Volitional Doubt

John 20:24-28

Doubt doesn’t always sound like questions; it often sounds like conditions. “If… then I’ll believe.” Beneath the surface, it’s not always uncertainty, but a guarded heart shaped by disappointment, fear, or the need to stay in control. Like Thomas, we can stand close to truth and still hold it at arm’s length. Yet Jesus meets us with invitation. Not simply offering more evidence but calling us into trust. A trust that doesn’t wait for every answer but surrenders in the presence of the One who still bears the scars.

1. Describe a time when you knew what to do and still did not do it.

       a. Why did you not do it?

2. Have you ever tried to bargain with God: “If you do this, then I will do that”?

       a. Why did you bargain?

3. Is there someone in your life who is hardened towards God’s truth?

4. Pastor Ryan said that peace is lacking when we are doubting. Read Philippians 4:4-9 & Hebrews 13:20-21— What is lacking if you do not have peace?

       a. How would this contribute to doubt?

5. What does Jesus’ gracious attitude towards Thomas tell us about our relationship with him when we are full of doubt?

6. Doubts rob us of the ability to see the big picture. Read Psalm 89:1-2; Psalm 101:1-4; Isaiah 25:1— Why do we put faith in God?

7. Read Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; 1 Timothy 3:14-4:1, 6-10 — Is faith a feeling?

       a. Read Hebrews 10:36-11:1 — What supports our faith if not evidence or feelings?

8. Read Romans 2:6-11 — What are the rewards for surrender to God?

9. Read Matthew 10:22; Acts 16:26-34; Hebrews 11:6-7 — Each of these instances answered the same question: “What must I do to be saved?” What was the answer?