This small group discussion guide draws directly from the sermon “9AM Worship Service” so you can keep engaging with the message all week. Read, reflect, and share it with your small group or friends.

FROM A HARLOT TO A HERO

Small Group Discussion Guide

Based on the Sermon from Joshua 2 & Hebrews 11

"Because of the unconditional love of God, because of the unforgettable mercy of God, and because of the amazing grace of God — Rahab went from being a harlot to a hero." — Pastor Luda

📋 LEADER OVERVIEW

Before Your Group Meets: Read Joshua 2:1–21 and Hebrews 11:31 in full. Familiarize yourself with the discussion questions and choose which ones fit your group best. You don't have to use every question — it's better to have a rich conversation around a few questions than to rush through all of them. Pray for your group members by name before you gather.

Sermon Summary: This sermon explored the remarkable story of Rahab — a prostitute in Jericho who made a courageous decision to hide two Israelite spies and align herself with the God of Israel. Despite her background and profession, Rahab's faith, confession, and trust in God transformed her life so completely that she is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1) and in the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11. The central message is that no one is too far gone for God's grace — that God's unconditional love, unforgettable mercy, and amazing grace can change any life, from any starting point.

This Week's Big Idea: God's grace doesn't disqualify people based on their past — it transforms them into heroes of faith.

Estimated Total Time: 75–90 minutes

⏱️ SESSION AT A GLANCE

Section	Estimated Time
Welcome & Icebreaker	5–10 min
Scripture Reading	5 min
Discussion Questions	35–45 min
Personal Application	10–15 min
Prayer Focus	5–10 min
Total	60–85 min

👋 WELCOME & ICEBREAKER

(5–10 minutes)

Before diving in, take a moment to welcome everyone — especially anyone who is new to the group. Remind the group that this is a safe space where honesty is welcome and judgment is not.

Opening Icebreaker Question:

"Think about a movie, book, or real-life story where someone had a surprising comeback or a total life turnaround. What was it, and what made that transformation so powerful?"

[Leader Tip]: This question is intentionally light and non-threatening. Let people have fun with it — pop culture answers are perfectly fine! This warms up the group for the deeper conversation ahead about Rahab's transformation. If your group is quiet, share your own answer first to model openness.

📖 SCRIPTURE READING

(5 minutes)

Ask one or two volunteers to read the passages aloud. Having the text read aloud — even if people have heard it before — helps ground the conversation in God's Word.

PASSAGE 1 — Joshua 2:1–6, 8–11 (The Story of Rahab)

"Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, 'Go, view the land, especially Jericho.' So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there. And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, 'Behold, men have come here tonight from the children of Israel to search out the country.' So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, 'Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered your house, for they have come to search out all the country.' Then the woman took the two men and hid them... she said, 'Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from... but she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them with the stalks of flax.

Now before they lay down, she came up to them on the roof, and said to the men: 'I know that the Lord has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt... And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.'"

— Joshua 2:1–6, 8–11 (NKJV)

PASSAGE 2 — Hebrews 11:31 (Rahab in the Hall of Faith)

"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 (NKJV)

PASSAGE 3 — Matthew 1:5 (Rahab in the Lineage of Jesus)

"Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the king."

— Matthew 1:5 (NKJV)

Brief Context for Leaders: Jericho was a powerful, fortified city in Canaan — the first major obstacle Israel faced as they entered the Promised Land. Rahab was not an Israelite; she was a Canaanite woman, an outsider by both nationality and profession. Yet she is one of only two women mentioned by name in Hebrews 11's Hall of Faith (the other is Sarah). Her inclusion is a radical statement about who God chooses and how grace works.

💬 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

(35–45 minutes)

Choose 5–7 questions that feel most relevant to your group. Questions are organized to move from observation to interpretation to personal application. Feel free to skip questions or follow rabbit trails if the conversation is rich.

SECTION A: SETTING THE SCENE

Start here to help everyone engage with the story before going deeper.

Question 1 (Observational — Good Starting Point)

"What stood out to you most from Sunday's message about Rahab? Was there a moment in the sermon — a quote, a story, or a scripture — that really landed with you? Why do you think it stuck?"

[Leader Tip]: This is your "entry ramp" question. Almost everyone can answer it, regardless of biblical knowledge. It also helps you discover what themes resonated most with your specific group, which can guide which follow-up questions you prioritize.

Question 2 (Observational/Interpretive)

"When the two spies showed up at Rahab's door, they could have gone anywhere in Jericho. The pastor said it wasn't an accident that they ended up at her house — that God's sovereign plan brought them there. What does that tell us about how God works in people's lives, even in unlikely places and circumstances?"

Follow-up if needed: "Can you think of a time when something that seemed random or coincidental turned out to be a God-moment in your life or someone else's?"

SECTION B: FAITH, CONFESSION & TRUST

These questions explore the three movements in Rahab's transformation that the pastor highlighted: fate/destiny, faith/confession, and favor.

Question 3 (Interpretive)

"Rahab had heard about what God did for Israel — the parting of the Red Sea, the victories over enemy kings — but she had never experienced it personally. Yet she said, 'The Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.' What does it tell us that someone could have that kind of faith based only on what they'd heard about God? What role does hearing — through sermons, testimonies, scripture — play in building our own faith?"

[Leader Tip]: This connects to Romans 10:17 — "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." You don't need to quote it formally, but it's a natural connection. This is a great question for newer believers who may feel like their faith is "too small" or "not enough."

Question 4 (Interpretive/Personal)

"The pastor described a progression that can happen in our lives: one decision becomes a mistake, a mistake becomes a habit, a habit becomes a lifestyle, and a lifestyle becomes an addiction. He said that like Rahab, anyone can be set free — but 'you must want to be free.' What do you think makes it hard for people to take that first step toward change? What helped Rahab take hers?"

Follow-up if needed: "What does it look like to 'want to be free' in a practical, everyday sense?"

[Leader Tip]: This question can surface real vulnerability. Create space for honest sharing without pressing anyone. If the group goes quiet, share something from your own experience of needing to want change before change could happen. Remind the group that this is a judgment-free zone.

Question 5 (Interpretive — Central Theological Theme)

"The sermon highlighted three things that made Rahab's transformation possible: God's unconditional love, His unforgettable mercy, and His amazing grace. In your own words, how would you describe the difference between those three things? Why do you think all three are important — not just one?"

Bonus context for leaders:

Love = God's posture toward us, regardless of what we've done
Mercy = God not giving us the punishment we deserve
Grace = God giving us blessings and new life we did not earn

Question 6 (Personal — Invites Testimony)

"The pastor said, 'God will still go to some unlikely places if salvation is the result.' He mentioned crack houses, jail houses, hospital rooms — and said God sent someone to him personally at Charity Hospital. Where was your 'unlikely place' — the moment or season when God showed up for you in a way you didn't expect? Or where have you seen God show up for someone else?"

[Leader Tip]: This is a testimony question — one of the most powerful types for community-building. Give people time to think. Silence is okay. If no one shares right away, be ready to share a brief personal story. Some people may not have a dramatic story, and that's worth affirming too — God also meets people in quiet, ordinary moments.

Question 7 (Application — Connecting to Baptism Sunday)

"This sermon was preached on Baptism Sunday, when nine people publicly declared their faith. Rahab's story and baptism share something in common — both involve a public declaration of whose side you're on and a step of faith that changes everything. What does public faith look like in your life today? Are there areas where God might be calling you to be more open about your faith?"

Question 8 (Community/Outward Focus)

"The pastor said, 'Not everyone is coming to church, so God says, I'll send the church to them.' Rahab's house became the place where God's messengers arrived. How might God want to use your house, your workplace, your neighborhood, or your relationships as a place where He shows up for someone who needs Him? What would that look like practically?"

[Leader Tip]: This question pivots the group from personal reflection to outward mission. It's especially good for groups that are ready to think beyond their own spiritual growth. If your church has evangelism or outreach initiatives, this is a natural place to mention them.

SECTION C: THE HALL OF FAITH

These questions zoom out to the bigger picture of Hebrews 11 and legacy.

Question 9 (Interpretive/Inspiring)

"Rahab ended up in three places: the book of Joshua as a woman of courage, the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew as an ancestor of the King of Kings, and the Hall of Faith in Hebrews as a hero. She had no idea any of that was coming when she hid those spies on her roof. What does that tell us about how God sees our small acts of faith — even when we can't see where they're leading?"

Question 10 (Reflective — Good Closing Question)

"The pastor said, 'Don't leave here convinced by the devil that you can never change.' Is there an area of your life — or someone you love — where you've started to believe that lie? What would it look like to replace that lie with the truth of Rahab's story?"

[Leader Tip]: This is a powerful closing question for the discussion section. It's vulnerable and may bring up real pain. Affirm whatever people share. You might close this section by reminding the group: "Rahab didn't clean herself up before the spies arrived. She came as she was — and God met her there."

🌱 PERSONAL APPLICATION

(10–15 minutes)

These questions are more personal and reflective. You may want to give people a minute of quiet to think before sharing, or invite people to write their answers down first.

Reflection 1:

"The pastor described the Popeye moment — when you finally say, 'I've taken all I can stand and I can't stands no more.' Is there an area of your life where God might be calling you to that moment of decision? What would it mean to finally say, 'Enough — I'm ready to change'?"

Reflection 2:

"Rahab's faith was demonstrated through action — she hid the spies, she kept her word, she hung the scarlet cord. What is one concrete, visible action you can take this week that reflects your trust in God?"

Reflection 3:

"Who in your life might be in their own 'Jericho' — stuck, struggling, or feeling like they're beyond God's reach? How might God be calling you to be a 'spy' in their life — someone who shows up with a message of hope?"

📅 THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

Choose one (or invite group members to choose their own):

Option A — Reflection: Spend 10 minutes this week reading through Hebrews 11 (the full Hall of Faith chapter). Notice the kinds of people listed. Write down what their stories have in common — and what that says about the kind of faith God honors.

Option B — Action: Identify one person in your life who might feel like they're "too far gone" for God. Pray for them every day this week by name. Consider whether God might be calling you to reach out to them.

Option C — Vulnerability: Share your own "from _____ to _____" story with someone this week — a friend, a family member, or someone new. Let your testimony be a message of hope.

Option D — Community: If you haven't yet found a place to serve at your church, take a step this week toward getting connected to a ministry. (Ministry Fest was mentioned as a great opportunity — check your church's website or bulletin for upcoming opportunities.)

🙏 PRAYER FOCUS

(5–10 minutes)

Close your time together in prayer. You can use these prompts to guide a time of open prayer, or have one person pray using these themes.

Pray Together For:

Gratitude — Thank God for His unconditional love, unforgettable mercy, and amazing grace that He extends to every person in the room, regardless of their past.
Transformation — Pray for anyone in the group (or in their lives) who is in the middle of a "from harlot to hero" journey — that they would experience God's power to change and set free.
Courage — Pray for boldness to live out faith publicly, to share your story, and to be someone God uses to bring hope to an unlikely place.
Those Far From God — Pray by name (silently or aloud) for someone in your life who needs to know that God's grace is for them too.
New Believers — If your church recently had baptisms, celebrate them! Pray for the nine who were baptized, that they would be discipled well, connected to community, and grow strong in their faith.

Suggested Closing Prayer:

"Father, thank You for Rahab's story — and for ours. Thank You that You don't disqualify us based on our past. Help us to trust You with our whole lives, to take steps of faith even when we can't see the whole picture, and to be people who carry hope to others. May Your grace be the thing that defines us — not our mistakes. In Jesus' name, Amen."

🔍 OPTIONAL DEEP DIVE

For groups wanting to go further — use these if time allows or as take-home study.

Deep Dive 1 — The Scarlet Cord:

Read Joshua 2:17–21. Rahab was instructed to hang a scarlet cord from her window as a sign that would protect her household when Jericho fell. Many Bible scholars see this as a symbol of the blood of Christ — a mark of salvation that protects those inside. What parallels do you see between the scarlet cord and what Jesus did for us? How does this Old Testament story point forward to the gospel?

Deep Dive 2 — The Full Hall of Faith:

Read Hebrews 11 in its entirety. Make a list of the people mentioned and what they did "by faith." Notice that the chapter also says some of these heroes "did not receive what was promised" in their lifetime (v. 39). What does that teach us about faith — that it sometimes means trusting God without seeing the full outcome? How does that challenge or encourage you?

Deep Dive 3 — Romans 8:28 and God's Sovereign Plan:

The sermon referenced Romans 8:28: "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." How does Rahab's story illustrate this verse? Can you think of a situation in your own life that looked like a dead end but that God used for good? What does it mean to trust this promise when you're in the middle of a hard season, before you can see how it works out?

📚 ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES FOR FURTHER STUDY

Passage	Theme
Romans 10:9–10, 13	Confession of faith and salvation
Isaiah 55:6–7	God's invitation to return and be forgiven
Matthew 11:28–30	Come to Jesus as you are
Ephesians 2:8–9	Saved by grace through faith, not works
James 2:25	Rahab's faith demonstrated through action
Luke 15:11–32	The Prodigal Son — another "from lost to found" story
1 Corinthians 6:9–11	"And such were some of you" — transformation in Christ

📝 LEADER NOTES & TIPS

If your group is quiet or hesitant to share:

Start by sharing your own answer to the question first — vulnerability is contagious.
Try breaking into pairs for 2 minutes before sharing with the full group.
Remind the group: "There are no wrong answers here. We're exploring together."

If your group includes new believers or seekers:

Questions 1, 3, and 6 are especially accessible for people newer to faith.
Avoid assuming everyone knows the full story of the Exodus or Jericho — a brief one-sentence summary goes a long way.
Frame Rahab's story simply: "She was someone everyone had written off — but God hadn't."

If your group includes people in real pain or struggling with addiction/shame:

Question 4 and Reflection 1 may surface deep emotions. Be prepared to listen well.
Remind the group that this message is not about behavior modification — it's about grace and transformation.
Have your church's counseling or care resources available to share if needed.
It's okay to pause the discussion and simply pray for someone who is hurting.

If your group wants to go deeper theologically:

Use the Optional Deep Dive questions and Additional Scriptures.
Encourage members to read the full context of Joshua 2 and 6 before the meeting.
Discuss how Rahab fits into the broader theme of God's grace extending to Gentiles (non-Israelites) throughout the Old Testament.

On Sensitive Language: The sermon uses direct, unfiltered language about Rahab's profession. This is intentional — it honors the text and the point that God's grace reaches people exactly where they are. In your group, model the same grace-filled directness without sensationalizing or dwelling unnecessarily on Rahab's past.

This guide was prepared for small group use at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church based on the sermon "From a Harlot to a Hero" from Joshua 2 and Hebrews 11.

For questions about small group resources, contact your church office or visit franklinabc.com.

"I'm just a nobody trying to tell everybody about Somebody that can save anybody." — Pastor Luda