But Some Doubted

Review
• Talking about having a Historical Biblical Worldview – meaning, we evaluate our beliefs and practices based on historical biblical teaching, not what our culture values
• A recent Barna study shows only 6% of Americans having a Biblical Worldview even though many claim to have it – 69% say of Americans say they are Christians
• We’ve been looking at some of the sayings of Jesus where He was challenging the worldview of the people of His time – Those same challenges to their worldview apply to us today
• Last week – We talked about our faith being more than an intellectual acknowledgment of God, but that our faith in Jesus causes us to order our lives in a way that makes Jesus our Savior and Lord

Today’s Topic is DOUBT.
Doubt is: Uncertain of something
• a lack of confidence:
• : an inclination not to believe or accept

Unbelieving doubt – (that which leads us away from faith)
Believing doubt – (that which leads us to deeper faith)

1. Unbelieving doubt asks questions in order to challenge. Believing doubt asks questions in order to learn.
2. Unbelieving doubt takes questions to anyone but Jesus. Believing doubt takes questions directly to Jesus.
3. Unbelieving doubt questions God’s character because He is beyond our understanding. Believing doubt trusts in God’s character because He is beyond our understanding.
4. Unbelieving doubt says, “not Your will, but mine be done.” Believing doubt says, “not my will, but Yours be done.”

Matthew 28:16-17 (NIV)
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.

Mark 9:17-24 (NIV)
17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”
“From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

3 Areas of Doubt
1. We __________ _God is doing enough.

2. We’ve __________ and it didn’t work.

3. We’ve to the doubts of __________.

John 20:24-29 (NIV)
24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 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.”
26 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!” 27 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.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

1. Realize that Jesus will continually pursue a relationship with you.
   a. Your doubts won’t keep Jesus away.
2. Take a step to discover who Jesus is.
3. Give your life to the One who gave His life.

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

For Small Group Discussion:
*Opening Question*: What stood out to you the most from the sermon this week?

Main Point: Jesus recognized that we will struggle with doubts, but He has given us authority through the Holy Spirit to overcome those doubts.

Read/Tell the Story: Matthew 28:16-20

Questions:
1. Where is doubt most likely to show up in your life?
2. The disciples were there in person worshiping Jesus. Why do you think some still doubted?
3. How has God proven Himself to you in the past?
4. How has obeying God helped your own personal faith grow?
5. We are commanded to go and make disciples. Who has done that for you, and how are you doing at that with others?
6. God promised to be with us until the end of the age. How do you feel His presence in your own life?
7. Starting a new Life Group might be a good next step for you to start making disciples.

Supporting Scripture:
• Jude 22, Lamentations 3:22-24, Mark 9:23-25