Sermon Tone Analysis

A Mother God Honored

Joshua 2

 

~*Intro – How does God honor a mother?

One way is by giving her a spot in His holy Word.

~*Mt 1:5 only 4 women mentioned in lineage – Rahab was one – Heb 11:31; James 2:25 (shorter hall of faith – just she and Abraham); and Josh 2

 

~*As we honor our mothers today, and as moms enjoy a bit of much deserved appreciation – let’s think for a few minutes about the kind of mom God took time (and Scripture) to honor.

~*What character quality, what achievement, what manner of living would you need to exhibit to receive that kind of attention from the Lord?

– Not just in the Messiah’s family tree, but recorded 4 times in the Bible.

! I. Far from Perfect

~*vs1 harlot

~*vs4 liar

~*undoubtedly a pagan idolater – why was God judging the inhabitants

~*Being a member of Adam’s race – never became perfect, never got it all right, never fully measured up

 

~*Moms, I don’t want to diminish your day one iota by causing you to think of all your faults and past failures, but I do want to encourage all of us – not just moms – that there is hope in Jesus Christ.

God is in the restoration business – He buys old junk and makes it beautiful – it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, who you are, or what you’re doing – He can move us from spiritual death to life, from unloveliness to beauty, from shame to honor

 

!! II.

Intense Faith

~*Vs9 “I know” – based on what?

– paint picture of her life and worldview – tendency to disbelieve other gods and cling to your own

 

~*vs10 “utterly destroyed” – If she knows this, how can she trust a people this ruthless – their not in it for tribute money – they are utterly destroying – clearing a path

 

~*vs11 – Great statement of faith – turning her back on all she’s been taught and ever believed

 

~*vs12 – she’s staking her life on an oath made to Israel’s God

 

!!! III.

Faith Resulting in Obedience

~*vs4 hid them – risked life

 

~*vs15-16 helped them – helping enemy

 

~*vs12-13 asked for covenantal kindness for herself and family – could have assumed, hoped, been too proud, been scared

 

~*vs21 Tied scarlet cord – risked exposure

~*Apparently didn’t blow whistle

~*7:23 didn’t leave house (even in thick of battle), or flee the city

~*Close w~/Heb 12:1 – Rahab is one of those witnesses – moms, and all – what is the race set before you?