CONGREGATIONAL SERMON NOTES
FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION
The Book of Joshua: The People You Never Expected
Primary Text: Joshua 2:1–21
Supporting Scriptures: Joshua 6:22–25; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25; Matthew 1:5
1. TWO SPIES, ONE UNEXPECTED ALLY
Read: Joshua 2:1–11
Rahab lived in Jericho, a city Israel was preparing to conquer. She was not an Israelite, but she recognized the power and authority of Israel’s God.
A. Rahab heard what God had done.
- The people of Jericho had heard about God’s mighty works.
- Rahab believed that the Lord was God in heaven above and on the earth below.
B. God sees people differently than we do.
- We often judge people by their past, reputation, or circumstances.
- God’s grace can reach people we might overlook.
Key Truth: We must never confuse someone’s present circumstances with the limits of what God’s grace can do.
Personal Reflection: Is there someone I have judged or given up on who needs to hear about Jesus?
2. RAHAB DIDN’T JUST BELIEVE A STORY. SHE PUT HERSELF ON THE LINE.
Read: Joshua 2:12–21
Rahab protected the spies and asked them to spare her family. The spies agreed, giving her instructions that included tying a scarlet cord in her window.
A. Rahab’s faith moved her to action.
- She acted on what she believed about God.
- Her decision involved personal risk.
B. Genuine faith produces a changed life.
- Hebrews 11:31 remembers Rahab for her faith.
- James 2:25 points to her actions as evidence of living faith.
- Ephesians 2:8–10 teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, and created in Christ Jesus for good works.
Key Truth: We do not do good works to earn God’s grace. We do good works because God’s grace is at work in us.
Personal Reflection: What is one practical way I can put my faith into action this week?
3. WHEN THE WALLS FELL, RAHAB’S STORY DIDN’T END
Read: Joshua 6:22–25
When Jericho fell, Rahab and her family were spared. Rahab went on to live among the people of Israel.
A. God gave Rahab a future beyond her past.
- She became part of Israel’s community.
- Her story did not end with her former circumstances.
B. Rahab became part of the story of Jesus.
- Matthew 1:5 includes Rahab in the genealogy of Jesus.
- Ephesians 2:11–22 describes how Christ brings people near to God and creates one new people.
Key Truth: In Christ, people with different backgrounds can become part of one family through the grace of God.
Personal Reflection: How can our church help people feel welcomed while encouraging them to grow in Christ?
4. JOSHUA’S STORY IS BIGGER THAN THE FALL OF JERICHO
The book of Joshua records Israel’s entry into the Promised Land, victories and failures, and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
A. God’s purposes are bigger than one battle or one person.
- Joshua is part of the larger story of God’s work to redeem humanity.
- Rahab’s story points us toward the coming of Jesus Christ.
B. The church is called to share the gospel.
- We proclaim Christ, serve others, and make disciples.
- We depend on the Holy Spirit to transform lives and help believers grow in holiness.
Key Truth: Our responsibility is to share the good news of Jesus and help people grow in the grace of God.
MY RESPONSE THIS WEEK
- Someone I will pray for:
- One way I will show Christ’s love:
- One step I will take to share my faith:
CLOSING THOUGHT
We may see a person’s past. God sees the life that can still unfold through His grace.
May we never become so focused on where someone has been that we overlook what God can do in their life.
PASTOR’S ANSWER KEY
FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION
The People You Never Expected
Congregational Sermon Notes: Answer Key
Primary Text: Joshua 2:1–21
Big Idea: We must never assume we know whom God can reach, change, and use through His grace.
1. TWO SPIES, ONE UNEXPECTED ALLY
Scripture: Joshua 2:1–11
- A. Rahab heard what God had done. She heard about God’s mighty works and acknowledged the Lord as God in heaven above and on earth below.
- B. God sees people differently than we do. We must not judge someone’s potential by their past, reputation, or circumstances.
Key Truth: God’s grace can reach people we might overlook.
2. RAHAB DIDN’T JUST BELIEVE A STORY. SHE PUT HERSELF ON THE LINE.
Scripture: Joshua 2:12–21
- A. Rahab’s faith moved her to action. She protected the spies and followed their instructions.
- B. Genuine faith produces a changed life. Her actions demonstrated her faith.
Key Truth: We are saved by grace through faith, not by works. Good works are the fruit of God’s grace in our lives.
Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 2:8–10.
3. WHEN THE WALLS FELL, RAHAB’S STORY DIDN’T END
Scripture: Joshua 6:22–25
- A. God gave Rahab a future beyond her past. She and her family were spared, and she lived among Israel.
- B. Rahab became part of the story of Jesus. Matthew includes her in Jesus’ genealogy.
Key Truth: Through Christ, people from different backgrounds can become one family in God.
Supporting Scriptures: Matthew 1:5; Ephesians 2:11–22.
4. JOSHUA’S STORY IS BIGGER THAN THE FALL OF JERICHO
- A. God’s purposes are bigger than one battle or one person. Joshua is part of the larger biblical story of redemption.
- B. The church is called to share the gospel. We proclaim Christ, serve others, make disciples, and trust the Holy Spirit to transform lives.
Key Truth: Our responsibility is to share the gospel and help people grow in God’s grace.
PERSONAL APPLICATION
Answers will vary. Encourage the congregation to identify someone for whom they can pray, a practical way to show Christ’s love, and an opportunity to share their faith.
CENTRAL MESSAGE
We may see a person’s past. God sees the life that can still unfold through His grace.