TITLE:  Is it a sin to doubt?
TEXT:  Matthew 21:21-22
PROPOSITION:  We often have doubts about our faith.
QUESTION:  How?
KEY WORD:  Suggestions
SCRIPTURE READING:  Same

 INTRODUCTION:

1. We often have doubts about:
   1. Our faith – God, Bible, Jesus
   2. Our friends – real, backstabbing
   3. Our life – decisions, career
2. What does the NT teach about doubting?

 Three Kinds of Doubt

1. Crippling – Rejection of your own belief system
2. Seeking – Search, investigate, look for affirmation, support of our faith
3. Momentary – Arise our of crisis, pain, stress; When the stress is gone, so is the doubt

 Causes of Doubt

1. Guilt, sin, attempt to justify your wrong actions
2. Vine – To test, to prove, with the expectation of approving
   1. 1 Thessalonians 5:21
   2. Ephesians 5:10
   3. 1 Corinthians 11:28 – let a man examine himself
   4. 2 Corinthians 13:5 – examine yourselves
   5. Romans 12:2 – that you may prove
   6. 1 John 4:1 – try the spirits
   7. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 – allowed – better “approved”
3. In Crisis
   1. Jesus – Matthew 27:46
   2. Martha – John 11:21
   3. Mary – John 11:32
   4. John the Baptizer – Luke 7:19

 Some Suggestions

1. Why am I feeling doubt?
   1. Because of sin?
   2. I am searching for the truth?
   3. I am in crisis?
2. What will I do with the answer?
   1. Reject it and keep looking?
   2. Rejoice that I found the truth?
   3. Praise God when the crisis is over and things are normal again?