God is Greater than My Doubts

Healthy Skepticism is Encouraged

• The world is full of fake news, which means we need to be wise and discerning.
• The Bible encourages us have a healthy skepticism about what we choose to believe, and to compare everything to the truth of God’s Word (the Bereans, Acts 17:11-12).

Today’s Message: God is Greater than My Doubts (John 20)

The story of “Doubting Thomas” and how God was at work in the midst of his tough questions and doubt.

Main Idea: God walks alongside us in the midst of our doubts to help us trust in him more fully.

What We Know About Thomas:

• • Bold Enough to question Jesus’ difficult teachings (John 14:5).
  • Courageous Enough to die with Jesus if necessary (John 11:16).
  • Devoted Enough to be martyred for the Faith (according to church tradition) — And at the very least, to proclaim the Good News in Acts.

Reflection Question: Why do we tend to define Thomas by his lowest moment? What would that sounds like for other Bible characters?

Thomas Got it Right.

• The purpose of the Gospel of John is to communicate the truth about Jesus— that he is God, that he is the Savior of the World, and that we can be saved when we believe in him (John 1:1-2; John 20:30-31).
• Only one person in the Gospel of John comes to Jesus and calls him their God — Thomas (John 20:28).
• “The most outrageous doubter of the resurrection of Jesus utters the greatest confession of the Lord who rose from the dead.” -George Beasley-Murray

Thomas’ Story

How did Thomas arrive at this bold declaration of faith, despite his initial doubts?

• Remember: Thomas was not alone in his doubts. See also Matthew 28:17; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:11.
• John 20 tells us about several disciples progressing from skepticism to faith: Mary Magdalene, Peter and John, and the rest of the apostles.
• Consistent Pattern: Someone learns the truth about Jesus, but isn’t fully convinced until they have a personal encounter with the risen Lord.

1. Mary Magdalene

• Learns the truth about Jesus in John 20:1-2.
• Does not fully believe it or comprehend it until her encounter with Jesus in John 20:11-18.

2. Peter and John

• Learn the truth about Jesus from Mary Magdalene (John 20:2), then run to see the empty tomb (John 20:3-10).
• John believes after seeing the empty tomb (but he’s apparently still afraid, 20:19).

3. The Disciples 

• Hear the truth from Mary.
• Their faith is not fully developed until they encounter the risen Jesus in John 20:19-20.
• It is then that their fear turns to joy.

4. Thomas

• Not present when Jesus appeared to the disciples. Was not willing to believe their message without a personal encounter with Jesus (John 20:24-25).
• Just as Jesus gave Mary and the other disciples the experience they needed to believe, Jesus showed up for Thomas the way he said he needed (John 20:26-27)
• Thomas’s encounter with Jesus prompted him to make this incredible proclamation of faith: “My Lord and My God.” (John 20:28).

Key Principle

• God wants us to arrive at a saving faith in Jesus, but he’s patient with us as we work through our doubts and questions.

Guidance on Working through Doubt:

• Study God’s Word Diligently (Acts 17:11-12)
• Explore Your Questions in a Christian Community (Ephesians 4:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• Learn By Doing (John 8:31-32). 

Closing Passage: Romans 10:9-15

Study & Reflection:

1. Read 1 Peter 3:15-16. The Bible teaches us to always be ready to explain the reason we choose to follow Jesus. If you have already made a decision to become a disciple of Jesus, what helped you come to the conclusion that Jesus is the Son of God and Savior of the World?
2. If you haven’t made a decision to follow Jesus yet, what are the main questions or obstacles that you are working through?
3. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-7. According to Paul, what are the essential elements of the Gospel message (Good News) he preached to the Christians in Corinth?
4. As Paul has said, one of the central beliefs of the Christian faith is the bodily resurrection of Jesus, something that defies the laws of nature. What has helped you come to believe in this seemingly impossible reality?
5. Why do you think it was so important for Jesus to appear to his disciples in the flesh after the resurrection? How did these appearances change the minds, attitudes, or hearts of his disciples?
6. What do you think about the name “Doubting Thomas” after hearing today’s sermon? What would a more positive or charitable nickname for him be after hearing more of his story?
7. Read Jude 1:22-23. How can we be merciful to those who doubt? How can we balance this mercy with a desire to see them come to the truth and live a holy life?

Further Resources:

• The Case for Christ (by Lee Strobel)
• The Case for Easter (by Lee Strobel)
• Website: Evidence for Christianity (run by a Restoration Movement Preacher with a PhD. in Chemistry) evidenceforchristianity.org
• Article: 10 Concise Pieces of Evidence for the Resurrection (https://tinyurl.com/SWResurrection)