RAHAB THE HARLOT’S FAITH

Joshua Chapter 2

INTRODUCTION: This Scripture is the story of a reconnaissance mission carried out by two spies, and the prostitute who saved the spies.

Rahab a harlot saved by faith. Rahab’s “works” and not her “words” justified her (Jas. 2:25). The Bible does not commend her deceit (vv. 4, 5), but it does commend her faith (Heb. 11:31). James also calls her deed a work of faith (Jas. 2:25).

She risked her life to save the lives of the spies because she believed in the power and sovereignty of their God. So in our Lord’s day some outside the commonwealth of Israel showed more faith than those who were eyewitnesses of His glory (Luke 7:2–9). Great faith, wherever it is found, is always rewarded, for it is pleasing to God (Heb. 11:6).

RAHAB HAD A PERSONAL FAITH.
A faith in the God of revelation.
The local deities will not suffice when the city is under siege.
Joshua 2:9-11.
By faith Rahab made the Hebrew God her own.
Demanded His protection for herself and house.
Joshua 2:12, 13
By the same token we must each bring our own faith to show God.
Paul realized the need of a personal experience.
1 Cor. 15:1-8

REHAB HAD A PRACTICAL FAITH.
She did as she was instructed.
Brought her father’s household inside, and hung the scarlet cord over the window.
Joshua 2:21
The importance of following spiritual instructions to the letter cannot be over emphasized.
What does God say to do?
Have faith in Christ.
Gal. 3:26

RAHAB HAD A PROGRESSIVE FAITH.
Led her to direct identification with the people of God.
Married Salmon, was the mother of Boaz.
Saved people are expected to do no less.
Than to take an open stand with Christ.

RAHAB HAD A WORKING FAITH.
Worked to save the spies.
Hid them, directed them to safety.
Worked to save her family.
Brought them to place of safety.

RAHAB HAD A SAVING FAITH.
Her faith saved her when the city fell.
Only faith in Christ will stand when judgment descends.
Lower the scarlet cord tonight.
Faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

CONCLUSION:
The spies found shelter in the house of a harlot named Rahab. As Keil and Delitzsch point out, “Their entering the house of such a person would not excite so much suspicion.” It is clear from the narrative that Rahab had heard of the marvelous victories which the LORD had given to the Jewish people (vv. 8–11). She concluded that their God must be the true God, and so she trusted in Him, becoming a true convert. She proved the reality of her faith by protecting the spies, even though it meant betraying her country.

Rahab risked her life to save the two Israelite spies. But this was not all: she was committing treason against her own people. Why? What would make her forsake her former life and turn to the LORD, becoming identified with the people of God? The answer to these questions will be seen in Joshua Chapter 2. She made a courageous decision to turn away from the evil and corruption of the Canaanites, a courageous decision to turn to God and become identified with the people of God.

Scripture is clear: we must forsake sin and turn to God. There has to be repentance in our lives, a point when we turn away from the sins of this world and turn to God.

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