What Does It Take For You To Believe?
Notes
Transcript
Handout
John 20:24–31 (NASB 2020)
24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, who was called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” 26 Eight days later His disciples were again inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be to you.” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Place your finger here, and see My hands; and take your hand and put it into My side; and do not continue in disbelief, but be a believer.” 28 Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you now believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” 30 So then, many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing you may have life in His name.
The Trouble We Face Vs. 24-25
The Trouble We Face Vs. 24-25
External Dilemmas
Social Conflict: What’s happened or What is the social buzz
Thomas wasn’t with the other Apostles (Point of concern)
When you miss the fellowship/Church you can miss seeing and experiencing God.
Internal Dilemmas
Life issues become internalized
Personal reactions are mismanaged (We forget about God or just not a priority)
Hoping for God to become present the way we want Him versus how we need Him.
Because Thomas missed the fellowship/Church he had a void or emptiness the others didn’t experience. The 10 had joy while he had 8 days of doubt and disconnection.
The Testimonial Conflict Vs. 25
The Testimonial Conflict Vs. 25
The Environmental Issues
What others got to say (How God, When God, Where God, Who God (Used, Moved, Removed), and What God)
The Intellectual Issues
The internalized turmoil we cause ourselves because of how we interpret or perceive people, places and things.
The yielding to emotions of overwhelming events can cause grief, depression, doubt and create cynicism.
Cynicism that is prolong can create a hardened heart without repentance.
The perils of time
The longer I wait…
The longer I have no resolution…
The longer I become more frustrated and it test my faith. (The hate and fear of time and waiting)
7 Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not get upset because of one who is successful in his way, Because of the person who carries out wicked schemes.
5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And I wait for His word.
25 The Lord is good to those who await Him, To the person who seeks Him.
7 But as for me, I will be on the watch for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.
31 Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
The Truth We Face
The Truth We Face
We God shows up
He brings peace
He brings a word
Of comfort
Of correction (It is discipline and not “Church Hurt”)
Of concern/Caring
Of (His) Coming
Of consequences
Of confirmation
Of consummation (Relationship with Bride-groom)
When faith is restored
Relief
Release (Freedom from bondage)
Rest
Reassurance
Restored Relationship
Resolution/s
Rejoicing
Revelation/s (Clarity, Answers)
