Moving Forward by Faith: Rahab's Faith Declared

Joshua 2:8-14 ESV

8 Before the men lay down, she came up to them on the roof 9 and said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. 10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. 11 And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. 12 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 13 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.” 14 And the men said to her, “Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the Lord gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.”

Introduction

Attention Getter: Share a story about a movie where the most unlikely character becomes the hero. Picture a scene where someone from the margins of society does something so courageous and significant that it changes the course of history (Ex: Steve Rogers becoming Captain America)

Need: We often feel that only certain types of people can be used by God, those who seem to have it all together or hold positions of influence. But what about the rest of us? Can God use people with flawed pasts or those who seem insignificant in the world’s eyes?

Subject: Today, we will look at the story of Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, who displayed remarkable faith and bravery. Through her story in Joshua 2:8-14, we will see how God can use anyone, regardless of their background, to fulfill His purpose. Text: Joshua 2:8-14

Preview: We will explore Rahab’s journey through four key points: (1) Rahab’s recognition of God’s sovereignty and power; (2) Rahab’s recollection of the mighty acts of God; (3) Rahab’s reverence and awe for the God of Israel; (4) Rahab’s request for mercy and protection for her family; and (5) Rahab’s rescue, highlighting the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises.

Purpose: Through Rahab’s story, we will be challenged to see beyond our limitations and trust in God’s ability to use us for His divine purposes.

Background

Historical Context:

• The Conquest of Canaan: The Book of Joshua details the Israelites’ entry into the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership. This period marks the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham to give his descendants the land of Canaan.

• Jericho: Jericho was a strategic and heavily fortified city in Canaan. Its conquest was crucial for the Israelites as it opened the way for further incursions into the land. Its walls and defenses symbolized the daunting task ahead for the Israelites.

The Spies’ Mission:

• Joshua’s Strategy: Joshua, following in the footsteps of Moses, sends two spies to scout Jericho and gather intelligence on the city’s defenses and the morale of its inhabitants.

• Encounter with Rahab: The spies seek refuge in Rahab’s house. This encounter sets the stage for Rahab’s declaration of faith and her pivotal role in aiding the Israelites.

Who was Rahab?

• Rahab’s Profession: Rahab is introduced as a prostitute living in Jericho. This detail highlights her marginal status within society. Despite this, she becomes a pivotal figure in the narrative, demonstrating that God can use anyone for His purposes.

• Canaanite Background: Rahab was a Canaanite, part of the people living in the land that God had promised to the Israelites. The Canaanites were known for their idolatry and practices detestable to God, which partly explains why God commanded their displacement.

Key Points

Point 1: Rahab’s Recognition of God’s Sovereignty: Recognize God’s Sovereignty (vv. 8-9)

Verses 8-9: Rahab acknowledgment of the spies’ mission and her recognition of the LORD’s hand in their success.

Explanation: Emphasize Rahab’s recognition of God’s sovereignty over the land. Illustration: Compare modern examples of people recognizing the truth in unexpected ways.

Application: Exhort the congregation to recognize God’s authority and hand in their lives.

Point 2: Rahab’s Recollection: Remember God’s Works (v. 10-11)

Verse 10: The impact of God’s mighty acts (Red Sea parting, Amorite kings’ defeat) on Rahab’s belief.

Explanation: Discuss how hearing about God’s works led Rahab to faith. Illustration: Share testimonies of how hearing about God’s works today can lead people to faith. Application: Encourage listeners to remember and share the mighty acts of God that have influenced their faith.

Rahab’s Reverence: Revere God (v. 11)

Verse 11: Rahab’s confession of faith: “The LORD your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.”

Explanation: Emphasize the significance of Rahab’s declaration. Highlight Rahab’s reverence and fear of God upon hearing of His deeds. Illustration: Use a modern example of a bold declaration of faith in difficult circumstances. Use examples of reverence and awe towards God in contemporary situations.

Application: Encourage the congregation to develop a deep reverence for God, recognizing His power and authority. Inspire a deep reverence and awe for God’s power and faithfulness.

Point 3: Rahab’s Request for Mercy: Request Mercy for Others (vv. 12-13)

Verse 12: Rahab’s plea for a “true token” or sign of their agreement.

Explanation: Explain the cultural and historical context of covenants and signs. Explain Rahab’s request for mercy and protection for her family. Illustration: Compare modern-day signs of agreements or promises. Compare modern situations where people seek and give protection and mercy.

Verse 13: Her specific request for the safety of her family.

Explanation: Highlight Rahab’s concern for her family and her courage to negotiate with the spies. Illustration: Discuss the importance of interceding for others in faith.

Application: Urge the congregation to intercede for others, seeking God’s mercy and protection.

Point 4: The Spies’ Assurance: Rely on God’s Promises (v. 14)

Verse 14: The spies’ oath to protect Rahab and her family in exchange for her silence.

Explanation: Discuss the promise of rescue and the mutual agreement for Rahab’s safety. Discuss the mutual trust and the significance of the oath.

Illustration: Use an example of mutual trust and keeping promises in a faith context. Share stories of mutual trust and promises kept in times of crisis. Application: Challenge the congregation to trust in God’s promises and to be faithful in their commitments to others.

Conclusion

Summary: Recap Rahab’s recognition of God, her recollection of His works, her reverence for His power, her request for mercy, and her rescue through faith.

Call to Action: Invite the congregation to respond by recognizing, recalling, revering, requesting and relying on God in their own lives.

Closing Prayer: Pray for strength to recognize God’s sovereignty, remember His works, revere His power, seek His mercy, and rely on His promises.

Application

Faith in Action: Encourage the congregation to recognize God’s sovereignty in their lives and to act in faith like Rahab.

Courage to Stand: Challenge listeners to have the courage to declare their faith boldly and to seek God’s mercy.

Intercession: Emphasize the importance of interceding for loved ones and trusting in God’s promises.