Navigating Doubt: Faith's Journey in Christ
Summary
In today's exploration of Matthew 11:1-15, we delve into the profound theme of doubt and faith within the kingdom of God. As we continue our series on "The King and His Kingdom," we reflect on the mission of the apostles and the challenges they faced, drawing parallels to our own journey as followers of Christ. The passage begins with John the Baptist, a faithful servant of God, wrestling with doubt while imprisoned. He sends a message to Jesus, asking if He is truly the Messiah. This moment is not about unbelief but about a believer grappling with uncertainty. Jesus responds by pointing John to the fulfillment of Scripture, affirming His identity through the miracles He performs, which were foretold in Isaiah.
Doubt is a natural part of the believer's journey, distinct from unbelief. It is faith wrestling with uncertainty, a struggle within the context of belief. Jesus provides us with three ways to move beyond doubt: by turning to Scripture, embracing joyful obedience, and fixing our eyes on Him. When faced with doubt, we must anchor ourselves in the unchanging truth of God's Word, allowing it to guide us through turbulent times. Joyful obedience involves trusting God's goodness and following His commands, even when we don't fully understand His plan. Finally, by looking to Jesus and His finished work on the cross, we find assurance and strength to overcome doubt.
John the Baptist's experience teaches us that even the greatest among us can face doubt, but it is crucial to turn to Jesus for answers. Jesus affirms John's role as a prophet and emphasizes the greatness of those who believe without seeing. Our faith is grounded in the reality of the cross and the empty tomb, providing us with a firm foundation to stand on. In moments of doubt, we are called to trust in Jesus, who is faithful and true. By fixing our eyes on Him, we can navigate the uncertainties of life with confidence and assurance.
Key Takeaways:
- Doubt is not the absence of faith but a struggle within it. It is a unique challenge for believers, as it requires a foundation of belief to question. In times of doubt, we must turn to Jesus, who provides the answers and strengthens our faith. [48:16]
- Scripture is our anchor in times of doubt. When our expectations are unmet, and life doesn't go as planned, we should look to God's unchanging Word for guidance and assurance. It is through Scripture that we find the truth that never changes. [51:45]
- Joyful obedience is essential in overcoming doubt. Trusting in God's goodness and following His commands, even when we don't fully understand, leads to a deeper faith. Our emotions may cloud our judgment, but obedience to God brings clarity and peace. [45:20]
- Looking to Jesus and His finished work on the cross is the ultimate solution to doubt. By focusing on His sacrifice and the empty tomb, we find assurance and strength to face life's uncertainties. Our faith is grounded in the reality of the cross. [01:28:24]
- Faith does not wait for clarity but moves forward in obedience. In times of doubt, we must trust God's way and step forward in faith, knowing that He is good and His plan is perfect. Our understanding may be incomplete, but our faith rests in Jesus. [48:16]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Introduction to Matthew 11
- [05:30] - The Mission of the Apostles
- [10:15] - John the Baptist's Doubt
- [15:40] - Jesus' Response to Doubt
- [20:25] - Understanding Doubt vs. Unbelief
- [25:50] - Turning to Scripture
- [30:35] - Joyful Obedience
- [35:20] - Looking to Jesus
- [40:10] - Assurance in the Cross
- [45:20] - Faith and Obedience
- [50:05] - Conclusion and Prayer
- [55:00] - Announcements and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 11:1-15
Observation Questions:
1. What was John the Baptist's situation when he sent a message to Jesus, and what question did he ask? [10:15]
2. How did Jesus respond to John's question, and what evidence did He provide to affirm His identity? [15:40]
3. According to the sermon, what distinguishes doubt from unbelief? [48:16]
4. What are the three ways Jesus provides to move beyond doubt, as mentioned in the sermon? [48:16]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might John the Baptist have experienced doubt about Jesus' identity, despite his previous convictions? [10:15]
2. How does Jesus' response to John the Baptist's doubt demonstrate His understanding and compassion? [15:40]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Scripture serves as an anchor during times of doubt? [51:45]
4. How does the concept of "joyful obedience" help believers overcome doubt, according to the sermon? [45:20]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced doubt in your faith. How did you address it, and what role did Scripture play in that process? [51:45]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of joyful obedience. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to trust and obey God? What steps can you take to change that? [45:20]
3. Consider the distractions in your life that prevent you from focusing on Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to minimize these distractions? [01:28:24]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of looking to Jesus and His finished work on the cross into your daily routine to strengthen your faith? [01:28:24]
5. Think of a situation where your expectations were unmet, leading to doubt. How can you adjust your expectations to align more closely with God's Word? [51:45]
6. Identify a person in your life who might be experiencing doubt in their faith. How can you support and encourage them to turn to Jesus for answers? [48:16]
7. Reflect on the statement that faith does not wait for clarity but moves forward in obedience. How can you apply this principle in a current decision or challenge you are facing? [48:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Doubt as a Catalyst for Deeper Faith
Doubt is not the absence of faith but a struggle within it. It is a unique challenge for believers, as it requires a foundation of belief to question. In times of doubt, we must turn to Jesus, who provides the answers and strengthens our faith. Doubt can be a powerful catalyst for growth when approached with a heart open to seeking truth. It is not a sign of weakness but an opportunity to deepen one's relationship with God. By acknowledging doubt and bringing it before Jesus, believers can find reassurance in His presence and promises. [48:16]
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent doubt you have experienced in your faith journey. How can you bring this doubt to Jesus today and seek His guidance and reassurance?
Day 2: Scripture as an Anchor in Uncertainty
Scripture is our anchor in times of doubt. When our expectations are unmet, and life doesn't go as planned, we should look to God's unchanging Word for guidance and assurance. It is through Scripture that we find the truth that never changes. The Bible serves as a steadfast foundation, offering wisdom and clarity when life's circumstances are confusing or overwhelming. By immersing oneself in Scripture, believers can find the strength and direction needed to navigate through uncertainty. [51:45]
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific area of your life where you feel uncertain. What Scripture can you meditate on this week to find guidance and assurance in that area?
Day 3: Joyful Obedience in the Face of Doubt
Joyful obedience is essential in overcoming doubt. Trusting in God's goodness and following His commands, even when we don't fully understand, leads to a deeper faith. Our emotions may cloud our judgment, but obedience to God brings clarity and peace. By choosing to obey joyfully, believers demonstrate their trust in God's perfect plan and His unwavering love. This act of obedience, even amidst doubt, can transform one's perspective and bring about a profound sense of peace and fulfillment. [45:20]
"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a command from God that you find challenging to obey. How can you practice joyful obedience in this area today, trusting in His goodness and plan?
Day 4: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
Looking to Jesus and His finished work on the cross is the ultimate solution to doubt. By focusing on His sacrifice and the empty tomb, we find assurance and strength to face life's uncertainties. Our faith is grounded in the reality of the cross. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection provide the ultimate assurance of God's love and faithfulness. By fixing one's eyes on Jesus, believers can find the courage and strength to navigate through life's challenges, knowing that He has already overcome the world. [01:28:24]
"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally focus on Jesus and His finished work on the cross this week to strengthen your faith amidst uncertainties?
Day 5: Faith in Action Without Full Clarity
Faith does not wait for clarity but moves forward in obedience. In times of doubt, we must trust God's way and step forward in faith, knowing that He is good and His plan is perfect. Our understanding may be incomplete, but our faith rests in Jesus. This active faith requires courage and a willingness to trust in God's character and promises, even when the path ahead is unclear. By stepping out in faith, believers can experience the fullness of God's provision and guidance. [48:16]
"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 decision or situation where you are waiting for clarity. How can you take a step of faith today, trusting in God's goodness and perfect plan?
Quotes
And last kind of chapter 10 was all about sending out the apostles and what the apostles' message is that we, like the apostles, have a mission. That just like the apostles, we have, we'll be going out and facing persecution and many things. And we saw that the cause supreme to give our life last week is the cause of King Jesus. [00:41:07] (28 seconds)
Friends, this is a passage not of an unbeliever questioning God's existence. This is a passage of a faithful servant wrestling with doubt. This morning, we can trust that all of our doubts, we can go to Jesus and be strengthened in our faith because he has the answers. [00:46:38] (24 seconds)
There's a difference between unbelief and doubt. John MacArthur summarizes this well. He says, when the New Testament talks of doubt, whether you're talking about the Gospels or the Epistles, it primarily focuses on believers. That is very important. It's as if you have to believe something before you can doubt it. [00:47:02] (23 seconds)
You have to be committed to it before you begin to question it. So doubt is held up as a unique problem of a believer. Friends, doubt is not the same as unbelief. Unbelief is one of someone who does not trust God, who does not submit to God, does not believe he is God, who refuses to trust God in all aspects of their life. [00:47:23] (29 seconds)
But doubt is a belief or a believer who is going through the waves of life, but is anchored in the truth of God. Doubt is a struggle within faith. Christians must turn to Jesus during times of doubt. Maybe you've experienced a time of doubt in your life about what's next or what you've experienced or what you're going through or what's next. [00:47:56] (29 seconds)
Brother and sister, doubt isn't an absence of faith. It's faith wrestling with uncertainty. Maybe you're going through that or maybe you all go through this. But in this text, I believe that Jesus is the answer. And in the passage, Jesus gives us three ways to move beyond our doubt. [00:48:57] (19 seconds)
But it teaches us this, when we have doubts, we must have them answered by the reality of the truth that never changes that is God's word. John the Baptist was the bold forerunner of Christ. He is Jesus' earthly cousin. He was out in the wilderness calling people to repent and believe the kingdom is near. [00:49:42] (24 seconds)
By pointing to the scriptures, Jesus proves his identity and gently corrects John's timeline. By this he's saying, John, I am the Messiah, I've not forgotten judgment, I'm just delaying it. And I'm doing all these things because the kingdom is near. By doing this, Jesus is pointing John's turbulent, filled heart to rest in God's faithful word. [00:53:57] (33 seconds)
Friends, may we be like John when it comes to our doubts may we trust Jesus the Puritan pastor William Perkins said when doubts arise and the flesh shrinks from duty the Christian must say to his soul obey God now for his command is sure and his strength is sufficient though thy sight be dim friends that is how we trust and obey. [01:00:16] (37 seconds)
Faith does not wait for clarity it moves forward in obedience brothers and sisters we need to trust God's way is the right way so when we face doubts we must not hesitate and fear but step forward in obedience our understanding may be incomplete it may our ideas are untrustworthy but we are called to live with faith and not by sight. [01:00:56] (30 seconds)
Doubt is defeated when we fix our eyes on King Jesus maybe you're going through that today I encourage you to fix your eyes on him let's pray God thank you so much for this reminder from your word maybe someone here is going through that doubt Lord maybe someone here is doubting their salvation if they've turned that over to you they can have assurance as we have sung today that it will never go away those who are in Jesus Christ that we are your lambs and sheep shepherd of your flock that cannot be taken out of your hands. [01:15:14] (43 seconds)
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