Surprising Faith From Unexpected Sources Lesson 8 Series

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Faith is positive response to God. Why are we surprised? Why were these chosen?

2. None were Levites – God’s priests.

3. Circumstances were black, they illuminated.

4. Oppressors were light haters.

B. SURPRISING FAITH – UNEXPECTED SOURCES

1. Rahab the harlot – Joshua 2:1-23:

a. Received spies.

b. Hid spies.

c. Protected and directed officials away.

d. Identified with God, only word-of-mouth knowledge.

2. Barak – Joshua 4, 5, hid behind a skirt:

a. Talented but no courage.

b. Trusted in faith of another.

c. Jael killed Sisera.

3. Gideon, the weakling – Judges 6:1-9:57.

a. Least in family, clan, and tribe.

b. Gave excuses, “If the Lord be with us” (Judges 6:13).

c. Needed five assurances:

(1) Father’s idols.

(2) Fleece.

(3) Send cowards home.

(4) Lap water.

(5) Sneak into camp.

4. Samson the womanizer – Judges 16:4-31.

a. Married Philistine woman.

b. Harlot of Gaza.

c. Delilah.

d. Warnings of her danger.

e. “So he killed more people when he died than he had during his entire lifetime” (Judges 10:30, NLT).

5. Jephthah born out of wedlock -Judges 10:6-12:7:

a. “His mother was a prostitute” (Judge 11:1).

b. Rejected. “Half-brothers … chased Jephthah off the land” (11:2).

c. Questionable following. “A band of worthless rebels following him” (11:3).

d. Victory. “He crushed the Ammonites” (v. 32).

C. WHAT ABOUT THEM MADE A DIFFERENCE?

1. Their faith-relationship to God was documented strength.

2. They rose above personal limitations.

3. They overcame insurmountable obstacles in time and circumstances.

4. They had little resources.

5. They had little encouragement.

6. God uses different methods/means to give victory.

7. God’s hand was evident, and He was credited with their success.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.

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