Scripture Reading: Psalm 31:19-24
Faith that Overcomes Doubt
Intro.
1. How strong is our faith in the Lord?
a. Is it like the faith of the Pharisees? Matt. 23:29-32
b. Is it like Peter’s at last supper? At the fire? Matt. 26:33-35; 26:69-75
c. Is it like the faith of Abraham? John the Baptist? Stephen? (Heb. 11)
d. Do you think you can/will stand regardless? 1 Cor. 10:12-13
2. Endurance in the face of life’s conflict, temptations, and trials is a mark of a strong faith, Prov. 24:10; Gal. 6:9 (Heb. 12:3-6).
3. Doubt: Lit., “to be without a way (no way).” Without resources, in perplexity, at a loss. cf. Lk. 12:28-29 (little faith)
4. Doubt is effectively used by Satan to cause discouragement and complacency in Christians (2 Cor. 2:11).
5. Faith overcomes the world (1 Jno. 5:4).
I. THE AIM (OBJECTIVE) OF DOUBT AND FAITH’S RESPONSE.
A. Aim: Diminish and Destroy Our Personal Faith in God (life for Christ).
1. The commitment, trials, endurance may seem vain at times – Just want to give up, cf. Psa. 73:13-18. (cf. Job, Job 3:11)
a. We can begin to envy the wicked, 73:2-3.
b. The result of no roots in tribulation (cares of world and wrong values lead to doubt and falling away), Matt. 13:20-21.
2. Count and pay cost of discipleship, Lk. 14:33; Apostles, 1 Cor. 4:9-13.
3. We must take heed, we must exhort to avoid the hardening of doubt, and we must hold fast our confidence, Heb. 3:6, 12-14.
B. Response: Overcome Personal Doubts by Trusting God’s Sovereignty, Psa. 73:21-28. (His ruling power over all things)
1. Grieved when he realized he was doubting God, 73:21-22.
2. Walk with Him (fellowship) and be guided by His counsel (word) – Glory, 73:23-24.
3. Desire God first in life (strength), 73:25-26.
4. He destroys the sinful. Take refuge in Him and declare His works, 73:27-28.
C. Aim: Doubt God’s Care for Us and His Power in Our Lives. (Does God hear me and care about me?) Psa. 22:1-2
1. In trials and troubles we are tempted to doubt the presence of God, His care, and His power to help us.
a. Our faith in God’s tender care, His watchful concern and power will sustain us, Mk. 4:38, 40; Matt. 14:30-32.
b. When an immediate resolution to trouble fails to come, it does not mean God does not care, Psa. 22:2; cf. Heb. 5:7; 12:3-6 (Christ and Christians). Could be exactly what our faith needs (disciplined).
D. Response: Overcome Doubt in God’s Care and Power by Trusting God to Deliver Us, Psa. 22:19-21, 24.
1. God is near, ready, and able to help us (22:1), 22:19; Heb. 13:5.
2. He cares, hears, and responds, 22:24.
3. cf. David; Christ – God delivers (Psa. 71:1-5).
4. How to overcome doubting God’s powerful presence in our lives, Psa. 77:1-3, 7-15.
a. Keep praying, 77:1.
b. Realize the problem of doubt is with me, not with God, 77:10.
c. Remember God’s mercies in my life, 77:11-12.
d. Remember God’s strength in all things, 77:13-14.
e. Remember God’s salvation is real, 77:15.
E. Aim: Doubt the Truthfulness and Effectiveness of God’s Word, Rom. 10:16. (Gen. 3:1-5)
1. May begin to doubt whether gospel has any impact on souls.
2. Then, you start looking for other messages / methods that people will receive (2 Tim. 4:3-4).
3. Again, the deficiency lies in the heart of the hearer, not in the truth of God, Rom. 3:8; 10:21.
“The reason people are down on the Bible is that they are not up on the Bible.” (William Ward Ayer)
F. Response: Overcome Doubt in the Effectiveness of God’s Word by Relying on the Power of Truth, Isa. 55:11. (It changed you once, it can restore your faith again, Heb. 4:12.) Obey it!
1. Word of the gospel remains God’s power to save, 1 Cor. 1:18; Rom. 1:16. We refuse truth at our own peril (Jno. 12:48).
2. The power of gospel is in God, not in its messengers. Trust God, not yourself or others for the strength y0u need, 2 Cor. 4:7.
Conclusion
1. There is victory in Christ over Satan, sin, and death.
2. Do not doubt God – Be steadfast, trusting Him, 1 Cor. 15:56-58.
3. Live by faith and fully commit ourselves to God’s care today, 2 Tim. 1:12.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted December 17, 2019