Heroes: Rahab

Speaker: Ruth Brown

Notes

Hebrews says that "by faith Rahab welcomed the spies." (11:31) The Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land and had to take Jericho. Joshua sent spies to find out about the enemy. Jericho was depraved and under God's judgement. Read the story of Rahab in Joshua 2 and 6:22-25

Acceptance is based on faith. Rahab didn't deserve to be saved, but God looked on her faith rather than her lifestyle. (Heb 11:31, 13:2)

Faith is accompanied by actions. James 2:18,25

God's promises are conditional. Rahab had to fulfil 3 conditions: not tell anyone, stay in the house, and tie the red cord. She chose to identify herself with God's people; we must choose to identify ourselves with Jesus' death.

Your faith can save others. All Rahab's household were saved. See also 1 Cor 7:14

Your past doesn't determine your destiny. Despite her background, Rahab became included in the family tree of King David and of Jesus (Matt 1:5). Her son, Boaz, became Ruth's "kinsman-redeemer", passing on the blessing to the next generation.

Application

Given Rahab's background, environment and lifestyle, her response of faith is quite remarkable. What can we learn from this about where faith comes from? God accepted her and so did the Israelites - how well do you think she would be accepted in today's church?

"God's promises are conditional." Think of some and what the conditions are (either Biblical ones or personal ones). Are there some promises that are completely unconditional?

All those in Rahab's household were saved. To what extent were they saved by Rahab's faith and to what extent did they exercise faith of their own? Can we apply the same principle to members of our households today? What do you make of 1 Corinthians 7:14?

Who in your household are you praying for to find salvation for themselves?

Posted: 21 Jun 2009