Applying Rahab's and Ruth's faith today?
How can we apply the faith of Rahab and Ruth in our lives?

Tracing Grace through Matthew 1:5

“Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse.” (Matthew 1:5)

Two Gentile women—Rahab the Canaanite and Ruth the Moabite—stand in the Messiah’s family line. Their faith shines across centuries, inviting us to follow their example today.


Rahab: Courageous Faith under Pressure

• She believed God before she saw Him act. Joshua 2 records her words: “the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” (Joshua 2:11)

Hebrews 11:31 celebrates her for trusting God’s promise; James 2:25 points to her works proving that trust.

• Application:

– Draw a clear line of allegiance to the Lord even when culture or background conflicts.

– Stake everything on God’s word, not on visible security.

– Show faith tangibly—Rahab tied a scarlet cord; we obey Christ’s commands in everyday choices.

– Welcome God’s people. Opening her home to the spies illustrates hospitality rooted in faith (1 Peter 4:9).


Cleansed Past, Open Future

• Rahab’s occupation did not disqualify her; God’s grace transformed her.

2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

• Application: No sin is beyond the reach of redemption. We step forward, leaving shame behind, serving God’s purposes boldly.


Ruth: Loyal Faith in the Ordinary

• Ruth’s pledge to Naomi is legendary: “Wherever you go, I will go… your God will be my God.” (Ruth 1:16)

• She embraced a life of humble work: gleaning, serving, waiting.

Ruth 2:12 affirms God’s reward for those who take refuge under His wings.

• Application:

– Stand by covenant commitments—marriage, family, church—when convenience fades.

– Serve faithfully in mundane tasks; faith blossoms in barley fields and break rooms alike (Colossians 3:23).

– Trust God’s timing; Ruth waited through harvests before redemption unfolded (Ruth 3–4).


Everyday Steadfastness

Rahab’s decisive moment happened in a night of crisis; Ruth’s faith unfolded over seasons. Both teach us:

• Crisis faith—take bold action when God’s truth demands it.

• Daily faith—persevere in routine obedience, trusting God to weave bigger stories.


Welcoming the Outsider

• Both women were foreigners grafted into Israel. Ephesians 2:19 says we are “fellow citizens with the saints.”

• Application:

– Extend gospel welcome to outsiders, remembering we were once strangers.

– Celebrate diversity within Christ’s body while centering on shared faith.


Living the Lineage of Grace

• God used Rahab and Ruth to bring forth David, then Jesus.

• Our obedience today shapes future generations—children, disciples, communities.

• Let their legacy propel us to:

– Believe God for impossible turn-arounds.

– Demonstrate steadfast love (hesed) in relationships.

– Expect God to weave our small acts into His grand redemptive plan.

How does Matthew 1:5 connect to God's promises in the Old Testament?
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