1. The Wisdom of Doubting Acts 17:10-15

2. Introduction Can lead to something good Can lead to something good Normally not thought of as good Normally not thought of as good Depends on the circumstances Depends on the circumstances Need God’s approval Need God’s approval Will lead us to doubt, and examine Will lead us to doubt, and examine What God requires (Ephesians 5:10, 11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21) What God requires (Ephesians 5:10, 11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21)

3. Bad Sources of Doubt Ignorance Ignorance Lack of investigation (Matthew 28:16, 17) Lack of investigation (Matthew 28:16, 17) Eventually believe a lie (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) Eventually believe a lie (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12) Prejudice Prejudice Prejudging a situation (Genesis 37:33-35) Prejudging a situation (Genesis 37:33-35) Jews’ problem (John 1:46; 7:42, 52) Jews’ problem (John 1:46; 7:42, 52) “Don’t confuse me with the facts…” “Don’t confuse me with the facts…”

4. Bad Sources of Doubt Little faith Little faith Peter sank (Matthew 14:31) Peter sank (Matthew 14:31) Increase our faith (Acts 20:32; Romans 10:17) Increase our faith (Acts 20:32; Romans 10:17) Rabble-rousing disposition Rabble-rousing disposition Play “devil’s advocate” (1 Timothy 6:5) Play “devil’s advocate” (1 Timothy 6:5) Enjoys strife (1 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy 2:14) Enjoys strife (1 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy 2:14) Unstable (Romans 16:17, 18; Ephesians 4:14) Unstable (Romans 16:17, 18; Ephesians 4:14)

5. Bad Sources of Doubt Lack of convincing evidence Lack of convincing evidence Gullibility is no virtue Gullibility is no virtue Need to imitate the Bereans (Acts 17:10, 11) Need to imitate the Bereans (Acts 17:10, 11) Demand the best evidence (John 20:24-29) Demand the best evidence (John 20:24-29)

6. Wisdom of Doubting Must not accept error Must not accept error Investigation is healthy Investigation is healthy Doubt led men like Luther to ask questions Doubt led men like Luther to ask questions Doubt leads men in every age to question Doubt leads men in every age to question Some changes may be required (1 Thessalonians 5:21) Some changes may be required (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

7. Wisdom of Doubting A sign of an open mind A sign of an open mind Too many are “often in error, but never in doubt” Too many are “often in error, but never in doubt” A lady prayed, “Start me off right, for if I am wrong, even you can’t change me” A lady prayed, “Start me off right, for if I am wrong, even you can’t change me” Keep an open mind Keep an open mind

8. Wisdom of Doubting The Bible commends healthy doubting The Bible commends healthy doubting Search the Scriptures (John 5:39) Search the Scriptures (John 5:39) Prove what is acceptable (Romans 12:2) Prove yourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) Prove what is acceptable (Romans 12:2) Prove yourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) Prove our work (Galatians 6:4) Prove our work (Galatians 6:4) Learn what is pleasing (Ephesians 5:10) Learn what is pleasing (Ephesians 5:10)

9. Wisdom of Doubting The Bible commends healthy doubting The Bible commends healthy doubting Elders and deacons are to be proven (1 Timothy 3:10) Elders and deacons are to be proven (1 Timothy 3:10) We are to give answer (1 Peter 3:15) We are to give answer (1 Peter 3:15) Test the spirits (1 John 4:1) Test the spirits (1 John 4:1)

10. Conclusion Healthy doubting is necessary Healthy doubting is necessary Must not follow blindly Must not follow blindly