Dabbling and DEALING with Doubt Continues

Dabbling and DEALING with Doubt Continued Part 2

We have looked at

A. Doubt can Shrink Faith

This Morning allow us to continue tonight

-If Peter with enough faith to walk on water experienced doubt, this reveals that no one is immune.

It can happen to any believe at anytime.

B. Doubt can Strengthen Faith.

-Doubt can be a beautiful event in a believers life!

-You may be wondering how that could be possible.

-Doubt that is dealt with produces a pursuit for truth.

-Doubt that is dealt with strengthens faith.

-The key is the doubt being identified and dealt with.

C. Doubt can Destroy Faith

-On the flip side, if doubt is not talked about and dealt with it can lead to a complete destruction of faith.

-Tim Keller rightly says, “A faith without some doubts is like a human body without any antibodies in it.

People who blithely go through life too busy or indifferent to ask hard questions about why they believe as they do will find themselves defenseless against either the experience of tragedy or the probing questions of a smart skeptic.

A person's faith can collapse almost overnight if she has failed over the years to listen patiently to her own doubts, which should only be discarded after long reflection.

Believers should acknowledge and wrestle with doubts."

Conclusion

-Doubt has the power to either strengthen or weaken faith’s muscles.

-The key hinges on us understanding what doubt really is so we know correctly know how to handle it.

-The key hinges on us not being embarrassed of doubting as a Christian and being willing to pursue answers to our questions.

-Other believers in scripture have doubted but strengthened their faith in the end.

(John the Baptist, Thomas, & Elijah)

Application

-Do you have any doubts that you are struggling with?

-Find someone to talk with and seek answers to those doubts.

-Get your doubts settled so you can strengthen your faith rather than let it destroy your faith.

Doubt Produced by Fear- 2

Introduction

-What are some things you are fearful of?

-Snakes, planes, car wreck, or blood.

-You can find over 100 phobias listed that people have.

-“Fear of” and you fill in the blank.

-Phobias are one of the most common mental illnesses in America.

-Claustrophobia- Fear of confined spaces.

-Glossophobia- fear of public speaking

-Bibliophobia- Fear of books

-What does fear cause you to do?

-Panic, scream, make the hair on your neck stand up, increased heartbeat, run away.

-Fear is a powerful emotion.

-A powerful motivator- you can make people do things they normally would not by fear.

-A powerful controller- You can control people with fear making then do something against their will.

-Fear can come quickly, suddenly, or it can progress over time based on circumstances.

Read Mt. 8:23-27 -In this passage we have another instance of Jesus saying to his disciples, “O ye of little faith”. So how does fear produce doubt and what can we do about it?

Matthew 8:23–27 KJV 1900

23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

First we learn…

1. Following Jesus can Produce Fear (23)

A. The disciples were just being obedient to Jesus.

-Why were the disciples in the ship in the first place?

-They were only following Jesus where he led them.

-They were in the center of God’s will fulfilling exactly what they were called to do.

B. Being obedient to Jesus can cause fear.

-Being in will of God does not guarantee us freedom from circumstances that could cause fear.

-Following Jesus can lead us into situations and circumstances where fear is a possibility. -Why?

Faith is a radical trusting in God when we do not see how it will work.

-The “not seeing how it will work” can produce the fear though it should not because of the One our faith is in.

Secondly, we learn…

2. Factors of Life can Produce Fear (24)

A. The weather produced the fear.

-What was it about the weather that produced fear in their lives?

-It was out of their control, it changed rapidly, it was more powerful than they were, and they could not stop it.

-Circumstances like this lead us to only see what is causing the fear.

-We are unable think clearly while experiencing circumstances that produce fear because it is such a powerful emotion.

B. The silence of Jesus produced the fear.

-Notice that Jesus was asleep while the storm was raging.

-In their moment of deepest need, it seemed Jesus was silent and distant though He was right there.

-Even in His presence they still feared.

-Does it ever seem that Jesus is silent in the middle of the crises in your life?

-This can cause us to forget who God is and what God has done in the past.

-This can cause us to forget the promises of God.

Lastly, we learn…

3. Fear can Quickly Produce Doubt (26)

A. The result of fear was doubt.

-Fear is a powerful emotion that can produce drastic changes in our heart and minds at a moment’s notice.

-It was this fear that caused the disciples to doubt quickly.

-What did they doubt?

-God’s Word for them.

God’s will for their lives.

God’s love towards them.

God’s ability to protect and keep them.

-Fear can produce doubt in a believer’s life, even the best of believers!

-Understanding the powerful effects of fear on our faith we must learn to control fear..

-The Bible has much to say about believers not being fearful.

-I Jn. 4:18 “Perfect love casteth the out fear.

1 John 4:18 KJV 1900

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

B. How can we stop fear from producing doubt?

-How do we remove doubts caused by fear?

1. Remember -Who it is we are following and who is leading us.

-God’s love, God’s character, God’s power over circumstances.

-Claim the promises of God in scripture in relation to fear.

-Isaiah 41:10, 13; Psalm 118:6

Isaiah 41:10 KJV 1900

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: Be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:13 KJV 1900

13 For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, Saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Psalm 118:6 KJV 1900

6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me?

2. Re-Focus -The disciples became consumed by focusing on the circumstances and not on Jesus.

-We may need to stop and intentionally re-focus our minds back on him and off the circumstances causing the doubt.

-It was Jesus that removed the fear and thus the doubt in the disciples.

-Re-focus on His promises in scripture.

3. Refer -Talk to others about what is going on.

Seek guidance, counsel, and encouragement from others.

-Surround yourself with other believers. Sometimes being alone causes fear, but it is instantly removed in the presence of another.

-Borrow another’s faith. We often say that we should not live on borrowed faith.

While this is true, it is possible to lean on another believer’s faith to help you get through a tough time of doubt.

-Seek answers to questions about what is causing your doubt.

Conclusion

-Jesus removed their fear and grew their faith in verse 27.

-Resolved doubt grows our faith.

-Unresolved doubt can destroy our faith.

-Know that all doubts can be resolved.

-When it seems Jesus is asleep because He is quiet in your life, remember that He is still there, He still is all powerful, and He has promised never to leave us or forsake us.

-Jesus can change the circumstances that are causing the fear or He can hold your hand and walk with you through the circumstances.

-Either one can remove the fear and thus the doubts.

Application

What is fear controlling in your life?

Where is fear causing doubts?

-Identify it,

admit it,

and seek Jesus to remove it.

Doubts Produced by an Incorrect View of God -3

Introduction

-Think about the times when you have heard a person’s voice but have not seen them physically. (Radio or a podcast.)

-Based on what you hear you form a picture of what that person looks like.

-When we finally see the person our picture is usually way off from what they look like.

-If you were responsible to pick this person up from the airport based on your mental picture, you could totally miss him though he was standing right in from of you.

-Why? The picture you have formulated in your mind is incorrect.

-We all formulate certain views of God in our mind based on various sources and circumstances that we experience in life.

-Unfortunately, we can find ourselves with an incorrect view of God and this certainly produces doubts.

-These are doubts based on God’s character.

-Doubts about His love, care, power to do something, ability to answer prayer, interest in doing so.

-We can create these faulty views of God unknowingly.

-We typically do not realize these faulty views are there until either circumstances challenge that area of our faith or scripture reveals it.

Let’s examine two examples of doubt from an incorrect view of God…

1. Jesus can but Probably Won’t- (Read Mark 1:40-42)

Mark 1:40–42 KJV 1900

40 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. 42 And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

A. The leper doubts Jesus’ willingness. -“If thou wilt” -The leper is doubting Jesus’ compassion or care for him.

-The leper is saying in effect, “I know you can but you probably won’t.”

-This comes from an incorrect view of God’s love and care.

B. We doubt Jesus’ willingness.

-We can find ourselves here: -We really believe that Jesus can but truly doubt that He will.

-We doubt His love, care, compassion, or interest in our lives.

This is doubting God’s character.

-This is doubt from an incorrect view of God and can hold us back.

It can hinder us from trusting God in faith.

-Just because God does not do something that we think he should does not mean He does not love us, care for us, or is not showing us compassion. -

There are times when God’s His will is different than what we want.

He is working something far greater that we could ever imagine.

C. Jesus’ Response to the leper.

-“I will, be thou clean.” -To the leper who sensed His power but not his love.

-He touched a leper! He could have spoken or just made it happen.

-He touched him to remove the doubt and strengthen faith.

D. Our response to ourselves.

-How can we remove this type of doubt?

-Discover who God really is.

Take the time to read and mediate on the character of God.

-Especially His love, His compassion, what it truly means to care, and His will.

-Ask God to reveal himself to you.

-Trust in what you discover to be true about God and not what you think God should be like.

-Intentionally work to tear down your incorrect view of God and rebuild a correct view. We see the first incorrect view of God,

secondly we see…

2. Jesus would but Probably can’t- (Read Mark 9:14-24)

Mark 9:14–24 KJV 1900

14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. 15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. 16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? 17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. 19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. 20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. 23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

A. The father doubts that Jesus has the power.

-“If thou canst do anything” -The father doubts Jesus’ power and ability over the demon.

Doubts if Jesus can truly do what He says he can do.

-He doubts whether Satan is on control or God.

-He is doubting God’s omnipotence.

-The father in effect is saying, ”I know you would if you could but you probably can’t”

B. We doubt that Jesus has the power.

-We can find ourselves here: -Doubting that God can in certain situations in our lives.

-Feeling He lacks the power or ability to do.

-It can be seen in the lack of faith in our prayers or in us making excuses for God to ourselves and to others.

C. Jesus response the father.

-What was Jesus’ response?

-He did not ridicule him or show disappointment.

Jesus just concentrates on the part of his faith that needs fixing to have the correct view of who He is.

-Jesus flips the question around on him, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that has faith.”

-Jesus says in effect, “I can! You just need to believe that I can.”

D. Our response to ourselves.

-It is not about the amount of faith just that we have faith.

-We may need to rediscover God’s creative power, His sustaining power, and His power over evil and satan in the world.

-We may need to study and meditate on these aspects of His character.

Conclusion

-We need to examine our faith and be open to any incorrect views of God we may have.

-Even as believers who love God we can form faulty views of God which in turn is an idol.

Application So what do we do? -We need to tear down our incorrect view and rebuild a correct view.

-We must allow scripture to correct these views.

-It is scripture gives us the complete correct view of God.

-Take time and study the character of God as you read.

-Ask these question every time you read (& write it)

-What does this tell me about God?

-What does it reveal to me about who God is and how He deals with humans?

-If we will get the correct view of God it will remove doubt and we would pray different, serve different, we would follow Him in a totally new way.

-Let’s get the right view of God and take our next step in following Him.

Even the Greatest Doubted- 4

Introduction

-We are told that 52–63% of Christian freshman after 4 years of college will reject their faith.

-We are also told that 64% of 18-22 year olds stop attending church.

-A top reason is given consistently in surveys is unanswered or unresolved doubt.

-Where would doubt come from to cause this type of reaction to faith?

-What produces doubt in our lives?

-Objections that are raised, circumstances in life, and learning of other people’s doubt.

-Books, teachers, and internet producing content that challenges beliefs.

-Fear, our enemy, or emotions.

-This can happen over time or it can happen suddenly due to various circumstances arising.

-Doubt is not something Christians talk about...Why not?

-Embarrassed, ashamed, or fearful of what others might think or say.

-Try to handle ourselves.

-This comes from a wrong understanding of what doubt truly is and how doubt can actually strengthen faith.

Read Mt. 11:1-6 As we consider doubting God, first we discover…

Matthew 11:1–6 KJV 1900

1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

1. The Person who Experienced Doubt (2)

A. An eye witness

-John was an eye witness to Jesus Christ & all His works.

-If anyone knew Jesus it was John.

-Mt. 3:13-17 John baptized Jesus in the Jorden river, witnessed the dove descending, and God speaking, “this is my well beloved son”

Matthew 3:13–17 KJV 1900

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

B. A believer & a preacher.

-“Shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from His mother’s womb.”

Lk. 1:15 -He preached or testified to all people that Jesus was the very Christ.

Luke 1:15 KJV 1900

15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.

-Here he is doubting the very message that he preached.

C. The greatest (11:11)

What does it say about John?

-Even the greatest in man’s eyes struggle.

-Everyone is human, struggle with the same flesh and sin nature, have the same mental battles, struggles with faith and life.

-You are not alone! We see the person who experienced the doubt, now we see the circumstances that caused the doubt…

2. The Prison that Caused the Doubt (2)

Where does doubt come from?

A. The circumstances - John finds himself in.

-Unjustly jailed- For preaching the truth of God’s Word about the king having an affair.

-Doing what was right -These circumstances were unexpected, caused fear, caused him to question many things about life -Had a tremendous impact in John’s life -Impacted his mind, heart, and ultimately his faith.

-These circumstances caused John to forget all he had heard and saw.

All that he experienced.

B. The prison (Why would the prison cause doubt?)

1. Isolation & loneliness -Away from other believers -Not seeing God work in your life

2. No answer to his prayer of getting out. -Hard & can make you question God especially when your prayers are for good not selfish.

3. Severe trials in life

-Why, Why, Why? (Which leads to) -How, How, How?

(if you are real and love me)

C. The doubt (That these circumstances caused) -He doubted if Jesus was really the Son of God.

-Which means he doubted his salvation. -He doubted everything he gave his whole life to.

-He doubted the message he shared with others.

-He doubted if God could answer prayer.

-His mind was consumed with doubt.

Jesus never rebuked John for his doubting, instead he gave him…

3. The Prescription to Remove the Doubt (2-5)

A. Be willing to admit the doubt -John sent two of his disciples to seek answers as to whether Jesus really was the Messiah.

-He was willing to admit his doubt and seek answers!

-Secrecy is the enemy of victory!

B. Remember. (“Go shew John again”)

1. What God has done. -Circumstances can cause us to drown and forgot so quickly all that god has done.

-Jesus was jogging John’s memory.

-Take time to reflect on all that God has done in the past.

-Journal, make notes in your Bible, and remember all the answered prayers.

2. What God is doing (Focus on this)

-If you can’t see now it keep looking back.

3. What God has promised He will do. (Ground yourself here)

-Remember who God is & search His promises.

-Begin to claim and live on those promises. -Memorize those verses.

C. Use your senses. (“that which ye do hear & see”)

-Creation is the greatest revelation of God to mankind.

-Look around and consider the creator of all you see.

-Christianity has spread the world over in 2,000 years.

-The evidence for the Bible and Jesus Christ is insurmountable.

-This search has turned a many atheist into a believer in Jesus Christ.

-Take time to research, ask the tough questions but find biblical answers.

-All this gets you back to correct perspective and can remove doubt.

Summation

-If the greatest doubted then you are not alone with your doubts.

-Doubting does not make you a bad person or less of a Christian.

-All believers have experienced doubt.

-Doubt can be a good thing.

-When dealt with head on it leads to growth and strength.

-“Doubt can actually be a healthy part of a Christ- centered, thoughtful life” Jeff Myers -Doubt leads to a pursuit of truth.

-When left alone to fester and grow in the mind it can be very destructive.

-The key is expressing your doubt!

Talk about it and search for the answers.

-Even God said, “Come, let us reason together”- Isa. 1:18

Isaiah 1:18 KJV 1900

18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

-Secrecy is the enemy of victory!

Application

-What are you doubting right now?

-What is even the little bit of doubt sitting in the back of your mind about?

-Talk to someone and find answers.

-Don’t let that little seed of doubt grow into a huge weed of unbelief.