From Harlot to Heroine: Rahab

From Harlot to Heroine: Rahab

Introduction:

We are introduced to Rahab first in Joshua 2. She hid the spies sent by Joshua to spy out the land (Josh 2:8-11). In the NT – Rahab is mentioned several times: in the genealogy of Jesus, in connection of “heroic” faith, and being justified by works. Yet – she was a harlot – a prostitute – who lied to hide the spies (Josh 2:3-6). How did a Canaanite woman, with a terrible past, wind up in the genealogy of Christ? How can she be an inspiration to us today?

I. Getting to Know Rahab.

A. Rahab’s name means “insolence” or “fierceness”.

1. Rahab lived in walled city of Jericho.

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Impressions made can quickly wear off.

2. Why didn’t they repent & cry out for mercy when Israel approached?

C. So what made Rahab different?

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

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

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

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.

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

C. Think too…when Israelites came to city – they did noting but March around city for 6 days. Rahab would not have known the plan. 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; Daniel – Dan. 6:10

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

1. Mt. 16:24-26 – take up your cross. Rev. 2:10 – could you do this?

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

A. Harlotry was an awful sin. Despicable.

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

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

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

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

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



From Harlot to Heroine: Rahab Introduction: We are introduced to Rahab first in Joshua 2. She hid the spies sent by Joshua to spy out the land (Josh 2:8-11). In the NT – Rahab is mentioned several times: in the genealogy of Jesus, in connection of “heroic” faith, and being justified by works. Yet – she was a harlot – a prostitute – who lied to hide the spies (Josh 2:3-6). How did a Canaanite woman, with a terrible past, wind up in the genealogy of Christ? How can she be an inspiration to us today? I. Getting to Know Rahab. A. Rahab’s name means “insolence” or “fierceness”. 1. Rahab lived in walled city of Jericho. B. Jericho was around 5 miles from the Jordan River. 1. Josh 2:15 – Rahab lived in the wall of the city. C. She and her family lived in the same dwelling place. 2:13; 6:23 II. Rahab’s heart was affected by the truth. A. Josh. 2:9-11. This statement sheds light on Heb. 11:31. B. There’s a lesson here about how souls are affected by the truth. 1. Impressions made can quickly wear off. 2. Why didn’t they repent & cry out for mercy when Israel approached? C. So what made Rahab different? 1. She was convinced by the evidence. She KNEW God is God! 2. Her heart was willing to submit to the evidence. a) Rom. 6:17; Heb. 5:8-9 – her obedience saved her! 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. B. Her extended family had to be there when the city was conquered. C. Think too…when Israelites came to city – they did noting but March around city for 6 days. Rahab would not have known the plan. 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; Daniel – Dan. 6:10 E. Would you be faithful if it meant your life? 1. Mt. 16:24-26 – take up your cross. Rev. 2:10 – could you do this? IV. Rahab reminds us that God can save the worst of sinners. A. Harlotry was an awful sin. Despicable. 1. 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. Even the worst of sinners make the best of Christians. V. What about her lie in 2:4-6? A. Keep in mind – Rahab grew up a pagan and prostitute. 1. It doesn’t excuse her lies/harlotry – it should help explain her actions. B. 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. How strong is your faith? Are you willing to submit to God?