From Harlot to Heroine: Rahab

From Harlot to Heroine: Rahab

2005039

Topic # 0895 (Rahab)

Introduction:

A. We are introduced to Rahab first in Joshua 2.

1. She hid the spies sent by Joshua to spy out the land.

2. Josh 2:8-11.

B. In the NT – Rahab is mentioned several times.

1. Mt. 1:5 – in the genealogy of Jesus.

2. Heb. 11:31 – mentioned in connection of “heroic” faith.

3. Js. 2:25 – mentioned as being justified by works.

C. Yet – she was a harlot – a prostitute – who lied to hide the spies. (Josh 2:3-6)

D. So what can we learn about her?

1. How did a Canaanite woman, with a terrible past, wind up in the genealogy of Christ?

2. In the heroes of faith section of Heb. 11?

3. How can she be an inspiration to us today?

I. Getting to Know Rahab.

A. Rahab’s name means “insolence” or “fierceness”. It is believe the “ra” part of her name comes from Egyptian idolatry, “Ra” the sun god.

B. Rahab lived around 1400 BC in Canaan.

1. Land flowing w/milk & honey. Had been given to God to Hebrews as an inheritance.

2. Rahab lived in walled city of Jericho.

C. Jericho was around 5 miles from the Jordan River.

1. Well supplied w/water from springs.

2. Located in a fertile plain just east of a barren range of mountains.

3. Walled city.

4. Josh 2:15 – Rahab lived in the wall of the city.

a) 2:6-8 – house had a roof area.

b) 2:15, 17, 21 – had a window facing the outside.

D. She and her family lived in the same dwelling place. 2:13; 6:23

E. What can we learn from her life?

II. Rahab’s heart was affected by the truth.

A. Josh. 2:9-11. This statement sheds light on Heb. 11:31.

1. The other inhabitants of Jericho “believed not.” (KJV)

2. Knowledge they had of God; His power/works – received reports – rendered them w/o excuse.

B. There’s a lesson here about how souls are affected by the truth.

1. Impressions made can quickly wear off.

2. 2:11 – inhabitants of Jericho deeply stirred by reports of God’s judgments on the wicked.

a) Feared it was their turn next.

b) Hearts melted w/in them.

3. So why didn’t they repent & cry out for mercy when Israel approached?

a) Eccl 8:11

4. Everyday for 6 days – people of Jericho had opportunity to repent.

a) 6 days pass – walls remained strong as ever.

b) Probably felt quite secure – probably hardened their hearts even more.

5. Are you doing the same in your life?

C. So what made Rahab different?

1. She was convinced by the evidence. She KNEW God is God!

2. But...not only did she know & understand the evidence

3. Her heart was willing to submit to the evidence.

a) Rom. 6:17; Heb. 5:8-9 – her obedience saved her!

4. Are you willing to submit to God – in everything?

III. Her conviction was what enabled her to be bold.

A. 2:17-18 – had to hang a scarlet cord from her window till Israel returned. All would see it.

B. Her extended family had to be there when the city was conquered.

1. What would have happened had one of them leaked information to authorities?

C. Think too…when Israelites came to city – they did noting but March around city for 6 days.

1. Rahab would not have known the plan.

2. She would not have known that on the 7^th day the walls would fall.

3. What if she gave up?

D. Faith has always been an expensive commitment.

1. Abraham/Isaac – Gen. 22:1

2. Shadrack; Meshack; Abendego – Dan. 3:17-18

3. Daniel – Dan. 6:10

4. Stephen – Acts 7

E. Would you be faithful if it meant your life?

1. Mt. 16:24-26 – take up your cross.

2. Mt. 10:32-39 – no one becomes between you & your God.

3. Acts 21:13 – Paul was willing to die for his faith.

4. Rev. 2:10 – could you do this?

F. Not talking about secret belief – but confidence in God that leads to bold action!

IV. Rahab reminds us that God can save the worst of sinners.

A. Awful sin. Despicable.

1. Harlotry used as an example to portray the unfaithfulness of Israel.

2. A sin punishable by death.

3. But...Rahab was delivered from sin when she obeyed.

B. Jesus died for sinners. 1 Tim. 1:15; 1 Cor. 15:3; Lk. 5:32; 19:10

C. Rahab’s lifestyle of sin carried as much weight as any other sin of man.

1. Harlotry no worse than stealing.

2. homosexuality no worse than murder

3. foul language no worse than idle gossip

4. All sin is sin and will separate us from God.

D. 1 Tim. 1:12-15 – gospel has the power to save the worst of sinners.

E. Even the worst of sinners make the best of Christians.

1. We can not overestimate the power of the gospel.

2. It will change who we are – if we will fully commit.

3. May feel that a former harlot would be an unlikely example of how to become a strong Christian.

4. It’s proof that God will save the worst of the worst – if they will humbly submit to Him.

V. What about her lie in 2:4-6?

A. Many explanations.

1. Lying is acceptable in certain situations?

2. Sometimes we must choose the lesser of two evils.

3. Sometimes we must choose the greater of two goods.

B. Keep in mind – Rahab grew up a pagan and prostitute.

1. While it doesn’t excuse her lies/harlotry – it should help explain her actions.

2. What would have happened to Rahab if her house was searched and the spies were found?

3. She risked death for her belief.

C. Rahab had her flaws – but it was her powerful faith in a God she only heard about that saved her family from destruction. Josh. 6:17; 21-23.

Conclusion:

A. Rahab’s faith was rewarded – Josh 6:22-23.

B. Josh 6:25 – not only preserved from destruction – but she dwelt in Israel after Jericho destroyed.

1. From citizen of heathen Jericho – now given a place in the congregation of the Lord.

C. Later she became the honored wife of a prince in Judah – the mother of Boaz, and one of the grandmothers of David.

1. Ultimately we read of her in Matthew 1 as one of the ancestors of Jesus.

2. From the depths of sin & shame, she was delivered because of God’s grace & her own belief and repentance.

3. she went from the absolute bottom – to the height of honor and dignity

D. Truly, the rewards of faith are most excellent and glorious.

E. How strong is your faith? Are you willing to submit to God?

F. I N V I T A T I O N



From Harlot to Heroine: Rahab 2005039 Topic # 0895 (Rahab) Introduction: A. We are introduced to Rahab first in Joshua 2. 1. She hid the spies sent by Joshua to spy out the land. 2. Josh 2:8-11. B. In the NT – Rahab is mentioned several times. 1. Mt. 1:5 – in the genealogy of Jesus. 2. Heb. 11:31 – mentioned in connection of “heroic” faith. 3. Js. 2:25 – mentioned as being justified by works. C. Yet – she was a harlot – a prostitute – who lied to hide the spies. (Josh 2:3-6) D. So what can we learn about her? 1. How did a Canaanite woman, with a terrible past, wind up in the genealogy of Christ? 2. In the heroes of faith section of Heb. 11? 3. How can she be an inspiration to us today? I. Getting to Know Rahab. A. Rahab’s name means “insolence” or “fierceness”. It is believe the “ra” part of her name comes from Egyptian idolatry, “Ra” the sun god. B. Rahab lived around 1400 BC in Canaan. 1. Land flowing w/milk & honey. Had been given to God to Hebrews as an inheritance. 2. Rahab lived in walled city of Jericho. C. Jericho was around 5 miles from the Jordan River. 1. Well supplied w/water from springs. 2. Located in a fertile plain just east of a barren range of mountains. 3. Walled city. 4. Josh 2:15 – Rahab lived in the wall of the city. a) 2:6-8 – house had a roof area. b) 2:15, 17, 21 – had a window facing the outside. D. She and her family lived in the same dwelling place. 2:13; 6:23 E. What can we learn from her life? II. Rahab’s heart was affected by the truth. A. Josh. 2:9-11. This statement sheds light on Heb. 11:31. 1. The other inhabitants of Jericho “believed not.” (KJV) 2. Knowledge they had of God; His power/works – received reports – rendered them w/o excuse. B. There’s a lesson here about how souls are affected by the truth. 1. Impressions made can quickly wear off. 2. 2:11 – inhabitants of Jericho deeply stirred by reports of God’s judgments on the wicked. a) Feared it was their turn next. b) Hearts melted w/in them. 3. So why didn’t they repent & cry out for mercy when Israel approached? a) Eccl 8:11 4. Everyday for 6 days – people of Jericho had opportunity to repent. a) 6 days pass – walls remained strong as ever. b) Probably felt quite secure – probably hardened their hearts even more. 5. Are you doing the same in your life? C. So what made Rahab different? 1. She was convinced by the evidence. She KNEW God is God! 2. But...not only did she know & understand the evidence 3. Her heart was willing to submit to the evidence. a) Rom. 6:17; Heb. 5:8-9 – her obedience saved her! 4. Are you willing to submit to God – in everything? III. Her conviction was what enabled her to be bold. A. 2:17-18 – had to hang a scarlet cord from her window till Israel returned. All would see it. B. Her extended family had to be there when the city was conquered. 1. What would have happened had one of them leaked information to authorities? C. Think too…when Israelites came to city – they did noting but March around city for 6 days. 1. Rahab would not have known the plan. 2. She would not have known that on the 7^th day the walls would fall. 3. What if she gave up? D. Faith has always been an expensive commitment. 1. Abraham/Isaac – Gen. 22:1 2. Shadrack; Meshack; Abendego – Dan. 3:17-18 3. Daniel – Dan. 6:10 4. Stephen – Acts 7 E. Would you be faithful if it meant your life? 1. Mt. 16:24-26 – take up your cross. 2. Mt. 10:32-39 – no one becomes between you & your God. 3. Acts 21:13 – Paul was willing to die for his faith. 4. Rev. 2:10 – could you do this? F. Not talking about secret belief – but confidence in God that leads to bold action! IV. Rahab reminds us that God can save the worst of sinners. A. Awful sin. Despicable. 1. Harlotry used as an example to portray the unfaithfulness of Israel. 2. A sin punishable by death. 3. But...Rahab was delivered from sin when she obeyed. B. Jesus died for sinners. 1 Tim. 1:15; 1 Cor. 15:3; Lk. 5:32; 19:10 C. Rahab’s lifestyle of sin carried as much weight as any other sin of man. 1. Harlotry no worse than stealing. 2. homosexuality no worse than murder 3. foul language no worse than idle gossip 4. All sin is sin and will separate us from God. D. 1 Tim. 1:12-15 – gospel has the power to save the worst of sinners. E. Even the worst of sinners make the best of Christians. 1. We can not overestimate the power of the gospel. 2. It will change who we are – if we will fully commit. 3. May feel that a former harlot would be an unlikely example of how to become a strong Christian. 4. It’s proof that God will save the worst of the worst – if they will humbly submit to Him. V. What about her lie in 2:4-6? A. Many explanations. 1. Lying is acceptable in certain situations? 2. Sometimes we must choose the lesser of two evils. 3. Sometimes we must choose the greater of two goods. B. Keep in mind – Rahab grew up a pagan and prostitute. 1. While it doesn’t excuse her lies/harlotry – it should help explain her actions. 2. What would have happened to Rahab if her house was searched and the spies were found? 3. She risked death for her belief. C. Rahab had her flaws – but it was her powerful faith in a God she only heard about that saved her family from destruction. Josh. 6:17; 21-23. Conclusion: A. Rahab’s faith was rewarded – Josh 6:22-23. B. Josh 6:25 – not only preserved from destruction – but she dwelt in Israel after Jericho destroyed. 1. From citizen of heathen Jericho – now given a place in the congregation of the Lord. C. Later she became the honored wife of a prince in Judah – the mother of Boaz, and one of the grandmothers of David. 1. Ultimately we read of her in Matthew 1 as one of the ancestors of Jesus. 2. From the depths of sin & shame, she was delivered because of God’s grace & her own belief and repentance. 3. she went from the absolute bottom – to the height of honor and dignity D. Truly, the rewards of faith are most excellent and glorious. E. How strong is your faith? Are you willing to submit to God? F. I N V I T A T I O N