SERMON STUDY GUIDE

APRIL/MAY 2015

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN CHURCH...WHERE REAL LIFE CHANGE HAPPENS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 A Note From Jay

4 What is an Iron Man?

5 Background Commentary

10 Week 1 Study

12 Special Focus Article: War in the Old Testament

14 Week 2 Study

18 Week 3 Study

20 Week 4 Study

24 Special Focus Article: Rahab- From Harlot to Heroine

26 Week 5 Study

28 Week 6 Study

30 Memory Verses

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A Note From JayMy wife just gave birth to our third child recently. Our house is now filled

with a 6 year old, a 3 year old and a brand new infant. Chaos is a good

word for what our life is like on a day-to-day basis…and it’s AWESOME!

Every day is an adventure. You never know what is going to show up in

the middle of the living room floor.

While Carrie and I absolutely love this phase of life we’re in, imagine what

life would be like if, 10 years from now our kids were still the same age?

Imagine changing diapers for 10 years straight? Something would be

terribly wrong, wouldn’t it? In fact, we’d probably make the news!

In the Christian world, however, there are thousands if not millions of

people who begin a relationship with Christ and then never grow up.

The church house is filled with such people and no one seems to notice.

What follows in this booklet is one small attempt to reverse this trend.

Our vision as a church is become a place where Real Life Change

happens. We begin to experience Real Life Change when we develop

a Real Understanding of God and His Word to us. To help us all develop

such an understanding, this booklet was created as a supplement to the

Sunday sermons. It is built around 4 core exercises:

1) BACKGROUND INFORMATION. The beginning of each

booklet contains commentary that will dig deeper into the back story

behind the passages we will be studying together.

2) STUDY QUESTIONS. While these questions are primarily

designed to be used in a Life Group setting, they also work for individuals

who aren’t involved in a group yet.

3) SCRIPTURES TO MEMORIZE. There is no discipline more vital

to spiritual growth than memorizing God’s word. Each week you will find

one or two verses that coordinate with the Sunday sermon that you are

encouraged to sink deep into your heart.

4) ACTION STEPS. Knowledge of the Bible is great but Real Life

Change must lead to action. As the Book of James says “…faith apart

from works is dead.” (James 2:26b). Each week you will find one or two

small, easy to accomplish, action steps based on that week’s study.

I hope that you find these booklets helpful and encouraging. I am

praying that they will be a catalyst for growth in your life. I am so

passionate about helping others experience Real Life Change and my

prayer is that this resource will be a part of that change.

If you have any questions or want to talk a staff member or an elder, feel

free to call our office at 770-425-2525. God bless and I hope that in 2015

you truly experience Real Life Change!

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WHAT IS AN IRON MAN?

AN IRON MAN...

1. STANDS for what’s right, no matter the consequences.

2. OBEYS the Lord, even when it doesn’t make sense.

3. REFUSES to hurt others by trying to hide his sin.

4. NEVER retires from serving the Lord.

5. PROTECTS those that can’t protect themselves.

6. LEADS his house and his church faithfully.

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The bulk of Joshua and Caleb’s story is contained in the biblical book of Joshua. What follows is primarily a commentary on that particular book.

Title and Theological Theme

Joshua is a story of conquest and fulfillment for the people of God. After many years of slavery in Egypt and 40 years in the desert, the Israelites were finally allowed to enter the land promised to their fathers. Abraham, always a migrant, never possessed the country to which he was sent, but he left to his children the legacy of God’s covenant that made them the eventual heirs of all of Canaan (see Ge 15:13,16,18; 17:8). Joshua was destined to turn that promise into reality.

Where Deuteronomy ends, the book of Joshua begins: The tribes of Israel are still camped on the east side of the Jordan River. The narrative opens with God’s command to move forward and pass through the river on dry land. Then it relates the series of victories in central, southern and northern Canaan that gave the Israelites control of

all the hill country and the Negev. It continues with a description of the tribal allotments and ends with Joshua’s final addresses to the people. The theme of the book, therefore, is the establishment of God’s people Israel in the Lord’s land, the land he had promised to give them as their place of “rest” in the earth (1:13,15; 21:44; 22:4; 23:1; see also Dt 3:20 and note; 12:9-10; 25:19; 1Ki 5:4 and note; 8:56). So the Great King’s promise to the partriarchs and Moses to give the land of Canaan to the chosen people of his kingdom is now historically fulfilled (1:1-6; 21:43-45).

In the story the book tells, three primary actors play a part: “the Lord” (as Israel’s God), his servant Joshua, and his people Israel (the last a collective “character” in the story). We meet all three immediately in ch. 1, where all three are clearly presented in the distinctive roles they will play in the story that follows. Ch. 1 also introduces the reader to the main concern of the book as a whole.

The role of the central human actor in the events narrated here is reinforced by the name he bears. Earlier in his life Joshua was called simply Hoshea (Nu 13:8,16), meaning

THE STORY OFJOSHUA & CALEB

BACKGROUND COMMENTARY

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“salvation.” But later Moses changed his name to Joshua, meaning “The Lord saves” (or “The Lord gives victory”). When this same name (the Greek form of which is Jesus; see NIV text note on Mt 1:21) was given to Mary’s firstborn son, it identified him as the servant of God who would

complete what God did for Israel in a preliminary way through the first Joshua, namely, overcome all powers of evil in the world and bring God’s people into their eternal “rest” (see Heb 4:1-11 and notes).

In the Hebrew Bible the book of

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

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Joshua initiates a division called the Former Prophets, including also Judges, Samuel and Kings. These are all historical in content but are written from a prophetic standpoint. They do more than merely record the nation’s history from Moses to the fall of Judah in 586 b.c. They prophetically interpret God’s covenant ways with Israel in history -- how he fulfills and remains true to his promises (especially through his servants such as Joshua, the judges, Samuel and David) and how he deals with the waywardness of the Israelites. In Joshua it was the Lord who won the victories and “gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers” (21:43).

Author and Date

In the judgment of many scholars Joshua was not written until the end of the period of the kings, some 800 years after the actual events. But there are significant reasons to question this conclusion and to place the time of composition much earlier. The earliest Jewish traditions (Talmud) claim that Joshua wrote his own book except for the final section about his funeral, which is attributed to Eleazar son of Aaron (the last verse must have been added by a later editor).

On at least two occasions the text reports writing at Joshua’s command or by Joshua himself. We are told that when the tribes received their territories, Joshua instructed his men “to make a survey of the land and write a description of it” (18:8). Then in the last scene of the book, when Joshua led Israel in a renewal of the covenant with the Lord, it is said that “he drew up decrees and laws” (24:25).

On another occasion the narrator speaks as if he had been a participant in the event; he uses the pronouns “we” and “us” (5:1,6).

Moreover, the author seems to be familiar with ancient names of cities, such as “the Jebusite city” (15:8; 18:16,28) for Jerusalem, Kiriath Arba (14:15; 15:54; 20:7; 21:11) for Hebron, and Greater Sidon (11:8; 19:28) for what later became simply Sidon. And Tyre is never mentioned, probably because in Joshua’s day it had not yet developed into a port of major importance.

But if some features suggest an author of Joshua’s own lifetime, others point to a writer of a somewhat later period. The account of the long day when the sun stood still at Aijalon is substantiated by a quotation from another source, the Book of Jashar (10:13). This would hardly be natural for an eyewitness of the miracle who was writing shortly after it happened. Also, there are 12 instances where the phrase “until this day” occurs.

It seems safe to conclude that the book draws on early sources. It may date from the beginning of the monarchy. Some think that Samuel may have had a hand in shaping or compiling the materials of the book, but in fact we are unsure who the final author or editor was.

The Life of Joshua

Joshua’s remarkable life was filled with excitement, variety, success and honor. He was known for his deep trust in God and as “a man in whom is the spirit” (Nu 27:18). As a youth

“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:15

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he lived through the bitter realities of slavery in Egypt, but he also witnessed the supernatural plagues and the miracle of Israel’s escape from the army of the Egyptians when the waters of the sea opened before them. In the Sinai peninsula it was Joshua who led the troops of Israel to victory over the Amalekites (Ex 17:8-13). He alone was allowed to accompany Moses up the holy mountain where the tablets of the law were received (Ex 24:13-14). And it was he who stood watch at the temporary tent of meeting Moses set up before the tabernacle was erected (Ex 33:11).Joshua was elected to represent his own tribe of Ephraim when the 12 spies were sent into Canaan to look over the land. Only Joshua and Caleb, representing the tribe of Judah, were ready to follow God’s will and take immediate possession of the land (see Nu 14:26-34). The rest of the Israelites of that generation were condemned to die in the desert. Even Moses died short of the goal and was told to turn everything over to Joshua. God promised to guide and strengthen Joshua, just as he had Moses (Dt 31:23; cf. Jos 1:5 and note).

Joshua was God’s chosen servant (see 24:29 and note on Dt 34:5) to bring Moses’ work to completion and establish Israel in the promised land. To that special divine appointment he was faithful -- as the leader of God’s army, as the administrator of God’s division of the land and as God’s

spokesman for promoting Israel’s covenant faithfulness. In all this he was a striking OT type (foreshadowing) of Christ (see notes on Heb 4:1,6-8).

Historical Setting

At the time of the Israelite migration into Canaan the superpowers of the ancient Near East were relatively weak. The Hittites had faded from the scene. Neither Babylon nor Egypt could maintain a standing military presence in Canaan, and the Assyrians would not send in their armies until centuries later.

As the tribes circled east of the Dead Sea, the Edomites refused them passage, so Israel bypassed them to the east. However, when Sihon and Og, two regional Amorite kings of Transjordan, tried to stop the Israelites, they were easily defeated and their lands occupied. Moab was forced to let Israel pass through her territory and camp in her plains. Also the Midianites were dealt a severe blow.

Biblical archaeologists call this period the Late Bronze Age (1550-1200 b.c.). Today thousands of artifacts give testimony to the richness of the Canaanite material culture, which was in many ways superior to that of the Israelites. When the ruins of the ancient kingdom of Ugarit were discovered at

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modern Ras Shamra on the northern coast of Syria, a wealth of new information came to light concerning the domestic, commercial and religious life of the Canaanites. From a language close to Hebrew came stories of ancient kings and gods that revealed their immoral behavior and cruelty. In addition, pagan temples, altars, tombs and ritual vessels have been uncovered, throwing more light on the culture and customs of the peoples surrounding Israel.

Excavations at the ancient sites of Megiddo, Beth Shan and Gezer show how powerfully fortified these cities were and why they were not captured and occupied by Israel in Joshua’s day. Many other fortified towns were taken, however, so that Israel became firmly established in the land as the dominant power. Apart from Jericho and Ai, Joshua is reported to have burned only Hazor (11:13), so attempts to date these events by destruction levels in the mounds of Canaan’s ancient cities are questionable undertakings. It must also be remembered that other groups were involved in campaigns in the region about this time, among whom were Egyptian rulers and the Sea Peoples (including the Philistines). There had also been much intercity warfare among the Canaanites, and afterward the period of the judges was marked by general turbulence.

Much of the data from archaeology appears to support a

date for Joshua’s invasion c. 1250 b.c. This fits well with an exodus that would then have taken place 40 years earlier under the famous Rameses II, who ruled from the Nile delta at a city with the same name (Ex 1:11). It also places Joseph in Egypt in a favorable situation. Four hundred years before Rameses II the pharaohs were the Semitic Hyksos, who also ruled from the delta near the land of Goshen.

On the other hand, a good case can be made for the traditional viewpoint that the invasion occurred c. 1406 b.c. The oppression would have taken place under Amunhotep II after the death of his father Thutmose III, who is known to have used slave labor in his building projects. The earlier date also fits better with the two numbers found in Jdg 11:26 and1Ki 6:1, since it allows for an additional 150 years between Moses and the monarchy.

From the NIV Study Bible, Introductions to the Books of the Bible, Joshua

Copyright 2002 © Zondervan. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

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1. While most of us would wish for the opposite, it is rare for people to stand up for what is right. Most people give in and go along with the majority, even when they know they shouldn’t. Why do you think this is? What most prevents people from standing up like they should?

2. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to stand up against “the crowd”? Tell the story.

Read Numbers 13:1-14:12. (If you are in a group, have someone who knows the story summarize the passage)

3. Look at Numbers 13:18-20. What sort of information does Moses ask the spies to gather? Why do you think he wants this particular information?

4. What are the positives the spies initially share? What are some of the negatives? (see 13:27-29)

5. Who are the descendants of Anak? (See Genesis 6:4 for more information) Why were

WEEK 1:10 WERE BAD & 2 WERE GOOD

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the Israelites so afraid of these people? What do they say (13:33)?

6. How does Caleb’s perception of the situation (13:30) contrast with that of the other spies? How do the people respond?

7. Re-read Caleb and Joshua’s response to the people in Numbers 13:6-9. Why did they remind the people about their identity?

8. Why do you think the people tried to stone Caleb and Joshua for their words? Do you see this behavior in people today when someone stands up for what’s right? Why?

9. Have you ever had a time in your life when you wanted to “go back to Egypt”? Explain.

Read Romans 8:31-39

10. This passage should inspire us and give us courage. It reminds us of our identity in Christ and the fact that we are “more than conquerors”! Does this passage give you courage? Why or why not?

11. Are there any areas of your life right now where you need to stand up more? Explain.

12. Are there any ways in which God might be calling you to step out in faith in a risky situation? What? What will help you step out in faith?

Action Steps1. Read some excerpts from Foxes Book of Martyrs,

Jesus Freaks by DC Talk. You can find excerpts simply by typing these words into Google. You might also consider purchasing one or both of these books to use as devotional materials.

2. Watch the movie The End of the Spear. After watching this movie, spend time reflecting on what you have just watched. Spend time praying for missionaries around the globe facing persecution as well as praying for strength for yourself to be bold for Christ.

Memory Verse: Romans 8:31

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Romans 8:31

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In the Old Testament there is so much war and violence sanctioned by Yahweh. Is this the same loving God portrayed in the New Testament? Let’s take this seriously by quoting a few verses that seem repugnant to us. For example, Deuteronomy 20 contains Yahweh’s instructions about war. If a city does not accept Israel’s offer of peace and open its gates, then “when the Lord your God delivers it into your hand, put to the sword all the men in it” (verse13). With regard to other cities, the command is (verse 16), “Do not leave anything that breathes.”

You probably also recall that the walls of Jericho came tumbling down, and then the Israelites “destroyed with the sword every living thing in it - men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep, and donkeys” (Joshua 6:21). This certainly seems brutal and vindictive, doesn’t it? Or consider Joshua 11:20, “For it was the Lord himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that he might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the Lord had commanded Moses.” From our twenty-

first century point of view, we ask, “What good was accomplished by all this annihilation?”

Yet there is clearly another side to Yahweh as well. While the prophet Ezekiel does not spare the wicked in his denunciations, he also records Yahweh’s words of grace: “If a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die” Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” (Ezekiel 18:21, 23). And he goes on in verse 32, “For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!” And there is this compelling verse recorded in 2 Chronicles 16:9, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

All these descriptions of God depict him as unwavering in retribution on evil, though he takes no delight in it, and also unwavering in love and

“And the Lord sent you on a mission and said, ‘Go, devote to destruction the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’”

1 Samuel 15:18

SPECIAL FOCUS ARTICLE: WAR IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

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encouragement toward those hearts are turned toward him. God’s obvious desire is that sinners should repent and live. But there comes a point where evil is finally intolerable and wiped from off the earth.We must see these terrible retributions in their historical setting. The spread of wickedness was so pervasive that immorality, degradation, and barbarity invaded every facet of life. Children were sacrificed to pagan gods. Male and female prostitution took place right in the temple as part of the religious rites. Idol worship was rife and the society wholly contaminated. This evil was contagious and God’s people were in danger of being infected as well. God’s awesome judgement was finally unleashed.

Today we have lost that black and white distinction between good and evil. Tolerance is presented as the great religious value. Indeed, tolerance of diversity is a high Christian value, but often today tolerance is taken to mean the virtue of accepting nearly every behavior under the sun. Anything goes - in the name of tolerance! A sweeping

moral relativism is the result, and children grow up with fewer and fewer moral absolutes to guide them. We seldom hear the term sin anymore, but instead a dozen much milder words are employed. Surely the Lord will not tolerate this abomination to his holiness forever.

Nor do we like to accept the fact that when evil spreads, the innocent as well as the guilty are hurt. When the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, the city died, both the innocent and the guilty. A few days later, as a direct result, the war came to an end. It was a terrible end, but it was the end, and greater carnage was avoided.

Let’s be clear about this stricter and more communal view of justice in the Bible. The Canaanite pagan communities would surely intermarry with the Israelites, and God’s people were in danger of succumbing to their sexual perversions and religious degradation. Finally, the danger became just too much.

The entire Bible from beginning to end never deviates from this standard of

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justice as well as grace. Jesus is crystal clear about the punishment of evildoers, for on the day of judgement God will say to the evildoers, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). Our society does not much care to hear about pain and punishment, and prefers the meek and mild Jesus of some contemporary writers. But the God of the New Testament is the changeless God of the ages.

And in that affirmation lies our only hope. Clearly we have all missed the mark. Each of us stumbles, and wounds, and sins. Even the most godly affirm that over and over. In God’s enduring justice, he never simply blinks casually at sin. But that is not the end of the story, nor even the overriding theme of the Bible. For as humanity spirals deeper into self-gratification, God intervenes. Indeed, the Old Testament is a record of God’s intervening in the human situation with a new promise of hope. The New Testament is the record of grace applied to people lost in sin and rebellion. There was no compulsion placed on God to undertake this rescue operation. But the plan was and is indescribably marvelous. God did not forget about guilt and justice. Rather, Jesus Christ, the God-man, took on

himself the punishment and so satisfied the grisly sentence. This is what Christians call grace. The Bible is mainly a record of grace, set against a backdrop of horror and misery.

This is an ageless and eternal story, persisting into this new millennium. The evil surrounding us seems to be growing and moral apathy seeps in everywhere. But still God’s grace shines through. His love persists. He calls and calls until the very last moment. Have you discovered his grace? It’s there - available for you to live in every day.

Taken from www.Biblica.comPublished Thursday, December 26, 2013

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NOTES

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1. What rules did you have as a kid that didn’t make any sense to you? Did you ever find out the purpose of those rules? What happened?

2. What are some of the “rules” from the Bible that no longer “make sense” to the world around us? Do you agree with the culture when it comes to these “rules”? Be honest! Explain.

Read Joshua 5:13-6:5

3. Why do you think that the Lord felt it necessary to send an angel to visit Joshua? What was God trying to teach or remind Joshua of? Would this visit have worked for you? Explain.

4. How do you think Joshua and the Israelites would have felt about God’s battle plan?

WEEK 2:WRECKING BALL

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How would you have felt, had you been there?

5. What was God trying to teach the people by giving them such a strange battle plan? Why was this lesson necessary...again?

Read Joshua 6:12-21

6. Re-read verses 17-19. What does it mean that everything within the city was “devoted to the Lord for destruction”?

7. Why do you think that God would require that everyone and everything be “devoted” in this manner? Why do you think that God did not allow the Israelites to keep any of the gold or silver in the city? What was the lesson?

8. Some modern commentators and preachers have equated the battle of Jericho with spiritual warfare. Some have even gone so far as to make this story an allegory for today. Do you agree with this? Do you see any connections between this story and spiritual warfare? Explain.

9. On a personal note, are there any rules or commands from the Bible that you need to be following that you have been reluctant to obey because they don’t make sense or you don’t agree with them? What?

10. Is there a battle in your life that you are fighting right now where you need God’s help? Is there anyone who can help you fight this battle?

Action Steps1. Pick one or two days this week and participate in a

fast before the Lord. Fasting is one of those weird habits that sometimes doesn’t make sense but is a good habit. Keep in mind you don’t have to fast just from food either. You might want to consider fasting from technology instead! During your fast, spend time praying about obedience to the Lord and to His Word. Ask God to show you if there are any areas where you need to be more obedient or where you need His help fighting spiritually.

Memory Verse: John 14:15

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

John 14:15

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1. Are you good at keeping secrets? Why or why not?

2. Is it ever appropriate to keep secrets from people? Explain. When is keeping secrets destructive? How can you tell the difference between an appropraite secret and a destructive one?

Read Joshua 7:1-9

3. Read verse 1 again very carefully. Who is it that God say’s “broke faith”? Why do you think that God punishes the whole nation for the sins of one man?

4. How did Joshua respond to the defeat at Ai (vs. 6-9)? Why do you think he responded this way? Do you think his response was appropriate? Explain.

5. Why do you think Joshua’s first response was to blame God for the failure instead

WEEK 3:SIN IN THE CAMP

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of looking inward? Do you think this is the way most people respond to trouble? What about you?

6. Before the battle of Ai, we don’t see Joshua or any of the other Israelites asking the Lord for his help. Why do you think they failed to seek the Lord’s guidance before the battle? What’s the lesson in this?

Read Joshua 7:10-15 and 19-26

7. What was God’s instructions to Joshua to determine who was at fault? What was the punishment for Achan and his family?

8. Do you feel like Achan’s punishment was too harsh? Why or why not? What was the lesson God was trying to teach?

9. 36 Israelites lost their lives because of Achan’s sin. His family also lost their lives. What does this teach us about the consequence of sin? Is there such a thing as a personal or private sin? Explain.

10. What do you think the purpose of the pile of stones in verse 26 was? Do you need any reminders in your life about the danger of unconfessed or secret sin? What would be helpful?

11. James 5 teaches that confession brings about healing. Do you agree with this? How could confessing your sins bring healing? Is there anything you need to confess to someone so that you might be healed?

Action Steps1. Public or even out loud confession is odd to most

Protestants. Most of us grew up being taught that all we need to do is confess our sins, privately, to God and we will be forgiven. While this is theologically accurate, sometimes confessing out loud can be healing. Find some time when you can be alone. Set up a video camera or use your phone as a “selfie cam”. Confess all your sins, out loud, to the camera. Confess everything you can think of. When you’re done, pray and ask for forgiveness then destroy or delete the video. Know that you are forgiven!!!

Memory Verse: James 5:16

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

James 5:16

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1. What is your retirement dream?

2. Do you feel like older people are a blessing when it comes to church and to ministry or more of a hinderance? Explain.

Read Joshua 14:6-15

3. What stands out to you the most from this particular passage? Why?

4. What significance is there is Caleb’s request to take the hill country where the Anakim lived? Didn’t Caleb deserve to take it easy? Why not sit back and let the younger people handle the hard stuff?

5. How did Caleb explain his long life, great health and strength, even at 85? Is there

WEEK 4:RETIREMENT IS FOR WIMPS

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a lesson for us in this? Is there a danger in taking this concept too far? Explain.

6. Re-read verse 15. Do you see any connection between Caleb’s actions and his faith and the land having rest from war? Why or why not?

7. What are some lessons that older folks can learn from Caleb’s example? What are some lessons that younger folks can learn from this example?

Read 1 Samuel 16:7 and 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

8. What do these passages have to teach us about who God can use?

9. Our culture definitely values youth and looks down on those who are old. Why is this so? Do you think this happens in church too? Why?

10. Are there some older people that you know that might need some encouragement to not “retire” from serving the Lord? What can you do to encourage them?

11. Caleb served the Lord, whole-heartedly, his entire life. How are you doing with that? Are you a Caleb? Why or why not?

Action Steps1. For those who are younger: Go spend some time

with an older Christian. It might be hard to find someone who would be willing to sit down with you but be persistent. Try to learn from them. Ask questions about faith and ministry and life. Be encouraged by them and in turn take the opportunity to encourage this person to continue serving and to not retire.

2. For those who are older: Are you still serving in ministry or have you retired? Why? Consider hitting the reset button on your ministry. Take the S.H.A.P.E. assessment available in our church lobby. Step into service or leadership. The church NEEDS you to be a Caleb. Don’t give up. Don’t quit. Young people need your help and your wisdom. Retirement is for wimps!

Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:27

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;”

1 Corinthians 1:27

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Rahab is one of two women named in Hebrews 11 as examples of godly faith. The other is Abraham’s wife, Sarah. Few would question Sarah’s inclusion. She exemplified, in most respects, what are generally considered Christian values and qualities. But Rahab? Why would the holy, righteous God include the name of a harlot as one of His faithful saints?

God, we must realize, shows His great mercy and power through human weaknesses (2 Corinthians:12:9). Out of Rahab’s weakness she was made strong in faith—through the power of God. The record of her deeds provides sufficient scriptural evidence for why God included her in the faith chapter: “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace” (Hebrews:11:31).

Many people would not risk their lives for family and friends. Yet Rahab risked her life to protect “enemy” spies. Rahab focused on the godly mission of the spies and her realization that they represented the God of Israel. Rahab didn’t believe just in the existence of God, she literally believed

what He revealed. That is, she believed it was He who was bringing Israel into the Promised Land. Risking her very life, she had no more evidence to go on than the reports from others that somehow, in some way, the God of Israel had given His people great victories over more-powerful foes.

Rahab stated confidently:

“I know that the Lord has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.

“And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath”

(Joshua:2:9-11)

Rahab was here living by faith and not by sight, for, though she saw none of these events actually happen, she had faith to believe that Israel’s God was more powerful than all

“By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.”

Hebrews 11:31

SPECIAL FOCUS ARTICLE: RAHAB - FROM HARLOT TO HEROINE

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others and would take care of her and her family too.

Rahab’s faith and conviction gave her the courage to look death in the face—and live. As Proverbs:28:1 tells us, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Courage is born from unwavering faith, as Rahab demonstrated.

The merciful and patient God

We can learn a powerful lesson from Rahab. Her example demonstrates living faith in a forgiving and merciful God.

We should note, however, that Rahab’s response to God was not perfect. She lied to protect the spies’ whereabouts. Sadly, some will use this to excuse lying when, in their determination, it’s for a good cause. However, God’s law makes it clear that lying is never acceptable (Leviticus:19:11; Proverbs:12:22). We should bear in mind that Rahab is commended for her faith , not her lying—and realize that her faith was not yet educated, so to speak.

It may even be that Rahab did not yet fully understand the sinfulness of her past way of life. But she did know she had lived apart from the true God and now believed He would receive her if she would serve Him. No doubt this fact would later lead her to a committed life of obedience to God.

No, God did not condemn her for not telling the truth about the spies’ whereabouts; He commended her for hiding His courageous representatives. The apostle James later wrote: “Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?” (James:2:25)—her works being a natural response to her faith. Had she known the truth about lying, this verse would likely read differently. But she acted in the best way she knew—and a merciful and patient God proclaimed her a heroine of faith.

Rahab also showed a deep devotion to those close to her. Considering the terrible destruction about to befall the great city of Jericho, Rahab could easily have thought only of her own safety, ignoring the welfare

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of others. Yet her agreement with the spies was that they should guarantee not only her safety but that of her entire family. Rahab’s faith, courage and concern for others saved her family and herself.

“But Joshua had said to the two men who had spied out the country, ‘Go into the harlot’s house, and from there bring out the woman and all that she has, as you swore to her.’ And the young men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father, her mother, her brothers, and all that she had. So they brought out all her relatives and left them outside the camp of Israel . . . And Joshua spared Rahab the harlot, her father’s household, and all that she had. So she dwells in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho”

(Joshua:6:22-25; see also verses 17-21)

Yes, the Israelites received Rahab and her family into the nation of Israel. Over time, she would have learned the laws of God and come to serve Him more completely, repudiating the mistakes of her past. Indeed, being of Canaan and a former prostitute, she must have convincingly changed her life to have been able to marry a prominent

Israelite.

Messianic hope

Surprisingly, Rahab married Salmon, the son of Judah’s tribal leader. From this marriage would come their son Boaz, a faithful man of God. Boaz would marry Ruth (of the book of Ruth), and their son Obed would be the father of Jesse, the father of King David. From David would descend the Savior of all mankind, Jesus Christ (Matthew:1:5-6, 15-16; Ruth:4:21-22; 1 Chronicles:2:10-15). Amazingly, then, a former prostitute of Canaan would become what every Israelite woman hoped to be—a mother in the line of the Messiah.

In fact, Rahab experienced the messianic hope in an especially personal way—finding deliverance, physical and spiritual, through the mercy of God. Rahab’s story represents what God has in store for those in non-Israelite nations (the gentiles), who are also promised God’s salvation (Acts:2:21; Romans:9:22-26).

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Her conversion reminds us that one day God will write His laws on the hearts and minds of all mankind, converting all peoples (Hebrews:8:11).

A transformed life, like that experienced by Rahab, is there for you if you follow the apostle Peter’s instruction: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts:2:38).

If a common harlot of Canaan could become an uncommon saint of faith and courage and receive the privilege of motherhood in the line of Jesus Christ, then surely nothing is impossible with God (Matthew:19:26). Rahab’s amazing story is a lesson for us all.

Profiles of Faith: Rahab - From Harlot to Heroinearticle by Jerold Aust

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1. What’s your mom like? What are some things you learned from her that were good? Are there some things you learned from her that you wished you hadn’t?

2. What is more important: living out your faith in action or having the right beliefs in your heart? Explain.

Read Joshua 2 (if you’re reading this in a group, have someone summarize the story)

3. What risks does Rahab take in protecting the two spies? (see verses 1-7)

4. What does Rahab know and believe about the God of Israel ? (see verses 8-11)

5. What deal does Rahab make in exchange for hiding the spies? What are the conditions that the spies place on Rahab in order to protect her and her family? In other words,

WEEK 5:AN IRON WOMAN

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what must Rahab do to be saved?

6. What are your thoughts about Rahab’s dishonesty when it comes to protecting the spies?

Read Matthew 1:5, Hebrews 11:30-31, and James 2:25

7. These verses are like Rahab’s report card. What does it say?

8. What do these verses and the story of Rahab teach us about God’s grace and His mercy?

9. What connection is there between Rahab’s belief and her actions? What’s the connection for us between what we say we believe and our actions?

10. Do you feel like there are some sins from the past that can’t or shouldn’t be forgiven? Explain.

11. How can the story of Rahab encourage you this week in regards to God’s forgiveness? How can it encourage you to act on your faith?

Action Steps1. This Sunday was Mother’s day. If you didn’t do

anything nice for your mom or for your wife it’s not too late. Go buy some flowers or take your mom or wife out to dinner. Consider writing her a card and telling her what she means to you. Even if you did something nice on Sunday, consider doing something additional this year!

2. For many people Mother’s day is a difficult day. Some people have bad relationships with their mom. Some have lost their mother’s. Other ladies want to become mothers but they can’t for whatever reason. Consider sending an encouragement card to someone in your life who might be struggling this week or who might have struggled on Sunday. If you’re the one who’s hurting, consider reaching out to someone and share your story with them.

Memory Verse: James 2:26

For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”

James 2:26

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1. If you were giving your farewell address to a group of people, what are some parting words of wisdom you might share? Why those words?

2. God has given us the ability and the freedom to make choices in this life. What are some of the benefits of this freedom? What are some of the dangers of this freedom? Do you ever wish we didn’t have this freedom? Why or why not?

Read Joshua 23

3. How does Joshua exalt God in his farewell address?

4. What promises and commands does Joshua give to the Israelites in verses 5-11?

5. Why do you think that the Israelites were not supposed to associate with the nations around them? Do you think this is good advice for Christians today? What’s the line

WEEK 6:FINAL WORDS

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betweeen being IN the world and being OF the world?

Read Joshua 24:14-28

6. Joshua and the Israelites repeat the word serve thirteen times in verses 14-27. Why is this a good word to describe our duty to God?

7. Why might serving the Lord seem undesireable to the Israelites (vs. 15)? Has serving the Lord ever felt undesireable to you? When? Be honest!

8. Why do you think that Joshua doesn’t accept the people’s first pledge of obedience in verse 19?

9. What is the purpose of the witnesses described in verses 22 and 27?

10. Israel has to choose who they will serve. Is serving the Lord a choice we have to make as well? What does it mean to make that choice? How do we make it?

11. In what ways is serving the Lord difficult for you? What are some of the blessings of serving the Lord?

Action Steps1. Sit down and write out your own eulogy. Don’t be

creeped out by this. Take some time and write down how you want to be remembered when you are gone. What do you want people to say about you? What do you want your legacy to be? After you are done, take a look at your life now verses the life you want to be remembered for having. Are there changes that you need to make now in order to have a life like this? Set some goals. Make some changes. Don’t wait until later to become the person God has called you to be!

2. Watch the video “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch on youtube. It’s very inspirational and motivational. This man is not a Christian that I am aware of but it will get you thinking about what you want your life to look like before you have to give your last lecture!

Memory Verse: Joshua 24:15

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.””

Joshua 24:15

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ROMANS 8:31

What then shall we say to these things? If

God is for us, who can be against us?

SCRIPTUREVERSES

I HAVE STORED UP

-PSALM 119:11

YOUR WORD IN MY HEART

THAT I MIGHT NOT

SIN AGAINST YOU.

Weekly Verses to Memorize.

1.

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JOHN 14:15

If you love me, you will keep my

commandments.

JAMES 5:16

Therefore, confess your sins to one another

and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

1 CORINTHIANS 1:27

But God chose what is foolish in the world to

shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

JAMES 2:26

For as the body apart from the spirit is dead,

so also faith apart from works is dead.

JOSHUA 24:15

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve

the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

3.

2. 5.

4.

6.

w w w . n w c c . n e t

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN CHURCHW H E R E R E A L L I F E C H A N G E H A P P E N S