Category Study

Why do we doubt? pt5

The Preacher 1 Comment

We have seen in this series of articles that doubt can develop from several places. Our job is to recognize the triggers for doubt and to avoid them.

So far we’ve learned about disbelief, opposition, uncertainty, and division. Today we talk about one more, distractions, or as Jesus put it, THORNS.

 “And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful”

(Mark 4:18-19).

Distractions lead to doubt by taking our eyes off the goal, or diverting our time. When we focus on the vanities of life (see Ecclesiastes), we lose sight of hope and then doubt. Distractions give us less time for the study we need to strengthen our faith.

While there are many distractions, most of them can be grouped together into a few categories. 

One of the main categories of thorns leading to doubt is from family TRADITIONS. “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Mark 7:7). Family traditions (religious or other), can lead to doubt especially as the word of God conflict with their religious practices or family time. When I first became a Christian, the tradition of our Sunday morning brunch interfered with worship. There is often pressure from the family for the Christian to forego worship, bible study, or even beliefs. This is especially difficult for the new in the faith, as they lack the biblical knowledge to defend themselves. (see Matt 10:37; Luke 14:26).

Another areas of distraction that keep us from study, meditation, and serving the Lord (Rom 12:6-8) are HOBBIES, Social-Media, and entertainment that consumes a significant amount of time. While these are non-sinful activities (sinful activities are always to be avoided), they can become distractions when the time & resources needed for them leave little of the same for God. Some have led to neglect of the family and job that can lead to financial strain. Hobbies and such like can be used for godly service. I know of one family that intentionally plans their activities as a tool for meeting people for an opportunity to share the gospel. Some use Social-Media for advancing the kingdom. “He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding” (Prov 12:11; 28:19 NKJV).

Lust for OTHER THINGS is another area that affects us (Mark 4:19). “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may spend it in your pleasures” (James 4:3). We begin to doubt when our prayers seem to go unanswered not recognizing that we’re praying amiss. Prayer is very personal as we pour out our heart to God. Sometimes we pray for things that go against the will of God. When our desires and God’s will conflict, we need to align our will with His, or doubt will creep in (cf. Jas 1:13-15).

The parable in Mark 4 also warns about the deceitfulness of RICHES. Money is a tool we use to ease trade. Sadly, many of us begin to trust in wealth above trusting in God. “But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition” (1Tim 6:9-17). It’s very easy to think that money solves all our problems and leads to an easier life. That’s what one rich man thought (Luke 12:15-21). If we have problems that can be solved with money, we don’t have a problem. Then, when a real problem comes (one not solved by money), our faith may begin to waver. Our treasure in heaven is far more valuable than any earthly treasure, let’s focus on that (Matt 13:44-45; 16:26).

Related to riches is our concern for the NEEDS of this world. We need what we need and stress about them may lead to doubt. Because they’re needs, they can quickly and easily distract us and cause doubt especially if we lack any need. “Therefore I say unto you, be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment” (Matt 6:25-34)? The command of Christ is to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

The final category of thorns is found in SICKNESS, Sadness or Sorrows. The physical and emotional pains of life can quickly overwhelm our faith and become the focus of every conversation. When we’re asked how we’re doing, do we give an organ recital (listing all our ailments) or do we talk about our hope? “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2Cor 4:17). Unhealed pain is a source of doubt for many of our brethren, and certainly for the world.

For me this is one of the most difficult thorns. Pain, Loss, Sickness, and Sorrows can drive our identity. A friend of mine noticed after the loss of his infant son that he could end any joyful moment for himself and others. Some pains can be healed, but the death of a loved one lives with us forever. This and other Sorrows can be a constant source of doubt.

Paul faced a physical thorn that he appealed to the Lord three times in prayer. However, the Lord’s answer changed his perception about the pain. “Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2Cor 12:8-10). Instead of letting his thorn in the flesh become his identity, it became a motivation and a source of strength through faith in Jesus Christ.

Friends, we all have our fears and doubts, but we must never let it have a foothold in our hearts. When we are aware of how doubt develops, we’ll be better able to stave it off. The tried-and-true way to combat doubt is by keeping our eyes on Jesus. We do this by reading His word, encouraging and assembling with the saints, and being diligent to show ourselves approved unto God.

Agape,

Spencer

This is part 5 of a series on Overcoming Doubt.

Why do we DOUBT? p3

The Preacher 1 Comment

Would ye also go away?

John 6:67-68

They went away because of His Teaching.

John 6:53

Some go away because of Fear of men.

John 12:42

Some go away because of Doubts or Questions.

John 7:52-53

Some go away out of procrastination.

Matt 8:21

“Why did you doubt?” p3

(Matt 14:24-31).

Why do we doubt? What is the source of doubt? This series of articles seeks to search the scriptures for the answer, and to learn how to combat, or to Overcome Doubt.

The first article showed that Doubt is based on Disbelief, and the way to overcome disbelief is through knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. The second article spoke about obstacles that reveal doubt. This article will attempt to Overcome Doubt that arises when we turn away from the truth toward uncertainties. 

When we begin to DOUBT, our response is often to take matters into our own hands. Think of those examples when folks didn’t know how God was going to fulfill a promise, so they tried to “help” Him out. Sarah’s suggesting Hagar (Gen 16:1-4). King Saul making an unlawful sacrifice when Samuel was delayed (1Sam 13:8-13).

When life becomes uncertain, we may place our trust in more UNCERTAINTIES. We try to walk by sight instead of by faith. When doubts arise and fears dismay, we place our trust in earthly resources.

Paul charged Timothy to warn the rich of this. “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1Tim 6:9, 17).

For many of us, instead of the NOTHING wavering faith of James 1, we become tossed about by every wind of doctrine. “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Eph 4:14). We turn from the truth of God’s word to the opinions of others.

When doubt increases, others place their trust in SELF. “I’ll do it my way.” “Daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at dignities” (2Pet 2:10; Lu 12:15-21).

These things may appear helpful, but they are UNFRUITFUL. The deceit of the world leads to being unfruitful, “And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful” (Matt 13:7,22; Mark 4:18,19).

For some they turn to seemingly successful & happy people that end up ROBBING them of whatever faith they have remaining. “Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience” (Eph 5:6; Col 2:4,8,18; 3:6; 2Th 2:3).

Paul wrote about these deceptive people, “holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power therefore. From these also turn away. For of these are they that creep into houses, and take captive silly women laden with sins, led away by divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2Tim 3:5-7).

Each of the above strategies smack of an EARTHLY wisdom from beneath that moves away from the wisdom of God’s word that comes from above. “This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed” (James 3:15-16).

What is the remedy to doubt?

The first and main thing we need to do to answer doubt is to continue to SEEK the kingdom of God and his righteousness. In the famous passage on worry, Jesus said, “But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt 6:33). Just because we sometimes doubt, doesn’t mean we stop doing the right thing. Sin is never the answer to doubt.

Look UP, set your affections on things above. Developing hope is a great strategy for overcoming or alleviating doubt. “If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory” (Col 3:1-4). When we have a big enough why, we can endure any how.

We can READ the word of the Lord. When we don’t know what to do, instead of turning to the earthly advice, turn to the word of God, or to people that will give godly advice (Titus 2:1-8). His word gives us all things pertaining to life and godliness (2Pet 1:3). Doubt is the opposite of faith, and faith comes by hearing (Rom 10:17). Read the bible for insight into this life. We can learn how to handle fear and doubt by reading of the examples of those that faced the same things. “Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work” (2Tim 3:16-17).

While doubt is uncomfortable, there is still hope. Doubt tends to focus on what’s missing. There are still things to ENJOY. The wise advice of one of our songs is to “count your many blessings.” Look for what is good, and watch for the good that may come from our continued faithfulness in times of trial. James wrote for us to count it all joy when we face trials. “Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3).

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning” (James 1:17).

Agape,

Spencer

This is part 3 of a series on Overcoming Doubt.

1John 3:19-24, The CHILD of God

The Preacher 1 Comment

The CHILD of God can know. 1John 3:19-24

19-24) The child of God can know…

# CLEAR Conscience. 3:20-21.

# HEAR Him. 4:6; 1:1-5; 2:7,24; 3:11.

# IF we walk, confess, keep, hear, love. 1:7; 9; 2:3,24; 4:12;

# LOVE Him and those He Loves. 3:18-23.

# DO those things pleasing to Him. 3:22.

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Here’s a link to all the published studies from 1 John.

The Franklin and Juniper church of Christ did a study of the book of 1John in the summer and fall of 2023. If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 9:30am each Sunday Morning for similar Bible studies.

1John 3:14-15 How do we KNOW?

The Preacher 1 Comment

HOW DO WE KNOW IF WE’VE PASSED FROM DEATH INTO LIFE?

KEEP HIS COMMANDS. 2:3-5, 24; 1:5-10.

NO Love of the World. 1John 2:15-17.

OUGHT TO LOVE AS HE LOVED.
3:16 Lay down our lives for the Brethren.
4:11 Love the Brethren.

WALK as He walked. 1John 2:6.

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Here’s a link to all the published studies from 1 John.

The Franklin and Juniper church of Christ did a study of the book of 1John in the summer and fall of 2023. If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 9:30am each Sunday Morning for similar Bible studies.

1John 3:1-3 Looking up in HOPE

The Preacher 1 Comment

3:1-3) Hope as children to see Him
John 15:18-19; 16:3; 17:25
Loves us as children. Rom 8:15,18,29; Ga 3:26; 4:6; Heb 12:7-11.

What kind of body? 1Cor 15:49; Php 3:21; Col 3:4;

Hope seeks to purify. 1Pet 1:16-19.
This is so opposite of what denominations teach in the error of OSAS.

Here’s a link to all the published studies from 1 John.

The Franklin and Juniper church of Christ did a study of the book of 1John in the summer and fall of 2023. If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 9:30am each Sunday Morning for similar Bible studies.

1John 3 Overview.

The Preacher 1 Comment

1John 3; LOVING God.

LOVING GOD.

3:1-3) Looks up in Hope. (2:28)

4-6) Opposes Sin.

7-13) Violent children of the Devil.

13-15) In Eternal Death or In life.

16-18) Needs & Deeds.

19-24) God is Greater than our hearts.

Here’s a link to all the published studies from 1 John.

The Franklin and Juniper church of Christ did a study of the book of 1John in the summer and fall of 2023. If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 9:30am each Sunday Morning for similar Bible studies.

1John 2:12-14, Assurance

The Preacher 1 Comment

Assurance to all age groups. 12-14.
Assurance. 12-13.
God Abides in us. 14.
Escaped the Wicked one. 13,14.
Strength in the Word. 14.

Love not the world. 15-17.
Abide in the world
or Abide in the Father.
“And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

Here’s a link to all the published studies from 1 John.

The Franklin and Juniper church of Christ begins an overview study of the book of 1John. If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 9:30am each Sunday Morning.

Be Ye DOERS of the word. James 1:22

The Preacher Leave a comment

“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”  (John 12:48)

That’s an interesting verse, at least it ought to interest us. On the day of judgment, Christ will be on His judgment seat, and will judge us by the word He has spoken to us. Yet, some say, “I don’t like to read.”

I get it, the bible can be challenging to read, but you need not go it alone. There are plenty of tools and people to help you leverage your reading.

Attend an assembly of the church of Christ where you will hear a message from the bible. Come a little early and sit in on a bible study. These studies will leverage your reading.

Better still, ask for a personal home bible study where someone will come and help you with questions directly affecting your life right now.

This series of articles is about how to READ the bible more effectively. So far, we’ve covered 1) how to Rightly divide the word, which means to handle it accurately. 2) To use the bible to Examine ourselves by it, and Examine the teaching of others whether it be so. 3) We’ve learned that Jesus has ALL AUTHORITY, which is why He will be the one opening the books at the day of judgment. (Rev 20:12; 2cor 5:10-11). This last article in the series will point out that we are to be DOERS of the word.

While some may tell you that there is nothing one must do, the bible paints a much different picture.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.” (Matthew 7:24).

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)?

“But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it” (Luke 11:28).

“Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous” (1John 3:7).

“If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1Corinthians 14:37).

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22).

Putting all of these lessons together we discover how to know what God requires of man.

By Rightly dividing the word of truth, we recognize that we are living under the New Testament covenant and are not bound to the Law of Moses.

By Examining the word, and ourselves, we learn that we all fall short of the glory of God and need to make some changes.

By recognizing that Jesus has All Authority, we are to listen to Him. No longer is anyone under the Law of Moses nor the earlier patriarchal law.

By reading the cited passages above, it’s not enough to believe (which is absolutely essential) but we are to be DOERS also of what is commanded in the New Testament.

There are 4 steps to becoming a DOER of the word of Christ.

Step one, we must DESIRE to do His will. It’s not enough to comply without having our heart involved. Faith without works is dead being alone, James wrote (James 2:17). It’s also true that works without faith (faith comes by hearing) is dead also being done in vain (cf. Matthew 7:21-23; Romans 10:17; 14:23).

Step two, after we desire to do His will, we must OBEY. Obedience to the commands of God is not legalism, it’s submitting to His will. Here’s a question; which direct commands of God can one ignore and still consider himself a follower of Christ? (read Luke 6:46 again if you have any doubt)

Step three, be an immediate Doer. The faithful child of God, upon learning of a command of God, puts it into practice immediately. We see this when they “rose EARLY” to comply as did Abraham (Gen 22:3), as we see with the Jailor upon hearing what he needed to do to be saved. “And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway” (Acts 16:33). When is the best time to comply with a command of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

Step four is of great importance. We will make some mistakes, but that doesn’t mean we’re lost every time we stumble. The child of God has the avenue of confessing our sins and REPENTANCE. The church at Corinth repented of their faults, and John gives us assurance of our salvation. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1John 1:9).

God loves us. We know that He loves because He sent His Son. His Son loves us because He gave His life for us. We know about this love because the Holy Spirit was sent to reveal the will of God for us in the word.

Agape,

Spencer

Here is a link to a page with some Frequently Asked Questions.