Faith and Doubt — Lesson 2
February 7, 2009
Faith and Doubt — Discussions on Being Certain
When You Are Uncertain
“An Examination of My Belief” Lesson 2
Sunday and Wednesday Adult Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
February 8 and 11, 2009
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
(Adapted from materials by John Ortberg)
********************************************************************************************************************
Introduction:
On last week, we discussed situations in our world that challenge the notion of an all-powerful God. We often face circumstances that bring doubt to the heart of the believer, but doubt in and of itself is not wrong. Nevertheless, one must find a way to move from doubt to hope. Hope is the foundation that allows the person of faith to see beyond what he sees. But hope requires belief. As such, we are forced to wrestle with the question of belief. Get ready, and we will do some “wrestling” on today.
I. Struggling in Belief
It is true that people of faith often struggle in belief. Question: What do you think of this statement? Is it valid? Why?
· Struggle and belief of Job
· Struggle and belief of a father
Think again of the idea of people of faith struggling in belief. Question: How does this idea speak to your faith? What does it make you think regarding your belief?
II. Determining Belief
Belief and/or conviction is central as we think of bridging the distance between faith and doubt. That conviction can be categorized in three ways.
· Exploring public convictions
n Ted Haggard and public convictions
n Mark Foley and public convictions
n The example of Herod
n A West Broad moment
Statement: Sometimes being part of a faith community increases the temptation to pretend to believe something we really do not. Question: Why is this true? Have you known it to be true in your life? Generalized convictions may tempt people of faith to pretend they have no doubts as they engage life and the divine. Question: How does this behavior help a church? How does it hurt a church?
· Exploring private convictions
· Exploring core convictions. Question: What are some examples of your core convictions? How do you know they are core convictions and not public or private?
· Exploring congruence
Question: Does “congruence filled” mean “conflict free?” How does this question speak to your life and faith?
Conclusion and Challenge:
Belief is essential for the Christian, but we see in Scripture examples of people struggling while believing. When it is all said and done, our convictions will take one of three forms: public, private, or core. These convictions are the materials of which our spiritual house is constructed. As you examine your belief today, which house do you live in?
