† ~ BIBLE STUDY: Unbelief or Doubt ~ †

† ~ BIBLE STUDY: Unbelief or Doubt ~ †
Title: Unbelief or Doubt
Date: Nov 20, 2009
Topic(s): Christian Living/Situational
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, Jeremiah 29:11, Luke 1:1-20

Henry Drummond, a 19th century Scottish preacher and author, wrote, "Christ never failed to distinguish between doubt and unbelief. Doubt is can't believe; unbelief is won't believe. Doubt is honesty; unbelief is obstinacy. Doubt is looking for light; unbelief is content with darkness." [H. Drummond, Addresses by Henry Drummond, (Chicago: Colportage Association, 1898), p. 115.]

God is tough on unbelief, but gentle on doubt. We can see this difference in God's response to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Let's look at those stories.
What Does God Say?

Read Luke 1:1-20 and answer the following questions:

* How are Zechariah and his wife described (1:6-7)?
* How does Zechariah respond to the angel's message (1:18)?
* What is the consequence of Zechariah's response (1:19-20)?

Read Luke 1:26-38 and answer the following questions:

* How is Mary described (1:27-28)?
* How did Mary respond to the angel's announcement (1:34)?
* How does the angel respond (1:35-37)?

My Thoughts

Zechariah and Mary both appear to respond the same way to Gabriel's announcements, but Zechariah's response is called "unbelief" (1:20) while Mary's response is not. Zechariah is given both a sign and a punishment (unable to speak) while Mary is given an explanation and words of encouragement.

The key to this difference can be found in God's Word. Zechariah was a priest; he knew his Old Testament stories thoroughly, but he never applied them to himself. Had he considered the story of Abraham and Sarah, he would have seen a direct parallel between Sarah and Elizabeth. Like Sarah, Elizabeth was barren. Like Sarah, Elizabeth was beyond the age of child bearing. But God gave Sarah a son. To question God's ability to give Zechariah a son through his aged wife, Elizabeth, was an act of unbelief.

Mary, on the other hand, was facing a situation that had no precedent. No where in Scripture had a virgin given birth to a child. Still, her question was not "if" but "how." It was not unbelief but puzzlement. And Gabriel's response was to assure her, "For nothing will be impossible with God" (Luke 1:37, ESV).

When God's Word says it, there's no room for "if," but God understands when we wonder "how." God rebukes unbelief but reassures the doubter.
My Part

Are you struggling with unbelief? The solution is to engage God's Word daily. Don't simply read the Bible, however; apply it to your life. The God who is revealed in Genesis through Revelation is the same God who relates to you today. As He dealt with His people in the past, He will deal with you today.

If you're struggling with doubt; if you're wondering "how," then trust in God's character. Even if He doesn't give you an answer, you can be confident that nothing is beyond His ability. You can be sure that His plans for you are for good and not for evil (Jeremiah 29:11).

BIBLE MINUTE with Woodrow Kroll. This Bible Study is from "Back to the Bible Ministries." http://www.bibleminute.org/

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DAILY VERSE

Psalm 94:19, New International Version

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.

Thoughts on Today's Verse

God is our comforter, sustainer, and Lord. Only his gracious presence and tender blessings can bring consolation and comfort to our restless and discouraged souls. So let's turn to him, honestly confessing both our sins and our sorrows. Let's ask him to take our anxiety away and restore to us the passion, the joy, and the confidence of our salvation.

Prayer

Almighty Shepherd, in the noise and confusion of many thoughts burdened by many concerns, minister to me through your Holy Spirit. I need your comfort and peace. I ask for your presence and your grace. In Jesus' name I ask. Amen.

<><><><><> In Spanish <><><><><>

Cuando mis inquietudes se multiplican dentro de mí, tus consuelos deleitan mi alma.
Salmos 94:19

Comentario: Dios es nuestro consolador, sustentor y Señor. Solo su presencia de gracia y bendiciones pueden consolar a nuestras almas cansadas y derrotadas. Así lo debemos de buscar, confesando nuestros pecados y tristezas. Debemos de pedirle que nos saque nuesras ansias y que nos restaure nuestra pasión, gozo y la confianza de nuestra salvación.

Oración: Pastor Todopoderoso, en el ruido y confusión de los pensamientos sin fin y mis muchas preocupaciones, bendíceme por tu Espíritu Santo. Necesito tu consuelo y paz. Pido tu presencia y gracia. En el nombre de Jesús, pido. Amén.

Phil Ware, President of Heartlight Inc. Minister of the Word phil@heartlight.org HEARTLIGHT® Magazine is produced by Heartlight, Inc. HEARTLIGHT is a registered service mark of Heartlight, Inc. PO Box 7044, Abilene, TX, USA 79608-7044. Copyright © 1996-2009

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NOTE: The Bible Study and the devotional are NOT my work; I had nothing to do with it other than to copy and paste it in this group. It is solely authored and owned by "Back to the Bible,"and is posted by me so others will get spiritual benefits so to increase their walk with God. GBU, JeL

† ~ BIBLE STUDY: Unbelief or Doubt ~ †
† Father, walk through the homes of those who read these devotionals / Bible studies and take away their worries and illnesses. Please watch over and heal all those in their time of need; in the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen†