Faithful #2 (Advent 2022) – Study Questions

Kyle Bartholic   -   December 1, 2022

Rahab  – Faithfulness through a confession.

 

Joshua 2:1-24

 

INTRODUCTION:  The reality of Rahab’s story is that of God’s glorious grace to redeem any person. For the Christian, Rahab represents the example of one who confesses God’s historic acts of redemption and receives salvation. The confession of faith becomes the means to salvation (Rom. 10:9, 1 John 4:15).[1] If salvation can come to Rahab and her household, then what stands in the way for you or me? The truth is this if we ask God to remember us and save us from our sins, he will. Even for the most unlikely character. The story of Rahab confirms God’s welcome to all people, whatever their condition. Christ died for all the world, and the opportunity is available for all to come to him through faith, even the chief of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). Like Paul, Rahab exhibits faith and understanding of the God who saves her. She becomes part of the family line that leads to the birth of Jesus (Matt. 1:5) and a model of faith for all Christians (Heb. 11:31).[2] Redemption is the melodic line of Advent.

 

If in the story of Tamar we see the depth of God’s salvation, in Rahab’s, we see its breadth. Salvation can come to anyone, and salvation is for everyone, even the most unlikely characters. Rahab’s name means “He enlarges” or “He widens.” While she would not see the incredible outcome of her salvation, Matthew saw it in part in the life of Christ and just had to list her! Through Rahab and ultimately through Jesus, we see the Kingdom of God enlarged and no one is too impossible to enter it. In other words, God’s redemption is limitless.

 

 

 

GETTING STARTED – As we continue through the season of Advent, we are to take time to intentionally remember Christ’s birth and his coming to earth as Messiah. Jesus’ birth is a brilliant confirmation of God’s love and desire to redeem man. As a group, share about a time that you experienced redemption in a significant way. Or, talk about a moment where God’s redemption stood out to you in a fresh and profound way.

 

 

IN THE WORD –   Let’s dig back into the passage. It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.

First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)

 

Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.

Here are some good questions to help make observations in this chapter:

  1. What happened in the narrative? Note any major events, characters, or
    themes?
  2. What do you learn about the main characters in this section? How does the author describe
    them? How do they describe themselves?
  3. Is there a conflict or high point in the passage?
  4. What surprises are there?

 

 

 

Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?

 

 

 

Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?

 

[1] Richard S. Hess, Joshua: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 6, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 101.

[2] Richard S. Hess, Joshua: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 6, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 89.