Joshua 2: Rahab's Life-Changing Faith
HOW CAN WE recognize genuine faith? What does it look like? How does it act? In this study we meet a woman of faith, a member of the only family in Jericho God allowed Israel to spare. Because of Rahab's faith, not only was her life spared but God extended to her the promises he had made to Israel. She became an ancestor of both King David and Jesus. She is mentioned in James as an example of saving faith. She is also honored in Hebrews 11, "The Faith Hall of Fame." Not bad for someone known throughout history as "Rahab the prostitute"!
Warming Up to God
Reflect on the past week. How has your faith made a difference in your life? Praise God for his care for you.
Read Joshua 2. »
Discovering the Word
- What risks does Rahab take in protecting the spies (vv. 1-7)?
- What does Rahab know and believe about the God of Israel (vv. 8-11)?
- What deal does Rahab make in exchange for helping the spies (vv. 12-16)?
- What conditions must she and her family fulfill in order to be saved (vv. 17-21)?
- A missionary named Jim Elliot once made the statement "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." How might this statement apply to Rahab?
- Why must a genuine faith express itself in actions?
Applying the Word
- What actions have you taken recently as a direct result of your faith in Christ?
- How can our faith have a positive effect on both Christians and non-Christians?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to make you ready to take the risks your faith requires.
For Further Study
Joshua by Richard S. Hess