A. IMPERFECT PEOPLE?
1. Positive: we learn victory is possible when God gives weak people strength to succeed.
2. Negative: we learn what not to do.
TEN IMPERFECT PEOPLE
? Jacob: A liar and trickster changed by a dream
? Noah: After walking with God got drunk
? Peter: A granite rock who cracked
? Gideon: God pushed him to victory
? Thomas: A Jesus follower who doubted
? Naomi: A bitter woman constantly desiring better, ended up a nourisher
? Samson: wrongly trusted in his own strength
? Solomon: the world’s wisest made bad choices
? Rich Young Ruler: A wealthy man learned value
? Saul/Paul: The consummate legalist finally gains perfection
3. We learn we have sinned. “For all have sinned and missed God’s presence” (Romans 3:23).
4. We learn we were blinded by our sin. “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4, NLT).
5. We learn our good habits and deeds are worthless. “All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one” (Romans 3:12, NLT).
6. We are slaves to our old nature and sin. “ I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it” (Romans 7:19-20).
B. THE BOOK OF JUDGES IS ABOUT WEAK LEADERS, i.e., IMPERFECT PEOPLE
“The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight and served the images of Baal. They abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods, worshiping the gods of the people around them. And they angered the Lord. They abandoned the Lord to serve Baal and the images of Ashtoreth” (Judges 2:11-13, NLT).
Things they did.
1. No belief. “Forsook the Lord” (2:12).
2. No obedience. “Turned quickly from the way” (2:17).
3. Did the opposite. “Served Baal and Ashtoreths” (2:13).
4. Flaunted evil. “Did evil in the sight of the Lord” (2:11).
C. WHY GOD USES IMPERFECT PEOPLE
1. For His glory. “Now all glory to God who is able to make you strong” (Romans 16:25, NLT).
2. As a testimony to the unsaved. “Remember … few of you were wise in the world’s eyes, or powerful, or wealthy … instead God chose things the world considers foolish … considered weak ... considered despised … to bring to nothing what the world considers important … so no one can ever boast in the presence of God” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29, NLT).
3. To demonstrate the power of God. “The message of the cross … is the very power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:10, NLT).
WHY GOD USES IMPERFECT PEOPLE
• So people will see God, not man
• So people will worship God unreservedly
• So people will be motivated to service
• So Christ’s body will work together
• Because God’s strategy uses imperfect people
D. WHAT IS THE PRINCIPLE?
1. Not I but Christ. Let Christ shine above your weaknesses. “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ who dwells in me and the life which I live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God” (Galatians 2:20).
2. So God’s work is not done in a worldly way. “You don’t see among yourselves many of the wise ... many of the ruling class … many of the nobles … who are called” (1 Corinthians 1:26, Phillips).
3. For God to work through us. “My strength (Christ) is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
4. To manifest God’s power. “My (Christ) power works best through weak people” (2 Corinthians 12:9, LB).
5. God calls a man/woman then does His work through them. “The Lord raised up a deliverer” (Judges 3:9).
6. To glorify God. “God has chosen the weak things … that no flesh should glory in His presence” (1 Corinthians 1:28-29).
7. But don’t stay “imperfect.”
a. Get a vision of what you can do.
b. Find God’s plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11).
c. Don’t focus your life on your weaknesses.
d. Work from your strength, that will lift your weaknesses. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
Video presentations of the PBC are available online at trbc.org/pbc
Television Airing Times for the PBC
Go to hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
