What Causes Doubt of God’s Existence_
Teachers
Lesson Summary
Tim Lewis opened the class by acknowledging that doubt is a common experience for believers, but clarified that his goal was to understand it, not to foster it. He highlighted faith as essential for pleasing God, quoting Hebrews that without faith it is impossible to please Him. Using the story of Thomas (John 20:24‑29), he showed how a demand for physical evidence can fuel doubt, yet Jesus’s affirmation taught that blessed are those who believe without seeing. Tim then moved to John the Baptist’s struggle (John 1:29‑34; Matthew 11:2‑3), illustrating how unmet expectations—such as questioning why the Messiah suffered—can create uncertainty. Finally, he identified persecution and personal suffering as additional sources that undermine confidence in God’s goodness. The lesson concluded with a call to embrace biblical faith, trusting the “substance of things hoped for” even when empirical proof is lacking. Tim encouraged the congregation to deliberate on their own doubts, to seek community support, and to anchor their hope in Scripture. He reminded everyone that God’s promises remain steadfast, inviting them to grow through honest questioning while holding fast to the truth of the Gospel.
Key Scriptures
Thomas, one of the twelve, called Doubting Thomas, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord.' But Thomas said to them, 'Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.' A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them, though the doors were locked. Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.' He said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.' Thomas said to him, 'My Lord and my God!' Then Jesus declared, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'