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Faith vs Doubt. Mark 9:17-24. Faith -vs- Doubt. FAITH Full faith exists as doubt is banished. DOUBT Doubt manifests a lack of faith. Examples: Faith & Doubt Contrasted. Gospel of Matthew presents cases of both Examples of “little faith” (doubt) Matt. 8:23-27 Disciples on stormy sea
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Faith vs Doubt Mark 9:17-24
Faith -vs- Doubt FAITH Full faith exists as doubt is banished DOUBT Doubt manifests a lack of faith
Examples: Faith & Doubt Contrasted • Gospel of Matthew presents cases of both • Examples of “little faith” (doubt) • Matt. 8:23-27Disciples on stormy sea • Matt. 14:25-31Peter sinks from doubt • Examples of “great faith” • Matt. 8:5-13Centurion with sick servant • Matt. 15:21-28Canaanitish woman • The struggle with faith & doubt is familiar (Mark 9:17-24)
Problem of Doubt • Doubt leaves us adrift in spiritual storm (Jas. 1:5-8) • Left without stability of God’s help in prayer • Double-minded & “unstable in all his ways” • Unbelief that condemned Israel was result of doubt (Heb. 3:12-19) • Did not hold “confidence firm unto the end” • Result: “Hardened by deceitfulness of sin” • Doubt brought sadness in time joy should have reigned with faith (Lk. 24:17-25)
The Faith Required by God • Foundational to all else (2 Pet. 1:5) • Faith is essential to please God (Heb. 11:1-6) • Gives substance to reality of spiritual things • Creation provides essential foundation to faith • Must believe God is & God rewards the obedient • “The righteous shall live by faith” (Hab. 2:4) • Note use inRom. 1:16-17,Gal. 3:11, Heb. 10:36f • Full faith must replace all doubt (Heb. 10:22) • This kind of faith is victorious (1 Jn. 5:4)
Which Characterizes Us? DOUBT FAITH or “I believe, help thou my unbelief”