Seeking Answers

Seeking Answers
John 3:1–12
When In Doubt Series

Whether you’ve been a believer for a long time or a short time, all of us have experienced doubts in the past, are currently having doubts, or will wrestle with doubts in the future.

I want to encourage you. You are not alone. Some of the greatest people in the Bible also faced doubt. We’ve already talked about:

• The man with the demon-possessed son who said to Jesus, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief…”
• John the Baptist’s doubt concerning Jesus
• Thomas’ doubt about Jesus’ resurrection

Let me introduce a few more people to add to the list.

Did you know Abraham and Sarah had their doubts? They struggled with doubt when it came to God’s promise of a son in their old age.

Job, in the midst of intense suffering, wrestled with doubt about God’s justice. He questioned the reasons behind his trials and sought to understand God’s purposes.

Moses, despite leading the Israelites, also experienced doubt.

Gideon, chosen by God to lead, struggled with doubts about his abilities and God’s presence, seeking signs to confirm his calling.

Even the prophet Elijah doubted. After a victory over Baal’s prophets, he questioned God’s plans (1 Kings 19:1-18).

David, a man after God’s own heart, expressed doubt and questioning in the Psalms during difficult times.

In fact, if every person who doubted God were removed from the Bible, the Bible would be a short book.

So what triggers our doubt? Why do we doubt? Here are a few reasons:

• Personal experiences of pain and suffering: When we go through difficult times, experience loss, or witness injustice in the world, we may question God’s goodness, fairness, or love. We might wonder why a loving God would allow such pain and suffering to exist.
• Unanswered prayers: When our heartfelt prayers seem to go unanswered, it can lead to doubt. We might question whether God hears us, cares about our needs, or even exists. Unfulfilled expectations can cause us to wonder if our faith is in vain.
• Perceived unfairness or injustice: Sometimes we observe situations that seem contradictory to our understanding of God’s character. We might see good people suffering while seemingly wicked people prosper. This apparent disconnect can raise questions about God’s justice and fairness.
• Unresolved hurts from others: Disappointments or betrayals from people we trust, especially within the church, can lead to doubt. If those who represent faith fail us, it can be challenging to reconcile their actions with the principles they preach.
• Unanswered questions or intellectual challenges: There are aspects of faith and the Bible that can be difficult to comprehend. Contradictions, ethical dilemmas, and philosophical questions can create doubt, especially when we lack satisfactory answers.
• Moral dilemmas and ethical complexities: Sometimes, faith requires adhering to certain moral principles that might conflict with societal norms or personal desires. Wrestling with these dilemmas can lead to doubt about the right course of action or the validity of our beliefs.
• Cultural and societal influences: External factors, such as secular worldviews, scientific advancements, or the skepticism of others, can introduce doubts by challenging traditional religious beliefs.
• Emotional and psychological struggles: Mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, can influence our thought processes and perceptions. These struggles may cause us to doubt even when our faith has been strong in the past.
• Spiritual dryness: There are times when our spiritual connection with God feels distant or absent. This can lead to doubt as we question whether God is still present in our lives.

We need to remember that doubt is not the absence of faith; it’s the questioning of faith. The strongest faith doesn’t lack doubt but grows through it. Dealt with correctly, doubt can actually deepen our faith.

If we are questioning our faith, we need to seek answers. I want to highlight Nicodemus because if there is one thing we can learn from Nic at night, it is this: It is okay to have questions.

John 3:1–12 (NKJV)

1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?”

10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?

11 Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.

12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

Who was Nicodemus?

His encounter with Jesus in John 3 provides valuable insights into his character and his quest for spiritual understanding.

1. Respected Pharisee and Member of the Sanhedrin: Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a religious group known for their rigorous adherence to Jewish law and traditions. He held a prominent position within the Jewish religious hierarchy as a member of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council responsible for religious and legal matters. This position indicates his influence and authority within the religious community of his time.
2. Teacher of Israel: Jesus referred to Nicodemus as a “teacher of Israel,” highlighting his role as an educator and spiritual leader among the Jewish people. This designation underscores Nicodemus’ reputation as a knowledgeable and respected figure within Jewish religious circles.
3. Seeking Deeper Spiritual Truths: Despite his elevated status, Nicodemus was not content with mere outward observance of religious practices. He was drawn to Jesus because he recognized that Jesus had a unique connection to God and was capable of performing miracles that were beyond human explanation. Nicodemus’ visit to Jesus at night suggests that he wanted a private and uninterrupted conversation to delve into deeper matters of faith.
4. Nighttime Encounter: Nicodemus’ decision to approach Jesus at night has been the subject of various interpretations. While some speculate that he may have been concerned about his reputation or the potential consequences of being seen with Jesus, others believe that he chose this time for a more personal and reflective conversation. In Jewish tradition, nighttime was often a time for deeper discussions and personal reflection, away from the distractions of daily life.
5. Continuation of His Story: Nicodemus’ encounter with Jesus in John 3 is not the end of his story. He is mentioned later in John 7, where he stands up for fairness and due process within the Sanhedrin. This demonstrates his commitment to justice and truth even in the face of opposition from his peers. Additionally, his involvement in preparing Jesus’ body for burial in John 19 reveals his continued connection to Jesus, even after His crucifixion.

Nicodemus serves as an example for us, encouraging us to seek deeper understanding and a relationship with God, even if it means questioning and challenging our own preconceptions.

Here is the big idea: It is okay to have questions.

Our God is big enough to handle our questions. There is no question that will stump God. Now, we need to remember that God is not obligated to answer all our questions, but just because He doesn’t give you an answer or answer your question the way you expected Him to does not indicate that God lacks the knowledge needed to answer your question. Another lesson we learn is this: Jesus isn’t afraid or offended by our questions or doubts.

Sometimes the most faith-filled thing we can do is to tell God about all of our doubts, even if we aren’t sure what’s going to happen next.

One of my favorite Bible verses is 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your cares upon the Lord, because He cares for you.” God invites us to cast our doubts, our questions, and our cares upon Him. The questions you have really are an opportunity for you to trust and depend on God.

Your doubts don’t have to take you away from God. Your doubts can actually draw you closer to God.

That is one lesson that we learn from Nic – he comes to Jesus with his observations and questions.

How should we seek answers?

#1 We need to have a Heart of Humility when Seeking Answers

Nicodemus did not go to Jesus to prove Jesus wrong or demand answers from Him to test or trap Jesus.

The other Pharisees often tried to do that, but not Nicodemus. He genuinely comes to Jesus with a heart of humility and curiosity.

Here is a good example of the difference between healthy skepticism and unhealthy skepticism. The Pharisees were skeptical of Jesus without examining the claims for themselves. They had doubts about Jesus and nothing was going to change their minds. This is unhealthy skepticism.

Nicodemus is a good example of healthy skepticism.

He was open to learning: Nicodemus’s decision to approach Jesus indicates his openness to learning. He recognizes that there might be wisdom and insights to gain from Jesus that he doesn’t yet possess. This willingness to engage with someone he might have viewed as different from himself demonstrates his desire to expand his understanding.

He was Respectful: Nicodemus’s approach is marked by respectful examination. He addresses Jesus as “Rabbi,” a title of honor and respect, indicating his recognition of Jesus’s authority as a teacher. This respectful tone sets the stage for a constructive dialogue rather than a confrontational exchange.

He was Curious: Unlike the Pharisees who often engaged with Jesus to challenge or discredit him, Nicodemus seeks understanding rather than asserting his own viewpoint. He comes with questions and seeks clarification, indicating his desire to comprehend rather than to prove himself right.

He was Vulnerable: By approaching Jesus under the cover of darkness, Nicodemus displays vulnerability. He is willing to put aside his public persona and engage in a one-on-one conversation, a sign of humility that is essential for genuine learning and growth.

He has a Teachable Spirit: Nicodemus’s attitude exemplifies a teachable spirit—a disposition that recognizes the limitations of one’s knowledge and the potential for growth through learning from others.

Proverbs 2:3–5 (NKJV)

3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding,

Crying Out for Discernment: The passage encourages us to cry out for discernment, which involves a heartfelt and earnest plea for the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. This speaks to the humility of acknowledging our limited understanding and the need for divine guidance.

Lifting Up Your Voice for Understanding: Lifting up one’s voice for understanding implies an active effort to seek insight and clarity. This emphasizes the curious and inquisitive attitude that seeks to comprehend deeper truths and meanings.

4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures;

Seeking Like Hidden Treasures: Comparing the search for understanding to seeking silver and hidden treasures reinforces the idea that the pursuit of wisdom is valuable and worthy of great effort. Just as one would meticulously search for hidden treasures, we are called to invest similar diligence and persistence in seeking answers and understanding.

5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God.

Understanding the Fear of the LORD: The passage highlights that through this pursuit of wisdom, we come to understand the fear of the LORD. This implies a deep reverence and awe for God’s wisdom and teachings, demonstrating humility before the divine source of all knowledge.

Finding the Knowledge of God: The ultimate goal of this pursuit is to find the knowledge of God. This signifies a spiritual and intellectual connection with divine truths, highlighting the idea that seeking answers and understanding can lead to a deeper relationship with God.

#2 Faith requires that we follow without all the answers.

Did you know there is a difference between belief and faith?

Belief deals with knowledge of something or someone. The Bible says that the demons believe in God and tremble in fear. You can have an intellectual knowledge of something or someone, but that is not the same as faith. Faith is taking what we believe and responding to what we believe. And we do not need to have everything figured out to have faith in God.

I was watching a video about an electrician talking about 220 volts and the wiring. He was talking about the breaker box and 220 volts having two legs and a ground and a neutral wire. He was using all of this electrical jargon that quite honestly, I had no clue about. Now for some of you, you might understand all of this electrical wiring stuff, but I don’t. Two legs, single pole, double pole, return… I don’t understand it. Here is the point. We don’t need to understand everything there is to know about 220 volts in order to experience the benefits of it. Sometimes we think that we have to have all the answers first before we can trust God. Here is what I propose: Trust God with what you know about Him now and continue to learn more about Him through a personal relationship.

#3 Faith is a journey, not the destination.

We will delve into this in our next teaching, but let me lay the foundation. As believers, we are on a faith journey, which is a continuous process of learning (or discipleship) as we grow closer to God.

We are called to make disciples. Disciples are students. We tend to view the church as a hospital, but did you know the church is also a classroom? The church should be a safe place to ask questions. We had a dear member of our church (she has since gone home to be with Jesus), but while she was with us, she was so hungry to know more about God. She came from a Jewish background and she had a ton of questions. I loved it when she would ask questions. She would ask some of the most thought-provoking questions. She did this not from a heart of unhealthy skepticism, but because she genuinely wanted to learn more about Jesus. Not to mention she kept me on my toes. I never knew what question she would ask, and many times she would ask a question that others were afraid to ask.

So it is within the framework of discipleship where we can and should feel safe to voice our questions. As believers, we need to remember that we are at different mile markers on the faith journey.

We are not all at the same mile marker. Some of us are ahead on the journey. Some are traveling behind, some are together. Some have pulled over and are taking a nap. You get the idea.

Let me close with this: Doubt does not need to be a stumbling block but an invitation to deepen our relationship with God and each other.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As I come before You today, I am reminded of the beauty of seeking You in the midst of my doubts and questions. You are the source of all wisdom and understanding, and I trust that You are always present, ready to guide me through every uncertainty.

Lord, I acknowledge the times when doubts have clouded my faith journey. I bring these doubts to You, knowing that You are not surprised by them. Help me to navigate these moments with a heart of humility and curiosity, just as Nicodemus approached Jesus. May I learn from his example, seeking understanding with respect and a teachable spirit.

I cast my cares and questions upon You, knowing that You care for me deeply. I know that my doubts don’t have to distance me from You; instead, they can become stepping stones to a deeper relationship with You. Give me the courage to share my doubts openly, both with You and with others, understanding that seeking answers is a part of my growth as Your disciple.

Lord, help me to differentiate between healthy skepticism that leads to growth and unhealthy skepticism that hinders my faith. Guide me in finding a balance between seeking answers and trusting in Your sovereignty. Let my doubts draw me closer to You rather than push me away.

As I embark on this faith journey, I embrace the idea that faith is a continuous process of learning and growing. Help me to be patient with myself and with others, recognizing that we are all at different points on this journey. Allow me to be a source of encouragement and support for those around me who may be grappling with their own doubts.

Thank You for being a God who welcomes my questions and listens to my doubts. I surrender them to Your infinite wisdom, trusting that Your answers will come in Your perfect timing. Strengthen my faith and deepen my relationship with You through every doubt I face.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.

Discussion Questions:

1. Personal Reflection: Have you ever experienced moments of doubt in your faith journey? How did those doubts arise, and how did you respond to them?
2. Biblical Examples of Doubt: In the message, various figures from the Bible were mentioned who experienced doubt. Which of these examples do you relate to the most, and why?
3. Reasons for Doubt: We shared several reasons why people might experience doubt. Can you identify with any of these reasons? How have personal experiences or external factors contributed to your doubts?
4. Understanding Doubt and Faith: How would you distinguish between doubt and lack of faith? Is it possible to have faith while still experiencing doubt? Share examples from your own life or from the stories of others.
5. Nicodemus’ Approach: What can we learn from Nicodemus’ approach to seeking answers from Jesus? How does his humility, respect, and curiosity provide a model for how we can approach our own doubts?
6. Balancing Skepticism: How can we strike a balance between healthy skepticism and unhealthy skepticism when it comes to our faith? What are the benefits of questioning and seeking answers in a respectful manner?
7. Casting Cares on God: What does it mean to cast our doubts and questions upon God? How can this practice help us navigate times of uncertainty and draw us closer to Him?
8. The Role of the Church: Do you believe that the church should be a safe place to ask questions? Do you feel comfortable sharing your doubts and questions within your church community? How can churches foster an environment of open dialogue?
9. Growing Through Doubt: How has doubt, when dealt with correctly, deepened your understanding of faith? Share instances where doubts led to personal growth and a stronger relationship with God.
10. Faith as a Journey: What does it mean for faith to be a journey rather than a destination? How can we embrace the idea that we are all at different points on this journey and support each other along the way?
11. Seeking Answers: What steps can we take to seek answers when we’re wrestling with doubts? How can we engage in a process of learning and seeking understanding while maintaining humility?
12. The Role of Doubt in Discipleship: How does doubt play a role in our growth as disciples of Christ? How can we help others in their faith journey when they are experiencing doubts?
13. Overcoming Fear: The passage mentions “the fear of the LORD.” How can understanding and embracing this fear positively influence our approach to doubts and questions?
14. Sharing Experiences: Are there any personal experiences where you or someone you know found resolution or comfort in the midst of doubt? How did these experiences shape your perspective on seeking answers?
15. Application: Reflecting on what we’ve discussed, what practical steps can you take to address your doubts in a healthy and constructive way? How can you encourage others who might be struggling with their own doubts?