CHRISTMAS QUESTIONS – WHAT ABOUT DOUBT?

LUKE 1:1-20

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE DANGER OF DOUBT

1. Doubt Derails God’s Blessings [v. 12-13, Mt. 13:54-58]

And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

2. Doubt Displeases God [v. 18-20, Ps. 78:32-33, Heb. 11:6]

- For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works. Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.

- But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

3. Doubt Damns Souls [v. 18-20, Ps. 78:21-22, Heb. 2:1-3]

- Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel; Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:

- Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

 

II. THE DISEASE OF DOUBT

1. Doubt Infects Our Prayer Life [v. 13, James 1:5-7]

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

2. Doubt Inhibits Our Walk [V. 27, MK. 6:5-6]

And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

3. Doubt Increases Our Fears [v. 12, 18-19; Mt. 8:26, Rev. 21:8]

- And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

- But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

 

III. THE DEFEAT OF DOUBT

1. Obedience to the Known Will of God

[v. 13, 59-63, James 1:22]

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

2. Prayer & Praise to the Lord [v. 64-69]

3. Acknowledgment & Acceptance of the Word of God [v. 70-79, Rm. 10:17]

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.