Articles
Destroying Doubt
“Why are you troubled, and why does doubt arise in your hearts?” In Luke 24, after Jesus’ resurrection, he appeared to his apostles and showed himself to be alive. He perceived in them a serious problem: doubt. This week, Andrew Roberts begins a series of lessons themed around the idea of “Building Faith and Destroying Doubt.” We ought to be thankful for such a series as this, because doubt is one of Satan’s greatest and most effective tools.
Back in Luke 24, Jesus confronts the apostles’ doubt with fact. That is the only antidote for the doubt. In this case, the fact of Jesus’ resurrection was twofold. One fact was his very presence there with them. Of course, their initial reaction was disbelief. The text says, “they were startled and afraid, and thought they saw a spirit” (vs. 37). The second fact Jesus presented to destroy their doubt was his own flesh, which still had the wounds in it from his crucifixion. When they understood what these facts meant, what amazing promises and prophecies were now fulfilled, they rejoiced and worshipped. Their doubt had been eradicated.
We all have doubts today. These doubts paralyze us. They keep us from increasing our faith. Satan is at work in our hearts. It would be easy at this juncture to apply this concept of doubt to others, like we do to “doubting Thomas.” Shame on him, right? Perhaps we sit comfortably in our homes, our workplaces, and our church pews and look in amazement at how so many people in the world could doubt the truth about Jesus Christ. And it’s all true. The evidence is overwhelming (cf. Rom. 1:18-20).
But today, I don’t want us thinking about everyone else and the doubts they carry. I want us to look inwardly and answer this question: do we doubt our ability to bring others to Christ? The answer is yes. We do. So how do we combat that doubt? With facts, the same as you fight off any doubts! Here are the facts.
1. We are commanded to bring the world to Christ. In Mark 16:15, Jesus said, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” God never commanded anything He did not equip us to perform. Remember, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). That’s a fact.
2. People are searching. Look at our Dial a Bible Message contact list. Around the country, people are coming to Christ. In areas that have been spiritual deserts, the living waters which flow from Christ may be found springing forth. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Mt. 9:37).
3. The Gospel is effective. Throughout the New Testament, we see example after example of searching individuals whose hearts were convicted by the love of God, His Son’s sacrifice, and their own need for forgiveness. Guess what: God’s love still extends to the world today, Jesus’ sacrifice still has the divine power to save today, and people still desire to be free from sin.
We have the facts. The facts cast out doubt and fear. All we have left to do is get out and invite, and trust God’s word to effect the hearts of man. It can, and it will, but only if we share the good news. This week is a perfect opportunity to see God’s power. Come and see, and let the word of God build your faith and destroy your doubt.
