Genesis 创世纪 12 — Walk By Faith, Not By Sight 凭信心不是凭眼见
- God’s Word Leads To Faith 神的话引致信心 (1–3)
Abram was an idolater when God called him (Josh. 24:2), revealed His glory to him (Acts 7:2), and spoke to him. Abram turned from vain idols to walk with the Lord, and all of this was by God’s grace. The hearing of the Word creates faith (John 5:24; Rom. 10:17). Again God’s creative Word is at work.
当神呼召亚伯兰时,他还是拜偶像的人(书24:2)。神向他显现并且和他说话后(徒7:2),亚伯兰便悔改,与主同行,而这一切都出于神的恩典。信心是通过听从神话语而产生的(约5:24;罗10:17)。这亦是神创造性的话语在我们心里动工。
- Faith Leads To Obedience 信心引致顺服 (4–6)
The New Testament states, “By faith Abraham obeyed” (Heb. 11:8). “I will show you, I will make you, I will bless you!” were God’s promises, and Abram believed. It has well been said that faith is not believing in spite of evidence; it is obeying in spite of consequences. The proof of faith is obedience, for true faith always leads to works (James 2:14ff.). Hearing leads to heeding.
新约圣经指出“亚伯拉罕因着信”就顺服了(来11:8)。 “我会指示你,我会成就你,我必赐福给你!”都是神的应许,而亚伯兰相信了。信心不是因证据确凿才信,乃是既有后果仍顺服。顺服是信心的明证,真正的信心必须有行为(各2:14)。听从主命必引致顺服的跟从。
- Obedience Leads To Blessing 顺服引致祝福 (7–9)
We are told nothing about the journey, which must have been very difficult; but we are told that God met Abram when he arrived and gave him a new promise. God always goes before us and has His Word ready to encourage us. From now on, Abram’s life will be marked by the presence of the tent (a pilgrim on earth) and the altar (a citizen of heaven).
我们对于亚伯兰的路途一无所知,但想必是极为艰苦的;不过,我们知道当亚伯兰到达目的地时,神向他显现,并给了他新应许。神总是走在我们的前头,并准备好祂的话语鼓励我们。从那时起,亚伯兰的生命将以帐篷(世上的旅者)和祭坛(天上的子民)的存在为标记。
- Blessing Leads To Testing 祝福引致试炼 (10–20)
Faith is always tested for at least three reasons: to prove whether our faith is real; to help our faith grow; and to bring glory to the Lord (1 Pet. 1:6–9; James 1:1–8). Imagine a famine in the very land where God led him! We can be in the will of God and still suffer trials. It has been said that “faith is living without scheming,” but Abram began to scheme. He was walking by sight and not by faith, and it cost him his testimony—and almost his wife! Note that Abram had neither a tent nor an altar in Egypt. “Going down to Egypt” is OT language for getting out of the will of God.
信心总是要面对试炼的,原因至少有三:证明我们的信心是真实的;帮助我们的信心增长;以及荣耀主(彼前1:6-9;各1:1-8)。试想:神竟带领亚伯兰到一个闹饥荒的地方!是的,我们活在神的旨意下时仍会受到试炼。有人曾经说过:“信心的生活没有欺诈”,但亚伯兰却开始算计了。他凭眼见而不是凭着信心行事,这使得他失去了见证,甚至连自己的妻子也差点儿失去!值得留意的是:亚伯兰在埃及地既没有帐篷也没有祭坛。“下埃及去”的旧约之意,就是走出神的旨意之外。
God blessed Abram that he might be a blessing. Through Abram and his descendants, the whole world has been blessed. Whenever God gives you a blessing, it’s so that you might be a blessing to others. God’s blessings are not luxuries; they are opportunities.
神赐福给亚伯兰,叫他能成为别人的祝福。借着亚伯兰和他的后裔,全世界已蒙福了。每当神给你祝福时,这是要叫你成为别人的祝福。神的祝福不是叫人奢侈的借口,而是去祝福别人的机会。
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- The Word of the Lord came to Abram and asked him to leave whatever he is doing, his home and his comfort zone because the Lord wants to bless him. If you were Abram, would you believe God and leave your comfort zone? Let’s pray that we will believe and trust God’s word and leave.
主的话临到亚伯兰时,他需要放下一切并离开他舒适的住家和环境,因为主的心意是要祝福他。如果你是亚伯兰,你会相信神并离开自己的舒适圈吗?让我们祈求神能使我们信靠祂的话并且顺服离开。
- Abram lived in the same rebellious and disobedient lifestyle as the world. However, the Lord called Abram to come out from his lifestyle of idol worship (Josh 24:2) and separate himself from the world. This is what holiness means. Let’s pray that you be willing to be separated from the world, it’s the culture and value as Abraham.
起初,亚伯兰与当代的世界一样,过着悖逆、反叛的生活。然而,主呼召了亚伯兰,要他离开崇拜偶像的生活(书24:2)并和世界分别出来。这就是圣洁之意。让我们祈求自己愿意与世界分别出来,与亚伯拉罕有同样的心志。
- When Abraham believed God he stepped out in faith. He walked by faith, not by sight. However, when he was tested, he returned to walk by sight. So he lied and sinned. We need to focus on the Lord rather than our situations and problems. Pray that we fix our eyes on him and trust him always.
当亚伯拉罕相信神的时候,他就凭着信心跨出去。他凭着信心而不是凭着眼所见。然而,当他被试探时,他却又回去凭着眼见行事的旧我,于是撒谎、犯罪。我们需要专注于主,而不是我们的生活状况和周围的问题。愿我们能一直定睛在主耶稣身上,信靠祂。
Genesis 创世纪 10-11 — The City of Babel 巴别城
From Noah’s three sons, God made a new beginning in human history. He set apart Shem to be His special channel of blessing, and it was through Shem that Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, was born (11:10ff.).
神从挪亚的三个儿子创造了人类历史上的一个新开端。祂将闪分别开来做为祝福的通道,通过闪有了亚伯拉罕,就是犹太民族的祖先(11:10起)。
Sin always separates: man from God (chap. 3); brother from brother (chap. 4); family from family (chap. 9); and now nation from nation.
Note the name of Nimrod (10:8–10). The phrase “mighty hunter” implies that he was a rebel against God and a tyrant against his fellowman. He founded two cities important in Bible history: Babylon and Nineveh.
罪必定导致分隔;人与神之间(第3章)、兄弟之间(第4章)、家庭之间(9章),而现在是国与国之间。注意宁录(10:8-10)这名字——“猎户”的原文意味着他是一个抵挡神、对待同胞极为残暴的人。在圣经历史里,他创立了两个重要的城市:巴比伦和尼尼微。
Man seeks unity and notoriety, and he tries to accomplish these things by his own wisdom and strength. Lucifer wanted to be like God (Isa. 14:14), and man wanted to make a name for himself. But only God can make a person’s name truly great (Gen. 12:2; Josh. 3:7).
人寻求团结与名誉,并试图通过自己的智慧和力量来完成这些事情。路西法想与神一样(赛14:14),而人想要成名。然而,只有神能使一个人的名真正为大(创12:2;书 3:7)。
Babel means “confusion,” and “God is not the author of confusion” (1 Cor. 14:33; see also James 3:16). Babylon will appear often in the biblical record as the enemy of God’s people. Wherever there is confusion, the spirit of Babylon—the world and the flesh—is at work. Ultimately, the whole “Babylonian system” will be destroyed (Rev. 17–18).
巴别是“混乱”之意,但“神不是叫人混乱”的(林前14:33;也见各3:16)。在圣经的记载里,巴比伦经常与神的子民为敌。哪里有混乱,那里就有巴比伦属世和肉体的活动。最终,整个“巴比伦系统”将被毁灭(启17-18)。
The confusion of tongues that began at Babel was reversed at Pentecost (Acts 2:7–8). A descendant of Ham, an Ethiopian, was saved in Acts 8; a descendant of Shem, Paul, was saved in Acts 9; and the gentile descendants of Japheth were saved in Acts 10. Unity is not worked up by man; it is sent down by God (Ps. 133; Eph. 4:1–6).
混乱的舌头起源于巴比,但也在五旬节时被更正了(徒2:7-8)。迦南的后裔埃塞俄比亚,在《使徒行传》8章得救;闪的后裔保罗,在《使徒行传》9章得救;而雅弗的一个外邦后裔在《使徒行传》10章得救。人的合一并不由人类建立,乃是神所赐的(诗133;弗4:1-6)。
As we share the gospel with others, we are helping to unite what sin has torn apart (Eph. 1:10–11). Christians are indeed the peacemakers of the world.
当我们与他人传享福音时,我们是在使罪所分离开来的重新联合(弗1:10-11)。基督徒才是世界的和平使者。
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- It is amazing how quickly men deteriorated into a situation that deserved God’s intervention and punishment. It only took a few generations for them to fall into the same sin of Satan, Adam and Eve. They wanted to make a name for themselves rather than God (Gen 11:4). Are we not trying to prove we are better than others? Are we not trying to prove that we are clever and talented? Let’s pray that we humble ourselves and obey Him who created us and saved from our sins.
人类是以惊人的速度急速恶化,直至神必须干涉和处罚的地步。人只经过几个世代就落入与撒旦、亚当和夏娃相同的罪。他们想要荣耀自己的名,不是神的名(创11:4)。我们不也想证明自己比别人强?我们不也在尝试证明自己比神聪明、能干?让我们求神使我们谦卑,并且顺服那位创造我们,又在罪中拯救我们的神。
- Biblical unity is not that we agree with one another. The incident of Babel proved that there was total unity. Yes, they unified to glorify themselves rather than God. Biblical unity is not that we agree with one another but we all agree with God and His word. God and his Word is our means of unity. If we all agreed with God and his Word, we are unified. That is biblical unity. Let’s pray that we study His Word and achieve unity through His Word.
圣经所论的合一不是要我们彼此达成一致的意见。巴别塔事件证明他们有一致的行动,但他们同心协力的目的是荣耀自己,不是神。圣经中的合一并非要我们意见一致,而是要我们都接受神和祂的话。神和祂的话语是我们合而为一的途径。如我们都接受神和祂的话语,我们就合一了。这就是圣经所指的合一。让我们祈求神使我们研读祂的话语,通过祂的话语实现合一。
Genesis 创世纪 9 — The New World 新世界
- Government 执政 (1–7)
God gave some new rules for life on the cleansed earth. He always guides His redeemed and shows them His will. Noah and his family could now eat animal flesh (Gen. 1:29), but they were forbidden to eat the blood (Lev. 17:11–14). The sanctity of human life was affirmed in the ordaining of human government (Rom. 13). God established government because man is basically a sinner and must be kept under control. Murder is a terrible crime because man is made in the image of God, and to kill a human being is to attack God’s image. All people are not children of God, but all belong to one human family because God made us of one blood (Acts 17:26).
在这被洁净的土地上,神给予了生活上的一些新条例。神总会引导祂的选民,并向他们显明自己的旨意。挪亚一家现在可以吃肉了(创1:29),但他们不得吃带血的肉(利17:11-14)。人生命的神圣性后来由政府的设立肯定了(罗13)。神建立政府的原因是因为人基本上就是一个罪人,必须受到管辖。谋杀是一个可怕的罪,因为人有神的形象,而杀人同等于攻击神的形象。虽然不是所有人都是神的儿女,但我们都属人类的大家庭,因为神由一个血脉创造了我们(徒17:26)。
- Grace 恩典 (8–17)
God gave assurance that He would never send another flood to destroy life on the earth. The covenant included not only man but also birds, cattle, and the beasts of the field (Ezek. 1:10; Rev. 4:7). The sign of the covenant was the rainbow, a bridge of beauty that joins heaven and earth. Whether we look at the rainbow or not, God looks upon it and remembers His promises. Noah saw the rainbow after the storm; Ezekiel saw it in the midst of the storm (Ezek. 1:4ff.); and John saw it before the storm of judgment (Rev. 4:1–3).
神发誓决不会再以洪水毁灭地球上一切有血肉之物。这约也包括了鸟禽、牛畜和田野里的走兽(结1:10;启4:7)。这约的记号就是彩虹,一道连接天与地的美丽桥梁。无论我们是否看到彩虹,神会看着它,并纪念自己的承诺。挪亚在风雨后看见彩虹;以西结在风暴里看见彩虹(结1:4);约翰更在如暴风雨的判决前也看见它(启4:1-3)。
- Guilt 愧疚 (18–29)
Imagine, a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Pet. 2:5), who was over six hundred years old, getting drunk! (See Gen. 6:5; 8:21; 1 Cor. 10:12.) Ham should have grieved over his father’s sins, not gloated over them (Prov. 14:9). His brothers did what love always does: “covers all sins” (Prov. 10:12; 12:16; 17:9; 1 Pet. 4:8).
试想想,一个超过六百岁的“传义道”者(彼得后书2:5)竟然喝醉了(见创6:5,8:21;林前10:12)!迦南应该为父亲的罪感到悲伤,而不是在那儿幸灾乐祸(箴14:9)。他的兄弟却做了爱应该有的表现,即“遮盖”,因为“爱能遮掩许多的罪”(箴10:12,12:16,17:9;彼前4:8)。
Noah’s words must not be interpreted to mean that certain races are inferior and destined to be enslaved. In fact, history shows that some of Canaan’s descendants were mighty nations with great empires. For that matter, even the Jews, the descendants of Shem, have had their share of captivity. His words were a prophecy: the sin of Ham would be visited on his son Canaan, who must have been involved in some way; Shem would have God’s blessing (Rom. 9:1–5); Japheth (the Gentiles) would multiply and would worship the God of Shem. John wrote, “Salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22). People who trust Christ for salvation are all one in Him (Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11).
挪亚的话不能被译为某些种族比较卑劣,注定要成为奴隶。事实上,历史证明了一些迦南后裔成为了强大的国家和伟大的帝国。况且,闪的后裔,即便是犹太人,也曾经当过奴隶。挪亚的话是在预言含的罪将由他的后裔迦南承担;闪却会得到神的祝福(罗9:1-5);雅弗(外邦人)人数则会扩大,并敬拜闪的神。约翰写道,“救恩是从犹太人出来的”(约4:22)。凡信靠基督得救的,在祂里面都合而为一了(加3:28;西3:11)。
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- Good news! We can eat meat, it is biblical! However, animal lovers might think that we are amoral people. Let’s pray that we don’t define our moral standards by their standards and that our love for upholding these standards is not greater than the Word of God. That is pride in itself. That shows that we are arrogant, thinking we know better and that we can set the limit as to what to do and what to eat.
好消息!我们可以吃肉了,这是符合圣经的!然而,动物爱好者可能会认为我们不道德。让我们祷告,叫我们不以世人的标准决定我们的道德标准,而我们对持守这标准的爱不会大于对神话语的爱。否则,我们便是傲慢的,以为自己懂得更多,可自行决定要做什么、吃什么。
- Although men sinned yet they still have God’s image. So when we look at another human being, we must see the God who created him. Let’s pray that we value every human life.
人虽然犯了罪,但仍然有神的形象。因此,当我们看另一个人时,也必须看到创造他的神。让我们祷告能珍视每条人命。
Genesis 创世纪 6-8 — The Flood 洪水
The account of a flood is written into the history of many ancient peoples, and the results of a flood are seen in many places on the earth. Jesus believed in the Flood (Matt. 24:37–39), and so did Peter (1 Pet. 3:20) and the author of Hebrews (11:7).
许多古人都有把洪水的事件记载于他们的历史中,而我们今日仍可目睹许多洪水对地球的影响。耶稣接受洪水的发生(太24:37-39),彼得(彼前3:20)和《希伯来书》的作者亦也一样(11:7)。
- The Holiness of God 神的圣洁 (6:1–7)
God saw a world of people who were inwardly corrupt, outwardly violent, and upwardly rebellious. Noah was the tenth generation from Adam. It didn’t take long for sin to spread in the human race. When the world is again as it was in Noah’s day, watch for the return of the Lord (Matt. 24:37–39).
神在世上看见了一群内心败坏、充满暴力和叛逆神的人。诺亚是亚当的第十代后裔。罪不需要多久就已散布至全人类。当世界再次堕落至挪亚的时代时,我们谨慎,警醒主的再来(太24:37-39)。
- The Grace of God 神的恩典 (6:8–7:10)
Noah was saved just as any sinner is saved, by grace (Gen. 6:8), through faith (Heb. 11:7). See Eph. 2:8–9. He heard God’s Word, believed God’s promise of protection, and proved his faith by his works. There was only one way to be saved from destruction, and that was by entering the ark; and the ark had only one door. It is a picture of the salvation we have in Christ.
挪亚的拯救就像任何罪人得救一样,是本乎恩(创6:8),也因着信(来11:7)。请阅读《以弗所书》2章8至9节。挪亚听信神的话,相信神将保护的应许,并以行为证明了自己的信心。他进入方舟是不被消灭的唯一方法;而方舟也只有一道门。这亦代表了我们在基督里的救恩。
- The Wrath of God 神的忿怒 (7:11–24)
God was very patient and gave the world at least 120 years to be saved (Gen. 6:3; 1 Pet. 3:20; 2 Pet. 2:5). The world refused Noah’s witness and rejected God’s grace up to the very day Noah and his family went into the ark. God waited another week (how the neighbors must have laughed at Noah!), but then the judgment came. As David proclaimed, “The Lord sat enthroned at the Flood” (Ps. 29:10). He is sovereign in all things! The next worldwide judgment will be with fire, not water (2 Pet. 3:1–12).
神非常有耐心地给予世人至少120年的时间来悔改(创6:3;彼前3:20;彼后2:5)。然而,世界拒绝了挪亚的见证,也拒绝了神的恩典,直至挪亚和家人进入方舟的那一日。神又等了一周(想想邻舍嘲笑挪亚的样子!),但审判终究临到。正如大卫宣告:“洪水泛滥之时,耶和华坐着为王。”(诗篇29:10)万事皆有主的掌权!全球的审判再次来临时将是以火,不再是水了(彼后3:1-12)。
- The Faithfulness of God 神的信实 (8:1–22)
Noah had faith in God’s promises, and God did not disappoint him. (See 1 Kings 8:56.) True faith does not get in a hurry (Isa. 28:16); Noah waited until the word of God told him what to do. The first thing Noah and his family did on the cleansed earth was to worship the God who had faithfully cared for them (Ps. 116:12–19; Rom. 12:1–2). God gave them a covenant that assured them of the continuity of creation despite man’s evil heart. This covenant makes possible the sustaining of life on earth. God has been faithful to His covenant, but man has not been faithful in his stewardship of the earth. (See Rev. 11:18).
挪亚相信神的应许,而神并没有让他失望(参见列上8:56)。属实的信心做起事来并不仓促(赛28:16);挪亚一直等待,直到神告诉他当如何行。当挪亚和一家踏上被洁净的陆地时,他们首先做的事就是敬拜那位眷顾他们的信实之神(诗116:12-19;罗12:1-2)。神与他们立约,应许他们尽管人类的心邪恶败坏,但大地会持续循环不息。这约使世界上的生物可以不断繁衍生长。神一直忠于祂所立的约,但人却没有尽自己应当管理世界的本分(见启11:18)。
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Gen 6:5) It is a shocking statement. The Lord is not only angry at the outward actions but every thought of the heart. The LORD sees not as man sees: “man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” (1Sa 16:7) How is your health of the inner thoughts? No one can see but the Lord can. Pray that we keep ourselves pure as the Lord is constantly looking at our hearts.
“耶和华见人在地上罪恶很大,终日所思想的尽都是恶”(创6:5)。这是一句令人震惊的话。耶和华不只因人外在的行为,更因人们心里的每一给思想而感到愤怒。“耶和华不像人看人:人是看外貌;耶和华是看内心”(撒上16:7)。你的内心世界是否健康呢?除了主,无人晓得。请祷告神使我们能保持自己的纯洁,因为主时刻知道我们心中的思绪。
- Noah had never seen a flood before yet he believed God’s word and was saved. In the same way, God warned us about the coming judgment. Let’s pray that we believe His word also.
挪亚从来没有见过洪水但仍然相信神的话,因此得救。同样的,神告诫我们将来必有审判的到来。让我们祷告神使我们也相信他的话并且得救。
Genesis 创世纪 5:1-32 — The Genealogy 家谱
The Old Testament is “the book of the genealogy of Adam” (v. 1). It tells us about Adam’s descendants, and the story is not a happy one. In fact, the Old Testament closes with “lest I come and strike the earth with a curse” (Mal. 4:6).
旧约是“亚当的家谱”(第1节)。它告诉我们有关亚当后裔的事,而这故事并不愉快。事实上,旧约以“免得我来咒诅遍地”作为结语(玛4:6)。
The New Testament is “the book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ” (Matt. 1:1); before it ends, it declares “And there shall be no more curse” (Rev. 22:3). The first Adam brought the curse; the Last Adam bore the curse (Gal. 3:13). Adam’s sin caused thorns to grow (Gen. 3:18), but Jesus wore those thorns as a crown (Matt. 27:29).
新约是“耶稣基督的家谱”(太1:1)。在新约结束之前,圣经宣告“以后再没有咒诅”(启22:3)。第一个亚当带来了诅咒;最后的亚当担当了我们的诅咒(加3:13)。亚当的罪导致荆棘的生长(创3:18),耶稣却为我们穿戴荆棘为冠冕(马27:29)。
God made man in His likeness, but sinful man now begets children in his likeness (v. 3). We are all born sinners (Ps. 51:5). But when a sinner is born again through faith in Christ, he or she begins to grow into the likeness of the Last Adam (Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18).
神照自己的形像造人,但罪人却生出有自己形像的孩子(第3节)。我们生来就是罪人(诗51:5)。但是,当罪人因信基督而重生的时候,他就开始以最后亚当的形像成长了(罗8:29;林前3:18)。
Eight times in chapter 5 you find the sobering phrase “and he died.” Death is an appointment, not an accident. Because sin was reigning, death was also reigning (Rom. 5:14, 17), but in the life of Enoch, God’s grace was reigning (Rom. 5:20–21). He believed God (Heb. 11:5–6), walked with God in the midst of a godless society, and witnessed for God (Jude 14–15). Enoch did not die; God raptured him away to heaven. This is the “blessed hope” of all Christians (Titus 2:11–14; see also 1 Thess. 4:13–18).
“他就死了”这句沉重的话在第5章共出现八次。死亡是必然的,而非偶然之事。因为罪恶的辖制,死亡也因此围绕着(罗5:14,17),但在以诺的生命中,他却受到了神恩典的管理(罗5:20-21)。以诺信神(来11:5-6),在一个无神论的社会之中仍与神同行,并为神作见证(犹14-15)。所以,以诺没有死,而是被神提到天堂去。这就是所有基督徒“有福的盼望”(提2:11-14; 见帖前4:13-18)。
Noah means “rest.” Mankind was in misery and longed for the promised Redeemer to come. He has come, and we can come to Him and find true rest (Matt. 11:28–30).
诺亚意为“休息”。人类陷于苦难并渴望被应许的救世主再来。祂确实来到了,所以我们可以到祂那里得享真正的安息(太11:28-30)。
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- Death is an appointment, not an accident. It is not a question of if but when. Death can occur anytime and anywhere. Are you ready to face death? Let’s pray that we live every day as if it is our last. So we are always ready and always prepared. It is also a productive way to live our lives.
死亡有定时,并非偶然之事。所以,死亡不在乎“如果”,而是“几时”。死亡随时随地都可能发生。你是否做好死亡的准备?让我们祷告神使我们把每一天当作是生命的最后一天。这样,我们时刻都已预备好了。这样也是满有效率的生活方式。
- Everyone faces death one way or another. Yet we see from Genesis that Enoch walked with God and he was taken away without seeing death (Heb. 11:5). There are people who laugh at the teaching of “Rapture” yet this is our glorious hope. This verse is a clear example and proof of the possibility of the rapture of the believers. In the end of the world, those who persevere and continue to walk with God will be raptured out of this world to meet his savior face to face. What a glorious moment. What a glorious hope. Let’s pray that we are one of them.
每个人都会面临死亡。然而,从《创世记》里,我们看见与神同行的以诺神提走,未经死亡(来11:5)。有些人耻笑“教会被提”的教导,但这就是我们荣耀的盼望。这节经文清楚证明信徒被提的可能性。在末世的时候,那些持之以恒,继续与神同行的信徒将从这个世界被提,并与他的救主面对面。那是多么光荣的一刻呀!多么荣耀的盼望呀!让我们祷告神使我们成为他们中间的一份子。
Genesis 创世纪 4:1-26 — The Consequences of Sin 罪的后果
Satan is a serpent that deceives and a lion that devours (1 Pet. 5:8–9). He used Eve to tempt Adam and Cain to destroy Abel. The two “seeds” of Genesis 3:15 came into conflict, for Cain was a child of the devil (1 John 3:10–12), while Abel was a child of God (Matt. 23:35). Like his father, the devil, Cain was a liar and a murderer (John 8:44). The marks of God’s children are faith, hope, and love (1 Cor. 13:13; 1 Thess. 1:3–4). The marks of the devil’s seed are unbelief, despair, and hatred. These are evident in Cain.
撒旦是欺哄人的蛇,也是吞吃人的狮子(彼前5:8-9)。他利用夏娃诱惑亚当,又使该隐杀亚伯。《创世记》3章15节所指的两个“后裔”发生了冲突,因为该隐是魔鬼的儿子(约一3:10-12),而亚伯是神的儿子(马23:35)。有父必有其子:该隐同样是个骗子和杀人犯(约8:44)。神儿女的标志却是信、望、爱(林前13:13;帖1:3-4)。魔鬼的孩子有的是不信、绝望和仇恨。这在该隐身上是显明的。
- Unbelief 不信 (1–7)
When God killed animals and clothed Adam and Eve (3:21), He taught the significance of blood sacrifice (Heb. 9:22). Cain brought the wrong sacrifice in his hands and had the wrong attitude in his heart. His was not a sacrifice of faith, and God rejected it. God also warned Cain that sin was lying at his door, waiting to pounce on him.
当神牺牲动物的皮作衣服给亚当和夏娃穿时(3:21),祂正是在教导血祭的意义(来9:22)。该隐不但献上不对的祭物,内心还抱着错误的态度。该隐献不是凭信心献祭,所以遭神拒绝。神也警告该隐:罪已趴在他的家门,等待辖制他。
- Hatred 仇恨 (8)
Cain’s anger became envy and hatred and it then led to murder (Matt. 5:21–26). When you start to play with temptation, you will soon be caught (James 1:13–16). Cain was guilty of every sin that God hates (Prov. 6:16–19).
该隐的愤怒演变成嫉妒和仇恨,最后导致了谋杀(太5:21-26)。当你开始招惹诱惑时,你很快就会被罪恶缠住(各1:13-16)。该隐犯了神所恨的一切罪(箴6:16-19)。
- Despair 绝望 (9–24)
God’s question to Adam and Eve was, “Where are you?” His question to Cain was, “Where is Abel your brother?” Do we know where our brothers and sisters are? Do we care? Or are we making excuses, as Cain did? Now God curses a man! But Cain was not convicted about his sin; he was concerned only about his punishment. Cain’s unbelief, hatred, and deceit destroyed every relationship in his life – his relationship with his brother, God himself, and the world around him. All of us are pilgrims on this earth, but Cain became a fugitive, a wanderer. “Thou hast made us for Thyself,” said St. Augustine, “and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.”
神问亚当和夏娃:“你在哪里?”,又问该隐:“你的弟弟亚伯在哪里?”我们知道自己的弟兄姐妹在哪里吗?我们在乎吗?我们像该隐一样在找借口吗?现在,我们看到神咒诅人了!然而,该隐并不肯承认自己的罪,只关心所遭到的惩罚。该隐的不信、仇恨和欺骗摧毁了他生命中的每一个关系,即与兄弟、与神,以及与世界的关系。我们每一个人都是这世界的旅客,但该隐却成为一个逃犯、一个流浪者。圣奥古斯丁曾说:“你(神)为自己创造了我们,所以我们的心无法得到安宁,直到它在你里面休息。”
- Hope 盼望 (25–26)
Cain tried to compensate for his despair by building a “civilization” in the land of Nod (“wandering”). Since Adam and Eve had many children, Cain must have married a relative. He had many fine things in his city, but God rejected him and gave Adam another son, Seth (“appointed”), to carry on the godly line.
该隐试图在挪得之地(此意为“徘徊”)构建一个“文明社会”以弥补他的绝望。既然亚当和夏娃有许多孩子,该隐必是与亲戚成亲了。在该隐的城市里,他拥有许多美好的事物,但神拒绝了他,并给予亚当另一个儿子塞特(此意为“指定”),延续敬虔的命脉。
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- There are always two ways to approach God. One is by faith and the other is by our own merit. How often do we approach God to show Him how good and clever we are and how we deserve His praises. In fact, we are telling Him we do not need him. However, we are created to depend on God and to believe Him and trust His word. Let’s pray that we trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (Pro 3:5).
我们总能用两种方法来到神面前:一个凭着信心,另一个凭着自己的功德。我们有多少次来到神的面前,是为了炫耀自己有多好,有多聪明,是值得夸奖的。实际上,我们是在告诉神自己并不需要祂。然而,我们被创造的本意就是要依靠神、相信他,并信靠祂的话。让我们祷告祈求神使我们能专心仰赖耶和华,不可倚靠自己的聪明(箴3:5)。
- Besides loving God, we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. We should then love our own brothers all the more. Where are your brothers and sisters? Let’s start by praying for them.
除了爱神,我们也要爱人如己。那么,我们岂不更应该爱自己的弟兄姊妹吗?你的弟兄姊妹在哪里?让我们开始为他们祷告。
Genesis 创世纪 3:1-24 — The Temptation 诱惑
- The Voice of Deception 欺哄的声音 (1–6)
Up to this point, God’s word is the only word that has been at work, creating and commanding. Now another “word” enters the scene, the word of Satan, the deceiver. He is a serpent that deceives (2 Cor. 11:1–3), a liar, and a murderer (John 8:44). He questioned God’s word and God’s goodness (v. 1), denied God’s warning (v. 4), and then substituted a lie for God’s truth (v. 5). “You will be like God” is his master lie (Isa. 14:12–14; Rom. 1:21–25), and people still believe it. Eve was deceived when she ate, but Adam was not; he sinned with his eyes wide open (1 Tim. 2:14). He would rather forfeit his dominion than be separated from his wife.
到目前为止,神的话是唯一在运行的话,即创造和命令世界。现在,另一把“声音”出现了,这就是撒旦,那迷惑人的话语。他是欺哄人的蛇(林前11:1-3),是骗子,也是杀人犯(约8:44)。他质疑神的话和神的美善(第1节),否定神的警告(第4节),并以谎言取代神的真理(第5节)。“你们便如神”是撒旦首要的谎言(赛14:12-14;罗1:21-25),而至今仍然有人相信。夏娃是受到欺骗才吃下果子的,可亚当却不是;他是睁着眼犯罪的(提前2:14)。他宁愿放弃自己的统治权也不愿与妻子分离。
- The Voice of Love 慈爱的声音 (7–13)
Guilt produces fear, and fear makes us want to run and hide. Ordinarily, Adam and Eve would run to meet God, but they had become sinners (Rom. 3:10–12). Sinners cannot cover their sins by their own works, nor can they hide from God. The Father sought the lost sinners as Jesus did when He was on earth (Luke 19:10) and as the Holy Spirit does today through His people (Acts 8:29ff.). God wants to use us to call men and women to salvation (Acts 1:8).
罪恶产生恐惧,而恐惧使我们躲避。亚当和夏娃通常会兴奋地与神会面,但如今他们已成为罪人(罗3:10-12)。罪人是无法掩盖自己的罪恶,也躲避不了神的面。天父寻找迷失的罪人,如同主耶稣在世(路19:10),及圣灵通过祂子民的工作一样(参徒8:29)。神要使用我们叫人人得知救恩(徒1:8)。
- The Voice of Judgment 审判的声音 (14, 16–19)
God cursed the serpent and the ground but He did not curse Adam and Eve. The consequences of man’s fall are all around us and we suffer because of them. The ultimate judgment is death. Man can overcome a difficult environment to some extent, but he can do nothing about “the last enemy,” death (1 Cor. 15:26). His only victory over death is through faith in Jesus Christ (John 11:25–26; 1 Cor. 15:57–58).
神咒诅蛇和地面,却没有咒诅亚当和夏娃。人类堕落的后果都呈现在我们的周围,我们因而受苦。最终的审判就是死亡。人在某程度上可以克服艰难的环境,但却对“最后的敌人”死亡无能为力(林前15:26)。战胜死亡的唯一途径是信靠耶稣基督(约11:25-26;林前15:57-58)。
- The Voice of Grace 恩典的声音 (15, 20–24)
In verse 15, God declared war on Satan and gave the first promise of the Redeemer. Satan would bruise Christ’s heel, but Christ would bruise Satan’s head and defeat him (John 12:31; Col. 2:15). Adam believed the promise that his wife would bear children, and his faith saved him. He called her Eve, which means “life-giver.” In response to their faith, God shed innocent blood and clothed them. The only way sinners can be saved is by faith in the shedding of Christ’s blood (Heb. 9:22; see also Isa. 61:10; Eph. 2:8–9). Jesus Christ is “the last Adam” (1 Cor. 15:45–49). The first Adam’s disobedience plunged us into sin, but the Last Adam’s obedience brought salvation (Rom. 5:12–21). The first Adam was a thief who was cast out of Paradise. The Last Adam told a thief he would enter paradise (Luke 23:43). In Adam we die; in Christ we have eternal life.
在第15节中,神向撒旦宣战并第一次给予人类救世主的应许。撒旦会伤基督的脚跟,单基督会伤撒旦的头,并击败他(约12:31;西2:15)。亚当相信夏娃将会多生育的应许,他的信心因此救了他。他为妻子改名为夏娃,即“众生之母”之意。因他的信心,神流了无辜羔羊的血,给他们穿上皮衣。罪人唯一能得救的途径是通过相信基督所流的血得救(来9:22;赛61:10;弗2:8-9)。耶稣基督是“最后的亚当”(林前15:45-49)。因第一个亚当的悖逆,我们陷入罪中,但却因最后的亚当之顺服而得救恩(罗5:12-21)。第一个亚当是一个被赶出天堂的小偷;最后的亚当却告诉小偷,他可以进入天堂(路23:43)。我们虽死在亚当里;但在基督里得永生。
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- There are always two voices in the world – the voice of God and voice of Satan. Let’s pray that we will be discerning. The voice of God is already recorded in the Bible, let’s pray that we read God’s word daily so that we will not be deceived.
这世界总是有两把声音,即神的声音和撒旦的声音。让我们祷告神使我们能辨认这两把声音。神的话语已被记录在圣经中,所以让我们祈求能每日读神的话,叫我们不受欺哄。
- Let’s thank God because God is not only holy and righteous, he is also gracious and merciful. Although we sinned and deserved His punishment, yet He provided a solution for us to repent and be saved. This is the father’s love.
让我们感谢神,因神不仅是圣洁和公义的,也满有恩典和怜悯。虽然我们犯了罪,应该得到神的惩罚,祂却却给予我们一个解决方案,就是悔改并得救。这就是天父的爱。
Genesis 创世纪 2:1-25 — God’s Instructions 神的指示
Now we are given the details concerning the creation of man and woman and their place in God’s plan. This account does not contradict chapter 1; it complements it. We see the man involved in several activities.
我们在这里能看见神创造男女的细节,以及他们在神计划里的位置。第二章是第一章的补充,两者无矛盾之处。这里,我们看到人所涉及的一些活动。
- Resting 休息 (1–3)
God’s rest was the rest of completion, not the rest of exhaustion, for God never gets weary (Ps. 121:4). Adam must have rested also, fellowshipped with the Lord and worshiped Him. The seventh day, the Sabbath, became a sign to Israel that they were God’s special people (Exod. 31:13–17). It is also a symbol of the eternal rest God’s people will have with Him (Heb. 4:9–11).
神的安息是神创造之工完毕后的安息,不是出于劳累,因神永不疲惫(诗121:4)。那日,亚当定也休息了,并与主团契,敬拜祂。因此,第七日(即安息日)就成为了以色列的标志,表明他们是神特殊的子民(出31:13-17)。这也象征着神的子民将在神里面得着永恒的安息(来4:9-11)。
- Working 工作 (4–15)
Rest and work must be in balance. Human history involves three gardens: the Garden of Eden, where man took of the tree and sinned; the Garden of Gethsemane, where the Savior took the cup and went to the tree to die for our sins; and the “garden city” of glory where God will take all His children to live forever (Rev. 21–22). Work is not a curse. God gave Adam the task of guarding the Garden and tilling it. It was a fulfilling ministry for him. Man and God must work together to produce the harvest. St. Augustine said, “Pray as though everything depended on God, and work as though everything depended on you.”
人类的历史涉及三个花园:伊甸园,即亚当与夏娃曾经吃神所吩咐不可吃的果子而犯罪堕落的花园;客西马尼园,即救主拿起杯来为我们的罪钉死十架的花园;及神荣耀所在的“城市花园”,即神与祂儿女将永远居住的花园(启21-22)。休息和工作必须是平衡的。工作原本不是一个诅咒。神在伊甸园给了亚当看守花园和耕作的责任。对他而言,这是一个充实的工作。若要有丰盛的收成,神与人必须携手工作。圣奥古斯丁说:“祷告时犹如一切靠神;工作时犹如一切靠人。”
- Submitting 顺服 (16–17)
The Creator has the right to govern His creatures. Love sets limits for the good of man. God calls us to obey Him because we want to, not because we have to. He wants children, not machines. Note especially the word freely in verse 16.
造物主有权支配一切祂所造之物,而祂在爱里设定的限制是为了人的益处。神的呼召是要我们甘心顺服祂,而不是出于逼迫。祂想要的是儿女的服从,不是机器的服从。留意第16节所用的“随意”这词。
- Naming 起名 (18–25)
Man’s naming the animals was a part of his “dominion” as the head of creation (1:26–28). He lost this dominion because of sin (Ps. 8), but we have regained it through Christ (Heb. 2:5ff.). Adam also named his mate; he called her “Woman.” Later, he would call her “Eve.” God established marriage to meet man’s need for companionship (2:18) and to provide for the rearing of children (1:28). In addition it served as a picture of Christ and His church (Eph. 5:25–32). Adam gave of himself for his bride, and Jesus gave of Himself for His bride (John 19:31–37).
人为动物命名表明人是万物之首,有统治权(1:26-28)。然,人因着罪,失去了这权柄(诗篇8),所以我们需要借着基督重新得回统治权(来2:5)。亚当也为自己的伴侣取名,称她为“女人”,后来改名为“夏娃”。神创造婚姻,以满足人对伴侣的需要(2:18),并且生养子女(1:28)。此外,它也象征了基督和教会的关系(弗5:25-32)。亚当为他的新娘舍己,而耶稣也为祂的新妇舍命。(约19:31-37)。
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- Work and rest are both good and both are ordained by God. Let us pray that we glorify God not only through our rest but also through our work.
工作和休息都是好的,也都是神所立定的。让我们祷告,愿我们不但在休息中,而且也能在工作中荣耀神。
- Since the Lord created his creatures, He has the right to set the limit of their lives and instruct them on what is good and what is evil. Let’s pray that we humble ourselves and follow His instructions.
既然神创造万物,祂就有权柄为我们的生命设限,并教导我们何为善恶。让我们祷告自己能谦卑并顺从神的指示。
- Let us thank God for giving us a companion and marriage, so that we can have a family and enjoy the love of father, mother, brothers and sisters.
让我们感谢神赐给我们伴侣和婚姻,叫我们可以有个家,并享受父亲、母亲及兄弟姐妹之间的爱。
Genesis 创世纪 1:1-31 — God’s Creation 神的创造
我们每天都能意识到周遭世界的动。我们须谨记:这世界向我们述说的是神、神的存在、神的智慧及神的和权能(罗1:20;诗19:1-3)。
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
6 And God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” 7 And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. 8 And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.
9 And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. 10 God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.
11 And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. 12 The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.
14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. 16 And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. 17 And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
20 And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” 21 So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.
24 And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. 25 And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
1 起 初 , 神 創 造 天 地 。
2 地 是 空 虛 混 沌 , 淵 面 黑 暗 ; 神 的 靈 運 行 在 水 面 上 。
3 神 說 : 要 有 光 , 就 有 了 光 。
4 神 看 光 是 好 的 , 就 把 光 暗 分 開 了 。
5 神 稱 光 為 晝 , 稱 暗 為 夜 。 有 晚 上 , 有 早 晨 , 這 是 頭 一 日 。
6 神 說 : 諸 水 之 間 要 有 空 氣 , 將 水 分 為 上 下 。
7 神 就 造 出 空 氣 , 將 空 氣 以 下 的 水 、 空 氣 以 上 的 水 分 開 了 。 事 就 這 樣 成 了 。
8 神 稱 空 氣 為 天 。 有 晚 上 , 有 早 晨 , 是 第 二 日 。
9 神 說 : 天 下 的 水 要 聚 在 一 處 , 使 旱 地 露 出 來 。 事 就 這 樣 成 了 。
10 神 稱 旱 地 為 地 , 稱 水 的 聚 處 為 海 。 神 看 著 是 好 的 。
11 神 說 : 地 要 發 生 青 草 和 結 種 子 的 菜 蔬 , 並 結 果 子 的 樹 木 , 各 從 其 類 , 果 子 都 包 著 核 。 事 就 這 樣 成 了 。
12 於 是 地 發 生 了 青 草 和 結 種 子 的 菜 蔬 , 各 從 其 類 ; 並 結 果 子 的 樹 木 , 各 從 其 類 ; 果 子 都 包 著 核 。 神 看 著 是 好 的 。
13 有 晚 上 , 有 早 晨 , 是 第 三 日 。
14 神 說 : 天 上 要 有 光 體 , 可 以 分 晝 夜 , 作 記 號 , 定 節 令 、 日 子 、 年 歲 ,
15 並 要 發 光 在 天 空 , 普 照 在 地 上 。 事 就 這 樣 成 了 。
16 於 是 神 造 了 兩 個 大 光 , 大 的 管 晝 , 小 的 管 夜 , 又 造 眾 星 ,
17 就 把 這 些 光 擺 列 在 天 空 , 普 照 在 地 上 ,
18 管 理 晝 夜 , 分 別 明 暗 。 神 看 著 是 好 的 。
19 有 晚 上 , 有 早 晨 , 是 第 四 日 。
20 神 說 : 水 要 多 多 滋 生 有 生 命 的 物 ; 要 有 雀 鳥 飛 在 地 面 以 上 , 天 空 之 中 。
21 神 就 造 出 大 魚 和 水 中 所 滋 生 各 樣 有 生 命 的 動 物 , 各 從 其 類 ; 又 造 出 各 樣 飛 鳥 , 各 從 其 類 。 神 看 著 是 好 的 。
22 神 就 賜 福 給 這 一 切 , 說 : 滋 生 繁 多 , 充 滿 海 中 的 水 ; 雀 鳥 也 要 多 生 在 地 上 。
23 有 晚 上 , 有 早 晨 , 是 第 五 日 。
24 神 說 : 地 要 生 出 活 物 來 , 各 從 其 類 ; 牲 畜 、 昆 蟲 、 地 上 的 野 獸 , 各 從 其 類 。 事 就 這 樣 成 了 。
25 於 是 神 造 出 野 獸 , 各 從 其 類 ; 牲 畜 , 各 從 其 類 ; 地 上 一 切 昆 蟲 , 各 從 其 類 。 神 看 著 是 好 的 。
26 神 說 : 我 們 要 照 著 我 們 的 形 像 、 按 著 我 們 的 樣 式 造 人 , 使 他 們 管 理 海 裡 的 魚 、 空 中 的 鳥 、 地 上 的 牲 畜 , 和 全 地 , 並 地 上 所 爬 的 一 切 昆 蟲 。
27 神 就 照 著 自 己 的 形 像 造 人 , 乃 是 照 著 他 的 形 像 造 男 造 女 。
28 神 就 賜 福 給 他 們 , 又 對 他 們 說 : 要 生 養 眾 多 , 遍 滿 地 面 , 治 理 這 地 , 也 要 管 理 海 裡 的 魚 、 空 中 的 鳥 , 和 地 上 各 樣 行 動 的 活 物 。
29 神 說 : 看 哪 , 我 將 遍 地 上 一 切 結 種 子 的 菜 蔬 和 一 切 樹 上 所 結 有 核 的 果 子 全 賜 給 你 們 作 食 物 。
30 至 於 地 上 的 走 獸 和 空 中 的 飛 鳥 , 並 各 樣 爬 在 地 上 有 生 命 的 物 , 我 將 青 草 賜 給 他 們 作 食 物 。 事 就 這 樣 成 了 。
31 神 看 著 一 切 所 造 的 都 甚 好 。 有 晚 上 , 有 早 晨 , 是 第 六 日 。
- God Creates 神创造
万物都是靠神造的,且成就了神的旨意,将荣耀归于神(西1:16-17;启4:11)。万物皆由祂口中的话而成(诗33:6-9),而这话也能运行在我们的生命中(帖前2:13)。神是按着计划而行的:先有形,后填满。祂先形成地球,后以植物和动物填满。祂先形成苍穹,后以恒星和行星遍及宇宙。祂先形成海洋,后以生物充满。如果我们愿顺服神,祂也可以塑造并充满我们的生命。信靠耶稣基督的就是新造的人(林后4:6,5:17; 弗2:8-10)。
- God Names 神起名
神为祂的所造之物起名,这是我们无权更改的。先知以赛亚说:“祸哉,那些称恶为善,称善为恶。以暗为光,以光为暗。”(赛5:20)神给予所有造物正确名称;我们若使用神的词汇,就要跟着祂的定义走。(见箴17:15)
- God Divides 神分隔
神将光与黑暗、旱地与水、以及空气以下的水与空气以上的水隔开。这种分隔的原则常出现在圣经里:亚伯拉罕与吾珥、以色列与外邦人、教会与世界(约17:14-16)。如今,神希望祂的子民能与污秽分别开来(林后6:14-7:1)。
- God Blesses 神赐福
唯独亚当与夏娃在所有的造物中受到神特别的祝福。由于我们是照着神的形像造的,我们有别于其他的创造之物。因此,我们不能随意对待彼此(创9:6;各3:9)。罪已毁了这神圣的形象,但终有一日,所有的真信徒将变成基督的样式(罗8:29)。我们若更像基督,便更能享有祂的祝福(林前3:18)。
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- We are God’s creatures created by Him. So let’s pray that we humbled before Him and worship Him. How often do we behave as if we come into existence by our own will and we are our own master? Let’s confess our sins and once again acknowledge Him as our Creator, Lord and Master of our lives.
我们是神所造的。因此,让我们祈求神能使我们谦卑朝见祂。我们是否已忘了这一点,以为自己的生命是由自己掌管的?让我们承认自己的罪,并再次承认祂是我们的造主、救主和生命之主。
- God naming Adam signified his authority over man. No one has authority to name your children unless you give them permission. Let us acknowledge his authority in our lives.
除非你允许,否则无人有权为你的孩子起名;同样的,神给亚当起名,表明了祂对人类有辖管的权柄。愿我们承认神对我们生命的主权。
- 1 Pet 1:16 says, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” The word “holy” means separate. We need to separate ourselves from the world system and value. We need to separate ourselves from the animals. We need to be separated because we are made of God’s image. Let’s pray that we keep ourselves separate to reflect God’s glory.
《彼得前书》1章16节说:“你们要圣洁,因为我是圣洁的。”“圣洁”一词指的就是分别出来。我们需要将自己从这世界的制度和价值观念分别出来。我们也需要将自己与动物分别出来。我们需要这样的分别,是因为我们有神的形象。让我们祷告主使让我们将自己分别为圣,反映神的荣耀。
Matthew 马太福音 28:16-20 — The Great Commission of the King 君王的大使命
It was a week of confusion for the disciples. It began with Jesus’ prediction that Judas will betray him and followed by Jesus’ arrest, Peter’s three times denial, and Jesus’ crucifixion. They were in a maze. Although Jesus was finally resurrected and appealed to them, they were still in shock. So Jesus assured them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Mat 28:18) Jesus has finally emerged as a victor not a victim. He has overcome death. He is now the King of kings and Lord of lords. As they gather in Galilee Jesus gave them their mission: to make disciples. This is the main verb of the sentence. This command is followed by three participles which tell us how they are to fulfill the command: Go, baptize and teach others all that Jesus has taught them.
这是一个令门徒混乱的一周。首先,耶稣预言犹大会背叛祂,接着耶稣被捕、彼得三次不认主,耶稣又在十架上被钉死。他们仿佛身在迷宫里。耶稣虽然最终复活并显现在他们面前,他们仍回不了神。因此,耶稣向他们保证:“天上地下所有的权柄都赐给我了”(18节)。耶稣最后是以得胜者的身份显现;祂并不是受害者。祂已胜过了死亡,如今是万王之王,万主之主了。当门徒在加利利聚集时,耶稣给予他们这个使命:要使万民做祂的门徒;这是句中的主要动词。之后,句中的三个分词解释了他们当如何遵行这使命:去、施洗,并教训他人遵守凡耶稣所吩咐他们的。
- Going 去 (28:19a)
It is interesting that so many of us sitting in the church and asking people to come instead of us going out to share the gospel. It is not wrong to invite people to the church but we must bring the gospel to our family, relatives and friends.
有趣的是,教会有很多人邀请人来到我们当中,却不出去向他们传福音。邀请人来教会并没错,但我们必须将福音带到我们的家人、亲戚和朋友那里。
- Baptizing 施洗 (28:19b)
Baptism is not just a ritual but a testimony and proclamation that we have died with Christ and raised with Him. It means a changed life. We no longer live in sin but holiness.
施洗并不仅是个礼仪,也是一个见证,宣告我们已经与基督同死,且与祂同活了。这表示信徒有一个全新的生命。我们不活在罪里了,而是活在圣洁中。
- Teaching 教训 (28:20)
Teaching the Bible is part of the great commission. If you evangelized and baptized without teaching ALL Jesus has taught, you have not fulfilled the great commission.
教导圣经是大使命的其中一部分。你若去传福音,并为人施洗,却不教导他们耶稣所吩咐的一切,你也还未完成大使命。
- Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. So go make disciples of all nations.” We go with the authority of King of kings and Lord of lords. So like Paul, we should not be ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation (Rom. 1:16). Let’s pray that we go with confidence to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
耶稣说:“天上地下所有的权柄都赐给我了,所以你们要去,使万民做我的门徒。”我们是以万王之王,万主之主的权柄去的。因此我们要像保罗一样,不以福音为耻;这福音本是神的大能,要救一切相信的(罗1:16)。让我们祷告我们去传耶稣基督的福音时,能充满信心。
- We must not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God for salvation. It is the power to change lives. Jesus commands us to go and baptizing all who believe in Him. Baptism is a testimony of changed life. Pray that we not only baptize others but also testify daily to the changing power of the gospel in our own life.
我们不当以福音为耻,因福音本是神的大能,要救一切相信的。它有能力改变生命。耶稣命令我们要去,为凡所相信祂的人施洗。施洗是对一个更新生命的见证。祈求我们不但要为人施洗,也要日日在我们的生命中见证福音改变生命的大能。
- Teaching is essential part of the great commission. So many said they only want to evangelize and do not want to get into theological debates. That in itself is a theological position. The great commission includes going, baptizing and teaching ALL he had taught us. Are we doing that? Pray that we faithfully teach the whole counsel of God to them.
教导是大使命中必不可少的一部分。有多少人说过他们只想传福音,不想起神学辩论——这本身就是一个神学立场。大使命包括要去、施洗,并教导凡耶稣所吩咐的。我们是否那么做?祈求我们能忠心向信徒教导神的一切话。