DON'T LOOK DOWN ON "DOUBTING THOMAS," FOR SOMETIMES A HEALTHY DOUBT IS A GOOD SAFE THING TO HAVE

1. Thomas was not disloyal, or a coward for he was willing to go with Jesus, to die with him
2. But He did not always believe everything men told him, he wanted to see Jesus for himself
3. But when he saw Jesus, he wasted no time proclaiming "My Lord and my God" - a clear faith

In this episode maybe we can learn the difference in honest doubt and sin

I.- WHEN THOMAS DOUBTED!  John 20:25

"A Modest doubt is called the beacon of the wise," Shakespeare - great literature- true to life

A.- THE FOLLY OF DOUBTING THOMAS - THERE WERE SOME WAYS IN WHICH HE WAS FOOLISH IN DOUBTING

1. He had not studied the Bible- To doubt God's Eternal Word is not wise- Taste and see
2. He had not really listened to Jesus- and to sleep in Church is also not safe
3. He refused to receive the unanimous testimony of his friends- and they had seen Jesus

B.- THE WISDOM OF DOUBTING THOMAS - THERE IS SOME GOOD IN ALMOST ANY MAN, IF YOU WILL SEEK IT

1. Not always are well meaning friends right- this bunch had deserted Jesus & Thomas followed
2. Jesus had warned them- Matt 24:24 of Satan's lying wonders, signs not to be believed
3. Real faith is not carried with every wind of doctrine- Eph 4:14 some people like sponges

C.- THE WISDOM OF A CONTROLLED DOUBT TODAY, WE ARE ASKED TO BELIEVE SO MANY CONFLICTING THINGS

1. The world is in the midst of a credibility struggle -powers fighting for your faith
2. The occult will claim great spiritual power - a new center on Thomas- shoes at door-
3. Satan is working today- II Thes 2:8-12 with power, signs, and wonders -to confuse people

If ever a need- it is today- keep nose in Bible, Ear to the Spirit, and Eye on Jesus!

II.- WHEN THOMAS FACED REALITY John 20:27

"Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt" -Shakespeare

A.- JESUS RETURNED TO ANSWER THE DOUBTS OF THOMAS v.26,7 JESUS WILL ANSWER YOUR DOUBTS

1. When Jesus came back v.26 He came with a message- "Peace be unto you" -troubled hearts!
2. He turned immediately to Thomas- v.27 Who had tattled? - Jesus was not there to hear Thomas
3. When the Lord speaks to you through the pastor, who tattled?  Probably no one but Spirit!

B.- JESUS ALSO ANSWERS THE DOUBTS OF THOSE WHO HAVE HONEST QUESTIONS IF WE WOULD BUT LISTEN

1. "Reach Hither"... "Be not faithless, but believing" is an invitation to KNOW!
2. The Word of God warns us plainly about wanting to know wrong things-Deut. 18:9-12 
3. "Some think if it is a miracle, it is from God" -Lindsey; Others have a feigned faith

C.- LEARN TO DISCERN BETWEEN THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD AND THE SPIRIT OF SATAN!  BE WISE IN DOUBTING

1. I John 4:1 "Believe not every spirit".. "Try the Spirits"- use wisdom in what you believe
2. God can stand our honest doubts- For he invited "Come let us reason together" Isa 1:18
3. The scriptures are given to us with many infallible proofs- But Satan II Cor.11:14,15

Face reality- if you have fallen for Satan's line confess it, forsake it, renounce him- John 20:28

III.- WHEN THOMAS BELIEVED & ACTED

Prov 1:7, 9:10 - a Wise man fears God, and hates sin- (Satan) so keep it this way

A.- WHEN THOMAS SAW THE LORD HIS DOUBTS FLEW AWAY v.28 AND HE DID NOT LINGER ON THEM

1. He did not follow his foolish demands- to thrust his finger into the nail wound- etc.
2. We also must be willing for the Lord Jesus to reveal Himself His own way- not our demands
3. Today it is through His Word; His Church; Godly, responsible ministers; & Saved people

B.- THOMAS CONFESSED THE LORD WITH PLAIN, POWERFUL WORDS THAT LEFT NO DOUBT TO HIS FAITH-28b

1. There is no clearer confession in the Word than this- " My Lord and my God" -
2. The confession of truth strengthens it,- confess the Lord often, and His touch in your life
3. If your confession is in error- the church is to reprove, rebuke, exhort,

C.- JESUS HAS A SPECIAL BLESSING FOR THOSE WHO WILL BELIEVE ON HIM WITHOUT PHYSICAL PROOF v.29

1. Those who believe today cannot see- but search for other infallible proofs- Blessed!
2. Those who put their faith in Satan and his tricks- Rev. 19:20 will be judged with him
3. But we need people today with an unfeigned faith- I Tim 1:5 -very practical & real

Two great periods of time- His 1st coming, and His 2nd coming- which most exciting? -Now!

I PRAY GOD THAT YOU HAVE THE WISDOM OF A CAUTIOUS DOUBT, BUT A STRONG FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS

1. Abstain with a Sanctified doubt from all the tricks and allurements of Satan
2. Draw nigh with an Unfeigned Faith to the precious promises of the Lord.-
3. And take your stand by confessing Him when you need to! -