21 Jun 2017, 1 Corinthians 2 哥林多前书2, The Wisdom of God 神的智慧

Posted on Jun 19, 2017 in 1 Corinthians, Devotions |

Scripture Reading        : 1 Corinthians 2

Theme                            : The Wisdom of God           

 

This passage continues to deal with the problem of disunity in the church at Corinth, particularly with the continued allegiance to human philosophies and leaders that contributed to the disunity.

  1. Preaching the wisdom of God (2:1-5). Just as the gospel of God’s wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption cannot be obtained through human wisdom, it is also not to be presented through human wisdom. When Paul had preached to the Corinthians, he was not interested in discussing men’s ideas or insights. He would proclaim nothing but Jesus Christ, the crucified, risen and redeeming Jesus Christ alone.
  1. Understanding the wisdom of God (2:6-16). True believers are the only ones among whom the gospel can be wisdom. To all others it is a stumbling block or foolishness (1:23). Here, Paul emphasized two points: true wisdom is not humanly discovered and true wisdom is divinely revealed. God’s truth is available only to those with a regenerate spirit and in whom His Spirit dwells, for only the Spirit can illumine Scripture. He is the believer’s resident Truth Teacher to enlighten him about all the things of God about which he needs to know (1 John 2:27). Yet the doctrine of illumination does not mean we can know and understand everything (Deut. 29:29), that we do not need human teachers (Eph. 4:11-12), or that study is not hard work (2 Tim. 2:15). But it does mean that Scripture can be understood by every Christian who is diligent and obedient.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Paul did not come to Corinth as a philosopher, but as a witness to God’s revelation. Though he had great natural abilities, yet he did not rely on them because he did not want his hearers to identify with his own wisdom. Charles Spurgeon said: “The power that is in the Gospel does not lie in the eloquence of the preacher, otherwise men would be the converters of souls, nor does it lie in the preacher’s learning, otherwise it would consist in the wisdom of men. We might preach until our tongues rotted, till we would exhaust our lungs and die, but never a soul would be converted unless the Holy Spirit be with the Word of God to give it the power to convert the soul.” Let’s pray that we will not rely on calculated theatrics and techniques to manipulate response, but on God’s Spirit and power alone to win man’s soul.
  1. It is possible to read the Bible – even many different copies and versions of the Bible – and yet not understand it. Like the scribes and Pharisees who reject God, the natural man had no means and no desire to understand the spiritual nature of God’s Word. Martin Luther said, “The bible cannot be understood simply by study or talent; you must count only on the influence of the Holy Spirit.” God must open the eyes of our understanding before we can truly know and rightly interpret His truth. Let’s pray that we will be diligent to study the Scripture and that God will open our eyes that we may behold wonderful things from thy law (Psalm 119:18).
 
 

经文：哥林多前书2

主题：神的智慧     

 

这段经文继续论述哥林多教会中的分歧，尤其他们对人类哲学及领袖的顽固忠诚，以致教会无法合一。

  1. 传神的智慧（2:1-5）。就如神福音中的智慧、正义、圣洁及救赎是无法通过人的智慧而得，它也不由得以人的智慧展现。当保罗与个哥林多人传福音时，他不在乎讨论人的思想或见解。除了耶稣基督被钉十字架，死而复活，作人的救主外，他再也不传别的。
  1. 明白神的智慧（2:6-16）。福音的智慧唯有在属实信徒中才是智慧。对其他人而言，那是绊脚石或愚拙（1:23）。这里，保罗强调两点：真智慧不是由人发觉的；真智慧是由神所启示的。神的真理只为拥有重生之灵的人供应，因为唯有内住在信徒里的圣灵可以光照圣经。祂是信徒常驻的真理教师，光照他对神真理所须知的一切（约一2:27）。然而，这样的光照并不意味着我们可以晓得一切事（申29:29），叫我们无须人类教师（弗4:11-12）；或表示我们不用下苦工学习（提后2:15）。这代表若信徒殷勤、顺服，他是可以明白真理的。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 保罗到哥林多来不是要作哲学家，乃是要为神的启示作见证。虽然他有很大的天赋，但他并不依靠于此，因为他不想听众误以为那是他的智慧。查尔斯·司布真（Charles Spurgeon）曾说：“福音的大能不在于传道人的口才，否则人会成为灵魂的救主；它也不在于传道人的知识，否则那将掺杂人的智慧。我们或许传道以致舌都烂了，肺也掏了而死，但除非圣灵与神的话语同在，无灵魂是能得救的。”让我们祷告我们不会依靠舞台设计或技巧来取得可见的效果，而是唯独依靠神的灵和大能得取人的灵魂。
  1. 我们可以读圣经，甚至多次以不同译本研读，却仍不明白真理。如拒绝神的文士与法利赛人一样，人是无法，也没有空位明白神话语中的属灵本质。马丁·路德（Martin Luther）曾说：“圣经不能仅用学习或天赋去明白；你必须只靠属灵的力量才行。”神必须先开启我们心灵的眼，我们才能真正明白并正确分解神的道。让我们祷告我们会殷勤学习圣经，也求神能开我们的眼睛，叫我们能看出神律法中的奇妙。
 

20 Jun 2017, 1 Corinthians 1 哥林多前书1, Unity in the Church 教会的合一

Posted on Jun 19, 2017 in 1 Corinthians, Devotions |

Scripture Reading        : 1 Corinthians 1

Theme                            : Unity in the Church           

 

  1. The calling and privileges of sainthood (1:1-9). Though the Corinthian church was far from being saintly in light of their worldly and immoral behavior, yet Paul stressed that every one of them who truly believed in Jesus Christ was saved and was a saint. This reminder of their sainthood was important in laying the foundation for the rest of this letter, which is to exhort believers to live a holy life.
  1. Disunity in the church over church leaders (1:10-17). The first thing for which Paul called the Corinthian believers to task was quarreling. Quarreling is a reality in the church because of selfishness and other sins. For a local church to be spiritually healthy, harmonious and effective, there must, above all, be doctrinal unity that is clearly based on God’s Word. No human leader, not even an apostle, should be given the loyalty that belonged only to the Lord. Such elevation of leaders leads only to contention, disputes and a divided church.
  1. Disunity in the church over human wisdom (1:18-31). The Corinthian church is not only divided over Christian leaders (v.12), but also regarding philosophical viewpoints which they had brought into the church. As they elevated human wisdom, they automatically lower God’s wisdom, which looks to them like foolishness because it conflicts with their own thinking. But God wisely established it this way, that man could not come to know Him by the wisdom of the world, but He choose to use the foolishness of the cross to save those who would simply believe. The very part of God’s plan that seems most ridiculous from man’s natural viewpoint actually exhibits His greatest power and greatest wisdom.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. The Greek word translated “saint” is not an especially pious Christian, but one who is set apart from sin and made holy in Christ Jesus. This is the believer’s position in Christ. Despite their sinful living and distorted doctrine, the Corinthian believers were saints because they had been sanctified, set apart from sin and made holy in Christ Jesus. It is hence important for every Christian to keep in mind the great difference between his position and his practice. As Christians, one of the strongest rebukes we can have when we sin is to be reminded of who our Father is. Let’s pray that as we remember our position in Christ, we will also be compelled to improve our practice and walk in Him (Eph. 4:1).
  1. Among the Corinthian church’s many sins and shortcomings, quarreling is the one that Paul chose to deal with first. In unity lies the joy of Christian ministry and the credibility of Christian testimony. Because they were one in fellowship with their Lord, they should be one in fellowship with each other. Let’s pray that we will uphold the unity in our church by not insisting on our own way and by putting the interests of our Lord and of His people above all else.
  1. God’s Word is the only true wisdom and is all the wisdom that is reliable and needed. It needs no addition of human wisdom, which always falls short of His Word and most often contradicts or distorts it. Unfortunately, just as Paul’s time, the church today continued to fall prey to current trends in human thought. Some Christians frantically look almost everywhere but to God and His Word for values, meaning, guidance and help. Do you trust that Scripture alone is reliable, sufficient and complete? Let’s pray that we will seek after the true wisdom from God’s Word, not from human wisdom.
 
 
 
 

经文：哥林多前书1

主题：教会的合一 

 

  1. 作圣徒的乎招与特权（1:1-9）。虽然哥林多教会因他们世俗和不道德的行为而离圣洁的标准很远，但保罗强调凡真实相信耶稣基督的每一位都是得救的，且是圣徒。这个提醒为书信打下了重要的基础，因为书信的目的是要劝诫信徒过圣洁的生活。
  1. 教会为教会领袖分歧（1:10-17）。保罗对哥林多教会提及的第一件事就是他们之间的纷争。因着自私及其他罪性，纷争在教会是存在的。一个地方教会若要在灵性上健全、和谐与有效，她首先就要在教义上合一；这必须是基于神的话语。人对其他领袖的忠心，甚至是对使徒，都不当超过他们对主所有的。这等对领导的评价只会引来不满和争执，使教会分歧。
  1. 教会为人类智慧分歧（1:18-31）。哥林多教会不但为基督徒领袖起争执（12节），还为他们带入教会的不同哲学思想起争议。当他们高举人的智慧时，他们自动贬低了神的智慧，因为那与他们自己的思想有冲突，所以神的话倒变成了愚拙。然而，神在祂的智慧中立这计划，叫人不得借世人的智慧认识祂，而是要借着十字架的愚拙救凡相信的人。世人认为最荒谬的事，竟是神展现祂最大能力和智慧的地方。

用经文祷告

  1. “圣徒”的希腊原文指的不是一个特别虔诚的基督徒，而是一个与罪分别，在基督里为圣的人；这就是信徒在基督里的位置。虽然哥林多信徒仍活在罪中，教义歪曲，但他们是圣徒，因为他们在基督耶稣里与罪分别为圣了。因此，基督徒必须知道他们在位置与实践上的大差异。身为信徒，我们犯罪时所得到的其中一个最大的指责是被提醒谁是我们的天父。让我们祷告当我们想起自己在基督里的位置时，这会迫使我们在行事为人上要有长进，在祂里面而行（弗4:1）。
  1. 在哥林多教会的众多罪行和缺点中，争执是保罗选择先处理的。合一是基督徒事工的喜乐与基督徒见证的可信度所在。让我们祷告我们会持守教会的合一，不要坚持自己的做事方式，而是将主与祂子民的利益为先。
  1. 唯独神的话才是真智慧，并是一切可靠、所需的智慧。它无需人的智慧补充，因为人的智慧总是亏欠了神话语的标准，也经常与神的话语抵触。不幸的是，如同保罗的时代一样，今日教会也继续步入世人思想潮流的陷阱。有些信徒四处找寻，却就是不转向神与祂的话求价值、意义、引导和帮助。你是否相信唯独圣经是可靠、充分和完整的？让我们祷告我们会从神的话，不是人的智慧，寻求真智慧。
 

29 Jun 2017, 1 Corinthians 9 哥林多前书 9, The Illustration of Christian Liberty 运用基督徒自由的例子

Posted on Jun 18, 2017 in 1 Corinthians, Devotions |

Scripture Reading        : 1 Corinthians 9

Theme                            : The Illustration of Christian Liberty       

 

After setting out the limits of Christian liberty in chapter 8, Paul now illustrates how he followed the principle in his own life in chapter 9.

  1. Paul’s rights to be supported (9:1-14). As an apostle, Paul had the right to be supported by the churches to whom he ministered. This is a right ordained by Jesus Himself (cf. Luke 10:7). The principle of workers being paid for their work is not merely according to human judgment, but is also taught in God’s law. If God wants to be certain that oxen are “paid” for their work, how much more is He concerned that men be compensated for theirs.
  2. Paul’s refusal to be supported (9:15-27). Paul had the right, but he willingly waived his right for the gospel’s sake, for the brethren’s sake and for love’s sake. This is done for two reasons: first, he did not want to lose his reward for preaching the gospel without charge (v.16-18) and secondly, he wanted absolutely nothing to hinder his reaching the lost with that gospel (v.19-27). Therefore, this has become his policy wherever he went (cf. 1 Thess. 2:9, 2 Thess. 3:8) and he gladly modify his habits, his preferences, his lifestyle in order to win people to Jesus Christ. Though Paul’s willing adjustment of his living helped many unbelievers to be more open to receive the gospel, it does not imply that he has compromised the gospel truth to satisfy anyone. But he would condescend in any way for anyone if that would help bring him to Christ.

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. The Lord’s servants deserve to be supported well. There should not be a lower standard for preachers, missionaries and other Christian ministers than that set for those laboring in the system of man. Obviously, we should give our money only to ministries that are biblically sound and responsible, for being wise in our giving is part of our stewardship. But Christians are also to reflect their heavenly Father’s generosity in supporting the Lord’s servants and give happily, generously and trustingly to a servant who is worthy. Let’s pray that we will follow the model of the Macedonia church in their giving (2 Cor. 8:1-5) and provide generous support to our pastors, our missionaries and leaders of any kind who minister to us, just as God has been so immeasurably generous to us (Phil. 4:19).
  2. Liberty cannot be limited without self-control. Our sinfulness resents and resists restrictions, sometimes even in the name of spiritual freedom. However, no Christian will be successful in witnessing, or in anything else worthwhile, without discipline and self-control. Part of Pauls’ fight to win souls for Christ is against his own body. Like an athlete who follows training rules, not his body, in order to win the race, Paul put his body into subjection in order to fulfill his mission. However, many people today, including Christians, are slaves to their own bodies. They start the Christian life with enthusiasm and devotion. They train carefully for a while but soon tire of the effort and begin to “break training”. Before long, they are disqualified from being effective witnesses. They do not have what it takes because they are unwilling to pay the price. The flesh, the world, everyday affairs, personal interests and often simple laziness hinder spiritual growth and preparation for service. Let’s pray that we will learn to develop self-control and discipline in our own life so that we will not be disqualified.
 
 
 
 

经文：哥林多前书9

主题：运用基督徒自由的例子    

 

在第八章列出了基督徒自由的范畴后，保罗要在第九章举例自己是如何在生活中遵循这原则的。

  1. 保罗有权得支持（9:1-14）。身为使徒，保罗有权力向他所事奉的教会得到支持；这是耶稣自己所设的权力（参：路10:7）。工人得工价的原则并不只是人的理念，也是神的律法所教导的。若神要确保在场上踹谷的牛会得到“工价”，祂必然更在乎人为他们的劳力得到应得的工价。
  2. 保罗拒绝得到支持（9:15-27）。保罗本有这权力，但他甘愿为福音、教会弟兄及爱的缘故取消这权力。其原因有二：一、他不想失去免费传福音的赏赐（16-18节）；二、他不想任何事成为他向人传福音的阻碍（19-27节）。因此，不论到哪儿，这已成了他的原则（参：帖前2:9，帖后3:8）。而他甘心调整自己的作息、嗜好及生活习惯，为要赢得人心归主。虽然保罗甘愿在生活中做调整，以便向更多非信徒传福音，但这并不表示他为要讨好人而改变福音真理。可是，若人能因保罗放下身段而亲近神，他愿意随时那么做。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 主的仆人配得到充足的支持。对传道人、宣教士与其他基督徒事工的仆人而言，他们所得的标准不当低于人类的劳工系统所设。显然，我们只应该奉献给合乎圣经及负责任的事工，因为智慧奉献也是我们作管家的一部分。然而，基督徒也当在支持主仆人的事工上反映他们天父的慷慨，乐意、阔手，并在信任中奉献给配得的仆人。让我们祷告我们在奉献中会效法马其顿教会的榜样，慷慨支持我们的牧者、宣教士及凡事奉我们的教会领袖，如同神如此充足的供应我们一样（腓4:19）。
  2. 自由不是在自制之外的。我们的罪性厌恶并抵挡限制，甚至以属灵自由的名义那么做。然而，基督徒在见证或其他事物上若没有纪律与自制之心，是绝对无法成功的。在保罗为基督赢取灵魂的争战中，其中的阻碍是自己的肉身。如一名运动员遵从锻炼的规矩而不是他的身体一样，保罗为要赢得比赛，必须束缚自己的身体，才能完成他的使命。但是，今日有许多人，包括基督徒，是自己肉身的奴隶。他们在作基督徒路程的起点充满了激情与忠心，起初小心锻炼，但很快就累了，开始偷懒。不久后，他们不再是有效的见证；他们不愿付出代价，所以失去了这个资格。肉体、世界、每日琐事、个人关注，及懒惰阻碍了属灵增长及对事奉的预备。让我们祷告我们在生活中会学习自制及自律，叫我们不会被取消资格。

19 Jun 2017, 1 Corinthians 哥林多前书, Introduction to 1 Corinthian 《哥林多前书》的介绍

Posted on Jun 18, 2017 in 1 Corinthians, Devotions |

Scripture Reading        : 1 Corinthians

Theme                            : Introduction to 1 Corinthian

 

The letter is named for the city of Corinth, where the church to whom it was written was located. The church was founded by Paul in his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1), where he ministered to them for a year and half (Acts 18:11) before leaving for Ephesus, and Apollos became their second pastor.

Unable to fully break from the culture from which it came, the Corinthian church was exceptionally fractional and worldly, showing its immaturity and carnality. It became necessary for Paul to write this letter to correct these issues, as well as to command the faithful believers to break fellowship with the disobedient and unrepentant members (1 Cor. 5:9-13). 

The major issues covered in this epistle can be seen in the outline as followed:

  1. The calling and privilege of sainthood (1:1-9)
  2. Disunity in the church (1:10-4:21)
  3. Immorality in the church (5:1-6:20)
  4. Marriage in the church (7:1-40)
  5. Liberty in the church (8:1-11:1)
  6. Worship in the church (11:2-14:40)
  7. A hope of the church (15:1-58)
  8. A charge to the church (16:1-24)

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Like many Christians today, the Corinthian believers had great difficulty in not mimicking the unbelieving and corrupt society around them. They usually managed to stay a little higher than the world morally, but were also moving downward together with the world. In short, they wanted to be in God’s kingdom while keeping one foot in the world; they wanted blessings of the new life while hanging on to pleasures of the old. Paul plainly warns that this is impossible (6:9-10). Let’s pray that our church will be united in faith and be separated from worldliness.
 
 
 

经文：哥林多前书   

主题：《哥林多前书》的介绍

 

这封书信命名于哥林多市，即那地方教会的所在；这教会是由保罗在他二次宣教行程中创办的（徒18:1）。他在那里的侍奉为期一年半（徒18:11），才离开到以弗所去。之后，亚波罗成为他们的第二个牧师。

哥林多教会无法完全从他们世俗和分歧的文化中脱离，显示了他们仍不成熟，还属肉体。因此，保罗需要写这封信以纠正这些问题，并命令忠实的信徒要与悖逆和不肯悔改的人断绝相交（林前5:9-13）

这封书信所涵盖的主要内容包括：

  1. 教会的分歧（1:10-4:21）
  2. 教会中的淫乱（5:1-6:20）
  3. 教会中的婚姻（7:1-40）
  4. 教会中的自由（8:1-11:1）
  5. 教会中的敬拜（11:2-14:40）
  6. 教会的盼望（15:1-58）
  7. 予教会的命令（16:1-24）

 

用经文祷告

  1. 如今日的许多信徒一样，哥林多信徒为不效法周边不敬虔与败坏的社会中遇到极大的挑战。他们常常在道德上稍微比世人好一些，但仍与世界的道德趋势一同下滑。简单的说，他们想要属神的国度，但仍不想脱离世界；他们渴望新生命中的祝福，却不舍得丢弃旧欢。保罗直截了当地说那是不可能的（6:9-10）。让我们祈求我们的教会会在信心中合一，并脱离世俗。

3 Jun 2017, Ex 40 出40章, The Glory of the LORD 耶和华的荣耀

Posted on May 28, 2017 in Devotions, Exodus |

Scripture Reading        : Ex 40

Theme                            : The Glory of the LORD

 

Finished.

All the framework, hangings, and pieces of furniture were completed, along with the priests’ garments; but Moses waited for the Lord to tell him what to do next. Wise is the leader who gets his orders from God.

Furnished.

God told Moses what to do and when to do it. First they were to set up the tent and then put in the six special pieces of furniture, starting with the ark in the Holy of Holies. The right order was as significant as the right furnishings. When he finished with the tent and the furniture, he put up the court around it and set it apart from the rest of the camp.

Fragrant.

Everything in the tabernacle was anointed with the holy oil, which set it all apart for God’s use. Is there a fragrance about our lives that makes people think of heaven?

Filled.

Two things made the tabernacle a special building: the pattern was given by God, and God’s glorious presence filled it when He came to dwell with His people. What a gracious God that He should consent to dwell with such a rebellious people![1]
 
 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Finally the time arrived for the tabernacle to be erected with the Holy of Holies and its accompanying Holy Place to the West, and the courtyard entrance to the East. In terms of pagan religions and their worship of the sun god, some polemic significance might be seen in the High-Priest worshiping God with his back to the rising sun. All who entered the courtyard also turned their backs to the rising sun as they came in to sacrifice and worship. This is a clear sign of turning back from their pagan worship and turning to God.
  2. The glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. (Ex 40:34) Clearly this represent the presence of the Lord and he is pleased to dwell with them. It is sad later we read from Ezekiel that the glory of the Lord left them (Ezk 10-11) because of their persistent disobedience. Let’s pray that we are serious in obeying God and his presence will be always be with us.

[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 40:1.

 
 
 

经文：出40章

主题：耶和华的荣耀

 

成品

所有的板架、挂饰、器具，和祭司的圣衣都已完成，但摩西仍等待主告诉他下一步该怎么做。从神得命令的带领者才有智慧。。

陈设

神告诉摩西该行什么，并何时该行。首先，他们要立起帐幕，然后从至圣所的约柜开始把六件器具搬进去。正确的顺序与合适的器具一样重要。立起了帐篷、搬进器具后，摩西就在帐幕和坛的四围立了院帷，与其余的营地分隔开来。

香气

帐幕和其中所有的都抹上膏油，使其为圣，神所用之。我们的生命是否也散发香气，使人联想到天国呢？

充满

帐幕有两个特殊性质：首先，它是按照神的模式建造；再来，当神与子民同住时，祂的荣耀充满了帐幕。这是何等满有恩典的神，祂竟愿意与这等叛逆的子民同住！

 

用经文祷告

  1. 最终，立起帐幕、至圣所、西面圣所和东面院子入口的时候了。在东方崇拜太阳的普遍异教文化中，大祭司这样背着升起的太阳敬拜神，且以色列人进入院子来献祭和敬拜时，也都是背着那升起的太阳；这清楚表明，他们已背弃异教敬拜，转向归神。
  2. 耶和华的荣耀充满了整个帐幕。 （出40:34）这清楚表明主的同在，且祂乐意与百姓同住。但是我们从以西结书看到，由于以色列人一直不断的反抗神，耶和华的荣耀最终离开了他们（结10-11）。这真是可悲啊！让我们祈祷，叫我们能以认真遵从神的话，永远与我们同在。
 

2 Jun 2017, Ex 35-39 出35-39章, Second Chance 第二次机会

Posted on May 28, 2017 in Devotions, Exodus |

Scripture Reading        : Ex 35-39

Theme                            : Second Chance

 

Each aspect of the making of the tabernacle is mentioned in detail because each part was important to God. The smallest wooden peg had to conform to the pattern God gave Moses on the mount. If we expect God to be concerned about the details of our lives, we must pay attention to the details of His instructions.

The construction of the tabernacle involved God’s pattern and man’s provision. The people had plundered the Egyptians (12:35–36), and they willingly brought that wealth to the Lord. It was an act of spontaneous generosity and not something that was forced from them (35:5, 21–22, 26, 29). Christians today should give in the same way (2 Cor. 8:1–12).

God gave the plan, and He also gave the workers the wisdom needed to do the job right (35:10, 25, 34–35 There is nothing wrong with dedicated artistry, for God built beauty into His tabernacle. God wants skillful hands as well as dedicated hearts (Ps. 78:72).

Moses was careful to inspect the work to see that it was just what God had commanded. (The word commanded is found seventeen times in these chapters.) Moses was faithful as the servant of God to do what God told him to do (Heb. 3:5).
Chapter 39 ends by saying, “And Moses blessed them” (v. 43). Have you taken time lately to bless those who have done the will of God in serving you? (See Ruth 2:4.) [1]

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. In this section, the Israelites constructed the tabernacle as God so prescribed in 25:1–31:18. The report of the work done is repeated in the past tense. This report also highlighted how careful the workers were in carrying out the instructions and blueprints received. Note the repeated phrase on doing all just as the Lord had commanded Moses (39:1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31, 32, 42, 43 and 40:19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32). We thank God for the second chance given to us so that we can repent from our sins and obey God again.
  2. The phrase “As the Lord had commanded” had been repeated a number of times (vv. 1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31). This signals to the reader of every age, or to the listener in Israel back then, that God’s detailed instructions to Moses on the fabricating of the ephod (vv. 2–7), breastpiece (vv. 8–21), and priestly garments (vv. 22–31) were followed to the letter. Obedience in every detail was taken seriously by Israel’s artisans. Are we carefully obey God’s commandments or are we find opportunity to break it?

[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 35:1.

 
 

经文：出35-39章

主题：第二次机会

 

神仔细交代建造帐幕的所有细节，因为每个部分对祂来说都是重要的。就算是最小的木钉，摩西都必须按照神在山上所给的模式来建造。如果我们希望神关注我们生命中的每一个细节，那我们就必须仔细听从祂的指示。

帐幕的建造包括了神的模式和人的供应。百姓掠夺了埃及人的财物（出12:35-36），而他们现在乐意地将此奉献出来。无人迫从他们奉献，这皆是自发的慷慨之举（出35:5，21-22，26，29）。今天的基督徒也应该以同样的方式奉献（林前8:1-12）。

神给予计划，也赐予工人完成事工所需的智慧（出35:10，25，34-35）。使用精致巧妙的工艺并没错，因为神使祂的帐幕为荣美。神要灵巧的双手，也要专一的心（诗78:72）。

摩西仔细检查工程，以确保所有的事工都在按神的吩咐进行。 （“所吩咐的”这话在这些章节中出现了共17次）。摩西是神忠心的仆人，他按照神所吩咐的行事（来3:5）。第39章最后说到：“摩西就给他们祝福”。你最近是否有花时间来祝福那些因着执行神旨意而服事你的弟兄姊妹？ （见 得 2:4）。


用经文祷告

  1. 在本章节中，以色列人按神25章1节至31章18节的吩咐建造帐幕。工程当报告都是以过去式文法记载的。报告也强调工人们是如何小心的按指示和蓝图施工。请注意这里不断重复“是照耶和华所吩咐摩西的”一句（39:1，5，7，21，26，29，31，32，42，43和40:19，21，23，25，27，29 ，32）。我们感谢神赐给我们第二次机会，使我们可以从罪中悔改，再次顺服神。
  2. “照耶和华所吩咐的”一句，在经文中重复多次（1，5，7，21，26，29，31节）。这告诉世世代代的人说，工人们确确实实地按照神所吩咐摩西的来造以弗得（2-7节）、胸牌（8-21节）和祭司的圣衣（22-31节）。以色列的众工匠都认真地遵从每一个细节。我们是否也在每一个细节上顺服神的诫命，还是在找寻机会违背神呢？

1 Jun 2017, Ex 34 出34章, The LORD your God 耶和华我的神

Posted on May 28, 2017 in Devotions, Exodus |

Scripture Reading        : Ex 34

Theme                            : The  LORD your God

 

A gracious God(1–9).

Because He is gracious and long-suffering, God gave His people another opportunity, just as He does with us today (1 John 2:1–2). He gave a “second chance” to Abraham (Gen. 13:1ff.), Jonah (Jon. 3:1), and Peter (John 21:15ff.). The enemy accuses us and wants us to quit, but God is ready to forgive when we turn to Him (Pss. 103:10–14; 130:3–4).

A jealous God(10–29).

God works for us, but He expects us to walk with Him. He will keep His covenant, but we must beware not to compromise with evil. It is easy to get into sin gradually. First there is agreement in worship (vv. 12–13), then sacrifice (v. 15), then marriage (v. 16); and the result is the loss of our children to false gods. Note the emphasis on putting God first (vv. 19–22, 26).

A glorious God(30–35).

Moses not only sought God’s glory and saw it on the mount, but he shared it as it reflected from his own face. However, this glory faded away, just like the glory of the Law. As we see Christ in the Word, and the Spirit makes us more like Him, we go “from glory to glory” (2 Cor. 3:12–18; see also Prov. 4:18; Matt. 17:1–8; Acts 6:15).[1]

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. Do you know God? Do you bear the image of God? The Bible says, “The LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” (Ex 34:6) Let’s pray that we constantly remind ourselves who God is and what are His characters and bear His image in our daily lives.
  2. The Lord made a covenant with his people that they shall not have any other gods except the LORD. He is a jealous God (Ex 34:14). So be sure that the LORD will destroy all your idols including anything, visible or invisible, that stand between you and the LORD. If you love anything more than Him, beware, He will destroy all of them because only He and He alone is your Creator and you belong to Him.
  3. Can Christians marry a non-Christians? No, the Lord God forbid such marriages (Ex 34:16). Deuteronomy is even clearer, “You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons.” (Deu 7:3) New Testament gives us the same principle, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? (2Co 6:14-16) Let’s pray that we obey God and His commandment. If a person insisting getting marry with an unbeliever, the unbeliever clearly is his/her idol.

[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 34:1.

 
 
 

经文：出34章

主题：耶和华我的神

 

满有恩典的神（1-9）

因为神满有恩典、长久忍耐，所以祂赐予百姓另一个机会；神今日也如此对待我们（约一2:1-2）。祂也赐给亚伯拉罕（创13:1 ）、约拿（拿 3:1），及彼得（约21:15 ）“第二次机会”。敌人控告我们，并要我们放弃，但只要我们愿意转向神，祂随时都肯赦免我们（诗103:3-4，10-14）。

嫉妒的神（忌邪的神）（10-29）

神帮助我们，但也要求我们与祂同行。祂必遵守所立的约，但我们必须小心谨慎不向罪恶妥协。我们很容易就会逐渐陷入罪中；首先是在敬拜上做出的妥协（12-13节），接着是祭物（15节）、婚姻（16节），而其结果就是孩子随从他们的假神行邪淫。请在这里注意神对头生者的强调（19-22，26节）。

充满荣耀的神（30-35）

摩西不仅寻求神的荣耀，并在山上得看见了，现在他更是从自己的脸上向众人反映了这份荣耀。然而，这荣耀终究会消失，就像律法的荣耀一样。当我们在圣经里看到基督，且圣灵使我们越像基督时，我们也“荣上加荣”了（林后3:12-18；亦见箴4:18；太17:1-8；徒6:15）。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 你是否认识神？你是否拥有神的形象？圣经说：“耶和华，是有怜悯有恩典的神，不轻易发怒，并有丰盛的慈爱和诚实。”（出34:6）让我们祷告，叫我们不断提醒自己神是谁、祂的属性，并立志要在每日生命中活出祂的形象。
  2. 主与祂的子民立约，叫他们不可敬拜别神；祂是忌邪的神（出34:14）。所以你可以肯定，耶和华必把阻碍你与祂之间一切有形、无形的偶像一律拆毁。你对它物的爱若胜于神，请小心，祂必将之摧毁，因为唯独祂是你的创造者，而你完全属于祂。
  3. 基督徒是否能与与非基督徒结婚？不，神禁止这等婚姻（出34:16）。申命记更是明确说到：“不可与他们结亲。不可将你的女儿嫁他们的儿子，也不可叫你的儿子娶他们的女儿。”（申7:3）新约圣经也给予我们同样的原则：“不要同负一轭。义和不义有什么相交呢？光明和黑暗有什么相通呢？基督和彼列（彼列就是撒但的别名）有什么相和呢？信主的和不信主的有什么相干呢？神的殿和偶像有什么相同呢？”（林后6:14-16）让我们祷告，叫我们能顺服神和祂的诫命。如果一个基督徒坚持要与非信徒结婚，很显然的，那不信的人就是他/她的偶像

31 May 2017, Ex 33 出33章, God’s Friend 神的朋友

Posted on May 28, 2017 in Devotions, Exodus |

Scripture Reading        : Ex 33

Theme                            : God’s Friend

 

God’s friendship.

The tabernacle had not yet been built, so the structure referred to here was probably a tent where Moses met with God and over which the cloud rested. God spoke to Moses as with a friend because Moses obeyed God (Deut. 34:10; John 15:14–16). God could not dwell with a rebellious people, but He could fellowship with Moses (2 Cor. 6:14–18).

God’s presence.

The Jews watched things happen, but Moses made things happen. He knew God’s ways (Ps. 103:7) and prayed for God’s presence to go with them. Moses could not pray on the basis of Israel’s obedience to the Law, but he could plead the grace of God. Believers today are sure of God’s presence because He has promised to stay with us (Heb. 13:5–6).

God’s glory.

Many believers pray, “Show me Your way,” but not many pray, “Show me Your glory.” No man can see God in His fullness and live, but God can reveal some of His glory. He did that for Moses “in the secret place of the Most High” (Ps. 91:1–4). Our experience of glory today is explained in 2 Corinthians 3:18.[1]

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. The LORD speaks to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. (Ex 33:11) All of us admired Moses but how many of us love God and His glory like Moses? How many of us come to God and pray for himself, his needs and his desire. How many of us truly love God and His glory. Let’s pray that we learn from Moses.
  2. People abandoned God when God delayed or did not give them what they want or go where they wanted to go. But Moses is different. Moses will not proceed if God is not going with him (Ex 33:15). What about you? Will you proceed with your plan even the Lord refused to go with you? Is your goals and plans are more important than the presence of God?
  3. No one can see God and live (Ex 33:20) yet God is gracious to grant the impossibility to Moses. Even it is impossible, the Lord find a way to accomplish Moses’ dream. God’s love and grace for Moses is so clearly demonstrated. Do you admire Moses? Pray that you not only admire Moses but also love God and His glory just like Moses.

[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 33:1.

 
 
 
 

经文：出33章

主题：神的朋友

 

神的友谊

帐幕的建造尚未完成，所以这里指的很可能是一个帐棚，而摩西就在那里与神见面，也是云柱降下的地方。因为摩西遵从神的命令，所以神晓谕摩西，好像人与朋友说话一般（申34:10；约15:14-16）。神不与叛逆的人同行，但祂可以与摩西相通（林后6:14-18）。

神的同在

犹太人围观看事，但摩西却出面行事。他晓得神的法则（诗篇103:7），并祈求神与百姓同行。摩西无法凭着以色列对律法的顺服向神祈求，但他可以寻求神的恩典。今天的信徒可以确信神与他们同在，因为祂已应许祂永不不撇，也不丢弃我们（希 13:5-6）。

神的荣耀

许多信徒常常祷告说：“求袮向我显出袮的道路”，却很少说：“求袮向我显出袮的荣耀”。无人能见神全然的荣耀而活，但祂可以揭示自己一部分的荣耀，就如祂在“至高者隐密处”向摩西显现一样（诗91:1-4）。哥林多后书3:18便解释了今天信徒所能经历的的荣耀。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 耶和华与摩西面对面说话，好像人与朋友说话一般。 （出33:11）我们所有人都欣赏摩西，但有多少人像摩西一样如此地爱神和祂的荣耀呢？有多少人来到神的面前，是为自己、自己的需要，并自己的所愿祷告呢？有多少人是真心爱神，并渴望祂的荣耀？让我们祈祷，叫我们能向摩西学习。
  2. 当神延迟或拒绝赐给众百姓他们心里想要的东西想去的地方时，百姓就抛弃了神。但摩西却不是这样；神若不与他同行，他也就愿意往前行（出33:15）。你呢？主若拒绝与你同行，你还会继续实施自己的计划吗？你的目标与计划是否比神的同在更为重要？
  3. 无人能见神而活（出33:20），但恩慈的神向摩西显现了。即使不可能，主仍然找到一个可行的方法来完成摩西的愿望；神向摩西显出的大爱与恩典就在此显明了。你欣赏摩西吗？请祷告你不仅在欣赏之时，也渴望像摩西一样爱神和祂的荣耀。

30 May 2017, Ex 32 出32章, The People Have Corrupted 众百姓已败坏

Posted on May 28, 2017 in Devotions, Exodus |

Scripture Reading        : Ex 32

Theme                             : The People Have Corrupted

 

Unbelief.

Despite all that God had said and done, and all that Israel had promised to do (19:8), the nation did not know how to live by faith. Moses had been gone forty days (Deut. 9:11ff.), and the people had become impatient. They still had the fire and cloud to assure them of God’s presence, but that was not enough. They wanted another visible representation of Jehovah to encourage them. It was unbelief: “Whoever believes will not act hastily” (Isa. 28:16).

Compromise.

Aaron was supposed to be the spiritual leader in the absence of Moses, but instead he gave in and let the people have their way. When confronted with his sin, Aaron blamed the people, Moses, and the furnace (vv. 22–24), but he did not blame himself.

Intercession.

Had Moses been a selfish man, he could have become the founder of a new nation, but he loved the people and prayed for their forgiveness. (See Luke 23:34; Rom. 9:1–3.) He reminded God of His covenant and of the glory He would lose if the nation were destroyed. When you pray, remind God of His promises and seek to magnify His glory.

Discipline.

We all should heed the psalmist’s wise words: “You who love the Lord, hate evil” (Ps. 97:10). God in His grace forgives the sinner, but in His government, He must punish the sin. This judgment may seem cruel to us, but the people had been warned against idolatry and had willfully disobeyed God. God had to teach them early not to act like the heathen nations around them. Israel had to remain a separated people, or God could not work out His great purposes through them.[1]


Praying the Scripture

  1. When the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people started to turn away from God and worshipping other gods. (Ex 32:1) Impatience can kill (Ex 32:10). If God delayed, will you be so impatient that you turn away from Him and worship other gods who give you what you want immediately? Let’s pray that we humble ourselves and wait for Him because our God know the best timing for everything. Impatience is a sign of pride, arrogance and self-centeredness.
  2. The Lord is so furious with their rebellious and their hardened hearts. So the LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people. Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you.” (Ex 32:9-10) The Lord were so angry that he wanted to judge the Israelites and raise Moses up into a great nation. This is a fantastic news for Moses. Yet we see Moses is more concern about the glory of God and the promises of God rather than his personal gain and reputation. This is truly a great man of God.

[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 32:1.

 
 
 
 

经文：出32章

主题：众百姓已败坏

 

不信

尽管神过去所言所行的一切，而以色列更是承诺要遵行神的诫命（19:8），但他们仍不懂得如何凭信心生活。摩西才离开40天（申9:11），众百姓就变得很不耐烦。他们仍然可看见云柱火柱为神同在的凭据，但他们还觉不足，想要另一个外在象征才感安心。这就是不信，因信靠的人必不着急”（赛 28:16）。

妥协

摩西不在的时候，亚伦应当担任众百姓的属灵领导，但他却做妥协，任由他们而行。而当摩西质问他的罪行时，亚伦反倒指责众百姓、摩西和火炉（22-24节），却没有责怪自己。

代祷

如果摩西是一个自私的人，他早已是一个新国家的建国者了，但他爱众百姓，并为他们求神饶恕。 （路23:34；罗9:1-3）。他提醒神自己所立的约；以色列国若就此被销毁，神也将失去祂自己的荣耀。你祷告的时候，请提醒神祂所作的应许，并寻求要彰显祂的荣耀。

管教

我们都应该听从诗人明智的话：“你们爱耶和华的，都当恨恶罪恶”（诗97:10）。神在祂的恩典里赦免了罪人，但因着祂的义，神必须惩罚罪恶。这里所行的审判或许看似残酷，但在充分告诫了众百姓敬拜偶像的后果之后，他们仍决议违背神。神必须快快管教他们不得行事如周边的异国一样。以色列必须分别为圣，否则神无法借着他们成就祂的大工。

 


用经文祷告

  1. 当百姓见摩西迟延不下山，他们就开始背离神、转向敬拜其它偶像。 （出32:1）急躁的灵是致命的（出32:10）。如果神延迟祂的计划，你是否会感到不耐烦，又因其它假神（偶像）能立马给你心中所欲而转向敬拜它们？让我们祈祷能谦卑自己，并耐心仰望神，因祂的时间是最好的。急躁是骄傲、傲慢和自我为中心的表现。
  2. 耶和华因百姓的叛逆和刚硬的心，感到极为愤怒。于是，耶和华对摩西说：“我看这百姓真是硬着颈项的百姓。你且由着我，我要向他们发烈怒，将他们灭绝，使你的后裔成为大国”（出32:9-10）主如此生气，要审判以色列全国，并让摩西自成一个伟大的国家。这对摩西来说本该是一个很好的消息。然而，摩西在乎的不是个人利益和声誉，而是神的荣耀和应许。这真是一位伟大属神的人。
 

29 May 2017, Ex 31 出31章, The Calling and the Work of God 神的工作和呼召

Posted on May 28, 2017 in Devotions, Exodus |

Scripture Reading        : Ex 31

Theme                            : The Calling and the Work of God

 

Work.

When God wants to get a job done, He calls workers, equips them, and gives them the plan for the task. He also calls people to help them and to provide the needed resources. Bezalel and Aholiab were gifted artisans, but they needed God’s calling and enabling before they could do the work to please Him.

Rest.

Why did God mention the Sabbath at this point? Perhaps He wanted to remind His people that even the building of the sacred tabernacle was not a reason for breaking the Sabbath law. They needed a day of rest, and since the Sabbath was a sign between God and His people, they needed to honor Him. God wants us to be balanced: work, rest, worship.

Law.

Luke 11:20 suggests that “the finger of God” signifies the Holy Spirit, who wrote the Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21). He now writes it on the hearts of those who trust Christ and worship Him (2 Cor. 3:1ff.).[1]

 

Praying the Scripture

  1. The Israelites were masons and bricklayers in Egypt, they were not qualified for quality and magnificent jobs. But the Holy Spirit miraculously gave Bezaleel and Aholiab the skill that was needed. Those whom God calls to any service, he will find or make fit for it. The Lord gives different gifts to different persons; let each mind his proper work, diligently remembering that whatever wisdom any one possesses, the Lord put it in the heart, to do his commandments.
  2. Orders were now given that a tabernacle should be set up for the service of God. But they must not think that the nature of the work, and the haste that was required, would justify them in working at it on Sabbath days. The Hebrew word Sabbath signifies rest, or ceasing from labor. The thing signified by the Sabbath is that rest in glory which remains for the people of God. Does your work/career stop you from coming to worship God on Sunday?

[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, With the Word Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), Ex 31:1.

 
 
 

经文：出31章

主题：神的工作和呼召

 

工作

当神要在地上做事，祂必呼召工人、装备他们，并给予他们模式计划去行。神也会呼召人来协助他们，且供应了一切所需的资源。比撒列和亚何利亚伯是极具天赋的工匠，但他们仍需要被神呼召、被圣灵充满才可行神所喜悦的工作。

安息

神此时为何提到安息日呢？或许祂是在提醒祂的子民，即便是为了建造神圣的帐幕，他们也不可以此为借，违反安息日的律法。众百姓需要在这日安息，而由于这是神与祂子民的立约的象征，他们就必须尊荣神。神要我们有一个平衡的生活：工作、休息和敬拜。

律法

路加福音11:20暗示，“神用指头”即指默示神话语的圣灵（提后3:16；彼后1:21）。如今，圣灵已将这话语刻在凡信靠并敬拜基督的人心中（林后3:1 FF）。

 

用经文祷告

  1. 在埃及里，以色列人是的石匠和瓦工，没有资格胜任高巧与壮丽的工作。然而圣灵却奇迹般地赐给了比撒列和亚何利亚伯所需要的技能。凡神所呼召来事奉的，祂使其胜任。主赐给每人不同的恩赐，所以各人当行自己的本分，牢记心中的智慧皆是耶和华所赐，为遵行祂的旨意。
  2. 神现在指示要搭建帐幕服事祂。可是，他们万不得认为工作的苦辛与须有的进度，是足以让他们在安息日工作的理由。安息日的希伯来文表示休息，或停止劳动；而安息日所象征的，是神子民必在祂荣耀中的安息。你的工作或事业是否阻碍你在周日敬拜神呢？

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