Faith Amidst Doubt: Embracing God's Plan in Suffering

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the life of John the Baptist and the trials he faced, particularly his imprisonment and subsequent doubts about Jesus being the Messiah. John, who had been faithfully pointing people to Jesus, found himself in a dire situation, questioning whether his life's work had been in vain. He sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He was indeed the one they were waiting for, or if they should expect someone else. Jesus responded not by freeing John from prison but by pointing to the miracles He was performing: the blind receiving sight, the lame walking, lepers being cleansed, the deaf hearing, the dead being raised, and the good news being proclaimed to the poor. Jesus affirmed that He was the Messiah and that John's suffering was part of God's plan.

We then delved into the concept of suffering and sacrifice in God's plan. Jesus' response to John highlighted that even in God's perfect plan, there would be hardships and sacrifices. John ultimately faced execution, but he did so knowing that Jesus was the Messiah and that his faith was not misplaced. This assurance allowed John to face his death with the confidence that his victory was in Christ.

We also discussed the importance of reading Scripture honestly and acknowledging our limitations. To survive the waves of disappointment that life inevitably brings, we must continually look to the cross of Jesus Christ as objective evidence that God is for us and not against us. The cross is the ultimate proof of God's love and sacrifice for us, and it serves as a reminder that God is always with us, even in our struggles.

Ephesians 2 was another focal point, where we were reminded of our past state of being dead in our transgressions and sins, and how God's great love and mercy made us alive with Christ. This passage emphasizes that we are already seated with Christ in the heavenly realms, a done deal for those who know Jesus as Lord and Savior. This assurance should help us endure the struggles and trials of this world, knowing that God's love and plan for us are perfect.

We then examined three challenges that can make disappointment even worse: half-hearted obedience, fear, and forgetfulness. Half-hearted obedience prevents us from experiencing the full benefits of God's promises. Fear can cause us to abandon God's plan at the first sign of trouble, and forgetfulness can lead us to overlook God's past faithfulness and promises. The Israelites' journey in the Exodus narrative serves as a powerful example of these challenges. Despite God's clear instructions and promises, they repeatedly fell into cycles of disobedience, fear, and forgetfulness.

God, in His infinite wisdom and compassion, provided the Israelites with the Passover feast as a means to remember His deliverance from Egypt. This annual remembrance was designed to help them hold on to God's promises, even in difficult times. Similarly, under the new covenant, we have the benefit of seeing the fulfillment of God's plan through Jesus Christ. Yet, we too can struggle with forgetfulness. God has given us the Lord's Supper as a means to remember Jesus' sacrifice and to hold on to His promises.

In conclusion, we must strive for full and complete surrender to God's plan, trusting in His love and faithfulness. By doing so, we can navigate the disappointments and challenges of life with the assurance that God is always with us, working all things together for our good.

### Key Takeaways

1. John the Baptist's Doubt and Jesus' Assurance: John the Baptist, despite his unwavering faith and dedication to pointing people to Jesus, faced moments of doubt while imprisoned. He sought reassurance from Jesus, who responded by highlighting the miracles He was performing. This teaches us that even the most faithful can experience doubt, and in those moments, we should look to the evidence of God's work in our lives and the world around us. [50:05]

2. Suffering and Sacrifice in God's Plan: Jesus' response to John emphasized that suffering and sacrifice are integral parts of God's plan. John faced execution knowing that Jesus was the Messiah, which gave him the strength to endure his trials. This reminds us that our struggles and sacrifices are not in vain; they are part of a greater divine plan that ultimately leads to victory in Christ. [51:40]

3. The Cross as Evidence of God's Love: To survive life's disappointments, we must continually look to the cross of Jesus Christ. The cross is the ultimate proof that God is for us and not against us. It serves as a reminder of God's immense love and the sacrifice He made to redeem us. This perspective helps us combat the lies of the enemy and hold on to our faith during tough times. [54:15]

4. Half-Hearted Obedience and Its Consequences: Half-hearted obedience to God prevents us from experiencing the full benefits of His promises. The Israelites' repeated cycles of disobedience and forgetfulness serve as a cautionary tale. We must strive for full and complete surrender to God's will, trusting that His plan is perfect and that He will honor our obedience. [57:02]

5. Overcoming Fear and Forgetfulness: Fear and forgetfulness can lead us to abandon God's plan at the first sign of trouble. The Israelites quickly turned away from God when faced with difficulties, forgetting His past faithfulness. We must remember God's promises and His past works in our lives to stay faithful and trust in His plan, even when it involves hardship and sacrifice. [01:06:20]

### Youtube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[50:05] - John the Baptist's Doubt
[51:40] - Suffering and Sacrifice in God's Plan
[54:15] - The Cross as Evidence of God's Love
[57:02] - Half-Hearted Obedience and Its Consequences
[01:06:20] - Overcoming Fear and Forgetfulness

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 11:2-6: "When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?' Jesus replied, 'Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.'"
2. Ephesians 2:1-6: "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus."

### Observation Questions
1. What specific miracles did Jesus mention to John's disciples as evidence of His Messiahship? ([51:40])
2. According to Ephesians 2:1-6, what was our state before God's intervention through Christ?
3. How did John the Baptist react to his imprisonment and what did he seek from Jesus? ([50:05])
4. What are the three challenges mentioned in the sermon that can make disappointment worse? ([57:02])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to respond to John's doubts by listing His miracles rather than freeing John from prison? ([51:40])
2. How does the passage in Ephesians 2:1-6 help us understand our identity in Christ and our position in the heavenly realms?
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of suffering and sacrifice in God's plan? ([51:40])
4. How can half-hearted obedience, fear, and forgetfulness impact our faith journey according to the sermon? ([57:02])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced doubt in your faith. How did you seek reassurance, and what evidence of God's work did you find? ([50:05])
2. In what ways can you remind yourself of God's love and sacrifice, especially during times of disappointment? ([54:15])
3. Identify an area in your life where you might be practicing half-hearted obedience. What steps can you take to fully surrender this area to God? ([57:02])
4. Fear can cause us to abandon God's plan at the first sign of trouble. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's plan for your life, even when it involves hardship? ([01:02:40])
5. The Israelites often forgot God's past faithfulness. What practical steps can you take to remember and celebrate God's past works in your life? ([01:06:20])
6. How can the assurance of being seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6) help you endure current struggles and trials?
7. The Lord's Supper is a means to remember Jesus' sacrifice. How can you make this practice more meaningful in your spiritual life? ([01:10:43])

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Amidst Doubt
John the Baptist, despite his unwavering faith and dedication to pointing people to Jesus, faced moments of doubt while imprisoned. He sought reassurance from Jesus, who responded by highlighting the miracles He was performing. This teaches us that even the most faithful can experience doubt, and in those moments, we should look to the evidence of God's work in our lives and the world around us. [50:05]

Matthew 11:2-5 (ESV): "Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, 'Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?' And Jesus answered them, 'Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.'"

Reflection: When have you experienced doubt in your faith journey? How can you look for evidence of God's work in your life today to reassure you of His presence and promises?


Day 2: Embracing Suffering and Sacrifice
Jesus' response to John emphasized that suffering and sacrifice are integral parts of God's plan. John faced execution knowing that Jesus was the Messiah, which gave him the strength to endure his trials. This reminds us that our struggles and sacrifices are not in vain; they are part of a greater divine plan that ultimately leads to victory in Christ. [51:40]

1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."

Reflection: What current struggles or sacrifices are you facing? How can you view them as part of God's greater plan and find strength in the assurance of Christ's victory?


Day 3: The Cross as Evidence of God's Love
To survive life's disappointments, we must continually look to the cross of Jesus Christ. The cross is the ultimate proof that God is for us and not against us. It serves as a reminder of God's immense love and the sacrifice He made to redeem us. This perspective helps us combat the lies of the enemy and hold on to our faith during tough times. [54:15]

Romans 5:8 (ESV): "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Reflection: How does the cross serve as a reminder of God's love for you? In what ways can you keep the significance of the cross at the forefront of your mind during difficult times?


Day 4: The Consequences of Half-Hearted Obedience
Half-hearted obedience to God prevents us from experiencing the full benefits of His promises. The Israelites' repeated cycles of disobedience and forgetfulness serve as a cautionary tale. We must strive for full and complete surrender to God's will, trusting that His plan is perfect and that He will honor our obedience. [57:02]

James 1:22-24 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are practicing half-hearted obedience? What steps can you take to fully surrender to God's will and experience the fullness of His promises?


Day 5: Overcoming Fear and Forgetfulness
Fear and forgetfulness can lead us to abandon God's plan at the first sign of trouble. The Israelites quickly turned away from God when faced with difficulties, forgetting His past faithfulness. We must remember God's promises and His past works in our lives to stay faithful and trust in His plan, even when it involves hardship and sacrifice. [01:06:20]

Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV): "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

Reflection: How can you remind yourself of God's past faithfulness in your life? What practical steps can you take to overcome fear and trust in God's plan during challenging times?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "In this world, he says you'll have what? Oh, I wasn't picturing that Jesus when you said I could have peace. I wasn't picturing the trouble part when you said you taught me these things so I could have peace. But he didn't stop there either. He says take heart. I love that phrase in the original language. It means to be emboldened and bolstered by this information. I have overcome the world." [46:21](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "You could have a peace that's beyond the world's ability to understand because you know Jesus and you have Jesus' prayer, presence, and power and provision for your life. You could have peace in the middle of all this chaos of the trouble of this world while you're here. That's the promise Jesus makes when he promises peace in this world." [47:47](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "Don't ever ask God to give you what you deserve. I never will either. Because my sin makes me deserving of God's wrath. Yours too. But here's what he goes on to say. But because of his what? Great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in transgressions, it's by grace you've been saved." [55:39](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "Partial obedience is disobedience. And so here we are trying to pick and choose what parts we're going to obey and still expecting the full promises of God's plan for our lives. It just doesn't work that way in God's plan. Not according to His word. And whose plan is it? It's His, not ours." [01:00:49](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

5. "Even when it's hard, even when it requires sacrifice, should you be afraid of the plan of a God who loves you the way God loves you? No, you should never be afraid of where God's going to take you, what God's going to do when you get there or not do as you go through the struggle. You don't have to fear God's plan when you know how much God loves you." [01:03:32](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The first thing that holds us back in being crushed by disappointment is a half-hearted obedience. The second thing is fear. These Israelites were stoned. Still so afraid of Pharaoh and the penalty that Pharaoh would bring and the harshness that Pharaoh could bring on them that at the first sign of trouble they're ready to abandon God and just make sure they try to please Pharaoh now." [01:01:13](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "John is wanting reassurance that he hasn't given his life, in ministry, to something that wasn't the right thing. That he hasn't wasted his life if this really wasn't the Messiah that God said he was going to send, that John was supposed to send people, point people to in his ministry. Wouldn't you want to know that if you think you're about to die for it? That at least know for sure this was the right thing. He really is the Messiah that I've been pointing people to." [50:05](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "We need to remember the cross of Jesus. If we're going to survive the waves of disappointment that are sure and bound to come to all of us, we must continually look to the cross of Jesus Christ. As objective evidence that God is for us and not against us. That he sacrificed his own son to purchase us as sons and daughters by the blood of Jesus." [53:08](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "We forget that God said, I can work all things together, and I will work all things together. We forget that God said, I can work all things together for the good of those who love me, who are called according to my purpose. Which things? The hard things? Yeah. The things that require us to sacrifice, maybe even suffer a little bit, can God work those things together for our good? He can. He promises that he will." [01:06:20](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

5. "God knows we tend to do what? Forget. And that's why God and the law established a remembrance for them so they wouldn't forget. It was called the Passover. We've talked about it already. It's that feast that they would do to remember at the end of that tenth plague when God delivered them from the death angel and Pharaoh was convinced to set them free, just like God said was going to happen." [01:09:18](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)