Often there can be a stigma associated with having a questioning attitude in the church. Many fall into the trap of believing it is wrong to question the message they are receiving. But scripture gives us examples of righteous people who approached the truth they received from credible sources with a questioning attitude. In some cases even commending them for their actions. Even one of the first Apostles Nathanael exhibited this attitude. As he was hesitant to believe the word brought to him by his friend Phillip.
John 1:45–46 (ESV)
45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
At that time, it was viewed by many, that the town of Nazareth had low morals and an aloof attitude about religion. No Prophet had ever mentioned the town in regards to the messiah either. So it should come as no surprise that Nathanael was not quick to accept Phillip’s claim that a man from Nazareth was the one they had been waiting for. That being said though Nathanael did not choose to completely write off the message Phillip brought. But instead, choose to accept Phillip’s request to come and see. So that he could try to determine whether or not the claim he heard about Jesus was true. An answer he quickly received.
John 1:47–49 (ESV)
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
The truth is what Nathanael did was the best thing he could do. Instead of simply accepting the words of another or choosing not to believe, he searched out the truth on his own. An act that was not condemned by Jesus. Instead, the Lord referred to him as a man of integrity. His faith was important to him and he was not willing to let one quick statement or claim alter all that he believed on the spot. Instead, he approached cautiously seeking only the truth.
Nathanael is like the Berean Jews in this area. The group who Paul stated were nobler than those in Thessalonica. Because they didn’t reject his message or immediately accept it. Instead, they turned to the primary source, God’s word, and made sure what Paul said was the truth. Something we should all do when we hear a message that could alter the beliefs we have already established. Our first act should be to turn to the scripture and make sure all they said aligns with God’s word. Checking the context of the passages they used to state their claim to see what the author originally intended to say.
Acts 17:11 (ESV)
11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
Nathanael’s questioning attitude didn’t come from a wicked heart or because he didn’t want to believe. It came because he truly believed God’s word and his faith was important to him. He couldn’t simply take someone else’s word for it, even it was from one of his close friends. The issues of salvation, the messiah, and giving up one’s life to follow someone were too important to not carefully consider. He needed to meet the man the claims were about and see if it could all really be true. Having a questioning attitude is not wrong but actually shows just how important one takes their faith. Which is just what Nathanael’s question showed.
When someone brings us a message that is new or goes against what we previously believed it’s important we do all we can to search out the truth. This is especially true as we find ourselves closer to the last days than ever before. As the scripture warns that many false prophets will rise up and do all they can to deceive many. So we must take the time to check what we are taught against the scriptures. As Paul wrote any teaching that is contrary to what the early church taught is false.
1 John 4:1 (ESV)
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 Peter 2:1 (ESV)
1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
1 Timothy 6:3–5 (ESV)
3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
Galatians 1:6–9 (ESV)
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
The best thing we can do to ensure our faith is held safely is approach every situation with a questioning attitude like unto that of Nathanael. Making sure that what we have been told is the truth. Which is best done by turning to prayer and God’s word. These are not issues of little or no significance. On the contrary issues of faith are life and death Heaven or hell issues that must be taken seriously. Don’t simply take someone’s word as gospel but check it for yourself against the very word of God.
All that being said though be sure to have the right spirit in combination with your questioning attitude. Don’t fall into the trap of being rude or skeptical. But ask questions in a humble and sincere manner. Live out the scriptures that instruct believers to be gentle, peace-loving, and kind. It also should be said that you must respect the authority God has placed in your life. Ask them questions and search the scripture for yourself but don’t be disrespectful.
James 3:17 (ESV)
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
John 13:34–35 (ESV)
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (ESV)
4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Peter 5:5 (ESV)
5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Having a questioning attitude when done right isn’t a bad thing but is actually what can save you from deception. So don’t be afraid to ask questions and grow your understanding. It’s important that we don’t take someone else’s word for what is true about God. But that we put in the time on our own to grow our personal knowledge of God’s word. To ensure what we believe is God’s word and not man’s.
Pastors and teachers are willing, often even hoping, to hear your questions so ask them when you need help. The honest truth is that true servants of God are willing to answer questions and even take you to the scripture. While false teachers will try to hide behind their own words or claim some special kind of authority because they can’t prove their message with God’s word. If you encounter anything like that the best thing you can do is separate yourself from that person. Then find someone willing to answer your questions and take you through the Bible.
Nathanael wasn’t turned away because he had a questioning attitude and neither were the Bereans. Instead, they are both forever recorded in scripture as good people who served the Lord. Having a questioning attitude is a great thing and a sign that you take your faith seriously. So follow the example we are given in scripture and be willing to take time to discover what is and isn’t true.
Visit Justin’s personal website Here. Or see articles from other writers we feature Here. Also, be sure to stop by our prayer wall.