1. In Hebrews 11 we read about a number of people from the Old Testament who showed how faith will enable a person to be in good standing with God. 2. In vs.4-28 we read about the faith of nine special people, including Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses. 3. From vs.29-30 we see that faith enabled the Israelites as a group to pass through the Red Sea (vs.29) and conquer Jericho (vs.30). 4. According to vs.31, Rahab did not perish when Jericho was destroyed. a. Even though she was a Gentile harlot, Rahab had developed faith in God. b. She demonstrated her faith by hiding the Israelites who entered Jericho as spies (James 2:25).
Discussion:
I. RAHAB'S ACTIONS ARE RECORDED IN JOSHUA 2
A. (vs.1a) Joshua sent 2 men to Jericho as spies. B. (vs.1b) In Jericho, the spies went to Rahab's house. C. (vs.2-3) The king of Jericho learned about the spies and instructed Rahab to turn them over to him. D. (vs.4-7) Rahab hid the spies and misled the king's men. E. (vs.8-21) Rahab requested that she and her family be spared when the Israelites conquered Jericho. F. (vs.22-24) The spies returned to Joshua and reported what had happened.
II. RAHAB AND HER FAMILY WERE SPARED WHEN JERICHO WAS DESTROYED (JOSHUA 6)
A. (vs.6-17) Joshua instructed the Israelites to spare Rahab and her family. B. (vs.20-25) Their lives were spared.
Conclusion:
1. Faith played a very important role in Rahab's life. 2. Rahab played a very important role in future events (Matthew 1:5).