JOHN THE BAPTIST: A FAITH THAT CHALLENGES OTHERS

Did you know that the word doctor means teacher in classical Latin.  It references one so thoroughly versed in a subject matter that they are capable of causing others to know the subject matter as well.   When you go to a doctor you expect them to know more about a given condition than you do, and to be able to assist with the improvement of that condition.  Can you imagine a doctor that intentionally DOESN’T help?  To introduce this lesson to you let’s first look at a rabbit trail.

David: A Faith That Meets Adversity Head-on

Is any story in Scripture more well-known than the story of David and Goliath? Are we not seeing, for the past week, a contemporary version of "David" overcoming the regional "giant" Iran?  The David and Goliath story represents the potential for a "lesser power" to overcome "the strength of a greater power." Goliath was a giant a word from Greek Gigas (usually in plural, Gigantes), one of a race of divine but savage and monstrous beings; e.g the Titans. 

Rahab: A Faith Not Held Back by Fear

How frequently do humans allow themselves to be influenced by the opinions of others?  How often do we learn that "it is correct to follow the crowd and incorrect to follow a single standard?"  

The object of today's study is that faith acts when others are paralyzed by fear.  We are still looking at the events surrounding Joshua as we look at Joshua 2:1-4a, then 8-14; and finally 6:22-25.  

In Joshua 2 we are introduced to Rahab, an apparent sex worker, prostitute or inn-keeper, depending upon the theory that you wish to adhere to.  Let's just say that this independent minded woman kept a lodging at which men, especially strangers to the city, could visit and lodge without fear from the other males staying in the house. 

We are introduced to a woman who, in the face of a powerful majority, sticks to her faith.  She exemplifies for us that concept that One plus God is a majority”, illustrating for us that we need not fear that which strikes fear in others if we are obediently following God’s guidance with trust.  

Joshua: Faith Founded Upon God’s Word

Let’s set the foundation for this study.  Faith is grounded in obedience to God’s Word. What does it mean to be "grounded" in something?  According to Merriam-Webster, to be grounded in something means to be based firmly on that thing, or to have a solid foundation in it. It implies a strong understanding of the basics, a practical or theoretical basis, and a connection to reality.  Being grounded in reality means being aware of the present moment, having a strong sense of self, and knowing the difference between what is real and not real.  A grounded person is considered mentally and emotionally stable, sensible, and realistic. 

Have you ever been able to read a set of instructions for a complex board game and be able to perfectly, or even adequately, adhere to the rules without constant refreshers of rule reading?  For example how many are well-grounded enough to play a game of Monopoly without getting into conflict?