How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the weekly sermon and read through the main passages(s)
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the weekly sermon and read through the main passages(s)
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
latest message:
background
Following Moses’s death, Joshua takes on the responsibility of guiding the Israelites into the Promised Land. He sends two spies to Jericho, where they find shelter with Rahab, a prostitute. Recognizing that she is unable to save herself or her family on her own, Rahab entrusts herself to Israel’s God. While the people of Jericho tremble before him, she alone transforms that fear into authentic faith. Despite her insignificant status, Rahab’s obedience at this crucial moment demonstrates how God uses unlikely people for his greater plans.
Rahab’s story of redemption extends beyond her deliverance from Jericho. As the first Gentile convert, she is one of five women listed in Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew 1:5) and one of only two featured in the so-called “Hall of Faith” (Hebrews 11:31). Although many aspects of her narrative may seem extraordinary, she found God the same way we all do. Like Rahab, we all come to him flawed and desperate. And he receives us and invites us into his redemptive story.
Rahab’s story of redemption extends beyond her deliverance from Jericho. As the first Gentile convert, she is one of five women listed in Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew 1:5) and one of only two featured in the so-called “Hall of Faith” (Hebrews 11:31). Although many aspects of her narrative may seem extraordinary, she found God the same way we all do. Like Rahab, we all come to him flawed and desperate. And he receives us and invites us into his redemptive story.
open
1. If you had to hide someone in your home, how would you do it?
reflect
2. Read Joshua 2:1-7. What did Rahab risk by protecting the Israelite spies? Based on the story, what do you think motivated Rahab to take the risk?
3. Read Joshua 2:8-14 and Hebrews 11:31. According to Hebrews 11:31, what was it about Rahab that set her apart from others in Jericho? How do we see this reflected in her testimony to the spies in Joshua 2:8-14?
4. Read Joshua 6:17. What aspects of Rahab’s past suggest she should not be spared from God’s judgment on Jericho (cf. Leviticus 18:1-5)? What does her story teach us about God’s desire to save those who may appear beyond hope?
3. Read Joshua 2:8-14 and Hebrews 11:31. According to Hebrews 11:31, what was it about Rahab that set her apart from others in Jericho? How do we see this reflected in her testimony to the spies in Joshua 2:8-14?
4. Read Joshua 6:17. What aspects of Rahab’s past suggest she should not be spared from God’s judgment on Jericho (cf. Leviticus 18:1-5)? What does her story teach us about God’s desire to save those who may appear beyond hope?
apply
5. Is there a part of your past that you feel disqualifies you from being used by God? If so, how does Rahab’s story offer you hope? How can we extend that same hope to those who feel like “outsiders”?
6. Where could God be inviting you to take a step of faith that might feel risky? What fears prevent you from trusting God fully in that situation?
7. Who in your life needs to hear that God’s grace is available to them? As a church family, how can we foster a welcoming atmosphere for those who have complicated pasts?
6. Where could God be inviting you to take a step of faith that might feel risky? What fears prevent you from trusting God fully in that situation?
7. Who in your life needs to hear that God’s grace is available to them? As a church family, how can we foster a welcoming atmosphere for those who have complicated pasts?
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