Dealing with Doubt

John the Baptist is experiencing something we all face: doubt
Doubt has existed since the beginning:
Eve doubted God in the Garden
Moses doubted his ability before Pharaoh
Jacob doubted Esau’s response
Joseph’s brothers doubted his love
Jonah doubted God could use him
Truth: Doubt is common—even among strong believers
In this passage, John questions if Jesus is truly the Messiah

I. Remember Who John Was
Prophesied by Isaiah as the voice in the wilderness
Son of Zacharias and Elizabeth
A preacher of repentance and salvation
Luke 1:76–77
“And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,”
John faithfully fulfilled his calling
Yet this same man struggled with doubt
Application:
The devil wants you to doubt your impact
Many hesitate to invite others to church because they doubt it will matter

II. Why Did John Doubt Jesus?
A. His Situation
John was in prison
Luke 3:19–20
“But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,
Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.”
His circumstances had changed drastically
Truth:
Difficult circumstances can produce:
Fear
Anxiety
Anger
Discouragement
Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
1 Corinthians 6:20
“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”
Principle:
When we fail to respond to hardship God’s way, our actions can reflect doubt
Application:
How are your circumstances affecting you spiritually?
Do your actions show trust in God?

B. His Sentiment (Expectation)
Luke 3:9
“And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”
John expected a judging, conquering Messiah
Jesus came showing mercy and compassion
Isaiah 55:8–9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
James 4:17
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
Truth:
Doubt often comes when God’s plan does not match our expectations
Application:
When life does not go your way, keep doing what is right
Do not allow confusion to turn into doubt

III. How Did John Deal With Doubt?
A. His Speech
John reached out for help
Luke 7:19
“And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?”
Truth:
He did not isolate himself
He sought answers
Application:
Speak to someone when you are struggling
Seek godly counsel
Do not allow doubt to grow in silence
Matthew 26:38
“Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.”
Even Jesus asked others to pray with Him

B. Jesus’ Solution
Luke 7:20–23
“When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”
Jesus responded with evidence and truth
He reminded John of who He is
Application:
When doubt comes, focus on:
What God has done
Who God is

IV. Conclusion
Jesus Defended John
Luke 7:24–28
“And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist:”
Truth:
Even when John doubted, Jesus stood up for him
Final Challenge
Are your circumstances causing doubt?
Are your expectations aligned with God’s will?
Do your actions reflect faith or doubt?
Call to Action
Do not doubt your impact
Invite someone to church
Trust God to work through you
Truth:
If you trust Him, He will use you
If you trust Him, He will stand for you