By Bryan D. Gill, D.Min.
Director of the Office of Faith, Learning and Vocation, Samford University
RAHAB: A FAITH NOT HELD BACK BY FEAR
Joshua 2:1–4a, 8–14; 6:22–25
Whether composing a song, painting a picture, carving a sculpture or writing a book, all artists must answer the same question: “Who is my audience?” It doesn’t matter if other groups of people are drawn to their art. They are focused on creating art for their specific audience.
The same goes for our faith. When our audience is God, we live a life that pleases Him. Our faith reveals the One we aim to please. Neither cultural pressures, fear of what others might think nor anything else should keep us from living a faithful life.
Today’s lesson looks at Rahab, a woman whose faith was not held back by fear.
Faith calls us to do what is right even in the face of cultural pressure. (2:1–4a)
Rahab did what was right even though it meant going against orders from her king. She sheltered the spies that Joshua sent into Jericho not because she wanted to revolt against her government, but because she feared God more.
Chapter 2 of Joshua shows us that news of God’s miraculous works in the desert had reached Jericho. Because of this, Rahab knew she must shift the object of her faith from a worldly audience to God.
Even though she faced possible persecution from her government or even death for her actions, her faith in the God of the spies superseded the cultural pressures she faced. Rahab is a good example of someone who knew her audience and had a faith that reflected her devotion.
We might not face death or persecution, but we might have to choose between caring for marginalized people groups or ignoring them in order to maintain our comfortable lifestyle. Our audience will determine our actions.
Faith acts even in the face of fear. (8–14)
Rahab made it perfectly clear that the people of Jericho feared the Israelites because of the works of God.
When we face fear, our bodies typically respond with either fight or flight actions. Recently, other responses have been added to this list, including the potential to freeze, fawn or flop.
However, as a Christian there is another response: faith. Rahab’s fear led her to faith in God, and her actions revealed her faith. She could have run away or fought the spies or several other responses.
But Hebrews 11:31 tells us, “By faith Rahab the prostitute welcomed the spies in peace and didn’t perish with those who disobeyed.” There will be fearful times when we follow God. However, our response to fear should be one of faith and actions.
When we act in faith, others benefit. (6:22–25)
Rahab had faith in God, and her courageous actions revealed her faith. We wouldn’t know her faith without her actions.
James 2:25–26 says, “In the same way, wasn’t Rahab the prostitute also justified by works in receiving the messengers and sending them out by a different route? For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.”
Rahab’s faith story is a beautiful testimony of God’s faithfulness. God spared her family when the Israelites overtook Jericho, sustained her lineage generations beyond her life and included her in the lineage of Jesus (Matt. 1:5).
Rahab’s faith benefited her own family and countless others. Your faith will benefit others as well when you stand firm amid cultural pressures and fears.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
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