The Benefit of the Doubt
Elevation with Steven Furtick
Deep Dive
Why is doubt an important part of faith according to the speaker?
Doubt is important because it is where faith develops, matures, and gets hardened past clichés. It is a place where faith learns to depend on God, and it prevents arrogance. The speaker emphasizes that faith is developed in doubt and that the greatest gifts from God often come on the other side of doubt and uncertainty.
Why did Joseph initially decide to divorce Mary quietly?
Joseph decided to divorce Mary quietly because he was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace. He was confused and hurt by the news of her pregnancy, but he wanted to handle the situation in a dignified and righteous way.
Why is the concept of the 'benefit of the doubt' significant in the context of faith?
The 'benefit of the doubt' is significant because it means giving a favorable judgment in the absence of full evidence. In the context of faith, it means trusting God even when things don't add up, believing that what seems like disappointment is actually destiny, and that God is good, with us, and for us.
Why did the speaker correct the campus pastor's prayer of invitation?
The speaker corrected the campus pastor's prayer because it included the phrase 'without a doubt,' which the speaker believes is misleading. The speaker argues that faith is not the absence of doubt but the means to overcome it, and that people should not be put in a position to pray something they can't honestly pray.
Why does the speaker believe that doubt is a sign of growth in faith?
The speaker believes that doubt is a sign of growth because the closer one gets to God, the more questions they have. Doubt is evidence of a deeper engagement with faith, and it leads to a more mature and genuine belief, rather than a superficial one.
Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of walking through doubt to reach new beginnings?
The speaker emphasizes that walking through doubt is crucial because it leads to new beginnings. Many people stand at the dead end of a destiny that God is bringing them into but fail to move forward because of their doubts. The speaker encourages believers to trust God even when they have doubts, as this is where the greatest revelations and transformations occur.
- Joseph's initial reaction to Mary's pregnancy was doubt and a desire for a quiet divorce.
- God's intervention through an angel's dream provided a new perspective.
- Dead ends are presented as opportunities for new beginnings in faith.
Shownotes Transcript