From Skepticism to Faith: Thomas's Transformative Journey
Summary
In today's message, titled "I've Seen Enough," we explored the transformative journey of Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples, who is often remembered for his skepticism following the resurrection of Christ. We delved into the nature of belief, the importance of community, and the power of personal encounters with Jesus.
We began by acknowledging the challenges of skepticism in our modern world, where information is abundant and trust can be scarce. This skepticism can lead to a guarded heart, much like Thomas, who declared he would not believe in the resurrection until he could see and touch Jesus' wounds himself.
We examined the significance of gathering as a community of believers, especially in times of doubt and uncertainty. The story of Thomas highlighted the importance of not isolating ourselves, as his absence from the initial gathering of disciples led to increased doubt. When we come together, we are like coals in a fire, maintaining warmth and light. This is why we prioritize meeting in Jesus' name, for worship, the word, communion, and prayer.
Thomas's journey from skepticism to faith was not a solitary one. His fellow disciples played a crucial role by persistently and kindly sharing their encounter with the risen Christ. Despite his initial disbelief, they included him, demonstrating the kind of unshakable love and patience that we are called to emulate.
The climax of Thomas's story occurred when he was finally present with the disciples and Jesus appeared. In this moment, Thomas was invited by Jesus to touch his wounds, but the mere sight of Jesus was enough for him to exclaim, "My Lord and my God!" This declaration was a profound confession of Jesus' divinity and Thomas's submission to His lordship.
Thomas's transformation was not only in word but also in action. He went on to preach the gospel with conviction and courage, even to the point of martyrdom. His life serves as a testament to the power of an encounter with Jesus to change skepticism into faith.
Key Takeaways:
- Skepticism can be a natural response to the unknown, but it should not lead us to a hardened heart of disbelief. Instead, we should remain open to the evidence of God's work in our lives and the lives of others. [13:18]
- The community of believers is essential for maintaining faith, especially during times of doubt. Just as the disciples supported Thomas, we must support one another, encouraging and inviting each other into the presence of Jesus. [23:40]
- Persistence and kindness in sharing our faith can pave the way for others to encounter Jesus. We must be relentless in our efforts to reach out to those who are skeptical, doing so with love and patience. [29:24]
- Personal encounters with Jesus can dramatically shift our perspective. Thomas's encounter with the risen Christ moved him from skepticism to a bold declaration of faith, illustrating the transformative power of experiencing Jesus firsthand. [32:06]
- Our faith is not static; it is demonstrated through our actions. Thomas's life after his encounter with Jesus was marked by a powerful ministry and ultimate sacrifice, showing that true belief is lived out in obedience and service to God's kingdom. [37:23]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "I've Seen Enough"
#### Bible Reading
1. 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.”
2. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
> And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
#### 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 address Thomas's skepticism when He appeared to him? (John 20:27)
3. What was Thomas's declaration upon seeing Jesus? (John 20:28)
4. According to Hebrews 10:24-25, what are believers encouraged to do, especially as they see the Day approaching?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Thomas insisted on seeing and touching Jesus' wounds before he would believe? How does this reflect common attitudes towards faith today? [12:43]
2. How does the community of believers play a role in maintaining faith during times of doubt, as seen in Thomas's story and Hebrews 10:24-25? [23:40]
3. What does Jesus' response to Thomas's doubt teach us about how He views our moments of skepticism and unbelief? [32:06]
4. How does Thomas's transformation from skepticism to faith illustrate the power of personal encounters with Jesus? [37:23]
#### 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 situation? [23:40]
2. Thomas's fellow disciples persistently and kindly shared their encounter with the risen Christ. How can you show persistence and kindness in sharing your faith with someone who is skeptical? [29:24]
3. Jesus invited Thomas to touch His wounds, but Thomas declared his faith without needing to do so. What personal encounters or experiences have strengthened your faith without needing physical proof? [32:06]
4. Thomas's life after his encounter with Jesus was marked by powerful ministry and ultimate sacrifice. How can you demonstrate your faith through actions in your daily life? [37:23]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of not isolating ourselves, especially in times of doubt. How can you ensure you stay connected with your faith community, even when you feel like pulling away? [23:06]
6. Think of someone in your life who might be experiencing skepticism or doubt. What specific steps can you take this week to support and encourage them in their faith journey? [29:24]
7. Thomas's declaration, "My Lord and my God," was a profound confession of Jesus' divinity. How can you make a similar declaration in your life, and what changes might it bring about in your actions and decisions? [36:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Skepticism with an Open Heart
Skepticism is a natural response to the unknown, but it should not lead us to a hardened heart of disbelief. In our modern world, where information is abundant and trust can be scarce, it is easy to become guarded and skeptical. Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples, exemplified this when he declared he would not believe in the resurrection until he could see and touch Jesus' wounds himself. However, skepticism can also be an opportunity for growth if we remain open to the evidence of God's work in our lives and the lives of others. By acknowledging our doubts and seeking truth, we can transform our skepticism into a deeper, more resilient faith. [13:18]
John 20:25-27 (ESV): "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.'"
Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you have been skeptical about God's presence or work. How can you remain open to seeing evidence of His work in that area today?
Day 2: The Power of Community in Faith
The community of believers is essential for maintaining faith, especially during times of doubt. Thomas's story highlights the importance of not isolating ourselves, as his absence from the initial gathering of disciples led to increased doubt. When we come together, we are like coals in a fire, maintaining warmth and light. This is why we prioritize meeting in Jesus' name, for worship, the word, communion, and prayer. By supporting one another, we can encourage and invite each other into the presence of Jesus, strengthening our collective faith. [23:40]
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: Reflect on a time when being part of a faith community helped you through a period of doubt or struggle. How can you actively support someone in your community who may be experiencing doubt today?
Day 3: Persistent and Kind Evangelism
Persistence and kindness in sharing our faith can pave the way for others to encounter Jesus. Thomas's fellow disciples played a crucial role by persistently and kindly sharing their encounter with the risen Christ. Despite his initial disbelief, they included him, demonstrating the kind of unshakable love and patience that we are called to emulate. We must be relentless in our efforts to reach out to those who are skeptical, doing so with love and patience, knowing that our persistence can lead to transformative encounters with Jesus. [29:24]
1 Peter 3:15-16 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."
Reflection: Identify someone in your life who is skeptical about faith. How can you show persistent kindness and share your faith with them in a way that is gentle and respectful?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Personal Encounters with Jesus
Personal encounters with Jesus can dramatically shift our perspective. Thomas's encounter with the risen Christ moved him from skepticism to a bold declaration of faith, illustrating the transformative power of experiencing Jesus firsthand. When Thomas was finally present with the disciples and Jesus appeared, the mere sight of Jesus was enough for him to exclaim, "My Lord and my God!" This declaration was a profound confession of Jesus' divinity and Thomas's submission to His lordship. Such encounters can change our hearts and minds, leading us to a deeper, more committed faith. [32:06]
Acts 9:3-6 (ESV): "Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' And he said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And he said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a personal encounter you have had with Jesus that transformed your faith. How can you seek more of these transformative moments in your daily life?
Day 5: Living Out Faith Through Actions
Our faith is not static; it is demonstrated through our actions. Thomas's life after his encounter with Jesus was marked by a powerful ministry and ultimate sacrifice, showing that true belief is lived out in obedience and service to God's kingdom. His transformation from skepticism to faith was not only in word but also in action. We are called to live out our faith through our deeds, demonstrating our commitment to Jesus through our daily lives and interactions with others. [37:23]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: Consider one specific way you can live out your faith through actions today. What practical steps can you take to demonstrate your commitment to Jesus in your daily life?
Quotes
Here are the selected quotes from the sermon transcript:
1) "The best thing we ever had to offer God was our emptiness. That he might fill with his glory, fill with his power, fill with his peace, that he might send us out into the world once a week to a grocery store. But to be loving and kind in all of our interactions." [25:27] ( | | )
2) "Why the first day of the week? Because the old creation week had ended. God made the world on the first day. On the sixth day, he made men. On the seventh day, he created rest. But we sinned, and we squandered the opportunity to live in a perfect world full of relationship with God." [27:07] ( | | )
3) "Persistence and kindness. They responded to him being absent where he should have been present. And unbelieving where he should have been believing, by being kind, and doing so persistently." [28:19] ( | | )
4) "When God looks at you, he doesn't even see your sin. When God looks at you, he only sees his son. He sees himself in you. And that's how he loves us." [14:25] ( | | )
5) "Thomas the honest. There's a need for greater honesty in our day, in the day where we don't know who to trust, and what news is real." [16:02] ( | | )
6) "This is not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together, as some have formed the habit of doing, because we need each other! In fact, we should come together even more frequently, eager to encourage and urge each other onward as we anticipate that day dawning." [23:40] ( | | )
7) "Thomas's absence and unbelief was met with persistence and kindness though. And this is on behalf of the disciples. This is our second point. Persistence and kindness." [28:19] ( | | )
8) "He declared Jesus as his King. But for the rest of his life, he would demonstrate that he was under the rule of Jesus as King." [37:23] ( | | )
9) "We have seen enough. We have seen the nail prints in his followers, what they saw in their eyes, it so changed them. And we can, by faith, declare our allegiance to Jesus, our Lord, and our God no matter how he chooses to work in this situation." [44:21] ( | | )
10) "Thomas's story tells us that even, and especially, when we feel abandoned by God, he is with us, present, even when he feels far." [43:45] ( | | )
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