Untitled Sermon (5)

Doubting??

From Doubt to Faith: Embracing the Truth of Resurrection

Bible Passage: Jn 20:24–29

Summary: This passage narrates the encounter of Jesus with Thomas after His resurrection, addressing Thomas's doubt about Jesus' resurrection and His call for belief without physical proof.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to confront their own doubts and recognizes that faith often involves believing without seeing. It aims to provide comfort and assurance that Jesus meets us in our unbelief and offers the peace that comes with faith.

Teaching: The teaching focuses on understanding that doubt is a natural human emotion, and through Thomas's experience, believers can learn that genuine encounter with Christ leads to transformation and faith.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage highlights the resurrected Christ as the one who brings assurance to our doubts. In the broader scriptural narrative, Christ is shown repeatedly as the answer to humanity's uncertainty and fear, fulfilling the prophetic words and demonstrating that He is indeed the living Savior.

Big Idea: Faith is often born from doubt; it is in our questioning that Christ reveals His truth and extends His grace, inviting us into deeper belief.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of doubt in the early church and the implications of Thomas's reaction in contrast to other disciples. Use Logos to research the Greek terms for 'doubt' and related synonyms, as well as exploring commentaries on the resurrection appearances of Jesus, which will provide insight into the significance of belief in the community of faith.

1. Thomas's Honest Doubt

Jn 20:24-25

Perhaps you can begin by acknowledging that Thomas's doubt was not just intellectual but deeply emotional, stemming from grief and confusion. You could emphasize that doubts aren't inherently wrong, but rather a part of the journey towards deeper understanding. This point introduces Thomas's skepticism as a relatable experience for modern believers.

2. Christ's Compassionate Confrontation

Jn 20:26-27

You could highlight how Jesus gently addresses Thomas's doubt by appearing to him, offering his wounds as proof of his resurrection. This encounter reveals Christ's compassion and willingness to meet us where we are, bridging the gap between doubt and belief. Emphasize that Jesus is not afraid of our questions.

3. Declaration of Faith

Jn 20:28-29

Perhaps conclude by urging the congregation to see Thomas's declaration 'My Lord and my God' as a statement of faith birthed from genuine encounter. Christ's response speaks to all believers—blessed are those who believe without seeing. This encourages moving from doubt to faith, trusting in the unseen realities of God's promises.

Faith Amidst the Fear: Finding Assurance in Christ

Bible Passage: Jn 20:24–29

Summary: In this passage, the focus is on Thomas’s struggle with believing in the resurrection of Christ after the other disciples had already encountered the risen Savior. Thomas's declaration that he would not believe unless he saw the wounds of Jesus reveals the tension between the desire for physical evidence and the call to faith.

Application: This sermon aims to reassure those who struggle with their faith, encouraging them to bring their doubts before God. It will highlight that faith is not the absence of doubt but a choice to trust in Christ even when circumstances seem contrary to belief.

Teaching: This teaching emphasizes that true faith can emerge from genuine doubt. It highlights a relationship with Jesus that is intimate and honest, demonstrating that He desires to interact with our doubts and fears, leading us to a deeper understanding of His presence.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to Thomas points toward Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promise to be with His people. Throughout scripture, Christ is depicted as the one who provides assurance in the face of fear and uncertainty, emphasizing that He understands our humanity and meets us in our doubts.

Big Idea: Jesus calls us to transform our fears and doubts into faith by revealing Himself personally, allowing us to encounter Him in ways that lead to deeper trust and affirmation of His promises.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider investigating the psychological aspects of doubt and faith. Use Logos to explore commentaries that discuss the implications of Thomas's role in early Christian thought, as well as how the resurrection narrative shaped understanding of Jesus’ identity among early believers. Look at theological interpretations concerning the nature of evidence and faith.

1. Thomas's Testing Doubts

Jn 20:24-25

Perhaps you could focus on Thomas's initial skepticism and how it underscores the reality of doubt in our faith journeys. Highlight how Jesus does not condemn Thomas for his unbelief but meets him where he is, offering space and time to wrestle with doubt. Emphasize that questioning and seeking understanding are integral to a maturing faith, reinforcing that Christ desires an engaging relationship, where our doubts can lead to a deeper connection with Him.

2. Triumphant in His Presence

Jn 20:26

You could explore how Jesus’ appearance to the disciples, including Thomas, amidst their fears exemplifies His desire to bring peace and assurance in times of uncertainty. Focus on the significance of Christ’s timing and presence, which meets us when we are most in need, offering peace when fear prevails. This illustrates the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection life, calling us into courage and confidence.

3. Touch to Trust

Jn 20:27-29

Maybe consider emphasizing Jesus' invitation to Thomas to touch His wounds as a symbol of divine understanding and an intimate invitation to belief. Point out how Thomas’s declaration of ‘My Lord and my God!’ marks a shift from doubt to faith, driven by personal encounter with the risen Christ. This affirms that faith is born out of relationship and revelation, inviting us to trust in the promises of Jesus amidst our fears and doubts.