Embracing Doubt: The Journey of Faith and Trust
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound narrative of doubt and faith through the lens of the disciples' experiences following Jesus' resurrection. We delved into Matthew 28 and John 20, focusing on the moments when the disciples, despite witnessing Jesus' miracles and resurrection, still harbored doubts. This story is particularly significant as it highlights the human tendency to doubt even in the face of overwhelming evidence. We examined the story of Thomas, often labeled as "Doubting Thomas," who needed tangible proof of Jesus' resurrection to believe. This narrative serves as a reminder that doubt is a natural part of the faith journey and not something to be ashamed of.
We discussed the misconception that faith and doubt are opposites, proposing instead that the true opposite of faith is certainty. Faith, as described in Hebrews 11, is the confidence in what we hope for and the assurance of what we do not see. This definition suggests that faith inherently involves an element of uncertainty and hope, rather than absolute certainty. We reflected on how the disciples, despite their doubts, remained together and continued their mission, illustrating that doubt does not disqualify one from being part of the faith community or from fulfilling one's calling.
The journey of faith is not about achieving certainty but about learning to trust and act despite our doubts. We are encouraged to embrace our doubts as part of our spiritual journey, understanding that God meets us where we are, providing what we need to move forward. The story of Thomas and the other disciples teaches us that doubt can coexist with faith and that our faith journey is about taking small steps of trust, even when we don't have all the answers.
Key Takeaways:
1. Doubt is a Natural Part of Faith: The story of Thomas and the other disciples shows that doubt is a common experience, even among those closest to Jesus. Doubt does not disqualify us from our faith journey; rather, it can be a catalyst for deeper understanding and growth. [10:05]
2. Faith and Certainty are Not Synonyms: Faith involves confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see, which inherently includes uncertainty. True faith is not about having all the answers but about trusting in God despite our doubts. [17:02]
3. Community in Doubt: The disciples remained together despite their doubts, illustrating the importance of community in our faith journey. We are called to support one another, allowing space for questions and struggles without judgment. [15:03]
4. God Meets Us in Our Doubt: Jesus met Thomas in his doubt, providing what he needed to believe. Similarly, God meets us where we are, offering what we need to move forward in our faith journey. We are encouraged to bring our doubts to God, trusting that He will provide. [20:15]
5. The Journey of Faith is About Trust: Our faith journey is not about achieving certainty but about learning to trust and act despite our doubts. We are invited to take small steps of faith, trusting that God will guide us and provide what we need along the way. [21:13]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:12] - Introduction and Context
[04:48] - The Resurrection Story
[07:38] - Jesus' Encounter with the Women
[08:53] - The Disciples' Doubt
[10:05] - Thomas' Struggle with Belief
[11:57] - Jesus Appears to Thomas
[13:54] - Community Amidst Doubt
[15:03] - Faith and Doubt Coexist
[17:02] - Faith vs. Certainty
[18:01] - Confidence and Assurance
[19:28] - Certainty vs. Faith
[20:15] - Jesus Meets Thomas' Needs
[21:13] - Trust in the Journey
[23:13] - Thomas' Legacy and Faith Journey
[24:15] - Invitation to Begin the Faith Journey
[28:38] - Encouragement to Embrace Doubt
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 28:16-17
- John 20:24-29
- Hebrews 11:1
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 28:16-17, what was the reaction of the disciples when they saw Jesus, and what does this reveal about their state of mind? [08:53]
2. How does John 20:24-29 describe Thomas's initial response to the news of Jesus' resurrection, and what did he require to believe? [10:05]
3. According to Hebrews 11:1, how is faith defined, and what elements are highlighted in this definition?
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between doubt and faith, particularly in the context of the disciples' experiences? [15:44]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might some of the disciples have doubted even after witnessing Jesus' resurrection, and what does this suggest about the nature of faith? [08:53]
2. How does Thomas's need for tangible proof reflect common human tendencies in the journey of faith, and what does Jesus' response to him teach us? [12:39]
3. What does the sermon imply about the role of community in dealing with doubt, and how did the disciples exemplify this? [15:03]
4. How does the sermon redefine the opposite of faith, and what implications does this have for understanding one's spiritual journey? [17:02]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced doubt in your faith journey. How did you handle it, and what support did you seek or wish you had sought? [15:03]
2. Thomas needed to see and touch Jesus to believe. What are some "proofs" or assurances you find yourself seeking in your faith journey, and how can you address these needs? [12:39]
3. The sermon suggests that faith involves trust and action despite doubt. What is one area in your life where you can take a step of faith this week, even if you have doubts? [21:13]
4. How can you create a supportive environment in your small group or community that allows for open discussions about doubt without judgment? [15:03]
5. Consider the idea that the opposite of faith is certainty. How does this perspective change the way you view your own doubts and questions about faith? [17:02]
6. In what ways can you encourage someone in your life who is struggling with doubt, drawing from the example of how Jesus interacted with Thomas? [20:15]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of trusting God in small steps, as illustrated by the pastor's story about the lift, into your daily life? [22:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Doubt as a Catalyst for Growth
Doubt is a natural part of the faith journey, as demonstrated by the story of Thomas and the other disciples. Despite witnessing Jesus' miracles and resurrection, they still harbored doubts. This narrative highlights the human tendency to doubt even in the face of overwhelming evidence. Doubt should not be seen as a disqualification from faith but rather as an opportunity for deeper understanding and growth. By acknowledging and exploring our doubts, we can develop a more profound and resilient faith. [10:05]
John 20:24-29 (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.' Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although 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, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.' Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, 'Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"
Reflection: Think of a specific doubt you have about your faith. How can you explore this doubt further to deepen your understanding and relationship with God?
Day 2: Faith Thrives in Uncertainty
Faith is not synonymous with certainty; rather, it involves confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This understanding of faith, as described in Hebrews 11, suggests that faith inherently involves an element of uncertainty and hope. True faith is not about having all the answers but about trusting in God despite our doubts. By embracing uncertainty, we allow our faith to grow and thrive in ways that certainty cannot provide. [17:02]
Hebrews 11:1-3 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you seek certainty. How can you practice trusting God in this area, even when you don't have all the answers?
Day 3: The Strength of Community Amidst Doubt
The disciples remained together despite their doubts, illustrating the importance of community in our faith journey. We are called to support one another, allowing space for questions and struggles without judgment. A faith community provides a safe environment where individuals can express their doubts and receive encouragement and guidance. By fostering a supportive community, we can help each other grow in faith and navigate the challenges that come with doubt. [15:03]
Acts 2:42-44 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common."
Reflection: Consider someone in your faith community who may be struggling with doubt. How can you reach out to them and offer support and encouragement this week?
Day 4: God Meets Us in Our Doubt
The story of Thomas shows that God meets us where we are, providing what we need to move forward in our faith journey. Jesus met Thomas in his doubt, offering the tangible proof he needed to believe. Similarly, God meets us in our doubts, offering guidance and reassurance. We are encouraged to bring our doubts to God, trusting that He will provide what we need to continue our journey of faith. [20:15]
Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God met you in your doubt. How can you seek His presence and guidance in your current struggles?
Day 5: Trusting in the Journey of Faith
The journey of faith is not about achieving certainty but about learning to trust and act despite our doubts. We are invited to take small steps of faith, trusting that God will guide us and provide what we need along the way. By focusing on trust rather than certainty, we can experience a more dynamic and fulfilling faith journey. This approach allows us to grow in our relationship with God and develop a deeper sense of purpose and direction. [21:13]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What is one small step of faith you can take today, trusting that God will guide and provide for you? How can this step help you grow in your faith journey?
Quotes
"To Thomas, for whatever reason, it just didn't make sense. And Thomas was not willing to take someone else's word as truth. Can any of you relate to not being able to take someone else's word as truth? Of course you can." [00:12:08] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And then he stands there and he says, Thomas, here I am. Touch, the scars. Put your hand in my side. Thomas, it's okay. Stop, stop doubting and just, just believe. Here's what you need to believe in me." [00:13:18] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"The opposite of faith is not doubt. I think some of us have been unintentionally led to believe that we either have faith or we have doubt, one or the other, because they're opposites. You cannot have both." [00:16:10] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Faith is defined in scripture as the confidence in what we hope for and the assurance of what we do not see. Folks, that is not certainty. It's just not." [00:19:28] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"With our own interactions with doubt and belief, I would say this, that perhaps the journey with Jesus is not intended to develop a faith that eliminates doubt and leads to certainty, but rather to develop a faith that moves you to trust and act in spite of your doubt." [00:20:51] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"If you are here today and you are experiencing some degree of doubt, I want you to know that just like God stood ready to meet his disciples in their doubt, he stands ready to meet you exactly where you are. He does not require certainty from you." [00:24:40] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Do not buy into the false idea that your doubt means you have zero faith. That if you have doubt, your faith has been negated. It has been canceled. It has been nullified." [00:28:44] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"But my prayer today, Lord, is that there are people here in this room who are struggling with trying to figure out, I don't know. I've listened to all these stories. I've listened to all this talk about kingdom and empire. We've heard all these things, but God, my doubt just keeps me from moving. I pray, dear Lord, that you would meet them where they are." [00:29:11] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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