Podcast Summary: Deepen with Pastor Joby Martin
Episode: Faith in the Midst of Doubt - Matthew S4E4
Date: May 4, 2026
Host: Pastor Joby Martin
Guests: Multiple pastors/leaders from The Church of Eleven22
Main Theme
This episode offers an in-depth examination of faith during seasons of doubt, centered on Matthew 11 and the example of John the Baptist. Through rich theological discussion and relatable stories, Pastor Joby and his guests address how believers can hold onto faith when expectations collapse, doubts arise, and suffering occurs. The conversation moves seamlessly between biblical exegesis, personal application, and practical encouragement for walking through hard seasons with Christ at the center.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Recognition and Impact of the William Wilberforce Award
- Pastor Joby reflects on receiving the award, highlighting that it belongs to the church as a whole, not just himself.
- The award acknowledges legislative advocacy for life, marriage, and religious freedom.
- "Our church doesn't just put up with me... they're hungry for the word. They're action-oriented people." (Joby, 01:40)
2. Intersection of Theology and Politics
- The panel discusses when and why political issues are addressed from the pulpit.
- They clarify that some issues are fundamentally theological (life, marriage, family, religious liberty).
- Separation of church and state is described as designed to protect the church from the government, not vice versa (05:00).
"Some things are clearly... life, God made it and defines it. Marriage – God’s idea. Family – God’s idea. Before there was ever a government, there was a family." (Joby, 04:06)
3. The Experience and Theology of Doubt
- Focus on John the Baptist’s journey from bold proclaiming faith (“Behold, the Lamb of God”) to deep doubt in prison.
- Doubt is reframed as “evidence that you have faith”; the real danger is disbelief (08:30).
- "Is he enough?" becomes a central reflective question for Christians going through hardship (11:00).
"Doubt is just evidence that you have faith. But disbelief is living as if God is not who He says He is and He doesn’t keep His promises. That’s the difference." (Joby, 08:45)
- John’s crisis is less about losing belief and more about longing for reassurance that following Jesus is worth it.
"He’s wanting to be reminded of what he believes so that he can have the confidence to face what’s coming." (Guest, 10:56)
4. Faithfulness in Suffering and the Sufficiency of Jesus
- The group draws a line between suffering for faithfulness (like John) and suffering for self-inflicted reasons.
- Emphasis on responsibility: "If you walk faithfully, you will clearly see the Lord walking with you regardless of circumstances" (18:16).
- A caution against entitlement and expectation that God “owes” the believer a good life (17:03); instead, gratitude for grace should prevail.
5. The Offensive Nature of the Gospel
- Discussion of Jesus’ phrase: “Blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” (25:01)
- The gospel initially offends (convicts of sin) but is ultimately an invitation to healing and rest.
- Offense arises when we are attached to our own plans or feel entitled to certain outcomes.
"If you get offended by the wrong thing, you’re in big trouble. But when that offense shifts, you begin to see the kindness of God—that is the conviction of your sin which leads to repentance." (Joby, 25:20)
6. Endurance and Vindication: Wisdom Outlasts Critics
- Jesus’ wisdom is proven by actions and outcomes (“wisdom is justified by her deeds”—32:51).
- Encouragement to let faithfulness and the work itself speak rather than getting caught up defending oneself against criticism, whether in ministry, relationships, or daily life.
"If you’re doing what the Lord told you to do and you’re under authority, just keep doing what you’re doing and we’ll see who the wise one is." (Joby, 34:16)
7. Jesus as Fulfillment of Prophetic Role and Divine Invitation
- Jesus’ “woes” are prophetic judgments and expressions of divine justice, connected to his role as the true prophet (42:43).
- Greater knowledge leads to greater responsibility; cities that saw Jesus’ miracles but didn’t repent face greater judgment (43:11).
8. Gospel Accessibility and Childlike Faith
- Jesus thanks the Father for hiding spiritual truths from the “wise and understanding” and revealing them to “little children” (47:16).
- True understanding comes through humility and trust, not pride or self-righteousness.
"If you think, ‘I’m not going to follow you until I figure this out,’ then you’re Lord. And that has nothing to do with salvation, dude." (Joby, 47:16)
9. The Easy Yoke and Finding Rest
- Exegetical insight: A rabbi’s “yoke” was his set of requirements for followers. Jesus offers a light yoke—simply “repent and believe.” (51:25)
- Contrasts toil and burdens of self-effort/religion with the rest found in Jesus.
“My yoke is not a long list of requirements…What is Jesus’ yoke? Repent. Believe. That’s it.” (Joby, 51:25)
- Constantly preaching the gospel to oneself is recommended, especially for those trapped in shame, guilt, or a works-based mentality (54:48).
10. Stewardship, Comparison, and Calling
- Healthy ambition is godly if it’s about faithful stewardship, not about trying to earn God’s favor or outdo others (58:23).
- God’s call is individualized; what is “enough” varies by season and role (59:14).
11. Living in the Freedom and Overflow of Christ
- Religion, moralistic striving, comparison, carrying secrets—all are described as exhausting ways to live.
- When operating in Christ, there’s a sense of overflow instead of depletion (63:40).
Memorable Quotes & Moments
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On suffering and faith:
“Will he be enough? Dang, Wild Bill, bro.” (10:58)
(On a father’s challenge about serving in obscurity for Christ)
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On criticism and vindication:
“You do not have to defend yourself when the critics come after you… If you walk with me and you live trustworthy, you can... trust me.” (35:10, 36:14)
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On rest in Christ:
“Religious activity to try to prove yourself right before God... That’s a treadmill that’ll kill you.” (61:39)
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On ordinances and grace:
"Ordinances point to the grace of God, not ‘if I do my part, Christ will impart me with grace.’" (65:51)
Notable Timestamps
- 00:33: Conversation opens with major award recognition and reflections on the role of the church
- 06:56: Deep dive into John the Baptist’s doubt and relevance for believers
- 09:15–12:15: Is Jesus “enough” even when life goes sideways?
- 25:01: Exploration of “Blessed is the one who’s not offended by me”
- 32:51: “Wisdom is justified by her deeds”—enduring criticism
- 43:11–45:27: Jesus compares warnings to historical cities; significance of Sodom, Tyre, and Sidon
- 47:16: Hidden truths and the necessity of childlike faith
- 51:25: What is Jesus’ “yoke” and how does it differ from religious performance?
- 54:48–61:39: Preaching the gospel to yourself—living under grace instead of shame and exhaustion
- 65:51–69:10: On communion and baptism as reminders and declarations of the gospel
Podcast Tone
Warm, honest, biblically anchored, with a pastoral mix of challenge and comfort. The team’s camaraderie, vulnerability, and relatable stories make the theology accessible and actionable.
For Listeners Who Haven’t Tuned In
This episode offers rich spiritual encouragement, theological clarity, and practical wisdom for anyone wrestling with doubt, exhaustion, or the burden of “having to do enough.” The panel displays both empathy and exhortation, drawing listeners back to the sufficiency and rest found only in Jesus—no matter the storms of doubt, suffering, or critical voices they face.
Best Takeaway:
"Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)—the heart of Christ for doubters, strugglers, and the weary.
