From Doubt to Steadfast: The Gospel Path Through Deconstruction

January 23, 2026 by Tom Sugimura

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Paul prays for the church to “continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven” (Colossians 1:23). Previously, we observed various root causes for deconstruction and the gospel remedies. We weighed the consequences and the challenges of reaching the “nones” and “dones” among our loved ones. So, now let’s consider how we continue in “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

Look to Jesus

First, we must fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). For if we truly love Jesus, we will keep his commandments (John 14:15) and cherish his Word (Psalm 119:97). Our desire to please him will overshadow any desire to please others (Galatians 1:10). We will endure persecution and ridicule for his name’s sake (1 Peter 4:12-14). We will pursue peace for the unity of his body, the church (Ephesians 4:1-6). We will find forgiveness for our stubborn pride and seek repentance in order to be right with God (1 John 1:9).

As one old-time preacher wrote to a friend,

Learn much of the Lord Jesus. For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ. He is altogether lovely. Such infinite majesty, and yet such meekness and grace, and all for sinners, even the chief! Live much in the smiles of God. Bask in His beams. Feel His all-seeing eye settled on you in love, and [rest] in His almighty arms. . . . Let your soul be filled with a heart-ravishing sense of the sweetness and excellency of Christ and all that is in Him. Let the Holy Spirit fill every chamber of your heart; and so there will be no room for folly, or the world, or Satan, or the flesh. (Andrew Bonar, Memoir & Remains of Robert Murray)

Stay in Fellowship

Second, we must find a place to belong in our local church and remain in Christian fellowship (Acts 2:42-47). The church has been charged with making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) and preaching God’s Word (2 Timothy 4:1-4). So we strengthen one another like iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17) and stir up one another to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). We help the weak when they struggle and rely on the strong when our own faith needs bolstering (1 Thessalonians 5:14). We share our doubts and talk about our differences within the healthy confines of Christ’s body (e.g., Acts 15). We also welcome those who once strayed, but eventually returned (James 5:19-20). In fact, we go out of our way to restore such a one “in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1).

Doubts will come to every Christian at some time or another, but isolation allows those doubts to spiral into deconstruction. The church should understand this danger and cultivate a safe space for exploring questions. Just like parenting children, it is better for them to make mistakes in the safety of our home than when they go out into the world on their own. So, let’s stay in fellowship and cultivate the kind of fellowship where we can honestly wrestle with our doubts.

Affirm God’s Word

In addition, we should cling to Scripture as God’s living and active Word, even if filled with doubts (Hebrews 4:12). For God’s Word is sufficient in all matters related to life and godliness (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Pet 1:3). So, we can trust these biblical truths to form our faith and to guide our interpretation of culture and society (Psalm 119:105). We can delight in the gospel as we build our lives on its foundation (Psalm 19:10). Yet we must not merely listen to the Word, but also persevere in doing it (James 1:22-25).

Jesus warned that the wrong foundation will result in our destruction (Matthew 7:26-27). Therefore, we are wise to keep our foundation in place even as we knock down walls and frame the new additions (Romans 12:1-2). Certainly, we should test the Scripture like good Bereans, but let’s not throw it out (Acts 17:11). For only those who abide in the Word of Christ are truly his disciples (John 8:31).

Trust the Lord

Ultimately, though, it is God who will keep us from stumbling because no enemy can snatch us from his hand (John 6:37-40; 10:28-30). God keeps us faithful because God himself is faithful. He “will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:8). As Paul writes of true believers: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Therefore, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7).

For this reason, may our words and exhortations continually build each other up as we battle the temptations and root causes of deconstruction (1 Thessalonians 5:11.) May we confess our own failures that have shaken the faith of others.

And may we offer hope in Christ to those who find only emptiness in the aftermath of deconstruction.

1/23/2026 10:02:20 PM

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About Tom Sugimura

Tom Sugimura is a pastor-writer, church planting coach, and professor of biblical counseling. He writes at tomsugi.com, ministers the gospel at New Life Church, and hosts the Every Peoples Podcast. He and his wife cherish the moments as they raise their four kids in Southern California.

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