We are in this together. Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: We are in this together. ---------------------------------- Date: 2/1/2003 Keyword: “friend” Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. This following story, taken from the account of the Second Missionary Journey, tells of Paul's and Silas' experience in the city of Philippi. They preached the Gospel and then were opposed by the civil authorities for having done so. They were then beaten and thrown in jail! The Bible goes on from verse 25 to tell how Paul and Silas were miraculously set free by an angel of God. The part of the story we'll key in on, today, though, is found in verse 25. Passage: Acts 16:19-25* 19. But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the authorities, 20. and when they had brought them to the chief magistrates, they said, "These men are throwing our city into confusion, being Jews, 21. and are proclaiming customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans." 22. And the crowd rose up together against them, and the chief magistrates tore their robes off them, and proceeded to order them to be beaten with rods. 23. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; 24. and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison, and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25. But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; Questions 1. What would you have seen Paul and Silas doing if you had been able to peek into their jail cell about midnight?   2. What do you think the impact of this sight would have had on you?   Practical help It is significant that when Paul set out on his journeys to spread the Gospel, he typically took along a partner or two or three. There is strength in numbers. Would Paul have been strong enough to pray and sing hymns of praise to God if Silas had not been with him? Perhaps. Maybe even "probably." Undeniably, though, God provides added resolve, perspective, and endurance when we surround ourselves with a band of brothers (or, if women, with a band of sisters). If you are facing the difficult challenge of resisting porn's call, don't try it alone. Paul utilized one of God's great gifts — a good friend — to help him stand strong. Follow his lead. eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 2003 by eXXit *"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission." ---