Being Different Lesson 3

Being Different Lesson 3:  Rahab

We could have gone another 5 lessons on Joseph, but we will move on.  We have a lot to learn.  Here is your first major exam…give me all the lessons so far.  You can look back at your notes (I had to…lol)

Noah

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Joseph

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2     ______________________________________________________

 

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4     ______________________________________________________

 

5     ______________________________________________________

 

Awesome job! The fact that you are still reading this thrills me more than you know.  Praise God for His Word and His lessons from Old Testament favorites!

At first I chose Moses, but then I decided that wasn’t where God wanted me to spend my time.  So I am jumping to Rahab with the caveat that I might back up to Moses if God should lead me too.  You are probably thinking that Rahab is a strange choice to imitate because she was a prostitute.  But hang with me and I think we can learn a few good traits from her as well. Let’s go…

 

Lesson 3 Homework Day 1: Recognize God’s Plan when it seeks you out

Read Joshua 2.

The first characteristic I want us to look at when studying Rahab is in verse 9.  Rahab tells the spies that she “knows the Lord has given this land to you”.  That statement is strange to me because Rahab is a prostitute.  I don’t think she would normally be a God-fearing woman because of her profession.  And yet she seemed to know that God was giving the land to the Israelites.  How did Rahab know?

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think she knew because the Lord gave her eyes and ears to understand.  She said that everyone was “melting in fear”.  This tells us that God had gone before the spies to prepare the way for them.  Then Rahab recognized when the spies came to her door that they were an integral part of God’s Plan.  We too must be that observant.  We must recognize God’s Plan when it knocks on the door.

There are many examples of God going before His people to prepare the way for them.  An obvious example that everyone who has ever been to church know about is the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:19-22.  Read it please.  In this passage, we see the Lord going before the Israelites to part the Red Sea.  Without the Lord before them, they wouldn’t have been able to escape. 

How did Moses recognize God’s Plan?  And what did Moses do to part the Red Sea?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moses recognized God’s Plan when the Lord spoke to him and told Him to stretch out his hand.  If Moses had ignored the Plan, the Israelites would have been captured or perished.   Think of a time you failed to recognize God’s Plan.  What effect did it have on the circumstance?  What blessing did you miss?  I won’t ask you to write it down, but spend some time thinking about it and ask God to help you understand what you missed.

Back to Rahab. …this story shows us that God will use anyone to fulfill His Plan but we MUST be able to recognize it.  Rahab probably didn’t fear God before that day.  She was a sinner not looking for God to come into her life, but God used her in spite of her sins.  This story gives us hope.  It tells us that God will use us in spite of our sins.  Fill in the blank from this passage in Romans:

Romans 3:23-24 “for ____________ have ___________________ and fall short of the glory of God, and all are ___________________ freely by his _______________ through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

How do we recognize it?  I think the only way you can recognize God’s Plan is to be actively in a relationship with Him.  The relationship comes from Spiritual Disciplines for example: studying His Word, praying, attending worship services, fellowship with other believers, etc.  These are all ways to draw nearer to God so that you will be able to recognize His Plan when it knocks on your door. 

I am fixing to really digress, really digress.  And I will flat out be truthful, I cut this next section out several times so I would not digress, but I keep feeling the tug to put it back.  Maybe God wants me to hear so I am sticking it in now…sorry!

I think there is a HUGE difference between Believing in God and Believing God.  Stick with me.  Check out James 2:19 “You believe that there is one God. Good!  Even the demons believe that and shudder!”  You see believing IN God is the easy part, but the believing God is where people stumble.  Believing in God simply means you believe a higher power exists.  Most people are willing to say they do.  But believing God for who He is gets scary.  It means having an active, intimate relationship with Him.  It means loving Him more than your spouse and children.  It means spending time in fellowship with God through Bible Study and prayer.  It means giving up the things of this world because He is a jealous God and you cannot love both Him and the world.

I think our churches are full of Christians that believe in God but have no relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus.  I think if my life had ended before the age of 29 I would have been doomed to hell although I walked the aisle at 12 years old and repeated a sinner’s prayer.  I never knew what a relationship through Jesus was until I was 29 and in discipleship training classes.  Learning how to love Jesus and then love myself and only then love others.  How many other people are living the same lie from satan that I was living?  The scariest scripture in the Bible to me is Matthew 7:21-23.  Read it and pray over it.  I told you I would digress…now tomorrow it’s back to Rahab.

 

Lesson 3 Homework Day 2: Share your testimony and make the enemy melt

You came back after the digression…yay!  Today I will try and focus better…doubtful but I will try *grin*

Look at verse 10 and 11.  What are the first three words of each verse?

 

 

Rahab teaches us that we must share our testimony as well as listen to the testimony of others.  Many times I think we as Christians miss the idea of listening.  We speak when instead we should listen.  My favorite New Testament book is James.  He addresses the issue of listening in very direct way.  Read James 1:19.  Memorize it.  It’s one you need to remind yourself of.  I have a whole list of listen instead of speaking scriptures I have memorized over time so that I can keep my mouth shut and try to keep my character intact.  *grin*

Back to Rahab.  What has she heard?  Look first at verse 10.  List the two events she tells them she has heard.

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These two events in the life of the Israelites are earth shaking.  The other nations have never had a god to perform a miracle such as parting the sea.  The word had spread through the grapevine (yes it existed back then).  Something so miraculous was not kept secret.  Side note (shocking, I know): I saw a tv show advertise where “scholars” were arguing scientific proof that the sea was only knee deep where the Israelites crossed.  First let me tell you I do not believe that is true because my Bible says they crossed not only on a parted sea, but on DRY land with a wall of water on each side, and second let me point out that if it was that shallow…what a miracle of drowning horses and soldiers in ankle deep water (can I get an amen?).  Read it yourself…it’s worth it!  Exodus 14:19-31.

Now back to Rahab (so sad that I’ve already said that twice in one lesson…please hang with my attention deficit self!)…look at verse 11. 

What two things does Rahab say happened when they heard of the two miracles?

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2     ______________________________________________________

 

And what is the reason? ________________________________________

 

Let me tell you something that was earth shaking for me.  When the enemy hears what God is doing in your life, it will cause their hearts to melt and their courage to fail.  I never thought of myself in that light.  But looking at Rahab’s story we can learn that our testimony can bring fear to the enemy and encourage others in the Faith. 

Read verse 12 again.  Rahab tells them to “swear by the Lord” do you think a non-God fearing prostitute would use that phrase?  Rahab has heard the testimony and it has encouraged her to trust in the Lord.  Otherwise she would have pinky-sweared or some other form of sealing a promise.

Think of a time you have been greatly encouraged in your Faith by hearing the testimony of another Believer’s experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes I like to just ponder those stories.  I wish we could gather all of ours up and publish them to reference again.  I had a friend that used to write them down.  She used other people’s God moments to encourage her when she was low in faith.  I tried keeping a journal of my own moments, but honestly, I just never felt like I was consistent enough with it, so I stopped.  Maybe I should entertain beginning again.

Listen to the testimony of others and share your own testimony.  Stories must be passed down generation to generation to strengthen Believers along the way.  See Psalm 78:1-8.  It puts it very nicely. 

Short day today...enjoy it…I don’t do very much shortness or quickness (lol). 

 

Lesson 3 Homework Day 3: Follow through with your word – it defines you!

Today please start by reading Joshua 2:15-21.

In today’s portion of the story we see that Rahab gives her word to the spies to protect them and they give their word to her to protect her and her family.  Please note that there is no witness, no lawyer and no notary public.  They simple exchange words and move forward.  What has our society done?  A handshake means nothing in today’s world unless it is witnessed, signed and dated.  Shame on us.

We will start at the end and work backwards.  Re-read verse 21.  What is the first word?

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As simple as that and both parties moved forward in God’s will.  When is the last time you gave your word to someone without a witness or a signature?  Jot down the details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Rahab’s example we see that she is defined by her word.  The spies told her that if she didn’t keep quiet they would not be bound to their promise to protect her.  Rahab has a choice here.  She can keep quiet and trust in the spies whom she has never met and who serve a God she previously did not serve, or she can tell her neighbors and her people and be ready to fight when the Israelites come to attack.  I believe this choice was amazingly brave and full of faith. 

Let’s look quickly at the definition of faith.  Instead of Webster’s, let’s look to Hebrews.  Specifically Hebrews 11:1.  Write it down:

 

 

 

 

 

 

How does this definition relate to Rahab’s situation?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exactly…she didn’t see anything (except two spies) and yet she was hoping for a spared life by a God she didn’t know.  We must have the same faith.  We must be certain of what we do not see (God in the physical form) while being sure of what we hope for (eternal life through Jesus His Son).  We are blessed and more fortunate than people we study in the Bible because we have the complete Bible.  Rahab didn’t have any written evidence of God.  She only had one thing…from our previous lesson…do you remember?

Verses 10 and 11 “We have _____________ …”

Now Rahab gave her word to the spies and they had to exert a little faith on their own.  They had to trust that Rahab would keep their secret.  I bet that was difficult, because they didn’t know her and well…blood is thicker than water.  By keeping the secret she was betraying her leaders, her neighbors, probably her high school friends, her hair dresser.  The spies no doubt had to be concerned that she would choose to be loyal to her folks instead of them. 

Jump ahead and read Joshua 6:22-23.  What happened to Rahab and her family?

 

 

 

 

Both parties kept their word.  In this example, Rahab shows us that keeping our word to people defines us in their eyes as trustworthy, loyal, and even sometimes obedient.  When we give our word and keep it, people learn they can rely on us and they see a glimpse of what we are made of.  Reliable people are hard to find in our society.  Think of the reliable people you know and think about what they have in common.

 

 

 

 

Mine are easy.  They are in three categories: my spouse, running buddies and Bible Study buddies.  Obviously I don’t need to explain why I rely on my spouse…if you are married you understand and if you are single you still likely understand *grin*.  Running buddies are reliable because we are currently training for a marathon.  You don’t run that many miles together without building a trust and loyalty.  And Bible Study buddies are the top.  I have 8-10 sisters that I can call right now with any request and they will drop the world to come to my rescue.  And I would do the same for them.  When I give them my word, they know they can count on it.  Same if they give me theirs.  The key learning from Rahab is that keeping your word shows people you are dedicated to them and to your word. 

Look at Proverbs 11:13 it is very clear on the subject. 

If you give your word, keep it.  Follow through and be defined as trustworthy and reliable.

 

Review what Rahab has taught us:

 

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Lesson 3 Homework Day 4: Partial obedience could get you killed!

I hope you are enjoying this detailed look at Rahab.  I will tell you it has been funny because I originally only came up with two points, then God gave me a third.  Tonight I stared at the white glow of the computer and prayed for another point.  I really wanted to keep each section to five points to make the homework balance (yes…I am borderline OCD).  And sure enough…He came through.  Let’s get to point number four while praying for point number 5.  Today read Joshua 2:17-21.

One thing I have learned from Rahab is that you must fully obey when given specific instructions.  What were her specific instructions from the spies?

 

 

 

 

And she obeyed fully.  Do you think it would have been easy to leave the scarlet cord out of the window?  Do you think her neighbors asked what is that cord and why don’t you take it down?  Yet she didn’t because she knew that partial obedience could get her killed.  Only keeping quiet would not have been full obedience and it would literally have gotten her killed.

Think of a recent time that you partially obeyed God’s instructions.

 

 

 

 

How’d it work out for you?  My experience is that partial obedience never works out well for me personally.  And I am trying to teach my children that partial obedience in our house won’t work out so well for them!

Partial obedience in God’s eyes is basically the same as disobedience.  I learned that gem from Priscilla Shirer’s Gideon study.  And it has continued to resonate with me ever since.  Think of an easy lesson.  Moses.  I always have a tender spot in my heart for Moses.  Read Numbers 20:8-12.  What was Moses commanded to do?

 

 

What did Moses do?

 

 

My heart hurts every time I read it.  The people were driving Moses crazy.  I have been there, have you?  I have wanted to strike the rock instead of speak to it…along with maybe some noggins that I deal with daily!  And just like that Moses didn’t enter the Promised Land. 

You see, with God it is all or nothing.  You might as well not waste the time partially obeying.  It’s all or nothing in God’s eyes.  Look at another one.  Read 1 Samuel 15:12-14, 1 Samuel 15:19-26.  The background is that Saul was instructed to obliterate the enemy.  I think my favorite (yes, my Bible Study buddies are laughing because I say this about every other scripture) is 1 Samuel 15:14.  What did Saul let live?

 

 

 

 

And what does Samuel say in verse 26?

 

 

You see, Saul partially obeyed God’s instructions and God rejected him.  That is a very scary thought to me. 

Now looking further at Rahab.  The spies instructed her two things 1) keep quiet and 2) hang the scarlet cord in the window.  Probably the most important part for the safety of the spies was to keep quiet about their plans.  But for Rahab’s safety, she had to fully obey and hang the scarlet cord. 

In our lives, we often get two part instructions as well.  How good are you at obeying the full instruction given?

 

 

 

 

Honestly, I struggle sometimes as well…especially if the instructions don’t line up with my plans.  We will look more at obedience as we study other Old Testament characters. 

For now, pray that God will show you areas in your life where you might not be fully obeying His instructions.  See you tomorrow as we finish Rahab.

 

 

Lesson 3 Homework Day 5: Cling to God’s People!

Please read Joshua 6:25.  Yes, just one verse…its correct, I didn’t leave something out.

Our point today is steeped in one verse but I think it is one of the most important lessons.  Fill in the blanks:

“But Joshua ___________________ Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho – and she _________________ among the ____________________ today.”

Once Rahab was spared , she remained with the Israelites.  Lived among them.  Why do you think she did that?

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think there are a few possibilities.  One obvious one is that the Israelites had burned down Jericho, so basically Rahab had nothing left to live in.  But I believe she could have packed up and moved on and settled anywhere else.  In fact, she might would have left because the Israelites did kill all her friends/neighbors and burn down her house (just saying..). 

I think she stayed because she recognized a distinct uniqueness about the Israelites.  God was with them.  And they were with God.  The spies had kept their word and Joshua allowed her to be saved along with her entire household.  This told Rahab that there was something different about these folks. And she wanted what they had.  And it was God dwelling among them.

Like it or not, we were made for community and togetherness.  Look at Hebrews 10:24-25.  What does the writer tell us to not give up?

 

 

Rahab understood that concept immediately.  She knew that surrounding herself with God’s people was a good idea.  We should learn from that example.

Why do you think the Bible encourages us to gather with other believers?

 

 

 

 

I would LOVE to hear your responses.  Mine would include to encourage our faith when we were down, to help rear our children (I firmly believe it takes a village), to challenge each other and hold one another accountable, to test each other against scripture to ensure a firm foundation, etc.

Being in a body of believers (church) is very important to your spiritual life.  At some point all of us have probably thought we could make it without being a part of a church because salvation is an individual thing, right?  While yes, salvation is a free will choice that each person makes individually, I would argue that Biblically we are expected and commanded to worship corporately i.e. cling to other believers! 

I put the words “gather together” in a Biblegateway.com search and the phrase appears 20 times in the Old Testament with regards to gathering God’s people.  Read Acts 14:27 and Acts 15:30.  In both cases the writer says they gathered the church together to report what God had done and to read a letter.  There are other examples…check Biblegateway.com if you are doubtful that God intends for you to be a part of a church.

I heard a story one time about a pastor that went to visit a church member who had missed several services and told someone he did not need to attend church to worship God.  The pastor never spoke, he walked in took the fireplace tongs, pulled an ember out of the fireplace and laid it alone on the marble hearth.  The pastor sat down and watched the ember.  It did not take long to burn out.  The pastor got up and left and the man didn’t miss another service.  The ember could not burn alone and we cannot thrive spiritually alone either.  We need each other.  Find a body of Believers if you do not have one.

My writing was a bit long winded today, sorry.  Maybe tomorrow you will be writing the most *wink*.  Pray for God to keep you surrounded by other believers.  Cling to them and be encouraged by them.  Review time…what has Rahab taught us?

 

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