Faith Over Doubt - FOF Week 1 (*)

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.” Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

* Our doubt is rooted in a belief that God isn’t always true.

Breakdown

Abraham and Sarah doubted God’s promise of a child; actually they laughed at it. (Genesis 16-18)

Asaph doubted because the wicked prospered and he doubted the value of serving God. (1 Chronicles 16:4-7, Psalm 73)

Job doubted God’s goodness. (Job)Moses doubted God could use him to lead Israel out of Egypt. (Numbers 11:21-22)

Gideon doubted God could use him to turn the tide against Israel’s oppressors. (Judges 6-8)

The Nation of Israel seemed to be in a constant state of doubt.

Thomas, Jesus’ disciple, doubted Jesus rose from the dead. (John 20:24-29)

DOUBTING IS NOT SIN, IT IS A SPACE FOR GROWTH.

Bottom Line

Our faith is stronger than our doubt.

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Bible Verse

James 1:5–8 NIV

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

* Our doubt leaves us feeling isolated.

Bottom Line

Our faith is stronger than our doubt.

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Bible Verse

John 20:27–31 NIV

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.” Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

* Freedom from doubt extinguishes fear.

Bottom Line

Our faith is stronger than our doubt.

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