Escape from Jericho

1. Read: James 2:25

2. About the Text:

1) James is reminding us that faith without works is dead.

2) He gives two examples: Abraham and Rahab.

3) Abraham was justified by faith when he offered Isaac at God’s command.

4) Rahab the harlot was also justified by faith when she received the spies and sent them out a different way.

5) Her faith enabled her to escape the coming destruction of Jericho.

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. Joshua sent two men to spy out Jericho (Joshua 2:1).

1) They went to the house of Rahab.

2) They lodged there.

2. The King of Jericho learned of these spies (Joshua 2:2-3).

1) He was told of men from Israel sent to search out their country.

2) The king sent to Rahab to bring out the men.

3. Rahab hid the spies (Joshua 2:4-6).

1) She hid the two men in the stalks of flax on the roof.

2) She told the men who came looking for them that they had left the city.

3) Those men left the city in pursuit of the spies.

4. Sometimes we need help to escape the predicaments of life.

1) “Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you’” (Isaiah 35:3-4).

2) “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2).

1. Rahab recognized God’s power (Joshua 2:9-11).

1) She understood that God had given them the land (2:9).

2) She heard about God drying up the Red sea (2:10).

3) She heard about the battles with the Amorites (2:10).

4) She reported how their hearts melted because Israel’s God was truly God (2:11).

2. Rahab asked to be spared (2:12-13).

1) She asked to have kindness returned for kindness (2:12).

2) She asked for her family to be spared (2:13).

3. The spies grant her request with conditions (2:14, 17-21).

1) “Our lives for yours.”

2) Only if they don’t tell of their business (2:14, 20).

3) Rahab must hang a scarlet cord in the window (2:18).

4) All her family must be in the house together (2:18-19).

5) Rahab agrees (2:21).

4. Rahab helps the spies escape (2:15-24).

1) She instructed them to go to the mountains and wait three days (2:15).

2) They did this and were not found (2:22).

3) They reported to Joshua (2:23-24).

5. We must take responsibility by faith if we are to escape the predicaments of life.

1) “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace” (Hebrews 11:31).

2) “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 1:12-13).

3) “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

1. The rest of the story.

1) Rahab and her family escaped Jericho.

2) Joshua 6:22-23 records that the spies went and brought out her and her family.

2. What happened next?

1) In Ruth 4:20-21 we read of the genealogy of David: Amminidab, Nashon, Salmon, Boaz, Obed, Jesse, David.

2) We know who Boaz’ wife was, but who was Salmon’s wife? – Rahab.

3) “Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse” (Matthew 1:5).

3. Rahab’s escape made it possible for Jesus to come into the world.

1) “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

2) “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

3) “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

1. The escape from Jericho was an . . .

1) Escape for the Spies.

2) Escape for Rahab and Family.

3) Escape from the consequences of Sin.

2. Invitation