Embracing Doubt: Strengthening Faith Through Community
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delve into John chapter 20, focusing on the story of Thomas, often referred to as "Doubting Thomas." This story is part of our new series, "Sunday School Unfiltered," where we revisit well-known Bible stories to uncover deeper meanings. Thomas, a disciple of Jesus, doubted the resurrection until he saw physical evidence. This story is often used to highlight the struggle between doubt and faith.
Thomas's story is relatable because it shows that even Jesus' closest followers had moments of doubt. This is crucial for us to understand: being a disciple of Jesus is not reserved for perfect people. Thomas was not the only disciple who struggled with belief; others had their moments of doubt as well. This helps us see that doubt is a natural part of faith.
We explored how doubt can either cripple or strengthen our faith. Tim Keller and Barnabas Piper offer insights into "believing doubt," which seeks answers and can lead to a stronger faith. Jesus' response to Thomas shows that He is not opposed to providing evidence for our faith. The Christian faith is supported by historical evidence, eyewitness accounts, and philosophical arguments for the existence of God.
If you are struggling with doubt, it's important to wait expectantly and in community, trust that Jesus moves towards those who struggle, and respond with what you have. For those who have friends or family members struggling with doubt, give them space, show them love, and share the truth with them.
The story of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien serves as a powerful example of how friendship and honest conversations can lead someone out of doubt and into faith. May we all strive to be such friends and take steps towards greater faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. Doubt is a Natural Part of Faith: Thomas's story shows that even Jesus' closest followers had moments of doubt. This helps us understand that being a disciple of Jesus is not reserved for perfect people. Doubt is a natural part of the faith journey, and it can lead to deeper understanding and stronger belief. [07:46]
2. Believing Doubt vs. Unbelieving Doubt: Tim Keller and Barnabas Piper differentiate between unbelieving doubt, which seeks to disprove, and believing doubt, which seeks answers. Believing doubt can lead to a strengthened faith as it pushes us to explore and understand our beliefs more deeply. [18:35]
3. Christianity is Supported by Evidence: Jesus provided Thomas with the evidence he needed to believe, showing that the Christian faith is not opposed to evidence. Historical documents, eyewitness accounts, and philosophical arguments all support the existence of God and the truth of the resurrection. [23:45]
4. Community and Patience in Doubt: When struggling with doubt, it's crucial to wait expectantly and in community. Thomas waited with his fellow disciples, and this community support helped him in his journey to belief. Surrounding yourself with people of faith can provide the encouragement and support needed during times of doubt. [30:15]
5. Responding to Doubt in Others: If you have friends or family members struggling with doubt, give them space to process, show them love, and share the truth with them. The story of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien illustrates how honest conversations and loving support can lead someone out of doubt and into faith. [38:23]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:23] - Introduction to Sunday School Unfiltered
[04:22] - The Story of Doubting Thomas
[06:07] - Reading John 20:24-29
[07:46] - Imperfect Disciples
[09:28] - Thomas's Misunderstandings
[12:24] - Functional Perfectionism
[15:25] - Doubt Among the Disciples
[18:35] - Believing Doubt vs. Unbelieving Doubt
[22:15] - Jesus Provides Evidence
[23:45] - Historical and Philosophical Evidence
[26:47] - Classical Arguments for God's Existence
[30:15] - Waiting Expectantly and in Community
[33:16] - Jesus Moves Towards Doubters
[34:59] - Responding with What You Have
[36:34] - Helping Others with Doubt
[38:23] - The Story of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien
[41:31] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- John 20:24-29 (NIV)
> 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 was Thomas's initial reaction when the other disciples told him they had seen the Lord? (John 20:25)
2. How did Jesus respond to Thomas's doubt when He appeared to him? (John 20:27) [06:07]
3. What was Thomas's declaration after Jesus invited him to touch His wounds? (John 20:28)
4. According to the sermon, how does Thomas's story help us understand the nature of doubt in the life of a believer? [07:46]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Thomas demanded physical evidence before he would believe in Jesus' resurrection? How does this reflect common struggles with faith today? [06:07]
2. How does Jesus' willingness to provide evidence to Thomas challenge the idea that faith must be "blind"? [22:15]
3. What is the difference between "believing doubt" and "unbelieving doubt" as explained in the sermon? How can "believing doubt" lead to a stronger faith? [18:35]
4. How does the story of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien illustrate the importance of community and honest conversations in overcoming doubt? [38:23]
### 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? [07:46]
2. How can you create a supportive community for someone who is struggling with doubt? What practical steps can you take to show love and share truth with them? [36:34]
3. Think about the concept of "believing doubt." Are there areas in your faith where you have questions that you are genuinely seeking answers for? How can you pursue those answers in a way that strengthens your faith? [18:35]
4. Jesus provided Thomas with the evidence he needed to believe. What kind of evidence or reassurance do you seek in your faith journey? How can you find it through Scripture, community, or other means? [22:15]
5. How can you be a friend like Tolkien was to C.S. Lewis, helping someone move from doubt to faith? Identify one person in your life who might need this kind of support and plan a way to engage them in a meaningful conversation about faith. [38:23]
6. In what ways can you respond to your own doubts or the doubts of others with patience and love, rather than frustration or dismissal? How can this approach change the dynamic of your faith community? [36:34]
7. How can you apply the lesson of waiting expectantly and in community when you are in a season of doubt? What steps can you take to ensure you are surrounded by a supportive faith community during these times? [30:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Doubt as a Path to Deeper Faith
Doubt is a natural part of the faith journey, and it can lead to deeper understanding and stronger belief. Thomas's story shows that even Jesus' closest followers had moments of doubt. This helps us understand that being a disciple of Jesus is not reserved for perfect people. Doubt is a natural part of the faith journey, and it can lead to deeper understanding and stronger belief. Thomas's story is relatable because it shows that even Jesus' closest followers had moments of doubt. This is crucial for us to understand: being a disciple of Jesus is not reserved for perfect people. Thomas was not the only disciple who struggled with belief; others had their moments of doubt as well. This helps us see that doubt is a natural part of faith. [07:46]
John 20:24-25 (ESV): "Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord.' But he said to them, 'Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.'"
Reflection: Think of a time when you experienced doubt in your faith. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from that experience? Can you see how it might have led to a deeper understanding or stronger belief?
Day 2: Believing Doubt vs. Unbelieving Doubt
Tim Keller and Barnabas Piper differentiate between unbelieving doubt, which seeks to disprove, and believing doubt, which seeks answers. Believing doubt can lead to a strengthened faith as it pushes us to explore and understand our beliefs more deeply. This distinction is important because it helps us see that not all doubt is harmful. Believing doubt is a form of doubt that seeks answers and is open to finding the truth. It is a doubt that is willing to explore and understand our beliefs more deeply. On the other hand, unbelieving doubt is a form of doubt that seeks to disprove and is closed off to finding the truth. Understanding this difference can help us navigate our own doubts and support others in their faith journey. [18:35]
James 1:5-6 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."
Reflection: Reflect on a current doubt you have. Is it a believing doubt that seeks answers, or an unbelieving doubt that seeks to disprove? How can you shift your perspective to seek understanding and truth?
Day 3: Christianity is Supported by Evidence
Jesus provided Thomas with the evidence he needed to believe, showing that the Christian faith is not opposed to evidence. Historical documents, eyewitness accounts, and philosophical arguments all support the existence of God and the truth of the resurrection. This is important because it shows that faith and reason are not mutually exclusive. The Christian faith is supported by historical evidence, eyewitness accounts, and philosophical arguments for the existence of God. This means that our faith is not blind but is based on evidence that can be examined and understood. Jesus' response to Thomas shows that He is not opposed to providing evidence for our faith. [23:45]
1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (ESV): "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep."
Reflection: How does knowing that Christianity is supported by historical and philosophical evidence impact your faith? What steps can you take to explore this evidence further?
Day 4: Community and Patience in Doubt
When struggling with doubt, it's crucial to wait expectantly and in community. Thomas waited with his fellow disciples, and this community support helped him in his journey to belief. Surrounding yourself with people of faith can provide the encouragement and support needed during times of doubt. This is important because it shows that we are not meant to navigate our doubts alone. Community support can provide the encouragement and strength needed to persevere through doubt. Thomas's story shows that waiting expectantly and in community can lead to a stronger faith. [30:15]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Are you currently part of a faith community that supports you in your doubts? If not, what steps can you take to become more involved in a supportive faith community?
Day 5: Responding to Doubt in Others
If you have friends or family members struggling with doubt, give them space to process, show them love, and share the truth with them. The story of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien illustrates how honest conversations and loving support can lead someone out of doubt and into faith. This is important because it shows that we have a role to play in supporting others in their faith journey. By giving space, showing love, and sharing the truth, we can help others navigate their doubts and find their way to a stronger faith. [38:23]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is struggling with doubt. How can you show them love and support this week? What truth can you share with them to help them in their faith journey?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The first thing we need to understand when we look at a passage like this, the first thing we need to understand in order to understand what's happening in this passage is this, is that being a disciple of Jesus is not reserved for perfect people. It's so important for us to get today." [07:46] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What we see in this passage is that belief isn't always easy. And so if you're here today, if you would call yourself a skeptic, or you would just say, there's things about God and Christianity, that you just struggle to believe at times. I'm so glad that you're here, that you're listening today, because I really do think that this passage helps us to understand what do we do in those moments when belief doesn't come easily." [06:07] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so the question we have to ask ourselves is, is what do you want to believe? If you reject Christianity, it can't be because there aren't good arguments for it. That Jesus desires to give real, solid evidence for us to believe." [27:47] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so when it comes to us, here's the thing. There are times when we are going to struggle to believe that if you struggle to believe, understand that you're, that you're not alone. Even in scripture, we see those who are struggling." [16:50] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so what we see in Thomas's story is that doubt doesn't need to destroy our faith. Faith in God. And instead, we need to have this type of posture, what we see in Mark chapter 9, where a father brings a sick child to Christ and Jesus calls him to believe. And the father's response back is, I believe, but help my unbelief." [21:17] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The point of the story is this, is that, the story of Thomas actually helps us to understand our own doubts. And it helps us understand how we can help those who are dealing with their doubts as well." [05:22] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The thing that we struggle with is that for many of us, we are actually what I would call a functional perfectionists. A perfectionist won't do anything until they feel like they can do an absolutely perfect, you know, won't start a project, won't, won't tackle something unless they feel like they can just do it from beginning to end and tackle the whole thing. It's just, it's just going to be perfect." [12:24] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so this also comes into play when we tackle the issue of doubt and faith. Being a disciple of Jesus is not reserved for those who never doubt. It's ironic that Thomas received the title of doubting Thomas, because if you see the other disciples, you see that they wrestled with their own doubts about the resurrection." [14:50] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so as Piper puts it, he says that unbelieving doubt cripples, but believing doubt can actually restore. It can actually be the process in which we have greater faith. And so what we see in Thomas's story is that doubt doesn't need to destroy our faith. Faith in God." [20:17] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so if you're struggling to believe, you need a community around you that has greater faith than you. Sometimes when we're struggling in our doubt, we actually seek out those who are also skeptics, those who also have doubts, because they can kind of feed into our doubt. And that feels good, right? It feels good when you have someone who's agreeing with you." [30:15] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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