrection interactions show His deep understanding of human emotions and doubts. How can you apply this understanding in your interactions with others who are struggling with their faith? [15:45]
6. The sermon emphasized that doubt often stems from a lack of trust. What steps can you take to build and reinforce your trust in God's promises? [32:33]
7. How can you use the story of Thomas to encourage someone in your life who is currently experiencing doubt in their faith? [24:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Doubt as a Faith Journey
Doubt is often perceived as a weakness in faith, but it is, in fact, a sign of a living and active spiritual life. It is a journey that must be walked through, not a destination to be feared. As believers, it is important to recognize that doubt can be a catalyst for growth, prompting questions that lead to a deeper understanding of faith. Engaging with doubt does not mean abandoning faith; rather, it means seeking a more profound conviction and a closer relationship with God. This process of questioning and seeking can ultimately strengthen one's trust in the divine. [30:21]
"Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.'" - John 20:27 ESV
Reflection: Recall a recent time when you experienced doubt in your faith. How did you address it, and what steps can you take to transform that doubt into a deeper understanding of your beliefs?
Day 2: Finding Safety in Vulnerability
In moments of uncertainty, it is crucial to have a community where one can express doubts and fears without judgment. A hardened heart is closed off to the transformative power of God's love, but a heart that is open and vulnerable can receive wisdom and guidance. It is in the safety of a faith community that individuals can honestly confront their doubts and find the support they need to grow in their spiritual journey. This openness to God's presence allows for a deeper trust and reliance on His eternal perspective. [31:05]
"Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart." - Psalm 51:6 ESV
Reflection: Consider a doubt or fear you've been hesitant to share with others. How can you find the courage to open up within your faith community, and what steps can you take to create a safe space for others to do the same?
Day 3: Trust at the Core of Doubt
Doubt often arises from a lack of trust, and confronting it requires turning to the truth of God's word and the reassurance of His promises. The church should be a sanctuary where doubts can be expressed freely, and individuals can find encouragement and support. By facing doubts with scripture and prayer, believers can reinforce their trust in God's faithfulness and His plan for their lives. This process of confronting and overcoming doubt strengthens the foundation of one's faith. [32:33]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Reflection: Identify a specific doubt you have and find a passage of scripture that speaks to that issue. How can you use this scripture to confront and overcome your doubt?
Day 4: Faith Expelling Doubt
Faith is not passive; it is an active force that can dispel doubt. Believers are called to draw near to God with a sincere heart, fully assured in their faith, and to hold fast to the hope they profess. This steadfastness is rooted in the knowledge that God is faithful to His promises. By nurturing faith, doubt can be transformed into a stepping stone that leads to a more profound and unwavering belief. [33:17]
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23 ESV
Reflection: What is one area of your life where doubt has been holding you back? How can you actively apply your faith to this area and hold onto the hope you profess?
Day 5: Processing Experiences with Jesus
Jesus' post-resurrection interactions with His disciples demonstrate His understanding of human emotions and doubts. He stayed with them, providing affirmation and reassurance, teaching the importance of taking time to process spiritual experiences. This example shows that it is okay to not rush through doubts and fears but to take the necessary time to understand and grow from them. [15:45]
"And he said to them, 'Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.'" - Luke 24:38-39 ESV
Reflection: Reflect on a significant spiritual experience you've had. Have you given yourself enough time to fully process it? What steps can you take to ensure you are allowing yourself the space to understand and grow from this experience?
Quotes
1) "Easter just happened, Jesus rose from the dead triumphant, amazing, and now we can just move on, you know, as if it was just an event like it was a holiday or a vacation that just happened because that's what society would like us to believe. And it just was not happening for me... sometimes it's hard to move on, sometimes it's just like you feel like everyone else is doing stuff but there's some unresolved things happening on the inside that's making you feel a pause." [01:13]
2) "Doubt is a road and you must walk it. And I love the fact that you can actually allow your life to be completely defined by The Moments of doubt that you've had because there is nothing more convincing than the other side of Doubt. Nothing more convincing of the truth that you believe than standing on the other side of your doubt." [30:21]
3) "At the very core of doubt there is a trust issue. The only thing that doubt is, is a lack of trust in something or someone. And we cannot be afraid of that. We cannot be afraid to ask hard questions in the house of God because it's the only place that we can find safe people and a safe environment." [32:33]
4) "Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." [34:12]
5) "Jesus stayed on Earth 40 days after he rose from the dead. Why would he do that if he did not want to be make sure that his people were good? It was just for the low moments that he stayed. The commissioning could have happened the same day he rose from the dead. He could have gone, but Jesus in his kindness and goodness... recognizes that as humanity we need a minute." [15:45]
6) "Jesus sees that and he's like, he comes and he comes and sits by them Sil and going how you doing that was a lot wasn't it would you reckon process with me. Christ is asking us to process with him in this season, don't move on, we're not meant to, we're supposed to process, be okay to ask hard questions." [19:44]
7) "Thomas was a real one; he was courageous, he was passionate, and he was committed to the cause... maybe he wasn't doubting, maybe he was brokenhearted, maybe he was dealing with unfair circumstances, unresolved hurts, and unanswered questions, and he didn't know how to process." [27:25]
8) "People don't leave church because they have doubts; people leave church because they're afraid to express their doubts and they don't know how to say what's really going on on the inside because they don't feel safe." [22:43]
9) "The reality that we must all face, especially in the church, is that people don't leave church because they have doubts; people leave church because they're afraid to express their doubts and they don't know how to say what's really going on on the inside because they don't feel safe." [22:43]
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