Begin your discussion by reading the compelling story of Rahab and the Hebrew spies who she protected.
Joshua 2:1-24
Many people who know the Bible love the story of Rahab. It is one of the greatest pictures of the idea of faith.
There are two important lessons to be learned from Rahab: 1) God’s loving care and relational covenant are not reserved for descendants of blood so much as they are for those who trust him and obey him. 2) Faith is not a mere thought in the mind so much as it is a trust of your complete person to God, so much so that faith results in repentance and obedience toward God.
Not only was a pagan prostitute adopted into the people and lineage of Jesus Christ, but she is also commended to us today as a champion of faith for all believers in Jesus to seek to emulate.
Hebrew 11:32
By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
Discussion Questions
- In what ways do you identify with Rahab?
- How can you be sure from Rahab’s actions that she had faith in Yahweh?
- What characteristic of God’s covenant people can be seen in the faith of Rahab, who was not born an Israelite?
- Why is it significant that Rahab enters into the genealogy of David and Jesus?
- How is God’s grace demonstrated to Rahab?
- Why is Rahab righteous in her actions?
- Is faith possible without repentance and action?
- Why do we so often reduce faith to happy thoughts about God that may or may not have any bearing on how we actually live?