Rejuvenation
Thomas Overcoming Doubt

The Redemption And Transformation of Thomas

Sunday April 16, 2023 - Pastor Wungreiso Valui

John 20

THE MESSAGE

In this message, you will discover that Thomas's story is one of transformation and redemption. I will share how God can transform our doubt into faith. At the end of the sermon, I will share how to have faith, even in the face of doubt, and seek out truth daily.

THE SCRIPTURE: JOHN 20:24-29

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

I. Setting The Scene

Verse 24 sets the scene: "Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came."

1. Keyword: "was not"
2. Thomas failed to show up. "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted" Matthew 28:16-17.
3. It is possible that Thomas was struggling with doubt or fear and did not feel ready to face Jesus again after his crucifixion.
4. There is a blessing for those present that those who are absent will not receive.
5. Possible Consequences
   1. When you go away to brood in the corner by yourself, separating yourself from others, you miss what others have-the sight of God.
   2. Damage to relationships: If you don't show up for a meeting, event, or other obligation, it can damage your relationships with the people involved.
   3. Missed opportunities: If you don't show up for an important event or meeting, you may miss out on valuable opportunities.
   4. Loss of credibility: If you make a habit of not showing up or canceling at the last minute, you may lose credibility with others.
   5. Guilt and Shame: You may feel guilty or ashamed for letting others down, or you may feel like you're not living up to your own expectations.

   God never fails to show up. He is always present and involved in one's life, providing guidance, support, and protection.

II. Thomas Expresses Doubt: Faith Alone Is Not Enough

Verses 25-26: The other disciples tell Thomas that they have seen the risen Lord, but he expresses skepticism and says, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."

Keyword: "Unless"

1. Thomas was unwilling to feign belief when he genuinely did not hold that belief.
2. Unless certain conditions were fulfilled, Thomas was resolute in his refusal to believe.
3. Thomas's insistence on seeing and touching Jesus's wounds before believing in the resurrection can be seen as a sign of his commitment to truth and his unwillingness to accept something on faith alone.
4. Thomas demanded evidence to build a stronger sense of conviction and assurance.
5. Thomas did not want to blindly accept the resurrection of Jesus without question.

Note: Thomas's doubt is not necessarily a negative thing but rather a natural response to an +.
Question: How do you respond to extraordinary claims?

III. Jesus Appears to Thomas: Faith Is Enough

Verses 26-27: After eight days, Jesus appears to the disciples again, and this time Thomas is present. Jesus invites Thomas to touch his wounds, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side."

Keyword: "Appears"

1. Jesus granted Thomas the evidence he demanded. Although Jesus was not obliged to do so, He showed mercy and kindness by providing Thomas with the evidence he had asked for.
2. Jesus did not acknowledge Thomas' prior belief or his trust in His previous teachings and miracles "Stop doubting and believe."
3. Jesus wanted to move Thomas from doubt and unbelief to faith
4. Jesus showed that faith alone is sufficient for salvation "For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
5. Faith, even in small quantities, can have a powerful impact and enable individuals to overcome seemingly impossible challenges.

Note:

1. The first assembled meeting of Jesus and His disciples took place on Sunday.
2. It is possible that the memory of Jesus appearing on Sunday may have something to do with the church's early practice of meeting together on the first day of the week.

IV. Thomas' Response

Verse 28: Thomas exclaims, "My Lord and my God!"

Keyword: "Lord"

1. Jesus showed up for Thomas.
2. This moment represents a turning point for Thomas, as his doubt is transformed into faith.
3. It would be almost unbelievable for a Jew to refer to another human being as 'my Lord and my God.'
4. Jesus is compassionate and willing to meet his followers where they are, even in their doubt and skepticism.
5. Thomas was moved by Jesus' compassion and willingness and exclaimed, "My Lord and my God!" God sees you, hears you, and values you.

V. Jesus's Response

Verse 29: Jesus responds to Thomas by saying, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Keyword: "Blessed"

1. Those who believe are given a special promise of blessing.
2. This blessing will lose its value if we insist on-
   1. Having a voice, vision, or revelation to validate our faith.
   2. Requiring specific circumstances to prove our faith.
   3. Seeking ecstatic experiences to validate our faith.
   4. Expecting answers to every challenging question or objection.
   5. Striving for worldly success in our work for Jesus.
   6. Insisting that others support our faith.
3. The climax of the book of John is the faith of Thomas, in which Jesus conquers unbelief after triumphing over sickness, sin, evil men, death, and sorrow throughout the Gospel of John.
4. This statement (v29) is often seen as a message to future generations of believers, encouraging them to have faith even in the absence of physical evidence.
5. Have faith and trust in Jesus' teachings and promises, even in the absence of tangible proof or empirical evidence.

VI. How to have faith, even in the face of doubt, and seek out truth daily.

1. The story of Thomas encourages us to embrace our doubts and questions and to seek out the truth for ourselves.
2. Be honest about your doubts and uncertainties, and seek out answers to questions that may challenge your faith.
3. Cultivate an open and curious mindset that is receptive to the nudging of the Holy Spirit.
4. Actively seek out opportunities to learn and grow, whether through prayer, meditation, study, or discussion with others.
5. Read the Bible, attend church, and engage in spiritual practices that help you build your faith.
6. Having faith and seeking truth are complementary pursuits that can build your faith.
7. Doubt is a natural part of the human experience, and it can lead us to deeper faith and understanding.

DAILY TAKEAWAYS

1. Faith requires a personal relationship with Jesus.
2. Doubt is a natural part of the human experience. Embrace your doubts and questions, and seek out the truth for yourself.
3. Faith is a gift and a blessing, and we should not take it for granted.
4. Jesus is Lord and God; worship Him as Lord and God.

EXTRAS

Jesus came to provide a way for people to have faith and trust in God despite their doubts and uncertainties. He modeled patience, compassion, and understanding towards those who expressed doubts while also encouraging them to deepen their faith and trust in God.

Positive: Doubt can actually be a positive thing in many cases. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Encourages critical thinking: This can lead to deeper understanding and critical thinking skills.
2. Promotes growth and learning: Doubt can motivate individuals to seek out knowledge and new experiences, which can lead to personal growth and learning.
3. Enhances decision-making: Doubt can help individuals carefully consider their options and make more informed decisions.
4. Fosters creativity: Doubt can inspire individuals to think outside the box and explore new ideas, which can lead to innovative thinking and creative problem-solving.
5. Promotes intellectual humility: Doubt can help individuals to recognize the limits of their own knowledge and understanding and promote intellectual humility and open-mindedness.

Negative: Doubt can actually be a negative thing in many cases. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Paralysis: Doubt can lead to indecision and inaction, preventing individuals from making important decisions or taking necessary action.
2. Anxiety: Persistent doubt can lead to anxiety and stress, making it difficult to focus, sleep, or enjoy life. Insecurity: Doubt can erode self-confidence and lead to feelings of insecurity or inadequacy.
3. Distrust: Excessive doubt can make it difficult to trust others, which can strain relationships and lead to isolation.
4. Cynicism: Too much doubt can lead to a cynical worldview, where individuals become skeptical or distrustful of everything and everyone, making it difficult to find joy or meaning in life.