Further Down the Path of Recovery Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: Further Down the Path of Recovery -------------------------- Date: 4/17/2001 Keywords: "character" "hope" "overcoming" "perseverance" "problems" "transformation" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. Passage: Romans 5:1-4* 1. Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2. through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4. And perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope. Questions 1. Resisting the temptation to play with Internet pornography requires perseverance, which leads to what?   2. Why is proven character important to your spiritual well being?   3. If you have lost hope in overcoming the temptation of porn, what is verse 4 telling you?   Practical help First, let's remember where we started. By putting your faith in Jesus Christ (verse 1) you set off a series of events. To understand this better, please review the last three studies (click here for study 1, study 2, study 3). Over time, what began as a quiet unseen transformation of your heart begins to bear fruit (John 15:4). You develop an unexplainable (from the world's perspective) love for others. Eventually this results in a proven character. People with proven character are trustworthy. They possess the qualities of courage, honesty, humility and gentleness, to name a few. When those around you witness this character transformation, what do you think will spring up in their hearts? The answer is in verse 4. They begin to think, "Maybe there really is a God!" As this hope, like a seed, is planted in their hearts, you will begin to witness miracles around you as others begin placing their faith in Jesus. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good woks, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. So hang in their, friend. Fight the good fight of faith and resist temptation, knowing God is with you. He will use your righteous struggle in the lives of others around you. eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 2001 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."