Let us never forget what God has done for us through His Son, Jesus. God the Father is in the business of taking the impulsive, independent, short-tempered, judgemental, disobedient, sinful, and unrighteous and gives us the ministry of reconciliation. He takes what is broken and makes it new for His glory and our good.
REVIEW: Rahab's Encounter with God's Grace.
- READ: Joshua 2:9-11 “..and [Rahab] said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea[a] for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed.[b] 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
- DISCUSS: What does Rahab's story teach us about God's response to sin and brokenness? How does Rahab's acceptance by God challenge our views on who is deserving of God's grace?
REVIEW: Overcoming Limitations from the Past
- READ: James 2:21-23, “Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.”
- DISCUSS: How does Rahab's transformation from a prostitute to a respected figure in Israel's history challenge our perceptions of personal redemption? What practical steps can we take to overcome our past and embrace God's transformative work in our lives?
ASK:
What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?
PRAY:
For help focusing on Jesus, trusting in his plan, supporting his people, and celebrating his work.