Flawed: Heroes of the Faith

How does God Use flawed People to display true faith?

Big Idea:God doesn’t need perfect people—He works through imperfect people who trust His perfect plan.

While Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the "hall of faith" for its catalog of Old Testament believers commended for their faithfulness, it also demonstrates how God works through imperfect people[1][2]. The chapter includes individuals like Abraham, Sarah, Rahab, Jacob, Samson, and David, who all exhibited major flaws and made serious mistakes in their lives[1]. Despite their imperfections, these figures are praised for their faith and ultimately finished their spiritual race[1]. This theme illustrates God's grace and long-suffering nature, as He uses even deeply flawed and spiritually immature individuals to accomplish His will[3]. The text emphasizes that while these people had faith, they were not all at the same level of spirituality or maturity[3]. Their inclusion in Hebrews 11 is not meant to minimize their sins or portray them as faultless heroes, but rather to highlight God's ability to work through imperfect people who demonstrate faith, even to the smallest degree[1][3].

[1] Peter Morden, The Message of Discipleship: Authentic Followers of Jesus in Today’s World, ed. Derek Tidball, The Bible Speaks Today: Bible Themes Series (London: Inter-Varsity Press, 2018), 225. [2] Harrison Perkins, Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Academic, 2024), 238–239. [3] D. A. Carson, ed., NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2018), 390.

I. God Commends a Clear Confidence (Heb. 11:1–2)

God honors faith that trusts Him in the unseen.

Faith is not wishful thinking—it’s confidence in God’s character.

These flawed figures were commended, not for their morality, but for their belief in what they could not yet see.

Illustration: Like a child jumping into a parent’s arms from the pool—faith isn’t flawless form, it’s confident trust.

“Faith is not the absence of flaws—it’s the presence of trust.”

II. God Chooses Crooked Characters (Heb. 11:4–38)

God often uses deeply flawed people to carry out His divine purposes.

Abraham lied, Moses murdered, Jacob deceived, David sinned—yet all are listed.

God doesn’t sanitize their stories—He showcases His grace through them.

They are not models of moral perfection but mirrors of mercy.

Illustration: Like cracked pots that still carry living water (2 Cor. 4:7).

“The spotlight of Scripture isn’t on their success—it’s on God’s sovereignty.”

III. God Calls Us to a Christ-Centered Course (Heb. 12:1–3; Gal. 3:24)

God calls us to follow Christ, not the characters.

Hebrews 11 flows into Hebrews 12: “Let us run… fixing our eyes on Jesus.”

These figures point forward—they are the schoolmasters, not the Savior (Gal. 3:24).

We don't aim to become like David or Sarah—we aim to become like Jesus.

“We learn from their faith, but we live for Christ.”

Conclusion:

How does God use flawed people to display true faith?

He commends their confidence.

He chooses them in their crookedness.

He calls them—and us—to Christ.

Your faith doesn’t have to be flawless to be fruitful.

Look past the “Hall of Fame” to the Hero of Heaven—Jesus Christ.

Application Questions:

Where am I placing my confidence—in myself or in God's promises?

Do I believe God can use my flaws for His purposes?

Am I imitating faith-filled people or fixing my eyes on Christ?