10 Dec 2016, Psalm 18 诗篇 18, A Warrior King Looks Back 一位战士之王的反思
Scripture Reading : Psalm 18
Theme : A Warrior King Looks Back
- The Rescue (1–19). This Psalm is also found in 2 Samuel 22. It is a psalm of David, who looks back at God’s faithful and righteous protection of David for the sake of the Messianic line and for the sake of God’s promise to bless the whole world through the Messiah.
- God’s Way is Perfect (20–30). God’s character is perfect; therefore all His conducts are perfect. He saves the humble and humbles the proud. He is merciful, pure and rewards the righteous. His judgment is perfect.
- God Gives Victory (31–45). God is a rock who will give victory to David His king because God made this promise to David for the sake of the Messianic line. David gives thanks to God and testifies to his miraculous victories, even against foreigners, through God’s enablement. God is truly a rock and a refuge for all.
- Praising God (46-50). David praises God for his victories. But this is not about David, but ultimately about David’s offspring, the anointed one/messiah. Just as God judged His enemies through David, so God will judge His enemies through the messiah. He will rule the world and bring blessings to the gentiles (see Romans 15:9).
Praying the Scripture
经文:诗篇18
主题:一位战士之王的反思
- 拯救(1-19)。这首诗也记载在撒母耳记下22。这是大卫的诗;他回顾了神对他的信实和公义的保护,因为神曾应许弥赛亚必从大卫而出,而神也要借着这位弥赛亚祝福全世界。
- 神的道路是完美的(20-30)。神是完美的,所以的一切所行也是完美的。祂拯救谦卑的人,也使骄傲之人谦卑。祂有怜悯,是纯洁的,并赏赐义人。祂的审判是完美的。
- 神赐予胜利(31-45)。神是赐予大卫王胜利的岩石,因为神为了弥赛亚家族的缘故曾对大卫做出了这个应许。大卫向神谢恩,并为他所获得的奇迹般胜利为神作见证,甚至也向外邦人述说了神的大能。神确实是万人的磐石和避难所。
- 赞美神(46-50)。大卫为了他的胜利赞美神。然而,这里的中心最终不是大卫,而是大卫的后裔,即弥赛亚。就如神借着大卫审判了祂的仇敌,神也要借着弥赛亚审判祂的仇敌。祂将统治世界,把祝福带给外邦人(见罗15:9)。
用经文祷告
耶稣死了之后,天上地下的权柄都赐给了祂(太28:18),而当祂再来的时候,祂将使用祂一切的权柄,向这罪恶的世界施行公义并愤怒的审判。我们的任务是要在这审判日降临之前借着福音拯救更多罪人。祷告神的国会降至你所居住的地方。愿你的邻居、朋友和亲戚都能借着福音得救(罗15:9)。
9 Dec 2016, Psalm 17 诗篇 17, Plead for Justice 祈求公义
Scripture Reading : Psalm 17
Theme : Plead for Justice
- Appeal to Truth (1–5). The psalmist is not saying he is perfect, neither is he promoting legalism. He is not talking about his legal standing/righteousness before God, but is referring to his practical righteousness. God is a righteous God who punishes evil deeds and rewards righteous deeds (Deut. 28). He will protect the upright and cast down violent people.
- Appeal to Love (6–9). The psalmist does not just appeal to his uprightness, but also to God’s love. His assurance of protection is based on the love of God.
- Longing of the Violent (10–14). The wicked is without pity and lives for worldly pleasure. They are only consumed with portions/treasures of this world. Such earthly mind leads them to kill and destroy (Col. 3:5-6).
- Longing of the Righteous (15). The righteous long for God and to be like God in His righteousness. Because of their right desires, God will satisfy their desires when they are awake/resurrected from the dead (Matt. 5:6).
Praying the Scripture
经文:诗篇17
主题:祈求公义
- 因真理祈求(1-5)。诗人并非说他是完美的;他也不是在提倡律法主义。他指的不是自己在神面前的律法定位,而是他所行的义。神是惩罚罪恶,奖赏义行的公义之神(申28)。祂会保护义人,并撇下强暴者。
- 因爱祈求(6-9)。诗人不只按他的公义祈求,还按神的慈爱祈求。他是凭着神的慈爱晓得他必得到保全。
- 强暴人的渴望(10-14)。恶人无怜悯之心,只为世俗享乐而活。他们满脑子只有这世上的财宝。这种世俗的想法只会导致他杀害、消灭他人(西3:5-6)。
- 义人的渴望(15)。义人渴望的是神,并渴望像神一样公义。因着他们正确的思想,神会在他们重生的时候满足他们的渴望(太5:6)。
用经文祷告
信徒的其中一个标准是对世上最伟大之事的追求;其中之一是渴望像神。“敬虔”之义就是像神一样。既然神的品格是最伟大的,他们当效法祂伟大的品德,并满足于此。只追求世俗之事的,如财富、名誉和世上暂时性的奖赏,将受到神的审判,最终所得的也将恰恰相反。唯有义人的渴慕将得到满足。不义之人的渴望将不会被填满,只会受到审判。致富福音消灭了对伟大之事的追求。
8 Dec 2016, Psalm 16 诗篇 16, The Path to Full and Lasting Pleasure 往满溢永恒福乐的道路
Scripture Reading : Psalm 16
Theme : The Path to Full and Lasting Pleasure
- Taking Ultimate Delight in God (1–3). God is the believer’s greatest delight.
- Reasons for Delight (4–11). The reasons for this ultimate delight is because God is the believer’s securest refuge (v. 1), sovereign master (v. 5), supreme treasure (vv. 5-6) and trusted counselor (vv. 7-8). Even death cannot ruin this delight because the believer knows he will be resurrected (v. 10). This resurrection is accomplished through Jesus (Acts 13:35).
Praying the Scripture
经文:诗篇16
主题:往满溢永恒福乐的道路
- 对神有最大的喜悦(1-3)。神是信徒最大的喜悦。
- 喜悦的缘故(4-11)。信徒之所以对神有最大的喜悦是因为神是他最坚固的保障(1节),是有主权的主(5节),是至贵的珍宝(5-6节),也是可靠的谋士(7-8节)。即便死亡也不能抹去这份喜悦,因为信徒晓得他会死里复活(10节)。这是借着耶稣成就的(使13:35)。
用经文祷告
神是否是你在地上最大的喜悦?要坦白。我们对神的敬拜都有挣扎,但也对神有喜悦。为要在神里面有最大的喜悦,你要投靠神,也就是在困苦中祷告并寻求帮助。缺乏祷告就是缺乏敬拜和喜悦了。你也要使神作你掌权的主,掌管你的思想和行为。再者,你需要遵行神的真理,从而让祂作你可靠的谋士。你若这么做,就会叫神作你在地上最大的喜悦了。
7 Dec 2016, Psalm 15 诗篇 15, Who may Dwell with God? 谁能与神同居
Scripture Reading : Psalm 15
Theme : Who may Dwell with God?
- God as Mankind’s Host (1). Living in God tent means to live with Him. The whole earth is God’s tent and everyone is His guest and tenant. Everyone should view God as their host and revere Him.
- Mankind as God’s Guest (2–5). We are all guests on God’s earth. Those who want to stay forever will need to follow His rules. These rules regulate the guests’ internal heart and external actions. The guests’ words must be restrained; allegiance clear cut; and dealings honourable. For these guests, they are assured of a permanent place on God’s earth. They need not be afraid of being evicted. God will give them eternal life/glorious existence through Jesus in His glorious kingdom on earth (John 4:13-14). No one can ever take this glorious existence away or ruin God’s eternal kingdom. It will be a happy everlasting ending in real life, not just in movies.
Praying the Scripture
经文:诗篇15
主题:谁能与神同居?
- 神是人类的主(1)。“居住在神的帐幕”意味着与神同居。整个地球都是神的帐幕;每一个人都是祂的客人和房客。每个人当视神为自己的主,要敬畏祂。
- 人类为神之客(2-5)。我们都是神地球上的客人。想永远居住此地的当遵守祂的规则。这些规则能管制客人的内心和外在行为。客人的言语要有节制;忠诚对主;待人诚实。这一组客人将能在神的地上永久居住。他们不必担心自己会被驱逐。神会藉着耶稣在地上荣耀的国度给予他们永恒、荣耀的生命(约4:13-14)。无人能抢夺这等荣耀的存在或破坏神永恒的国度。这将是现实生命中永恒快乐的结局(不仅限于电影)。
用经文祷告
若人没有正直的生命,他是不能来到神的面前的,因为神是公义的神。当神复兴全世界的时候,罪是不容留在祂的新地的。你若想在神未来的国度里居住,就要藉着信靠耶稣有完美的公义,并渴望像耶稣一样过正直的生活。你需要有对耶稣委身的渴望,圣灵才会在你的灵里赐予新的生命和能力顺服祂(罗8:1-4)。
6 Dec 2016, Psalm 14 诗篇 14, God and Foolish Atheists 神与愚昧的无神论者
Scripture Reading : Psalm 14
Theme : God and Foolish Atheists
Here the spirit of godlessness reveals itself in two ways: in flouting God’s law and rejecting God’s existence (1–3) and oppressing his people (4–6); that is, in both direct and indirect contempt of heaven. It is the reckless folly (1a, 2b, 4a) almost as much as the wickedness of it that emerges in the psalm, which ‘looks down from heaven’ on the scene as God views it. But the standpoint changes in the last verse to the earthly arena, where persecuted Israel waits longingly for the redress that will surely come when Jesus returns. At that time, Israel and the whole world will be restored (Rom. 11:15).
Praying the Scripture
According to the Bible, a fool is a person who rejects God’s existence since this is so obvious. Even a child understands it. These fools can have high academic degrees from renowned universities. They are foolish not because of they are stupid, but because of their evil hearts against God, just like the highly intelligent devil. Currently, many of these fools think life on earth could be a simulated virtual reality program like the movie Matrix. Trust God and have confidence in Him. Hope for the return of Jesus. Don’t follow these fools and end up like them.
[1] Kidner, D. (1973). Psalms 1–72: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 15, p. 95). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
经文:诗篇14
主题:神与愚昧的无神论者
这里,不敬畏神的会以两种方式显明出来:违反神的律法并拒绝神的存在(1-3) ,还欺压祂的子民(4-6);两者是藐视神直接与间接的攻击。这是鲁莽的愚昧(1a, 2b, 4a),相同于诗歌描述的邪恶,即神“从天上垂看”的恶行。但诗人的角度到了最后一节却从世人出发,也就是受逼迫的以色列热切地期盼耶稣归来时为他们申冤。那时候,以色列与全世界将会复兴(罗11:15)。
用经文祷告
根据圣经,愚昧人是拒绝神之存在的,因为这一点非常明显,连孩子也知道。这群愚昧人可以从知名学府获得很高的学历,但他们之所以愚昧并不是因为他们智商低,乃是因为他们邪恶的心悖逆神,就像冰雪聪明的魔鬼。至今,许多愚昧人认为地上的生命可以像科节目如电影《黑客帝国》一样。要依靠神,对祂有信心。要盼望耶稣的归来。不要跟着这些愚昧人的脚步,沦落同样的下场。
[1] Kidner, D. (1973). Psalms 1–72: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 15, p. 95). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
5 Dec 2016, Psalm 13 诗篇 13, Despair into Delight 绝望至欢欣
Scripture Reading : Psalm 13
Theme : Despair into Delight
Praying the Scripture
God wants us to come to him honestly and openly. It is ok to struggle with God through this broken and sin-filled world. It is through these honest struggles that we will make progressive in our understanding and godliness and draw closer to God. Pray that you will be honest with God in dealing with your circumstances and feelings.
经文:诗篇13
主题:绝望至欢欣
用经文祷告
神要我们坦诚、敞开地来到祂面前。我们若在这个破碎与充满罪恶的世界里与神挣扎,这是可理解的。我们是通过这些真实的挣扎才逐渐理解成圣的道路,更亲近神。祷告你会坦诚地向神阐述你的境遇和感受。
[1] The Expositor’s Bible Commentary
3 Dec 2016, Psalm 12 诗篇 12, Prayer 祷告
Scripture Reading : Psalm 12
Theme : Prayer
Words of Lies (1–4).
Words of Truth (5–6).
Battle Continues (7–8).
Praying the Scripture
经文:诗篇12
主题:祷告
谎言(1-4)。
真理(5-6)。
战争延续(7-8)。
用经文祷告
当你在生命中遇到困难时,你的首个反应并持续的意念是什么?是灰心、愤怒、恐惧,还是持信心向神祷告?要常常求神助你度过这破碎的世界,并借着守祂的应许看到神的品格,从而使信心加增。当你不住地祷告时,你将看到神开始为你所祷告的事项工作。这就是你如何能增加你的信心并对神的敬拜。
2 Dec 2016, Psalm 11 诗篇 11, Panic and Stability 恐慌与稳定
Scripture Reading : Psalm 11
Theme : Panic and Stability
Voice of the Despair (1–3).
The Forgotten Dimension (4–7).
Praying the Scripture
经文:诗篇11
主题:恐慌与稳定
绝望之声(1-3)。
被遗忘的事(4-7)。
用经文祷告
当困难降临又无解决方案时,你或许会怀疑神的能力和品格。但我们要晓得神是察验人心的神,叫我们显露心里真实的意念,并除去仍隐藏着的罪。遇到困难时,我们不要怀疑神的品格和能力,乃要信靠神,每日求神施恩。我们也要鼓励遇难的人信靠神。神常常借着试验使我们在灵命中成长。最后,不要把你的信心放在被造物里,乃要信靠神,天天祷告。
1 Dec 2016, Psalm 10 诗篇 10, Predator and Prey 掠夺者和受害者
Scripture Reading : Psalm 10
Theme : Predator and Prey
The Prosperity of Predators (1–11).
Prayer and Faith of Prey (12–18).
Praying the Scripture
经文:诗篇10
主题:掠夺者和受害者
掠夺者的富裕(1-11)。
受害者的祷告和信心(12-18)。
用经文祷告
我们在这个稳固的社会中或许不是受害者,但许多基督徒却是每日受到这种欺压。再者,我们也不一定会永远享有这个和平的社会(以美国为例)。我们的盼望不在今世,乃在未来。请为受逼迫的信徒祷告,并要为自己可能受逼迫做好准备,借着每日的祷告学习信靠神,求神的帮助和属灵力量为祂而活。
30 Nov 2016, Psalm 9 诗篇 9, Prayer 祷告
Scripture Reading : Psalm 9
A. Individual Praise and Prayer (1–2). The structure of this psalm is in the form of repetition. It repeats major thoughts of praise, judgment on the wicked, and hope in God’s just rule. In. vv. 1-2, the believer praises God for His wonderful character and deeds.
B. Judgment on the Wicked (3–6). His wonderful character is His righteousness and His wonderful deeds are the destruction of the wicked, this includes not just wicked Jews but also wicked nations because God is the God of the world.
C. Hope in God’s Just Rule (7–10). God is a stronghold for the oppressed. He will never forsake His people, but will help them. God is righteous therefore He will be faithful to His children.
A′. Communal Praise and Prayer (11–14). Again the believer bursts out with praises and want everyone to praise God because of God’s greatness.
B′. Judgment of the Wicked (15–18). The psalmist warns all the nations to repent and worship God, or else they will perish.
C′. Hope in God’s Just Rule (19–20). This psalm has the end times in view since the judgement of all the nations is stated. God will not just help His children in this world, but He will also end this world order and re-create a new one.
Praying the Scripture
经文:诗篇9
A. 个人的赞美和祷告(1-2)。这首诗篇的结构是复诵。它重复了赞美、对恶人之审判与盼望神公义之统治的思想。在第一至第二节中,信徒为神美好的品格和作为赞美祂。
B. 对恶人的审判(3-6)。祂美好的品格是祂的公义,而祂美好的作为是消灭恶人;这指的不但是邪恶的犹太人,还包括作恶的列国,因为神是世界的神。
C. 盼望神公义的统治(7-10)。神是受欺压者的高台。祂不会离弃祂的子民,但要帮助他们。神是公义的,所以祂会信实地待祂的儿女。
A′. 与众信徒的赞美和祷告(11-14)。信徒再次开口赞美神,并要每一个人因神的伟大一同赞美祂。
B′. 对恶人的审判(15-18)。诗人告诫万国要悔改并敬拜神,不然他们将被灭绝。
C′. 盼望神公义的统治(19-20)。这首诗篇所记载的是末日的景象,因为审判是对万国的。神不但要在这个世界帮助祂的儿女,还要了断这个世界的制度,另创一个新的。
用经文祷告
要晓得神会搭救凡受逼迫的,绝不离弃他们。这涉及到了祂的名声,所以祂必成就这事。神必审判恶人,也会在耶稣归回地上时了结这罪恶的世界。祷告,并时刻纪念耶稣的归来,从而生活。为祂的国度生活,不是你自己的国度。