Faith and Doubt, Lesson 1
February 1, 2009
Faith and Doubt - Discussions on Being Certain
When You Are Uncertain
“The Question of Doubt and Hope,” Lesson 1
Sunday and Wednesday Adult Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
February 1, 2009
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
(Adapted from materials by John Ortberg)
Introduction:
Today we will begin a challenging discussion. There are many affirmations of faith with which we are familiar, but what happens when what we say is at odds with what we see?
- A consideration: from peace to pain
This experience ushered in a change from which these people may never recover. They believed in God, but belief did not prevent tragedy. What could this couple do as they struggled to continue to believe in what they could not see even as they were confronted by what they could? How do you respond to this same question as a person of faith in downtown Richmond?
I. The Value of Doubt
Question: Imagine you are visiting a car dealership. You overhear the salesperson making a very convincing sales pitch to another customer. The customer listens attentively and then buys a car without asking a single question - or very few questions. What would you think of that customer?
- Considering P.T. Barnum
- Considering the value of doubt
- Moses’ moment
- Gideon’s guidance
- John’s justification
Despite the value of doubt, the results of lingering and excessive doubt can be unfortunate.
- The voice of “scholarship”
- The voice of friendship
Question: Have you known a person who was consumed by doubt? What was the result?
II. The Need for Hope
What do we do after we have asked questions relating to challenge and exploration of the impossible situations of our lives?
- Considering declaration beyond imagination. Hope can be seen as an unrealized legitimate expectation that will not be disappointed.
- Hope and the psalmist
- Hope and Paul
Hope is the opposite of despair. Question: Have there been times in your life when doubt was stronger than hope? How did you deal with those times?
Conclusion:
As we live this life, we will face situations that challenge significantly the notion of an all-powerful God. We will doubt in those moments, but we will also learn to hope in those moments. We do this because we sense, somewhere within us, the truthfulness of the biblical witness. Trouble is, but we understand that God is, as well. So despite our doubt, we hope. But is that all we do? Please be here for our next meeting and we will continue our conversation, Lord willing. I hope you will join us!
