Embracing Doubt: Finding Faith Through Community
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound impact of Jesus' resurrection on the lives of His followers, particularly through the lens of Thomas' experience. I began by emphasizing the importance of Scripture as our foundation and introduced our new series, "Jesus Changes Everything," which focuses on the individuals involved in the crucifixion and resurrection narratives.
I delved into the story of Thomas, often labeled as the "doubting" disciple, and argued for a more compassionate understanding of his skepticism. The narrative in John 20 describes the disciples hiding in fear on the evening of Jesus' resurrection. Jesus appears to them, offering peace and showing His wounds as proof of His identity. However, Thomas was not present and later expressed his doubts, insisting on seeing and touching Jesus' wounds before believing.
I highlighted that doubt is a natural part of faith and that even the most faithful individuals in the Bible experienced it. I shared the story of two men, Barney and Brown, during the Exodus to illustrate that the object of our faith, not its size, is what truly matters. I also addressed the importance of community in wrestling with doubts and encouraged leaning into those doubts rather than running from them.
I concluded by reminding us that Jesus meets us in our doubts with kindness and gentleness, as He did with Thomas. The resurrection is a historical event with eyewitness accounts, and our faith rests on the solid foundation of these testimonies. I encouraged everyone to lean into Jesus and Scripture during times of doubt and to remember that our questions are welcome in the church.
Key Takeaways:
- Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is an element of the human experience that can lead us closer to God when we seek answers within a community of believers. Just as Thomas openly expressed his doubts among the disciples, we should feel safe to voice our uncertainties and seek support from our church family. [15:08]
- The object of our faith is more important than the quantity of our faith. The story of Barney and Brown teaches us that it is not the strength of our belief but the reliability of what we believe in—Jesus Christ—that provides salvation and peace. [35:53]
- Jesus' approach to our doubts is one of compassion and understanding. He does not chastise us for our skepticism but meets us with evidence of His love and truth, as He did with Thomas by showing His wounds. [22:01]
- Our faith journey is not a solitary endeavor. Community is essential in navigating doubts and growing in faith. By engaging with others, we can find encouragement and wisdom to strengthen our relationship with God. [15:44]
- Scripture is our anchor in times of doubt. By immersing ourselves in God's Word, we build a foundation that can withstand the storms of uncertainty and lead us to a deeper understanding of His will for our lives. [27:52]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 20:19-29
2. Romans 10:17
3. Jude 1:22
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the disciples doing when Jesus first appeared to them after His resurrection? (John 20:19)
2. How did Jesus address the disciples when He appeared to them in the locked room? (John 20:19-21)
3. What was Thomas' reaction when the other disciples told him they had seen the Lord? (John 20:24-25)
4. How did Jesus respond to Thomas' doubts when He appeared again? (John 20:26-29)
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to show His wounds to the disciples, including Thomas? What does this signify about His approach to doubt? (John 20:20, 27)
2. How does the story of Thomas illustrate the importance of community in dealing with doubts? (John 20:24-25, [15:08])
3. What does Romans 10:17 suggest about the relationship between hearing the Word of God and developing faith?
4. How does Jude 1:22 guide us in our interactions with those who have doubts?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced doubt in your faith. How did you handle it, and what role did your community play in that process? ([15:08])
2. Jesus showed compassion and understanding towards Thomas' doubts. How can you show similar compassion to someone in your life who is struggling with their faith? ([22:01])
3. The sermon emphasized that the object of our faith is more important than the quantity of our faith. How can you shift your focus from the strength of your belief to the reliability of Jesus Christ in your daily life? ([35:53])
4. Scripture is described as an anchor in times of doubt. What specific steps can you take to immerse yourself more in God's Word to build a stronger foundation for your faith? ([27:52])
5. The sermon mentioned that our faith journey is not a solitary endeavor. What practical steps can you take to engage more deeply with your church community to support and be supported in your faith journey? ([15:44])
6. Think of a specific doubt or question you have about your faith. How can you lean into this doubt and seek answers within your community and through Scripture this week? ([16:12])
7. How can you create a safe space within your small group or church for others to express their doubts and questions without fear of judgment? ([15:08])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Doubt as a Path to Faith
Doubt is often seen as a weakness in faith, but it can be a catalyst for growth and deeper understanding. Thomas' experience shows that doubt is not something to be shunned but rather an opportunity to seek truth and solidify one's beliefs. When Thomas expressed his doubts, he was not rebuked but was met with the risen Christ who invited him to see and touch His wounds. This act of compassion from Jesus towards Thomas illustrates that doubts can lead to a more profound encounter with the divine. In a community of believers, expressing doubts is not a sign of failure but a step towards a more authentic faith journey. Doubt can be the soil in which a stronger, more resilient faith takes root. [15:08]
"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 time when doubt led you to a deeper understanding of your faith. How did that experience change your relationship with God?
Day 2: The Substance of Our Faith Matters Most
The story of Barney and Brown during the Exodus is a reminder that the strength of our faith is not as important as the object of our faith. It is not about how much faith one has, but in whom that faith is placed. Jesus Christ is the reliable foundation of our faith, offering salvation and peace. This takeaway challenges the misconception that one must have unwavering, large-scale faith at all times. Instead, it emphasizes that even a small amount of faith in Jesus is sufficient because of His steadfastness and trustworthiness. Faith, as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains when it is placed in the right person—Jesus Christ. [35:53]
"And the Lord said, 'If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.'" - Luke 17:6 ESV
Reflection: What does placing your faith in Jesus look like in your daily life, and how can you remind yourself to trust in His reliability rather than the size of your faith?
Day 3: Jesus Meets Us with Compassion in Our Doubts
Jesus' response to Thomas' skepticism is a powerful example of how He meets us with compassion and understanding in our moments of doubt. Rather than chastising Thomas, Jesus provided the evidence he needed to believe. This compassionate approach is how Jesus responds to all who have doubts, offering His love and truth to guide us back to faith. When faced with skepticism, one can take comfort in knowing that Jesus is patient and willing to reveal Himself to us, just as He did for Thomas. This reassurance can help believers to approach their doubts without fear, trusting that Jesus will meet them with the same kindness and gentleness. [22:01]
"Jesus said to him, 'Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'" - John 20:29 ESV
Reflection: How can you emulate Jesus' compassionate response to doubt in your interactions with others who are struggling with their faith?
Day 4: Community is Key in Navigating Doubts
The Christian journey is not meant to be walked alone. Community plays a vital role in helping individuals navigate their doubts and grow in their faith. Engaging with others in a church family provides a support system where questions can be asked, and wisdom can be shared. This communal aspect of faith allows believers to encourage one another, share experiences, and find strength in numbers. It is within the community that one can find the courage to face doubts and the support to overcome them. [15:44]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
Reflection: What steps can you take to engage more deeply with your faith community to support each other in times of doubt?
Day 5: Scripture as Our Anchor in Doubt
In times of uncertainty, Scripture serves as a steadfast anchor for our souls. Immersing oneself in God's Word builds a foundation that can withstand the storms of doubt and lead to a deeper understanding of His will. The Bible is not just a collection of stories but a source of truth that has stood the test of time. By turning to Scripture, believers can find reassurance and guidance, as the testimonies within it are the bedrock upon which faith is built. [27:52]
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." - Romans 15:4 ESV
Reflection: How can you incorporate the study of Scripture into your daily routine to strengthen your faith, especially during times of doubt?
Quotes
1) "Boulder Mountain to say I don't believe if you're wrestling through doubts in your life do so in community don't do so alone in your bedroom with the door shut by yourself do do so in community find a group of friends that you can gather around with and you can say hey guys I got to I'm struggling with this here this area of my life right now I'm really struggling with this and I need some help here." [15:08]
2) "Lean into your doubts lean into the church lean into to God's word don't run away from it and doubts are best handled on the foundation of God's word because anytime there's doubts there's truth that we can lean into." [16:46]
3) "Know God's word in the dark days of Despair when the last thing you want to do is open up the truth of God's word I'm going to encourage you to do that it will be good for your soul it will be refreshing it will make a deposit into your life." [38:00]
4) "It is not the amount of your faith it is the object of your faith sometimes we make it about the amount of my faith I need more faith you need more faith oh my friend it's not it's not about you it's not about your faith it is about the object of our faith the object of our faith is Jesus." [36:29]
5) "Have mercy on those who doubt if you have friends that are Skeptics um be merciful to them listen to them care for them hear them out show up in their life be kind to them doesn't say run away from have nothing to do with them have mercy on them rather than improperly labeling them we ought to extend care and Grace for people with questions." [37:21]
6) "As Christians you cannot live a sinless life and as a Christian you cannot live a doubtless life you can't they're synonymous a lot of Doubt comes from unbelief and again I want you to know that it is okay to have doubts it is okay to be a skeptic." [17:51]
7) "Jesus shows up into the room and again verse 24 now Thomas was one of the 12 called the twin was not with them when Jesus came so the other disciples told him we've seen the Lord forgive me for this but I'm going to defend Thomas a little bit here." [19:33]
8) "Every unbeliever has faith and every believer has doubt sometimes I sin and sometimes I doubt neither is good in themselves but they are not surprising or unexpected to a gracious God a doubtless Christian is impossible sin in fact sprains from unbelief doubt is a part of Being Human." [23:25]
9) "Jesus shows up and brings me you what you need in your time of need I don't know what you need I don't know what you're waiting I don't know where you're at in your life I don't know where you're at in following Jesus Jesus shows up in those moments and he is so kind and he is so gentle." [08:57]
10) "Then he said to Thomas put your finger here and see my hands and put your hand and place it at my side do not disbelieve but believe and Thomas answered him my Lord and my God and Jesus said to him have you believed because you have seen blessed are those who have not seen and yet have." [22:46]
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