Faith John 20:24-29

Psalm 100 NIV

A psalm. For giving grateful praise. Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Judges 6:11–24 NIV

The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” Gideon replied, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you.” And the Lord said, “I will wait until you return.” Gideon went inside, prepared a young goat, and from an ephah of flour he made bread without yeast. Putting the meat in a basket and its broth in a pot, he brought them out and offered them to him under the oak. The angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened bread, place them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” And Gideon did so. Then the angel of the Lord touched the meat and the unleavened bread with the tip of the staff that was in his hand. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the Lord disappeared. When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the Lord, he exclaimed, “Alas, Sovereign Lord! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face!” But the Lord said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.” So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

Romans 9:30–10:4 NIV

What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. As it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.” Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

Sermon Introduction:

Faith: The Evidence of Things Unseen (Hebrews 11:1)

Hebrews 11:1 NIV

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

This verse is well known, but allow me to put it in perspective.

It was rumored that underneath a certain piece of ground there was iron to be found, and two men were appointed to go and inspect the land and see whether there was really iron there. One man, a scientist and mineralogist, was very conscious of his own limitations; and knowing his own weaknesses, he took with him some scientific instruments. The other man, who was buoyant and self-confident, said, “I believe what I can see, and what I can’t see I won’t believe”; and so he walked over the field, and got over it in no time. He said, “Iron? nonsense! I see no iron; there is no iron here.” This man went to the syndicate and said, “There is no iron there: I walked all over the field and I could not see a trace of it.” The other man did not trust to his eye at all. He carried in his hand a little crystal box, and in that little crystal box there was a needle, and he kept watching that needle. He paused, for the needle in that crystal box had pointed down like the very finger of God, and he said, “There is iron there.” He passed on, until again that needle pointed down, and he said, “There is iron there,” and when he handed in this report he said, “From one end of the field to the other there is iron.” “Oh!” said one of the adherents of the first man, “how do you know, when you did not see it?” “Because,” he said, “that which cannot be seen with the eye can be magnetically discerned.”

As we continue with our resurrection series, we see that not only is Jesus providing evidence for those around Him, but His thoughts are also for the many people yet to come to faith. The evidence is presented there for us; that includes you and me. The disciples had the benefit of seeing Jesus in the flesh, but we can only know Jesus through faith. However, we will see today that our faith is not a blind faith. Faith comes with a perception that people of our world do not have otherwise.

The last two weeks, Jesus has been presenting Himself to various individuals and people groups. All these appearances were on resurrection day. What we call Easter. The last we shared was that evening when the disciples were behind locked doors discussing all that had taken place, upon which time, Jesus appeared among their midst and demonstrated He was alive and flesh again, even eating fish before. Then He disappeared again. This is where today’s story begins. Look with me at John 20:24-29.

John 20:24–29 NIV

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.”

The word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God!

Pray

Sermon:

Thomas gets a bad rap because of this story, but that was never the intention. God used Thomas to make a point for all of us. The disciples had seen Jesus, but many, including us would not have that benefit. Our belief would have to come by way of faith.

The truth is, if any of the other disciples had been in Thomas’ shoes, that is if they had not been there when Jesus and shown Himself, they may have responded in like manner. We do not know because it was Thomas in this situation.

So, who was Thomas? What do we know of him?

Well Thomas was one of the Twelve disciples. Thomas had proven himself bold enough to ask question when he didn’t understand something. Learning and understanding truth was more important to him than keeping silent. So, we find him asking questions at times.

Thomas was a courageous man willing to faith death. There was concern when Jesus wanted to go to Lazarus deathbed because the Jews were obviously already plotting to try to kill Jesus. Then had already been informed of this. So, some of the disciples were concerned about Jesus desire to go to Lazarus as it was near enough to Jerusalem for there to be concern of death. Thomas gave response.

John 11:16 NIV

Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

One fun fact about Thomas was that Thomas or Didymus as he was often referred to as, means twin. Now this could mean he had been a twin, but there is some tradition that says that he looked a lot like Jesus, so this was a nickname they called him. Somewhere I read that his real name may have been Judas so perhaps the nickname kept him from being confused with the other Judas.

Whatever the story, we do not know for sure. However, it is an interesting tale.

There seems to be indication that the disciples may have began meeting together on Sunday’s as soon as resurrection day and they continued to do so even though the traditional Sabbath was Friday twilight to Saturday twilight. Perhaps this is why we meet on Sunday’s today. I did not look further into the case, but it seems plausible.

So, where was Thomas that first night? We are never told. Perhaps he was on an errand. Or maybe he was just so discouraged, he was somewhere alone trying to work it out. If that is the case, I bet he regretted it soon after. Have you ever missed church and then found out later something special had happened and you had missed it? It would be like that.

When Thomas next joins the disciples, they are excited to relate to him what has occurred, but he is unwilling to believe unless he sees for himself. Not only does he want to see, but he insists he must touch the scars to believe.

One week later on Sunday, they are gathered together again. Suddenly, Jesus appears much as He had done the first time, but look what He says. First, He once again gives the greeting of peace, but then He immediately turns to Thomas directing him to touch and feel for himself. He tells Thomas to stop doubting and believe.

Now notice Thomas’ response. He does not touch, he immediately believes declaring Jesus not only his Lord, but also his God.

Then Jesus gives his response.

John 20:29 NIV

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

This is what we call faith. The standard definition of faith is as follows.

The Lexham Bible Dictionary Faith

FAITH (πίστις, pistis). Reliance upon and trust in God; a central emphasis of Christianity.

But faith is so much more than that. Faith is so important that the entire book of Hebrews is dedicated to the subject of faith.

In the scriptures, there appear to be three distinct concepts of faith: covenantal faith; epistemological faith; and eschatological faith. These concepts regularly overlap, and multiple dimensions of faith can be found in the same passage.

So let us take a look at these three dimensions of faith.

Covenantal Faith: Faith as Covenantal Commitment

The biblical language of faith concerns a relationship of faithfulness and cooperation (Leclerc, “Faith in Action,” 184–95). The concept of the covenant, which is especially explicit in the Old Testament, informs the biblical writers’ use of the language of faith.

To have faith in God or Jesus is to be faithful to a covenantal bond, which is initiated by God and bound according to appropriate promises and expectations on both sides.

The command for Christians to have faith is not merely a cerebral exercise or eager wish, but a command with the expectation of fidelity and trust.

This definition of faith is apparent in Josh 24:14: When the Israelites renew their covenant to the Lord after taking possession of Canaan, Joshua demands,

Joshua 24:14 NRSV

“Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.

We see this covenantal relationship all through the Old Testament but it becomes most evident with Abraham when God actually walks alongside Abraham in a legally binding contract of covenant in Genesis 15. However, knowing that the sin nature of man would never be able to fulfill the contract, Jesus took Abraham’s role in the contract promising to pay the penalty of a broken contract. That was what Jesus did when He died on the cross.

Think of it in banker’s terms for a moment.

If I say, “Deposit this in my name” means “deposit it in my account.” Or “draw this in my name” means “draw this from my account.” Isn’t that what would happen if I were to write out a check for you? You would take it and present it to the bank. You would cash it. But the money would come out of my account because my name was signed on the check. You would have to believe that I had money in the bank and the money could become yours; otherwise you would never have presented the check to be cashed. Thus, through faith in my name, you would have made my account yours in the amount that I had made available to you. That’s exactly the transaction that takes place between God and man. He has the resources which we need. He is Life and Light. Especially do we need these, in a spiritual sense, for our spiritual existence. They are made available to us in the measure that we need them, because we ourselves are bankrupt. Our name isn’t worth anything at the source of Life and Light, but the Lord Jesus Christ has available what we need.

Marriage is a covenantal agreement. What is mine is yours. What is yours is mine. It is expected that one be faithful to and trust their marriage partner. It is the same between us and God.

The next dimension of faith is...

Epistemological Faith: Faith as Spiritual Perception

I know that is a big word.

Epistemology:

the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope. Epistemology is the investigation of what distinguishes justified belief from opinion.

New Testament authors like Paul promote a concept of faith that is opposed to the common phrase “blind faith.” For example, Paul affirms that Christians live “by faith and not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7 NRSV). With this phrase, he refers to Christians’ capacity for a kind of spiritual perception that allows them to interpret the world in a godly way. God’s people are able to see and perceive His work in the world, while the rest of the world ignores or rejects it (Hays, “Salvation by Trust,” 218–223).

A wellknown proverb is an example of this kind of faith.

Proverbs 3:5–7 NIV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

As we mature in our faith, we become more adept at recognizing God at work in the world and in our lives. We begin to see through circumstances and events God’s leading.

The third dimension of faith is...

Eschatological Faith: Faith as the Living Eschatological Expression of Christian Hope

I know, another big word.

Eschatology

the part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind.

While faith in the present involves seeing as God sees, eschatological faith is necessary because sin has corrupted human understanding. Paul talks about this in Romans 1:18-32. It is a long passage, but allow me to highlight a portion.

Romans 1:21–23 NIV

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

Sin corrupts our understanding so, to see properly is a dimension of present faith, but God promises that all that is hidden will be revealed when Christ returns (at the Parousia; 1 Cor 4:5).

1 Corinthians 4:5 NIV

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

On the day of judgment, the righteous will be honored and rewarded, and the reprobate and corrupt will be exposed and punished. Part of Christian faith, according to Scripture, is living in light and anticipation of that “day of illumination.” Or in other words, our living hope regarding eternity.

Our faith is not blind. We may not see Jesus in the flesh, but we look around us and see Him in creation, at work in our lives, at work in the lives of others we love, and at work within our churches.

Just this week, a friend told me that her mother had been determined to have a surgery that she did not feel her mother was physically ready for. However, she knew it had to be her mother’s decision so she did not share her misgiving, but she did pray. The surgery had been scheduled and they went for the final meeting before the surgery. She asked her mother if she was ready for this and she said confidently that she was. When they went in to the doctor’s he asked her one more time if she was ready for this surgery and she said, “no, I am not.” My friend was shocked. When they got back into the car she asked her mom about her turn about. Her mom said, in that moment, I suddenly felt impressed that I should wait.

Both this woman and her mom are Christians. My friend instantly knew that God had answered her prayers and was taking care of her mom. By the way, rest of that story? Her mom did eventually have the surgery and God blessed every step of the way.

Christians do not believe in luck. We do not believe that things happen by coincidence. We recognize the hand of God moving in this world and in people’s lives.

Conclusion

Now, back to Thomas. He was not a bad man. He was no better or worse than any of the other disciples. I believe God was working in his life to keep him from being there that first night so Jesus could show the importance of faith.

Now let me ask you something. What do you believe the first thing Jesus would say to you if He suddenly appeared before you? Allow me to start it off...

“Peace be with you!”

Then Jesus turns to you and says…what? What doubt do you have that He brings to light? What worry or fear does He confront? What is it you are not trusting Him with?

Once again, I want us to take a moment of silence so you can quietly assess what Jesus would say to you if He were physically before you in this moment?

Silent time

In Luke 8, a woman had so much faith in Jesus that she believed she would be healed just by touching His garments. Today I dismiss you with the same blessing that Jesus gave to her.

“Your faith has made you well. Go in peace!”

Shalom!

Pray