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 “______________” or “___________________”.

1. Rahab lived in walled city of __________________.

B. Jericho was around 5 miles from the ________________ 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 ________________ 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 ________ __________.

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

C. So what made Rahab different?

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

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

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

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

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 ____________________ 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 _______________?

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 _______________ of sinners.

A. Harlotry was an awful sin. Despicable.

1. But...Rahab was delivered from sin when she _______________.

B. Jesus died for _________________. 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 ___________ – 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 ___________________ – 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 “______________” or “___________________”. 1. Rahab lived in walled city of __________________. B. Jericho was around 5 miles from the ________________ 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 ________________ 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 ________ __________. 2. Why didn’t they repent & cry out for mercy when Israel approached? C. So what made Rahab different? 1. She was ______________ by the evidence. She KNEW God is God! 2. Her heart was willing to _________________ to the evidence. a) Rom. 6:17; Heb. 5:8-9 – her ___________________ saved her! III. Her conviction was what enabled her to be _____________. 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 ____________________ 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 _______________? 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 _______________ of sinners. A. Harlotry was an awful sin. Despicable. 1. But...Rahab was delivered from sin when she _______________. B. Jesus died for _________________. 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 ___________ – 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 ___________________ – Josh 6:22-23. B. How strong is your faith? Are you willing to submit to God?