Struggling With Doubt

 N.T.#531 "Struggling With Doubt"

April 17, 2025 

Luke 7-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

Are you struggling with doubt today? People are sinners and say and do bad things, yet Jesus remains faithful. John the Baptist even had doubts. How did it turn out? Read on.

What a different response concerning the baptism of John in the two groups of people. Many of the people heard (responded by believing and had received Jesus' teaching about John as truth). 

They justified (innocent; righteous) God. They vindicated God by their very existence as believers. 

The other group were Pharisees who rejected God's sovereignty rule over them. 

Rejected  means to declare invalid, to nullify, to set aside.

 Jesus likened the Pharisees to squabbling children who complain that everyone doesn't play their phony games. (verses 31-34)

The Pharisees had it all wrong. 

They dismissed John as a demonized heretic and Jesus as a drunkard and glutton. In less than 3 years, Jesus would prove His identity as God in human flesh. The religious ones would kill Jesus, yet He would rise from the dead and then ascend into heaven taking His rightful place in power-sitting on the throne at the right hand of our Heaven Father God. 

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Luke]

Time will tell who has believed correctly, as opposed to those who have rejected God's purpose for them and His salvation through Jesus. People who receive the messages of John and Jesus with spiritual insight validate it by their actions. Thus, they are the wiser than Israel's religious leaders.

Which are you, dear friend?

LET IT GROW

Was John encouraged by Jesus' reassuring message? John the Baptist remained in prison until beheaded by Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee (9:9) 

We consider John's death as cruel and pointless, but he remained the greatest mortal who ever died. John's trust in Jesus gave him unshakable confidence during his lonely last days. Though shaken by doubt, John never blew away. 

What lessons can we learn from John's struggle? According to Swindoll:

1. Doubting may temporarily disturb but it does not permanently destroy a relationship with Christ. If you are doubting, may the grace and mercy of God sustain you. Seek truth and let it lead you to God.
2. Special blessings rest upon those who can live with earthly inequities, knowing there are heavenly purposes. Keep trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, for special blessing lie ahead.
3. Being childlike is commendable; being childish is unacceptable. Run to Jesus.

LET IT GO

Let go of discouragement and doubt. Trust Jesus and follow His teachings. 

Don't try to justify our actions. Jesus sees it all.

Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Bless all who read this today, Sweet Jesus, with comfort and salvation and faith.