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I. FROM WHENCE ARISE THOSE DOUBTS AND FEARS SO DISTRESSING TO MANY? Many fruitful sources from whence they spring.

1. Sin is often the cause. Inward foes, etc.

2. Carelessness will often lead to uncertainty and doubt.

3. Disobedience, neglected duty, etc.

4. Worldliness necessarily produces them.

5. Seasons of temptation are often seasons of doubt. "Satan worries whom he cannot devour with a malicious joy."

6. Ignorance is perhaps the most fruitful source. Ignorance of what is written was evidently the cause of doubt here. How many appear not to understand (Psalm 103:12; Romans 8:1; John 10:28, etc.). Salvation is a present certain reality (Ephesians 2:8; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 10:14). It may be ignorance as to the work of the Holy Spirit. Losing sight of Christ, many become taken up with feelings and self.

II. THEIR BANEFUL INFLUENCE. They by no means prove a state of high spirituality.

1. Doubts dishonour God; rob Him of the praise that is due to Him.

2. Mar our comfort.

3. Weaken our strength for service, conflict, and devotion.

4. They chill our affection.

5. They stunt our spiritual growth.

6. Unfit us to witness for Christ.

7. Influence others unfavourably.

III. THEIR REMEDY. As faith is a fruit of the ever-blessed Spirit, no assurance can be obtained but from the same Divine source.

1. Look and get away from self.

2. Study the sacred word more.

3. Live nearer the Lord.

4. Seek to have a more simple, child-like faith — faith that takes God at His word; that raises no cavilling questions; that lives above circumstances, appearances, and feelings, even upon "Thus saith the Lord."

(G. Cobb.)

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KJV: And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

WEB: When they saw him, they bowed down to him, but some doubted.