The Wisdom of The Wisdom of DoubtingDoubting

Acts 17:10-15Acts 17:10-15

Introduction Introduction

Can lead to something goodCan lead to something good Normally not thought of as goodNormally not thought of as good Depends on the circumstancesDepends on the circumstances

Need God’s approvalNeed God’s approval Will lead us to doubt, and examineWill lead us to doubt, and examine What God requires What God requires

(Ephesians 5:10, 11; 1 (Ephesians 5:10, 11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21)Thessalonians 5:21)

Bad Sources of DoubtBad Sources of Doubt Ignorance Ignorance

Lack of investigation (Matthew 28:16, Lack of investigation (Matthew 28:16, 17)17)

Eventually believe a lie Eventually believe a lie (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)

PrejudicePrejudice Prejudging a situation (Genesis 37:33-Prejudging a situation (Genesis 37:33-

35)35) Jews’ problem (John 1:46; 7:42, 52)Jews’ problem (John 1:46; 7:42, 52) ““Don’t confuse me with the facts…”Don’t confuse me with the facts…”

Bad Sources of DoubtBad Sources of Doubt Little faithLittle faith

Peter sank (Matthew 14:31)Peter sank (Matthew 14:31) Increase our faith Increase our faith

(Acts 20:32; Romans 10:17) (Acts 20:32; Romans 10:17) Rabble-rousing dispositionRabble-rousing disposition

Play “devil’s advocate” (1 Timothy 6:5)Play “devil’s advocate” (1 Timothy 6:5)Enjoys strife (1 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy Enjoys strife (1 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy

2:14)2:14)Unstable (Romans 16:17, 18; Ephesians Unstable (Romans 16:17, 18; Ephesians

4:14)4:14)

Bad Sources of DoubtBad Sources of Doubt Lack of convincing evidenceLack of convincing evidence

Gullibility is no virtueGullibility is no virtueNeed to imitate the Bereans (Acts Need to imitate the Bereans (Acts

17:10, 11)17:10, 11)Demand the best evidence (John Demand the best evidence (John

20:24-29)20:24-29)

Wisdom of DoubtingWisdom of Doubting Must not accept errorMust not accept error

Investigation is healthyInvestigation is healthyDoubt led men like Luther to ask Doubt led men like Luther to ask

questionsquestionsDoubt leads men in every age to Doubt leads men in every age to

questionquestionSome changes may be required Some changes may be required

(1 Thessalonians 5:21) (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

Wisdom of DoubtingWisdom of Doubting

A sign of an open mindA sign of an open mindToo many are “often in error, but Too many are “often in error, but

never in doubt”never in doubt”A lady prayed, “Start me off right, A lady prayed, “Start me off right,

for if I am wrong, even you can’t for if I am wrong, even you can’t change me”change me”

Keep an open mindKeep an open mind

Wisdom of DoubtingWisdom of Doubting The Bible commends healthy The Bible commends healthy

doubtingdoubtingSearch the Scriptures (John 5:39)Search the Scriptures (John 5:39)Prove what is acceptable (Romans Prove what is acceptable (Romans

12:2) Prove yourselves (2 12:2) Prove yourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5)Corinthians 13:5)

Prove our work (Galatians 6:4)Prove our work (Galatians 6:4)Learn what is pleasing (Ephesians Learn what is pleasing (Ephesians

5:10)5:10)

Wisdom of DoubtingWisdom of Doubting The Bible commends healthy The Bible commends healthy

doubtingdoubtingElders and deacons are to be Elders and deacons are to be

proven (1 Timothy 3:10)proven (1 Timothy 3:10)We are to give answer (1 Peter We are to give answer (1 Peter

3:15)3:15)Test the spirits (1 John 4:1)Test the spirits (1 John 4:1)

Conclusion Conclusion

Healthy doubting is necessaryHealthy doubting is necessary Must not follow blindlyMust not follow blindly