John 20:24-29

Doubting Thomas


Introduction:

A number of years ago a best selling book came out entitled: “This Believing World.” Its main theme was to prove that man and women under all sorts of conditions naturally are believers and are addicted to their convictions. Now the world may not be opposed to the concept of faith in general. (An undefined faith) but those of us who know the faith defined in Scripture realize it is a defined faith. We could critique the book by saying that it is fundamentally wrong when we compare it to Biblical Christianity. The faith of Christianity has an object in mind namely, Jesus Christ the Savior and Lord of all those who exercise faith in Him. Faith is placed in the atoning work of Christ upon the cross for the sins of believers. Faith is placed in Jesus who rose again for our justification and ascended into heaven and is now sitting on the right hand of God the Father making intercession for us.

The world is totally in a state of unbelief unless the Lord brings faith out of non-faith just as He brings life out of death.


  1. Dealing with Doubt

    1. Reason for doubt

      1. We must be careful not to disparage Thomas as if he were the only doubter. – John 16:16

      2. We must be careful at the same time not to excuse Thomas.


    1. A gloomy disposition

      1. Desiring to die with Jesus – John 11:8

      2. Desiring to know how to get to heaven – John14:1-6


    1. Important questions:

      1. Is there anything wrong in demanding hard evidence?

      2. Should Thomas have accepted the testimony of the other disciples immediately?


    1. Application:

      1. Christian witness

      2. Christian fellowship


    1. The Lord hears all our conversations:

      1. He hears Thomas and ourselves

      2. Thomas must respond to Resurrection evidence



  1. Exercising Faith

    1. Thomas believes without physically examining

      1. The greatest Confession – John 1:1 cf. John 20:31

      2. Cults do not know how to respond.


    1. Jesus’ Benediction –v. 29

      1. Jesus is not fully discounting evidence for sure. He is providing tangible evidence of Resurrection before Thomas.

      2. Jesus on the other hand is stressing the necessity of LIVING BY FAITH John 20:31; Rev.1:7; Heb.11:1


    1. Desiring the experiences of the Apostles:

      1. Such experiences tend to puff up like a puffed frog! (C. S. Lewis, “Miracles”) I Cor.1:22-24; Matt. 12:29; Luke 16:19-31

      2. If you believe only in miracles and extra Biblical revelation then you will gradually become insensitive to God’s every day providences.



Conclusion:

What we can learn from Thomas:

  1. Acknowledge when you personally demonstrate in your life a lack of faith and reveal by confession that the Lord Jesus is involved in every providence.


  1. Blessing from God is far greater when we do not see, but believe in our heart – Heb. 11:6



























Pastor Nick Iamaio

Reformed Presbyterian Church

207 South First Street, Fulton, NY 13069

Web Site fultonrpc.org

5/25/2008