Jan. 30, 2022

“STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF GOD”

“A WOMAN OF GREAT FAITH” 

JOSHUA 2:1-24

Only two women are personally named in Hebrews 11, “The Hall of Fame of Faith,”: Sarah, the wife of Abraham (vs.11) and Rahab, the harlot of Jericho (vs.31).

James 2:25 “Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?”

Romans 5:20 “Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.”

But keep in mind that the most important thing about Rahab was her faith. That’s the most important thing about any person:

Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

What Kind Of Faith Did Rahab Have?

1.   Faith That Is Brave- Joshua 2:1-7

Both Hebrews 11:31 “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.”

How did the two spies meet Rahab?

It’s remarkable how God in His grace uses people we might think could never become His servants.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29that no flesh should glory in His presence.”

James saw her actions as proof that she was truly a believer:

James 2:25 “Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?”

Her faith wasn’t hidden; the spies could tell that she was indeed a believer.

2.   Faith That Was Confident- Joshua 2:8-11

Faith is only as good as its object.

Hebrews 11:7 “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”

Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

Exodus 15:14-16 “The people will hear and be afraid; Sorrow will take hold of the inhabitants of Philistia. 15Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; The mighty men of Moab, Trembling will take hold of them; All the inhabitants of Canaan will melt away. 16Fear and dread will fall on them; By the greatness of Your arm They will be as still as a stone, Till Your people pass over, O Lord, Till the people pass over Whom You have purchased.”

God promised to do this for Israel, and He kept His promise.

Deuteronomy 2:25 “This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the nations under the whole heaven, who shall hear the report of you, and shall tremble and be in anguish because of you.”

Joshua 2:11 “And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.”

3.   Faith That Was Concerned For Others- Joshua 2:12-14

Rahab, however, wasn’t concerned only about her own welfare, for once she had personally experienced the grace and mercy of God, she was burdened to rescue her family.

Proverbs 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise.”

4.   Faith That Is Willing To Be Committed- Joshua 2:15-24

In the case of Rehab, the spies instructed her to hang a scarlet rope out the window of her house, which was built into the wall.

Joshua 2:18 “Unless, when we come into the land, you bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you bring your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household to your own home.”