Failing Faith 3 // Invited to Investigate

Dealing with Doubts

• We all face doubts in life and in faith – no one is immune
• Satan wants you to think your doubts disqualify you from salvation

Read John 20:24-31 (ESV) ^{| 24} Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵ So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” ²⁶ Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although 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, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” ²⁸ Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” ²⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” ³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; ³¹ but these are 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.

Background on Thomas (click here for more)

• Thomas was assigned to be a missionary to India, but he felt he wasn’t healthy enough to travel the 7,500 miles
• He didn’t change his mind after a vision of Christ. Instead, he was sold as a slave to a king in India.
• In India, the king gave him money to build a palace that would last forever, and Thomas gave that money to the poor. He later told the king he was building a palace in heaven and not earth. Once Thomas was ready to accept God’s will and be a missionary, he was freed from slavery and able to preach the gospel in India.
• There were about 4 million Christians in India as a result of Thomas’ missionary work, and about 26 million Christians in total there.
• Thomas is known as the Patron Saint of Architects

Doubts often bring shame (v.24-25)

• Thomas was labeled as a doubter; that’s probably unfair to him…Thomas represents all of our doubts at times
• Doubt is not skepticism or unbelief, but can be a catalyst for faith renewal

Jesus encourages us to bring our doubts to Him (v.26-28)

• Jesus met Thomas at the point of his doubt and invited him to investigate
• We can bring our doubts to God knowing He longs to guide us toward belief.

We may not be able to see Jesus but we can find reassurance from those who did (v.29-31)

• Some people think they must see to believe, but Jesus says believe and you’ll see
• Allow yourself to work through your doubts to find the answers you need
• Philippians 2:12 (ESV) | Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…

Closing

• Bring your doubts to Jesus – He invites you to investigate
• Let your doubts be a catalyst for your faith

Reflection Questions

1. How do you handle doubt in your life?
2. Have you ever felt shame because of your doubts?
3. What do you see in Jesus’ interaction with Thomas that helps you manage your doubt?
4. When are you tempted to say you must see it to believe it while faith encourages you to believe before you can see? What will you do when confronted with this thought again?
5. Where does your faith need renewal? What doubts do you hold that can help catapult you there?