Refuge For The Believer

The Story Of Rahab (Josh. 2:1-21)

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2001048

Subject: first principles:

Preached Originally: 09/02/01 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction

A.     When considering the book of Joshua, one is overwhelmed by all the slaughtering => people (men, women, children), animals the capturing and plundering of cities the judgment of God (cp. Gen. 15:16)

B.     Maybe lost in this recurring theme is a great Biblical story, one that is timeless and apropos for today it is the story of Rahab

1.    a story of God’s universal mercy to people lost in sin

2.    the favorite & overriding theme for gospel preachers

3.    preaching the pardon God will offer anyone who will yield to His will

C.    When considering Rahab, some quickly dismiss her as that lying prostitute, unwilling to take the time to examine her situation and how she came to know God

D.    We would do well to learn about Rahab, her faith, and the refuge offered her by God

 

I.  Her Salvation Was Necessary.

A.    She was a harlot, prostitute (2:1)

1.    her life given over to selling herself to men for illicit sexual activity

2.    she was a harlot in an ancient heathen land with heathen practices

3.    idolatry & harlotry usually went hand in hand

4.    the "world’s oldest profession" is condemned by almost everyone

B.    she was a liar, both in word & deed (2:4-6)

1.    her profession was all about lies (cp. Prov. 7:15-18, 24-27)

2.    she lies to protect spies sent with God’s approval

3.    though instrumental to the success of the mission, we do not commend Rahab  lying

4.    this ought to impress us how God can use us in our wickedness and still accomplish His providential will for our salvation

 

II.  Her Belief Was Real

A.      No doubt she now believed in the God of these people who had achieved renown in the Canaanite region

1.    living in the midst of Jericho’s paganistic lifestyle did not prevent Rahab from seeing the truth about God (2:9-11)

2.    her faith is based on evidence

3.    she had sense enough to recognize the truth now available to her

a)    she concluded this people served the God that ruled the world (2:11)

b)    she knew a supreme God exists, and that it would be foolish to fight against Him

c)    she had to show and exercise such faith even when it might be dangerous to do so

4.    what if her aiding the Hebrews spies became known?

5.    do we think for a moment the king would spare a prostitute?

B.      her faith saved her from God’s judgment upon Jericho (Heb. 11:31)

1.    "by faith Rahab did not perish"

2.    those who did perish were those who were "disobedient" [NASV], or who "did not believe" [NKJV]

C.     her saving faith was the faith that believed enough to act (Jas. 2:21-26)

D.     everyone understands, appreciates Abraham’s example of faith and works

E.      the Holy Spirit includes along with Abraham this Rahab who acted in faith.  Rahab demonstrates that "the faith that saves is the faith that obeys"

 

III.  Her Salvation Was Conditional.

A.     Rahab had to meet certain "conditions" to escape the coming judgment (2: 14, 17-21)

1.    she had to keep secret the spies presence and their mission

2.    she had to agree to the terms for safety when Israel came to capture Jericho

3.    tie the scarlet rope in the window and leave it there

4.    gather all her family in the house and remain there during the slaughter

B.     Rahab shows that God’s mercy can be extended to anyone lost in sin, but such pardon will only come when one submits to His terms

1.    God’s grace is truly abundant

C.    God’s grace is still grace even though He has stipulated conditions

1.    a concept so misunderstood by millions

 

IV.  Her repentance was genuine.

  1.  the story of Rahab does not end with her protection during the capture of and judgment upon Jericho
  2. Joshua uttered the instructions about her (Josh. 6:17)

1.     Rahab was spared, and continued to live among the Israelites  Josh. 6:22-25)

2.     it is also implied that she ceased her harlotry and began living an acceptable life

  1. when describing Rahab, one usually finds the word "harlot" right alongside her name

1.     Old Testament (Josh. 2:1; 6:17, 25)

2.     New Testament (Heb. 11:31; Jas. 2:25)

3.     in the only passage given that mentions anything she did after her deliverance from Jericho, she is not called a harlot (Mt. 1:5)

4.     another indication that God has plans for each of us if we will submit to His will

5.     we can also truly be a blessing to others, even to generations long after we’re gone

  1. but we’ll have to genuinely repent of sin to accomplish such

 

Conclusion

A.      Even after such a lesson, some may still dismiss Rahab as a lying  prostitute and poor example to follow

1.     this is a tragic mistake

B.      Looking at her and how she came to know Jehovah, she was no different in her sins than you or I today => her situation is our situation

1.    she needed salvation (cp. Rom. 3:23)

2.    she believed the evidence available to her (cp. Jn. 8:24; Heb. 11:6)

3.    she needed to submit to the conditions of her salvation (cp. Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38)

4.    she truly repented of her past (cp. Acts 17:30; Rom. 2:4)

C.     This same God calls you today out of your sins

1.    He’ll forgive your past

2.    He’ll deliver you from the certain coming judgment

3.    He’ll give you a fresh start

D.     At times your faith will be tested, even when it seems "dangerous" to exercise it

E.      But you’ll know down deep in your heart that to follow any other course would be tragic, and to fight against the will of this God who loves you and wants to save you would be utterly foolish

F.      God truly offers refuge to any who believe – just look at Rahab

G.     I N V I T A T I O N