PAUL AND SILAS IN PRISON

Paul and Silas were servants of God who had firm faith and full of anointing. Nevertheless, they were not immune from various trials and difficult seasons of life. Therefore, during this difficult time, let us emulate how Paul and Silas strengthened their faith when they were in prison.

The Word of God in Acts 16:23-32 says, “After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.”

Here are some examples of faith that we can learn from Paul and Silas:

1. Live a godly life faithfully even though we are in trials and temptations.
The temptation that Paul and Silas had were not inflicted by sin.  It was a consequence of preaching the gospel. Keep in mind that the temptations of the world will be a test to our faith yet at the same time producing perseverance that will enable us to stand the test and become mature spiritually. Let's look at this pandemic not as a setback, but as a set up for something greater in the future.

2. Our response to circumstances reveals the quality of our lives in God.
Paul and Silas did not let circumstances overcome them. They did not rebel either.  Instead, they prayed and praised God. Circumstances may be difficult, but our faith must remain strong!

3. Take this moment to rebuild our relationship with God.
In difficult times like this, let us take a quiet time at home. Listen to the Word of God. Ask for a new foundation of faith in God if ours has started to become fragile. Stay calm, don't panic, and be the master of the situation.

4. Have a spiritual community to strengthen one another.
Paul and Silas were blessed to have each other as ministry partners. Let us not neglect our meetings with the people who can bring us closer to the Word of God.  As those who are strong in faith – we, must strengthen those who are weak in faith.

5. Stay faithful in waiting for God in all seasons of life.
God's help will always come in time. Stay firm in waiting upon Him.

6. Keep preaching the Gospel.
In times like this, the world needs answers that only be found in Lord Jesus. Preach the Word, whether the time is favorable or not. Preach the Word, even though it’s not a face-to-face meeting. One phone call from us can save someone else's life.

Excerpted from Ps. Philip Mantofa’s sermon
https://youtu.be/I1NOfuQO5w8