Faith in Action: Lessons from Rahab's Story
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Liberty! Today, we continue our series in the book of Joshua, focusing on chapter two. Last week, Pastor Grant spoke about courage from chapter one, where God gave Joshua three promises: the land, His presence, and victory wherever Joshua set foot. These promises laid the groundwork for the Israelites' journey to possess the Promised Land. Today, we delve into the theme of faith, as seen in Joshua chapter two.
Joshua sends two spies to Jericho, a strategic city with fortified walls. This act of sending spies is not a sign of doubt but an act of obedience and preparation. Joshua's faith in God's promises leads him to take practical steps to ensure victory. The spies' mission brings them to the house of Rahab, a prostitute, who hides them from the king's men. Rahab's actions demonstrate a fearless and saving faith. She acknowledges the power of the God of Israel and chooses to align herself with His people, risking her life in the process.
Rahab's faith is transformative. Despite her past, she is commended in Hebrews 11 and becomes part of the lineage of Jesus, showing that God uses unlikely people for His purposes. Her faith also extends to her family, as she pleads for their salvation. The scarlet cord she hangs from her window symbolizes her trust in God's deliverance, reminiscent of the Passover.
This story teaches us that the problems we face do not negate God's promises. Like the Israelites, we may face fortified cities in our lives—situations that seem insurmountable. But we must focus on God's promises and move forward in faith. Rahab's story encourages us to have a fearless, saving, transforming, and compassionate faith. It also reminds us of the importance of sharing our faith with others, knowing that God's judgment is real, but His grace is available to all who believe.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Greater Than Sight: Joshua's act of sending spies was a step of faith and obedience, not doubt. He believed in God's promises and took practical steps to prepare for victory. This teaches us that faith often requires action and preparation, even when we trust in God's promises. [46:12]
2. Fearless and Saving Faith: Rahab's decision to hide the spies and align herself with the God of Israel was an act of fearless faith. Despite the risk to her own life, she chose to believe in the power and promises of God. This shows that true faith often involves risk and a willingness to stand with God, even against our own people or circumstances. [47:53]
3. Transforming Faith: Rahab's faith not only saved her but also transformed her life. She went from being a prostitute in a pagan city to being part of the lineage of Jesus. This demonstrates that God can use anyone, regardless of their past, to fulfill His purposes. Our faith in God can lead to a complete transformation of our lives. [01:09:19]
4. Compassionate Faith: Rahab's faith extended to her family. She pleaded for their salvation, showing that true faith is accompanied by a desire to see others saved. This challenges us to have a compassionate faith, actively seeking the salvation of those we love and sharing the good news with them. [01:11:01]
5. The Sign of Faith: The scarlet cord Rahab hung from her window was a sign of her faith in God's deliverance, similar to the blood on the doorposts during the Passover. This points forward to Jesus, whose blood saves us from judgment. It reminds us that our faith in Jesus is the only way to avoid God's judgment and receive eternal life. [01:14:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[43:17] - Introduction and Announcements
[43:49] - Recap of Joshua Chapter 1
[44:20] - God's Promises to Joshua
[44:48] - Courage and Obedience
[45:14] - Focus on Faith in Joshua Chapter 2
[45:43] - Definition of Faith
[46:12] - Faith Greater Than Sight
[47:01] - Joshua's Act of Obedience
[47:26] - Importance of Preparation
[47:53] - Contrast with Numbers 13
[48:17] - The Report of the Spies
[48:54] - The Fear of the Inhabitants
[49:19] - The Consequence of Disobedience
[49:40] - Joshua's Strategic Move
[50:03] - The Significance of Jericho
[50:32] - The Fortified City
[50:59] - The Israelites' Challenge
[51:28] - Facing Your Jericho
[51:56] - Personal Testimony
[52:23] - Overcoming Hardships
[52:48] - Gratitude for Church Support
[53:12] - The Importance of Community
[53:37] - Encouragement for Newcomers
[54:02] - Lessons from Personal Trials
[54:33] - God's Promises Amidst Problems
[55:00] - The Israelites' Faith
[55:33] - Trusting God's Promises
[56:01] - Experiencing God's Promises
[56:26] - The Ultimate Victory in Jesus
[56:49] - Moving Forward in Faith
[57:15] - Joshua's Focus on God's Promises
[57:35] - Courageous Faith
[58:01] - Rahab's Faith
[58:28] - Rahab Hides the Spies
[58:55] - The Spies' Mission
[59:20] - God's Plan for Rahab
[59:41] - Modern-Day Application
[01:00:03] - Rahab's Faith Demonstrated
[01:00:24] - The Spies' Secrecy
[01:00:44] - Rahab's Courage
[01:01:04] - Rahab's Fearless Faith
[01:01:25] - The King's Knowledge
[01:01:55] - Rahab's Deception
[01:02:11] - Rahab's Loyalty to God
[01:02:24] - Rahab's Betrayal of Her People
[01:02:43] - The Magnitude of Rahab's Decision
[01:02:54] - Rahab's Risk
[01:03:13] - Rahab's Saving Faith
[01:03:29] - Rahab's Declaration of Faith
[01:03:46] - The Fear of Jericho's Inhabitants
[01:04:07] - Rahab's Proclamation
[01:04:22] - The Enemies' Awareness
[01:04:40] - The Difference from Numbers 13
[01:05:00] - The Fear of the Land's Inhabitants
[01:05:19] - The Greatness of God
[01:05:39] - Rahab's Belief in God
[01:05:58] - Faith Evidenced by Works
[01:06:21] - Salvation by Grace
[01:06:45] - God's Choice to Save Rahab
[01:07:08] - Encouragement for the Undeserving
[01:07:34] - God's Grace for All
[01:08:09] - The Universality of Sin
[01:08:44] - Rahab in the Hall of Faith
[01:09:19] - Rahab's Transformation
[01:09:57] - Rahab in the Genealogy of Jesus
[01:10:30] - God's Use of Unlikely People
[01:11:01] - Rahab's Compassionate Faith
[01:11:31] - Rahab's Plea for Her Family
[01:12:05] - The Spies' Promise
[01:12:42] - The Reality of God's Judgment
[01:13:09] - The Urgency of Sharing the Gospel
[01:13:42] - The Finality of Life
[01:14:06] - The Importance of Evangelism
[01:14:32] - The Sign of Faith
[01:14:55] - The Scarlet Cord
[01:15:25] - The Passover Connection
[01:15:51] - Trusting in God's Deliverance
[01:16:19] - The Symbolism of the Scarlet Cord
[01:16:51] - The Blood of Jesus
[01:17:18] - Invitation to Faith
[01:17:47] - Celebration of New Believers
[01:19:13] - Faith for the Future
[01:19:42] - Trusting God's Promises
[01:20:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 2:1-21
2. Hebrews 11:31
3. Ephesians 2:8-9
### Observation Questions
1. What were the three promises God gave to Joshua in chapter one? ([44:20])
2. Why did Joshua send spies to Jericho, and how does this reflect his faith? ([46:12])
3. How did Rahab demonstrate her faith when the king's men came to her house? ([58:28])
4. What was the significance of the scarlet cord that Rahab hung from her window? ([01:14:55])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Joshua's act of sending spies illustrate the relationship between faith and preparation? ([47:01])
2. In what ways does Rahab's faith challenge the conventional understanding of who God can use for His purposes? ([01:06:45])
3. How does Rahab's plea for her family's salvation reflect the nature of compassionate faith? ([01:11:31])
4. What does the scarlet cord symbolize in the context of both the Passover and the story of Rahab? ([01:15:25])
### Application Questions
1. Joshua took practical steps to prepare for victory based on God's promises. What practical steps can you take this week to act on a promise from God in your life? ([47:01])
2. Rahab risked her life to align herself with God's people. Is there a situation in your life where you need to take a stand for your faith, even if it involves risk? ([01:02:54])
3. Rahab's faith led to a complete transformation of her life. Reflect on a time when your faith led to a significant change in your life. How can you continue to allow your faith to transform you? ([01:09:19])
4. Rahab's compassionate faith extended to her family. Identify one person in your family or close circle who needs to hear about God's love. What specific action can you take this week to share your faith with them? ([01:11:31])
5. The scarlet cord was a sign of Rahab's faith in God's deliverance. What is a tangible sign or reminder you can use in your daily life to keep your faith in God's promises strong? ([01:14:55])
6. The problems we face do not negate God's promises. Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you shift your focus from the problem to God's promises? ([54:33])
7. Rahab's story shows that God can use anyone, regardless of their past. Is there something in your past that you feel disqualifies you from being used by God? How can you surrender that to Him and trust in His grace? ([01:06:45])
Devotional
### Day 1: Faith in Action
Faith is not passive; it requires action and preparation. Joshua's decision to send spies into Jericho was not an act of doubt but a demonstration of his faith in God's promises. He believed that God would give them the land, but he also understood the importance of taking practical steps to prepare for the victory. This teaches us that faith often involves taking action and making preparations, even when we trust in God's promises. We are called to be active participants in God's plans, not passive observers.
Joshua's faith in God's promises led him to take strategic and practical steps to ensure the Israelites' success. By sending spies, he was gathering information and preparing for the challenges ahead. This act of obedience and preparation shows that faith is not just about believing but also about doing. It requires us to step out in obedience, even when we don't have all the answers or see the full picture. Faith in action means trusting God and taking the necessary steps to align ourselves with His plans.
Joshua 2:1-2 (ESV): "And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, 'Go, view the land, especially Jericho.' And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there. And it was told to the king of Jericho, 'Behold, men of Israel have come here tonight to search out the land.'"
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to act on a promise or direction you believe God has given you? How can you prepare yourself for the challenges ahead while trusting in God's guidance? [46:12]
### Day 2: Fearless Faith
Rahab's decision to hide the spies and align herself with the God of Israel was an act of fearless faith. Despite the risk to her own life, she chose to believe in the power and promises of God. This shows that true faith often involves risk and a willingness to stand with God, even against our own people or circumstances. Rahab's faith was not just a private belief but a public declaration that put her in danger. Her actions demonstrate that fearless faith requires courage and a willingness to take risks for the sake of God's kingdom.
Rahab's fearless faith is a powerful example of what it means to trust God in the face of danger. She recognized the power of the God of Israel and chose to align herself with His people, even though it meant betraying her own city. Her faith was not just about believing in God but also about taking bold actions that reflected her trust in Him. This challenges us to examine our own faith and consider whether we are willing to take risks and stand with God, even when it is difficult or dangerous.
Joshua 2:4-5 (ESV): "But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. And she said, 'True, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. And when the gate was about to be closed at dark, the men went out. I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.'"
Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you need to take a bold step of faith, even if it involves risk? How can you demonstrate fearless faith in your current circumstances? [47:53]
### Day 3: Transforming Faith
Rahab's faith not only saved her but also transformed her life. She went from being a prostitute in a pagan city to being part of the lineage of Jesus. This demonstrates that God can use anyone, regardless of their past, to fulfill His purposes. Our faith in God can lead to a complete transformation of our lives. Rahab's story shows that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace and that He can use even the most unlikely people to accomplish His plans.
Rahab's transformation is a testament to the power of God's grace and the transformative nature of faith. Despite her past, she was commended for her faith and became an integral part of God's redemptive plan. This reminds us that our past does not define us and that God can use us in ways we never imagined. When we place our faith in God, He can bring about a radical transformation in our lives, using us for His glory and purposes.
Hebrews 11:31 (ESV): "By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies."
Reflection: How has your faith in God transformed your life? Are there areas of your past that you need to surrender to God, trusting that He can use you for His purposes despite them? [01:09:19]
### Day 4: Compassionate Faith
Rahab's faith extended to her family. She pleaded for their salvation, showing that true faith is accompanied by a desire to see others saved. This challenges us to have a compassionate faith, actively seeking the salvation of those we love and sharing the good news with them. Rahab's concern for her family demonstrates that faith is not just about our own relationship with God but also about caring for the spiritual well-being of others.
Rahab's compassionate faith is a powerful reminder of the importance of interceding for others. She did not just seek her own safety but also the safety of her family. Her faith moved her to action, pleading with the spies to spare her loved ones. This challenges us to consider how our faith can impact those around us and to actively seek opportunities to share God's love and salvation with others. True faith is compassionate and outward-focused, desiring to see others come to know and experience God's grace.
Joshua 2:12-13 (ESV): "Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a sure sign that you will save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about God's love and salvation? How can you actively share your faith with them and intercede for their spiritual well-being? [01:11:01]
### Day 5: The Sign of Faith
The scarlet cord Rahab hung from her window was a sign of her faith in God's deliverance, similar to the blood on the doorposts during the Passover. This points forward to Jesus, whose blood saves us from judgment. It reminds us that our faith in Jesus is the only way to avoid God's judgment and receive eternal life. The scarlet cord is a powerful symbol of trust in God's promises and His provision for salvation.
The scarlet cord that Rahab hung from her window was a tangible sign of her faith in God's deliverance. It served as a reminder of the Passover, where the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from judgment. This symbol points forward to Jesus, whose blood was shed for our salvation. Just as Rahab trusted in the scarlet cord for her deliverance, we are called to trust in the blood of Jesus for our salvation. This reminds us of the importance of placing our faith in Jesus and trusting in His provision for our eternal life.
Joshua 2:18 (ESV): "Behold, when we come into the land, you shall tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and you shall gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father's household."
Reflection: How does the symbolism of the scarlet cord deepen your understanding of Jesus' sacrifice for you? Are you fully trusting in His provision for your salvation? [01:14:55]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The problems that are in front of you do not negate the promises that God has given you. I want to say that again because I believe somebody needs this this morning and I believe it's something that will speak to you. The problems, the hardships, the situations that are in front of you, they do not negate the promises that God has given you." [54:33](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You may seem like an unlikely candidate today, but you don't have to stay where you're at. What might God do through your life? What might God do through a heart of faith and obedience?" [01:10:30](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want you to know that no matter where you've been, no matter what you've done, that there's a God in heaven that he loves you, he desires a relationship with you, and he has a great plan for your life." [01:10:30](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you want to experience the promises that he has for you, you have to take your focus off of what you're facing and you have to set your focus on him, believing that his promises are true." [56:01](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God saves undeserving people and he uses them to do unlikely things. In this passage, we've seen a fearless faith, we've seen a saving faith, but we also see a transforming faith." [01:08:44](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Joshua didn't allow the walls or the enemies or the barriers that were in front of him to distract him from the greatness, the faithfulness, and the promises of his God. And I want to encourage you this morning, no matter what obstacles you're facing, no matter what distractions or hardships or problems may be ahead of you, you may be tempted to focus on those, but they only paralyze you and keep you from moving forward. But when we trust, lean into, and focus on the promises of God, we can move forward with courageous faith, believing that our God will do what he said he would do." [57:15](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Rahab's faith was evidenced by her action. She believes that in the one true God, and she was willing to risk her life to stand with the people of God. Rahab's faith was evidenced by her works. But this story is also a perfect example that salvation is by grace and not by works. Ephesians chapter 2 verse 8 and 9 says, 'For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.'" [01:05:58](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In the same way that God had already given Israel the land, he has already given us the ultimate victory through Jesus Christ. Amen. And even when we can't see it, we step forward in faith, trusting in his promises because he never failed us before, and we can be confident that he's not going to fail us today. That the God who keeps his promises is going to do what he said he will do." [56:49](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Rahab didn't let her past failures dictate the remainder of her life. She is commended in Hebrews 11 for a courageous faith because she protected the Hebrew spies. We also see Rahab mentioned in Matthew chapter 1 in the Gospel of Hebrews 1, where she is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. Rahab is the mother of Boaz, who married Ruth. She's the great-great-grandmother of King David. And as you'll read later in the book of Joshua, Rahab is saved because of her faith, and she is brought into God's people. But it doesn't stop there. She's listed in the genealogy of Christ. She is part of the lineage that the Messiah would come from." [01:09:19](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If we want to experience the promises of God, if we want to inherit the fullness of those, we have to trust that he is a God who is able, that he is a God who will do what he said he would do. In the same way that God had already given Israel the land, he has already given us the ultimate victory through Jesus Christ. Amen. And even when we can't see it, we step forward in faith, trusting in his promises because he never failed us before, and we can be confident that he's not going to fail us today. That the God who keeps his promises is going to do what he said he will do." [56:49](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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