Dealing With Doubt

Dealing With Doubt

Introduction
“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24) In seasons of trial or uncertainty, disciples can struggle with doubt. Today we will consider its common causes and God’s gracious remedies, learning from Scripture how faith is strengthened and hope renewed.

Doubt in Scripture’s Light
God’s word shows faithful servants facing uncertainty. John the Baptist had proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God, yet from prison he asked, “Are You the Coming One?” (Matthew 11:1–3). Elijah witnessed God’s triumph on Carmel, then fled in fear and despaired under a broom tree (1 Kings 19:1–5, 9–10). Peter walked on the water until the wind captured his gaze; when he looked away from Christ he began to sink (Matthew 14:28–31). These accounts tell us doubt can touch sincere believers and that God answers with truth, presence, and help.

Five Common Causes of Doubt
Painful trials can shake assurance. Suffering, loss, and prolonged hardship press the heart. John’s prison cell narrowed his view, and Elijah’s fatigue magnified fear. God invites us to bring that weight to Him and receive His strength in weakness (1 Kings 19:1–5, 9–10; Matthew 11:1–3).

Listening to the wrong voices misleads the soul. Scripture warns against persuasive teachers and even loved ones who turn hearts from the Lord (Deuteronomy 13:1–5, 6–11). Testing every message by God’s revealed word guards faith.

Losing sight of Christ breeds fear. When Peter fixed his eyes on Jesus he stood atop the waves; when he looked at the storm he sank (Matthew 14:28–31). Faith focuses on the Lord’s presence and promise.

Seeing hypocrisy wounds trust. Jesus rebuked religious show without heart obedience (Matthew 23). Hypocrisy confuses onlookers, yet Christ remains pure and His gospel remains true.

Borrowed convictions lack roots. A hand-me-down faith may falter under challenge. Personal, Scripture-anchored conviction grows sturdy faith (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:12).

Five God-Given Remedies for Doubt
Pray honestly for help. The father cried, “Help my unbelief” and Jesus answered (Mark 9:23–24). God welcomes humble prayers for stronger faith and clearer sight.

Seek answers diligently. Admit the questions and search the Scriptures. Understanding God’s pattern and promises stabilizes the heart and confirms conviction (Acts 17:11).

Refocus the mind on what is true. Fill thought life with what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable (Philippians 4:8). Truth displaces anxiety and error.

Nourish spiritual health daily. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Worship, prayer, fellowship, and obedience build endurance and joy (Colossians 3:16).

Remember who God is. The Everlasting God does not faint or grow weary. He gives power to the weak and renews those who wait on Him (Isaiah 40:28–31). Doubt shrinks before His majesty and mercy.

[Dealing With Doubt] Sermon Outline:

• Opening Text: Mark 9:23–24 — Honest prayer in the valley of uncertainty.

• Biblical Portraits:

  • John the Baptist in prison — Matthew 11:1–3.

  • Elijah after Carmel — 1 Kings 19:1–5, 9–10.

  • Peter on the sea — Matthew 14:28–31.

• Causes of Doubt:

  1. Trials and suffering (Matthew 11:1–3; 1 Kings 19:1–5).

  2. Misleading voices (Deuteronomy 13:1–5, 6–11).

  3. Losing sight of Christ (Matthew 14:30–31).

  4. Wounding hypocrisy (Matthew 23).

  5. Borrowed faith (1 Corinthians 10:12).

• Remedies of Faith:

  1. Pray for help (Mark 9:23–24).

  2. Seek answers (Acts 17:11).

  3. Think on the true and good (Philippians 4:8).

  4. Let the word dwell richly (Colossians 3:16).

  5. Wait on the Lord who renews strength (Isaiah 40:28–31).

• Invitation and Assurance:

  • Walking toward Christ in obedience: forgiveness through His blood (1 John 1:7–9).

  • Begin anew in baptism and rise to walk in newness of life (Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3–4).

Call to Action
Bring your doubts to the Lord in prayer, open His word daily, and set your mind on what is true. If you need the prayers of the church, come. If you are ready to obey the gospel, confess Christ, and be baptized into His death and resurrection, come and begin anew.

Key Takeaways

• Doubt can touch sincere believers; God answers with truth and presence (Matthew 11:1–3; 1 Kings 19:1–5).

• Wrong voices erode faith; test all teaching by Scripture (Deuteronomy 13:1–5).

• Faith steadies when eyes remain on Christ (Matthew 14:28–31).

• Renewed minds feed on the true and lovely (Philippians 4:8).

• The Everlasting God strengthens the weary who wait on Him (Isaiah 40:28–31).

• Christ forgives and cleanses as we walk in the light (1 John 1:7–9).

Scripture Reference List

• Mark 9:23–24 — A father’s honest prayer for stronger faith.

• Matthew 11:1–3 — John the Baptist seeks assurance from prison.

• 1 Kings 19:1–5, 9–10 — Elijah’s fear and God’s care.

• Matthew 14:28–31 — Peter walks, then sinks, when distracted from Jesus.

• Deuteronomy 13:1–5, 6–11 — Guard against deceiving prophets and enticement.

• Matthew 23 — Jesus’ woes against hypocrisy.

• 1 Corinthians 10:12 — Caution against self-confidence.

• Acts 17:11 — Noble searching of the Scriptures.

• Philippians 4:8 — Set the mind on what is true and good.

• Colossians 3:16 — Let the word of Christ dwell richly.

• Isaiah 40:28–31 — The Lord renews the strength of those who wait on Him.

• 1 John 1:7–9 — Walking in the light and continual cleansing.

• Acts 22:16 — Arise, be baptized, and wash away sins.

• Romans 6:3–4 — Baptized into Christ’s death; raised to new life.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO