Life Application / Accountability
Last week you were challenged to be like Samuel, who’s life was defined by his ministry to the Lord. How did you do? Did you start each day taking time to engage and draw near to God. Did you listen for His voice to lead you in all your decisions? Did you take time to pray prayers driven by your desire to bring honor and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ?
Sermon Recap
This week Pastor John talked about Rahab. Rahab was the woman from Jericho who helped hide the two Spies of Israel so that they wouldn’t get caught. The spies were sent by Joshua to scout out the city of Jericho for they were about to attack it. Jericho was Israel’s first obstacle as they entered the promised land. This was a large city with even larger fortified walls. It's really an amazing story how God delivered the city into the hands of Israel. But there is a much bigger story being written within the story of Jericho.
You see Rahab was a prostitute far from God, but God had a plan to redeem and restore her. Why would Rahab take such a huge risk to hide the spies? For the first time in her life, Rahab was being drawn to something more real than all the idols in Jericho. For years she had been labeled and disgraced, she had given so much of herself away, she didn’t know if she had any of her true self left. But now grace was drawing her in and capturing her heart. Faith was being cultivated within a woman who had given up hope. We know this because of what she says in verses 8-9. She goes up on the roof to have a conversation with the two spies and in verse 9 says, ``I know the Lord has given you this land,” she told them. “We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror.” It’s interesting that she acknowledges the God of Israel as “The Lord”. She is the first Cannanite woman (a prostitute) to acknowledge the God of Israel.
As you read the scripture below you will see how God miraculously delivers Jericho into the hands of Israel. But you will also see a story of redemption. Rahab and her entire family are saved because she helped the two spies. Eventually she marries a Jewish man named Salmon. They have a son named Boaz, who marries a woman named Ruth. Boaz and Ruth have a son named Obed, who has a son named Jesse, who has a son named David, and David becomes the King of Israel. And 28 generations later a young couple from this family tree, named Joseph and Mary, have a son named Jesus of Nazareth. Pretty amazing! Rahab, the messed up; Rahab the used up; Rahab the shady lady with a past, was redeemed by God, delivered by God, and became the great – great – great, and so on, grandmother of the Messiah!
Rahab had a past that she had created, but God was creating a future for her. I love this about God, because many people wouldn’t ever invite Rahab over to their house for dinner, but God says, “No, I am going to make her a part of my Story.”
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Joshua 2:1-24
Joshua 6:1-25
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
Have you ever questioned your value and wondered why God would ever desire you?
Explain the grace you feel when you think about how God included and used Rahab in the story of His redemption. (The story of His Son Jesus)
Why do you think God chose Rahab?
Prayer
This week, spend some time in prayer thanking the Lord for chasing after you and redeeming you. For He has called you by name (Isaiah 43) and included you in His story as well.
Thank you Lord for choosing me to follow you. When I was lost in sin you revealed yourself to me, saved me from my sin, and redeemed me into the family of God. Thank you for never giving up on me and sending your Holy Spirit to live in my heart! You and you alone are my Lord and Savior!
Life Application / Accountability For The Upcoming Week
This week spend some time each day reflecting on God’s love for you!
Remember his goodness and mercy toward you!
Acknowledge His desire to be involved in your life everyday!
Don’t Forget!
Connect to a group this summer!
Check out what’s happening in Kids Ministry and Youth Ministry
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