John 20:24-31

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Thomas Had His Doubts Removed

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Because of the resurrection of Christ, there is evidence for those who have doubts.

  2. Because of the resurrection of Christ, there is blessing for those who have faith.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Let’s follow the biblical pattern for having our doubts removed.

QUESTIONS

  1. What was Thomas’ response when he heard that Jesus had come to them?

  2. Why will the Lord retain the scars of the crucifixion?

  3. Which verses state the purpose of John’s gospel? What was his purpose?

  4. Is there sufficient evidence of the resurrection of Christ for those who have doubts?

  5. According to Paul, if Jesus was not resurrected, what would that say about the Christian faith?

  6. Did Jesus command believers to worship on Sunday?

ANSWERS

  1. It was that of a typical skeptic, wanting to see material evidence for himself.

  2. To remind us forever as we worship that He bore the marks of death for our sin.

  3. John 20:30-31. “…that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”

  4. Definitely, both in Scripture and in extra-biblical writings.

  5. We would be pitiable. See 1 Corinthians 15:19.

  6. No. But because of the resurrection, even the Christian Jews never argued about the significance of this day.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. John 20:28 is not only a statement of worship, but a proclamation of the deity of Christ. The Lord blesses those who haven’t seen and yet have believed. Are you aware of this special blessing to you from the Lord? Can you, with Thomas, say, “My Lord and my God”?

  2. Are you following the biblical pattern for removing doubts about the faith? This involves seeking the Lord’s mind on all matters and worshipping with the Lord’s people.

CHALLENGE

  1. How secure are you in God’s peace? Do you take your anxieties to Him and leave them there, trusting Him to work out whatever is best for you?

KEY VERSES

  • “Thomas answered Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” John 20:28

  • “Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

  • “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:31



John, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsJohn 20:24-31