7. Manna issue 98 - God’s Word and I (Part 2) 神話語與我(第二回)
Boaz—Malaysia 馬來西亞
Editor's note:
In God's Word and I (Part 1), Manna 97,
we explored the close relationship between God's word and the human spirit,
and how we should regularly examine our spiritual health according to biblical benchmarks.
We can only recognize our spiritual infirmities and be healed through God's word.
In the concluding article of this series,
we take a closer look at how we should respond to God's word
and engage with its transforming power.
編輯評語：
在神話語與我（第一回) Manna 97 期中，
我們探討了神話語與人靈命之間的親密關係，
以及我們應如何依聖經的標準，定期檢視自己屬靈的健康狀況。
我們只能依神話語來認清自己的屬靈軟弱且得醫治。
在此系列的最終文章中，
我們將更深入探討自已應該如何回應神的話語，
並運用其改變生命的力量。
THE CONSEQUENCES OF RESISTING GOD'S WORD 違背神話語的後果
The Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu, wrote:
"Heaven's net is vast and expansive;
though it is wide, nothing can escape it."
It encapsulates his observation of cosmic justice
—evildoers may evade punishment for a time,
but their crimes will eventually catch up with them.
中國哲學家老子寫道：
“天網恢恢，疏而不漏”。
這概括了他對宇宙正義的觀察：
—作惡者或可暫時逃脫懲罰，
但他們的罪行終將追上他們。
As Christians, we understand
that our evil deeds will not only have consequences in this life, but also beyond.
So, it is important for us to know, from God's perspective,
what is evil and how to avoid committing it.
作為基督徒，我們明白，
我們的惡行不僅會有今生的後果，來世也會受影響。
因此，很重要的是，我們要知道，從神的角度來看，
何為惡，以及如何避免作惡。
"This evil people, who refuse to hear My words,
who follow the dictates of their hearts,
and walk after other gods to serve them and worship them,
shall be just like this sash which is profitable for nothing."
(Jer 13:10)
“10這惡民不肯聽我的話，
按自己頑梗的心而行，
隨從別神，事奉敬拜，
他們也必像這腰帶變為無用。”
（耶 13：10）
Those who commit evil are the ones who refuse to hear God's word;
they do not know God
(1 Sam 2:12).
They are ignorant of His laws and do not obey His commandments.
Not only that, but anyone who stumbles in one point of God's law is guilty of all
(Jas 2:10).
那些作惡之人就是那些拒絕聽從神話語的人；
他們不認識神
（撒上 2：12）
他們不懂神的律法，也不遵行祂的誡。
不僅如此，若有人凡有一點神律法跌倒，就是犯了眾罪
（雅 2：10）
In society, one who violates the law may avoid prosecution for their crime.
But who can escape God's judgment
(Jer 19:15)?
We cannot flee from God's Spirit or His presence
(Ps 139:7).
Even though God is gracious,
we should not take His grace for granted:
在社會上，違法者或許避免他們的法律訴訟。
但誰能逃脫神的審判呢？
（耶 19：15）
我們無法逃離神的靈，或祂的同在。
（詩 139：7）
即便神滿有恩慈，
我們也不該將祂的恩典視為理所當然：
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering,
not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart
you are treasuring up for yourself wrath
in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgement of God.
(Rom 2:4–5)
4還是你藐視他豐富的恩慈、寬容、忍耐，
不曉得他的恩慈是領你悔改呢？
5你竟任著你剛硬不悔改的心，
為自己積蓄忿怒，
以致神震怒，顯他公義審判的日子來到。
（羅 2：4-5）
God's judgment may not be immediate, which gives the disobedient time to change.
But His forbearance is meant to be an opportunity for repentance,
not an invitation to continue in sin.
God sees all that man does, and He will judge.
神的審判或許不會立即執行，這給了悖逆者改變的機會。
但祂的寬容是為了給人悔改的機會，
而不是讓人繼續犯罪的邀請。
神鑑察人一切的行為，祂必審判。
God has two ways of dealing with those who do not obey His word:
神有兩種方式來對待那些不順從祂話語的人：
1. Correction (Heb 12:6–7)
1. 管教（來 12：6-7）
The Lord may allow us to suffer as a form of discipline,
prompting reflection and awakening so that we can turn from sin towards Him.
The example of a father correcting his child illustrates God's loving intention
—while no chastisement is joyful,
it brings great benefits afterwards.
主或許會允許我們受苦，以作為一種管教，
促使我們反省和醒悟，從而使我們離棄罪惡，歸向祂。
父親管教孩子的例子，描述了神慈愛的心意：
—雖然懲罰都不令人愉悅，
它以後會帶來極大的益處。
2. Giving Them Over To Their Sinful Desires
(Rom 1:24)
2. 任憑他們放縱自己的罪慾
（羅 1：24）
It may seem good to be unrestrained and free from consequences;
however, Psalm 73 offers another perspective.
The wicked may appear to prosper, but God has set them in slippery places
(Ps 73:3–5, 18–19).
A smooth life does not offer opportunities to reflect on or recognize our faults,
while misfortune prompts contemplation and change.
The example of the prodigal son
coming to his senses after a period of suffering best demonstrates this.
If his life had been smooth sailing,
would he have returned home to his father?
Hence, some prisoners serving time reform their ways and are rehabilitated while in prison.
無拘無束，沒有後果看起來很好；
然而，詩篇 73 篇卻提出了另一種觀點。
惡人看似興盛，但神已將他們置於險境。
（詩 73：3-5，18-19）
生活風遂並不會讓人有機會反省或認清自己的過錯，
而不幸卻促使我們默想及做出改變。
浪子的比喻，
在一段苦難的經歷後，讓他幡然醒悟，便是最佳的展示。
如果他的人生一直萬事順遂，
他還會回到自已父親的身邊嗎？
因此，有些犯人在獄中改過自新，重獲新生。
In the Exodus account, God gave Pharaoh over to his sin and hardened his heart
(Ex 11:9–10).
Pharaoh stubbornly refused to heed Moses' warnings,
from the first plague to the last, stirring God's wrath.
The tenth plague brought the death of the Egyptian firstborn.
出埃及記記載，神任憑法老沉淪罪中，使祂內心剛硬
（出 11：9-10）。
法老頑固拒絕聽從摩西的警告，
從第一災到最後一災，激起了神的憤怒。
第十災給使埃及的長子帶來死亡。
Like Pharaoh, if a person continually refuses to heed or obey God's voice,
the disobedience will eventually bring judgment and the loss of eternal life
(Mt 7:21).
就像法老一樣，如果一個人一直拒絕注意或順服神的聲音，
這悖逆最終會招致審判及失去永生。
（太 7：21）
GOD HELPS US TO KEEP HIS WORD 神幫助我們保守祂的話語。
The widow of Zarephath was on the brink of despair
as she prepared a final meal for her son and herself
(1 Kgs 17:10–16).
Understandably, she had reservations when Elijah requested food.
But with the prophet's reassurances and the Lord's promise,
she obeyed Elijah's instructions.
Whether or not she shared with the prophet,
she would still face starvation
—with little to lose, she gave it a try.
And because she heeded God's command to support Elijah,
not only did God sustain them with flour and oil,
but God also later resurrected her son. A
撒勒法的寡婦瀕臨絕望，
因為她為自已與兒子準備最後一餐。
（王上 17：10-16）
可以理解的是，當以利亞求食物時，她有所顧慮。
但有了先知的安慰和主的應許，
她還是聽從以利亞的指示。
無論她是否與先知分享，
她仍會面臨飢餓。
—既然沒什麼好失去的，她就試試看。
因為她聽從神的命令，幫助以利亞，
神不僅預備麵粉和油給他們，
神後來還使她的兒子復活了。A
From this perspective, obeying God's word is a wise decision.
It has a low barrier to entry
—in the case of the widow,
she fed Elijah having already heard God's promise of providence,
unlike Abraham offering Isaac without advance knowledge of God's plan.
Since we know God's promises,
we can "give it a try," according to our faith,
and the Lord's abundant grace is guaranteed.
God never goes back on His promises.
從這個角度來看，順服神話語是個明智的決定。
它的門檻很低
—以那位寡婦情況來看，
她供養以利亞，就已經聽從了神必預備的應許，
不像亞伯拉罕獻以撒時，對神的計劃一無所知。
既然我們知道神的應許，
我們就可憑著自已的信心，“嘗試一下”，
主豐盛的恩典是有保障的。
神對祂的應許從不食言。
We see that God blesses those who are determined to obey His word,
even if they struggle with motivation or complete faith.
But He goes beyond rewards and punishments to help us keep His word.
He also transforms our hearts to enable us to obey:
我們看到，神祝福那些決心遵守祂話語的人，
即使他們缺乏動力或信心不夠。
但祂行事不憑得失獎懲，幫助我們持守祂的話語。
祂也改變我們的內心，使我們能順服：
"I will give you a new heart
and put a new spirit within you;
I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh
and give you a heart of flesh.
I will put My Spirit within you,
and cause you to walk in My statues,
and you will keep My judgments and do them."
(Ezek 36:26–27)
“26我也要賜給你們一個新心，
將新靈放在你們裡面，
又從你們的肉體中除掉石心，
賜給你們肉心。
27我必將我的靈放在你們裡面，
使你們順從我的律例，
謹守遵行我的典章。”
（結 36：26-27）
Through the Holy Spirit, God changes hardened hearts of stone
—stubborn and rebellious
—into hearts of flesh.
Hearts of stone will not obey or be moved by God's word.
In contrast, a heart of flesh is of blood and emotions.
Such a heart can be touched and transformed by the word of God;
it is sensitive to rebuke
(Acts 2:37).
God's word produces a heart of repentance from sin.
Not only is such remorse accepted by God
(Ps 51:17),
but it can revive the soul.
For the Corinthians who were rebuked by Paul's stern letter,
godly sorrow led to repentance,
according to God's will, and their faith prospered
(2 Cor 7:9–11).
藉著聖靈，神改變了剛硬如石的心，
—頑固又背逆，
—成為肉心。
石心不會順服神的話語，也不會被神的話語感動。
相反，肉心充滿血肉與情慾。
這樣的心能被神的話語感動和改變；
對責備很敏感。
（徒 2：37）
神的話語能使人心悔改，離棄罪惡。
這樣的悔改不只蒙神悅納，
（詩 51：17），
還能使靈魂復甦。
哥林多教會的信徒因為保羅嚴厲的書信而受責備，
他們敬虔憂傷而悔改，
照著神的旨意，他們的信心興旺。
（林後 7：9-11）
MAINTAIN AN OBEDIENT AND SOFT HEART TOWARD GOD'S WORD
面對神話語保守順服溫柔的心
"But this is the covenant
that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put My law in their minds,
and write it on their hearts;
and I will be their God,
and they shall be My people."
(Jer 31:33)
33耶和華說：那些日子以後，
我與以色列家所立的約乃是這樣：
我要將我的律法放在他們裡面，
寫在他們心上。
我要作他們的神，
他們要作我的子民。
（耶 31：33）
The Ten Commandments were written on two stone tablets by the finger of God.
The stone tablets represent the heart of Israel.
Despite Moses' admonition,
the people's hearts remained hardened as they repeatedly rejected God's commandments.
The tablets of the law were stored in the ark,
where no ordinary person could approach,
symbolizing that the people's hearts could not accept and contain the law of God.
十誡是神手寫在兩片石板上。
這兩片石板象徵著以色列人的心。
儘管有摩西的勸誡，
但百姓的內心依然剛硬，就如他們屢次拒絕神的誡命。
律法的石板存放在約櫃中，
凡人不得靠近，
這象徵著百姓的心靈無法接受和容納神的律法。
Sow for yourselves righteousness;
Reap in mercy;
Break up your fallow ground,
For it is time to seek the Lord,
Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.
(Hos 10:12)
12你們要為自己栽種公義，
就能收割慈愛。
現今正是尋求耶和華的時候；你們要開墾荒地，
等他臨到，使公義如雨降在你們身上。
（何 10：12）
In ancient agriculture, hardened soil was tilled and watered before seeds were sown.
This preparation was essential for the seed to sprout and take root.
The parable of the sower uses the analogy of different soils
to represent how different hearts receive the seed of God's word
(Mt 13:1–9).
Whether these seeds yield a good crop depends on the condition of the heart.
古代農作時，播種前堅硬的土壤要先犁田和灌溉。
這種準備工作對於種子發芽生根很重要。
撒種的比喻用不同土壤的類比，
來代表不同人的內心如何接受神話語的種子
（太 13：1-9）。
這些種子能否結出豐盛的收成，取決於人心的狀態。
In the days of revival, God will give His people a new spirit and a new heart,
capable of keeping His law from within
(Ezek 36:26–27; Rom 8:4).
Paul describes such a heart as soft tablets of flesh,
in contrast to tablets of stone,
on which God's word can be written by the Holy Spirit
(2 Cor 3:3).
在復甦的日子裡，神將賜給祂的子民新的靈和新的心，
使他們內心能夠遵守祂的律法。
（結 36：26-27；羅 8：4）
保羅將這種心田比喻為柔軟的心版，
與石版形成對比，
聖靈可以將神話語寫在心版上。
（林後 3：3）
So, how do we ensure that our hearts remain soft,
like the fertile good ground?
It depends on the listener's heart and attitude.
那麼，我們該如何確保自己的內心保持柔軟，
像肥沃的好土壤呢？
這取決於聆聽者的內心和態度。
A Humble Heart 一顆謙卑的心
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness,
and receive with meekness the implanted word,
which is able to save your souls.
(Jas 1:21)
21所以，你們要脫去一切的污穢和盈餘的邪惡，
存溫柔的心領受那所栽種的道，
就是能救你們靈魂的道。
（雅 1：21）
Elder James reminds us
that we need to receive and accept the word of God,
which leads to salvation.
We can only do so if we first humble and sanctify ourselves before God.
Without humility, we become desensitized to how God's word teaches and guides us.
Humbly accepting God's word means putting it into practice,
rather than using our accomplishments and good deeds to justify our imperfections and shortcomings.
Humility enables us to understand what more we can learn from God's word to implement in our lives.
As we worship the Lord through listening to sermons and Bible reading,
our hearts will be attuned to the things we must change.
This process of edification
will further motivate us to hear, read, and meditate on the word of God.
雅各長老提醒我們：
我們需要領受接納神的話語，
這會引領我們得救。
我們才能這麼做到，如果在神面前先謙卑自己、潔淨自己。
若沒有謙卑，我們就會變得麻木，可用神的話語如何教導和引導我們。
謙卑接受神話語就代表去付諸實踐，
而不是用自已的成就及善行，來合理化自已的不完美和缺點。
謙卑使我們能夠明白，我們還能更多從神話語學到什麼，並應用於自已的生活。
當我們透過聆聽講道和讀經來敬拜主時，
我們內心就會調整注意到自已需要改變的地方。
這種靈命得造就的過程，
會進一步感動我們去聆聽，閱讀和默想神的話語。
Live According to the Spirit 依聖靈而活
For those who live according to the flesh
set their minds on the things of the flesh,
but those who live according to the Spirit,
the things of the Spirit.
(Rom 8:5)
5因為隨從肉體的人體貼肉體的事，
隨從聖靈的人體貼聖靈的事。
（羅 8：5）
In his epistle to the Romans,
Paul explains that to become inclined towards the things of the Spirit,
one cannot be carnally minded
or live a life focused on indulging fleshly desires.
Paul reminds all believers
that a healthy life, for both body and spirit,
is aligned with the things of the Spirit.
In other words, such a life submits to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit stirs up the heart and ears of man.
And a humble man who submits to the Holy Spirit
will hear, understand, and live out the word of God.
在他給羅馬教會的書信中，
保羅解釋說，要改變可以傾向順服聖靈的事，
人就不能心屬肉體，
或過著一種生活專注於放縱肉體情慾。
保羅提醒所有的信徒，
對身心健康的一種生活，
是可以與聖靈心意的事相合。
換句話說，這種生活會順服聖靈的引導。
聖靈會感動人的內心和耳朵。
一個謙卑順服聖靈的人，
將會聆聽，明白並活出神的話語。
Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness 飢渴慕義
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled."
(Mt 5:6)
“6飢渴慕義的人有福了！
因為他們必得飽足。”
（太 5：6）
While on earth, Jesus endured extended periods of hunger and thirst,
including a forty-day-and-night fast.
When tempted by Satan to make bread from stones,
Jesus kept His physical urges in check.
His heart and desire were unshakeably rooted in the word of God.
Jesus is not a God who does not understand our weaknesses;
He has experienced and overcome all temptations common to man
(Heb 4:15–16).
耶穌在世時，曾忍受長時間的飢渴，
包括四十晝夜的禁食。
當撒但誘惑他用石頭做餅時，
耶穌節制了自己的肉慾衝動。
祂的內心和渴望堅定不移紮根於神的話語。
耶穌並非是一個不了解我們軟弱的神；
他體驗過，並戰勝人很平常的一切試探。
（來 4：15-16）
Our physical body has a constant urge to satisfy its various needs and desires.
Failure to control these urges may cause us to neglect the matters of the spirit and soul.
Despite limitations of the flesh,
Jesus was able to set aside His physical needs in service to spiritual growth.
Likewise, we should restrain our physical desires
and instead hunger for righteousness through the word and Spirit of God.
我們的肉體一直衝動，想滿足各種需求和慾望。
若無法控制這些衝動，我們就可能會忽略靈性和靈魂的事。
儘管肉體有極限，
耶穌卻能忽略自已肉體的需要，來促進屬靈的成長。
同樣，我們也應當仰制自已肉體的慾望，
反而是靠神的話語和聖靈來渴慕公義。
HOW THE WORD CAN EFFECTIVELY WORK IN AND PERFECT US
聖經如何能夠有效在我們內心動工且使我們完全？
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer,
he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;
for he observes himself, goes away,
and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it,
and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work,
this one will be blessed in what he does.
(Jas 1:22–25)
22只是你們要行道，不要單單聽道，自己欺哄自己。
23因為聽道而不行道的，
就像人對著鏡子看自己本來的面目，
24看見，走後，
隨即忘了他的相貌如何。
25惟有詳細察看那全備、使人自由之律法的，並且時常如此，
這人既不是聽了就忘，乃是實在行出來，
就在他所行的事上必然得福。
（雅 1：22-25）
This passage tells us
that faith is like a catalyst in a chemical reaction
when it comes to living out God's word.
Faith leads to action.
Thus, our experience of God's word
should not languish in theoretical knowledge
but be practically applied in our daily life.
When we practice the truth,
our lives will be filled with blessings from the word of God,
because they are spirit and life
(Jn 6:63).
These experiences will deepen our conviction
and lead to renewal through the living word of God
(1 Pet 1:23).
這段經文告訴我們，
信心就像化學反應的催化劑，
它幫助我們來活出神的話語。
信心會帶出行動。
因此，我們體驗神的話語，
不應停留在理論的知識層面，
而是應用在自已的日常生活。
當我們實踐真理時，
我們的生命將充滿神話語的福氣，
因為神的話就是聖靈，就是生命
（約 6：63）。
這些體驗將加深我們的信念，
並藉著神活潑的話語帶來更新
（彼前 1：23）。
Like someone unaware of his unkempt appearance,
we may be unwittingly carrying spiritually unhealthy habits and ideas.
It is only when we look into the mirror of God's word
that we spot these blemishes.
But recognizing these issues is not enough
—we must reflect and apply God's word to our lives to address these blemishes.
就像某人不知自己雜亂不整潔的外表，
我們可能在不知不覺中，保留了屬靈有害的習慣和想法。
只有當我們用神話語的鏡子來審視自己時，
才會發現這些瑕疵。
但僅認識到這些問題還是不夠，
—我們必須反省，運用神話語到自已的生活，才能處理這些瑕疵。
God's word shows us the way to turn our lives around.
All we must do is humbly accept its teachings
and submit to the Holy Spirit's guidance.
In doing so, we attend to the needs of our spirit and soul,
returning to full spiritual health.
On the last day, we will be acceptable in the eyes of our heavenly Father.
神話語指引我們道路，轉變自已人生的方向。
我們所要做的就是謙卑接受神的教導，
並順服聖靈的引導。
如此，我們就能滿足了自已靈命與靈魂的需要，
重獲屬靈完全健康。
在末日，我們將蒙天父的眼目所悅納。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯
Boaz—Malaysia 馬來西亞
Editor's note:
In God's Word and I (Part 1), Manna 97,
we explored the close relationship between God's word and the human spirit,
and how we should regularly examine our spiritual health according to biblical benchmarks.
We can only recognize our spiritual infirmities and be healed through God's word.
In the concluding article of this series,
we take a closer look at how we should respond to God's word
and engage with its transforming power.
編輯評語：
在神話語與我（第一回) Manna 97 期中，
我們探討了神話語與人靈命之間的親密關係，
以及我們應如何依聖經的標準，定期檢視自己屬靈的健康狀況。
我們只能依神話語來認清自己的屬靈軟弱且得醫治。
在此系列的最終文章中，
我們將更深入探討自已應該如何回應神的話語，
並運用其改變生命的力量。
THE CONSEQUENCES OF RESISTING GOD'S WORD 違背神話語的後果
The Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu, wrote:
"Heaven's net is vast and expansive;
though it is wide, nothing can escape it."
It encapsulates his observation of cosmic justice
—evildoers may evade punishment for a time,
but their crimes will eventually catch up with them.
中國哲學家老子寫道：
“天網恢恢，疏而不漏”。
這概括了他對宇宙正義的觀察：
—作惡者或可暫時逃脫懲罰，
但他們的罪行終將追上他們。
As Christians, we understand
that our evil deeds will not only have consequences in this life, but also beyond.
So, it is important for us to know, from God's perspective,
what is evil and how to avoid committing it.
作為基督徒，我們明白，
我們的惡行不僅會有今生的後果，來世也會受影響。
因此，很重要的是，我們要知道，從神的角度來看，
何為惡，以及如何避免作惡。
"This evil people, who refuse to hear My words,
who follow the dictates of their hearts,
and walk after other gods to serve them and worship them,
shall be just like this sash which is profitable for nothing."
(Jer 13:10)
“10這惡民不肯聽我的話，
按自己頑梗的心而行，
隨從別神，事奉敬拜，
他們也必像這腰帶變為無用。”
（耶 13：10）
Those who commit evil are the ones who refuse to hear God's word;
they do not know God
(1 Sam 2:12).
They are ignorant of His laws and do not obey His commandments.
Not only that, but anyone who stumbles in one point of God's law is guilty of all
(Jas 2:10).
那些作惡之人就是那些拒絕聽從神話語的人；
他們不認識神
（撒上 2：12）
他們不懂神的律法，也不遵行祂的誡。
不僅如此，若有人凡有一點神律法跌倒，就是犯了眾罪
（雅 2：10）
In society, one who violates the law may avoid prosecution for their crime.
But who can escape God's judgment
(Jer 19:15)?
We cannot flee from God's Spirit or His presence
(Ps 139:7).
Even though God is gracious,
we should not take His grace for granted:
在社會上，違法者或許避免他們的法律訴訟。
但誰能逃脫神的審判呢？
（耶 19：15）
我們無法逃離神的靈，或祂的同在。
（詩 139：7）
即便神滿有恩慈，
我們也不該將祂的恩典視為理所當然：
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering,
not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart
you are treasuring up for yourself wrath
in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgement of God.
(Rom 2:4–5)
4還是你藐視他豐富的恩慈、寬容、忍耐，
不曉得他的恩慈是領你悔改呢？
5你竟任著你剛硬不悔改的心，
為自己積蓄忿怒，
以致神震怒，顯他公義審判的日子來到。
（羅 2：4-5）
God's judgment may not be immediate, which gives the disobedient time to change.
But His forbearance is meant to be an opportunity for repentance,
not an invitation to continue in sin.
God sees all that man does, and He will judge.
神的審判或許不會立即執行，這給了悖逆者改變的機會。
但祂的寬容是為了給人悔改的機會，
而不是讓人繼續犯罪的邀請。
神鑑察人一切的行為，祂必審判。
God has two ways of dealing with those who do not obey His word:
神有兩種方式來對待那些不順從祂話語的人：
1. Correction (Heb 12:6–7)
1. 管教（來 12：6-7）
The Lord may allow us to suffer as a form of discipline,
prompting reflection and awakening so that we can turn from sin towards Him.
The example of a father correcting his child illustrates God's loving intention
—while no chastisement is joyful,
it brings great benefits afterwards.
主或許會允許我們受苦，以作為一種管教，
促使我們反省和醒悟，從而使我們離棄罪惡，歸向祂。
父親管教孩子的例子，描述了神慈愛的心意：
—雖然懲罰都不令人愉悅，
它以後會帶來極大的益處。
2. Giving Them Over To Their Sinful Desires
(Rom 1:24)
2. 任憑他們放縱自己的罪慾
（羅 1：24）
It may seem good to be unrestrained and free from consequences;
however, Psalm 73 offers another perspective.
The wicked may appear to prosper, but God has set them in slippery places
(Ps 73:3–5, 18–19).
A smooth life does not offer opportunities to reflect on or recognize our faults,
while misfortune prompts contemplation and change.
The example of the prodigal son
coming to his senses after a period of suffering best demonstrates this.
If his life had been smooth sailing,
would he have returned home to his father?
Hence, some prisoners serving time reform their ways and are rehabilitated while in prison.
無拘無束，沒有後果看起來很好；
然而，詩篇 73 篇卻提出了另一種觀點。
惡人看似興盛，但神已將他們置於險境。
（詩 73：3-5，18-19）
生活風遂並不會讓人有機會反省或認清自己的過錯，
而不幸卻促使我們默想及做出改變。
浪子的比喻，
在一段苦難的經歷後，讓他幡然醒悟，便是最佳的展示。
如果他的人生一直萬事順遂，
他還會回到自已父親的身邊嗎？
因此，有些犯人在獄中改過自新，重獲新生。
In the Exodus account, God gave Pharaoh over to his sin and hardened his heart
(Ex 11:9–10).
Pharaoh stubbornly refused to heed Moses' warnings,
from the first plague to the last, stirring God's wrath.
The tenth plague brought the death of the Egyptian firstborn.
出埃及記記載，神任憑法老沉淪罪中，使祂內心剛硬
（出 11：9-10）。
法老頑固拒絕聽從摩西的警告，
從第一災到最後一災，激起了神的憤怒。
第十災給使埃及的長子帶來死亡。
Like Pharaoh, if a person continually refuses to heed or obey God's voice,
the disobedience will eventually bring judgment and the loss of eternal life
(Mt 7:21).
就像法老一樣，如果一個人一直拒絕注意或順服神的聲音，
這悖逆最終會招致審判及失去永生。
（太 7：21）
GOD HELPS US TO KEEP HIS WORD 神幫助我們保守祂的話語。
The widow of Zarephath was on the brink of despair
as she prepared a final meal for her son and herself
(1 Kgs 17:10–16).
Understandably, she had reservations when Elijah requested food.
But with the prophet's reassurances and the Lord's promise,
she obeyed Elijah's instructions.
Whether or not she shared with the prophet,
she would still face starvation
—with little to lose, she gave it a try.
And because she heeded God's command to support Elijah,
not only did God sustain them with flour and oil,
but God also later resurrected her son. A
撒勒法的寡婦瀕臨絕望，
因為她為自已與兒子準備最後一餐。
（王上 17：10-16）
可以理解的是，當以利亞求食物時，她有所顧慮。
但有了先知的安慰和主的應許，
她還是聽從以利亞的指示。
無論她是否與先知分享，
她仍會面臨飢餓。
—既然沒什麼好失去的，她就試試看。
因為她聽從神的命令，幫助以利亞，
神不僅預備麵粉和油給他們，
神後來還使她的兒子復活了。A
From this perspective, obeying God's word is a wise decision.
It has a low barrier to entry
—in the case of the widow,
she fed Elijah having already heard God's promise of providence,
unlike Abraham offering Isaac without advance knowledge of God's plan.
Since we know God's promises,
we can "give it a try," according to our faith,
and the Lord's abundant grace is guaranteed.
God never goes back on His promises.
從這個角度來看，順服神話語是個明智的決定。
它的門檻很低
—以那位寡婦情況來看，
她供養以利亞，就已經聽從了神必預備的應許，
不像亞伯拉罕獻以撒時，對神的計劃一無所知。
既然我們知道神的應許，
我們就可憑著自已的信心，“嘗試一下”，
主豐盛的恩典是有保障的。
神對祂的應許從不食言。
We see that God blesses those who are determined to obey His word,
even if they struggle with motivation or complete faith.
But He goes beyond rewards and punishments to help us keep His word.
He also transforms our hearts to enable us to obey:
我們看到，神祝福那些決心遵守祂話語的人，
即使他們缺乏動力或信心不夠。
但祂行事不憑得失獎懲，幫助我們持守祂的話語。
祂也改變我們的內心，使我們能順服：
"I will give you a new heart
and put a new spirit within you;
I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh
and give you a heart of flesh.
I will put My Spirit within you,
and cause you to walk in My statues,
and you will keep My judgments and do them."
(Ezek 36:26–27)
“26我也要賜給你們一個新心，
將新靈放在你們裡面，
又從你們的肉體中除掉石心，
賜給你們肉心。
27我必將我的靈放在你們裡面，
使你們順從我的律例，
謹守遵行我的典章。”
（結 36：26-27）
Through the Holy Spirit, God changes hardened hearts of stone
—stubborn and rebellious
—into hearts of flesh.
Hearts of stone will not obey or be moved by God's word.
In contrast, a heart of flesh is of blood and emotions.
Such a heart can be touched and transformed by the word of God;
it is sensitive to rebuke
(Acts 2:37).
God's word produces a heart of repentance from sin.
Not only is such remorse accepted by God
(Ps 51:17),
but it can revive the soul.
For the Corinthians who were rebuked by Paul's stern letter,
godly sorrow led to repentance,
according to God's will, and their faith prospered
(2 Cor 7:9–11).
藉著聖靈，神改變了剛硬如石的心，
—頑固又背逆，
—成為肉心。
石心不會順服神的話語，也不會被神的話語感動。
相反，肉心充滿血肉與情慾。
這樣的心能被神的話語感動和改變；
對責備很敏感。
（徒 2：37）
神的話語能使人心悔改，離棄罪惡。
這樣的悔改不只蒙神悅納，
（詩 51：17），
還能使靈魂復甦。
哥林多教會的信徒因為保羅嚴厲的書信而受責備，
他們敬虔憂傷而悔改，
照著神的旨意，他們的信心興旺。
（林後 7：9-11）
MAINTAIN AN OBEDIENT AND SOFT HEART TOWARD GOD'S WORD
面對神話語保守順服溫柔的心
"But this is the covenant
that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put My law in their minds,
and write it on their hearts;
and I will be their God,
and they shall be My people."
(Jer 31:33)
33耶和華說：那些日子以後，
我與以色列家所立的約乃是這樣：
我要將我的律法放在他們裡面，
寫在他們心上。
我要作他們的神，
他們要作我的子民。
（耶 31：33）
The Ten Commandments were written on two stone tablets by the finger of God.
The stone tablets represent the heart of Israel.
Despite Moses' admonition,
the people's hearts remained hardened as they repeatedly rejected God's commandments.
The tablets of the law were stored in the ark,
where no ordinary person could approach,
symbolizing that the people's hearts could not accept and contain the law of God.
十誡是神手寫在兩片石板上。
這兩片石板象徵著以色列人的心。
儘管有摩西的勸誡，
但百姓的內心依然剛硬，就如他們屢次拒絕神的誡命。
律法的石板存放在約櫃中，
凡人不得靠近，
這象徵著百姓的心靈無法接受和容納神的律法。
Sow for yourselves righteousness;
Reap in mercy;
Break up your fallow ground,
For it is time to seek the Lord,
Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.
(Hos 10:12)
12你們要為自己栽種公義，
就能收割慈愛。
現今正是尋求耶和華的時候；你們要開墾荒地，
等他臨到，使公義如雨降在你們身上。
（何 10：12）
In ancient agriculture, hardened soil was tilled and watered before seeds were sown.
This preparation was essential for the seed to sprout and take root.
The parable of the sower uses the analogy of different soils
to represent how different hearts receive the seed of God's word
(Mt 13:1–9).
Whether these seeds yield a good crop depends on the condition of the heart.
古代農作時，播種前堅硬的土壤要先犁田和灌溉。
這種準備工作對於種子發芽生根很重要。
撒種的比喻用不同土壤的類比，
來代表不同人的內心如何接受神話語的種子
（太 13：1-9）。
這些種子能否結出豐盛的收成，取決於人心的狀態。
In the days of revival, God will give His people a new spirit and a new heart,
capable of keeping His law from within
(Ezek 36:26–27; Rom 8:4).
Paul describes such a heart as soft tablets of flesh,
in contrast to tablets of stone,
on which God's word can be written by the Holy Spirit
(2 Cor 3:3).
在復甦的日子裡，神將賜給祂的子民新的靈和新的心，
使他們內心能夠遵守祂的律法。
（結 36：26-27；羅 8：4）
保羅將這種心田比喻為柔軟的心版，
與石版形成對比，
聖靈可以將神話語寫在心版上。
（林後 3：3）
So, how do we ensure that our hearts remain soft,
like the fertile good ground?
It depends on the listener's heart and attitude.
那麼，我們該如何確保自己的內心保持柔軟，
像肥沃的好土壤呢？
這取決於聆聽者的內心和態度。
A Humble Heart 一顆謙卑的心
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness,
and receive with meekness the implanted word,
which is able to save your souls.
(Jas 1:21)
21所以，你們要脫去一切的污穢和盈餘的邪惡，
存溫柔的心領受那所栽種的道，
就是能救你們靈魂的道。
（雅 1：21）
Elder James reminds us
that we need to receive and accept the word of God,
which leads to salvation.
We can only do so if we first humble and sanctify ourselves before God.
Without humility, we become desensitized to how God's word teaches and guides us.
Humbly accepting God's word means putting it into practice,
rather than using our accomplishments and good deeds to justify our imperfections and shortcomings.
Humility enables us to understand what more we can learn from God's word to implement in our lives.
As we worship the Lord through listening to sermons and Bible reading,
our hearts will be attuned to the things we must change.
This process of edification
will further motivate us to hear, read, and meditate on the word of God.
雅各長老提醒我們：
我們需要領受接納神的話語，
這會引領我們得救。
我們才能這麼做到，如果在神面前先謙卑自己、潔淨自己。
若沒有謙卑，我們就會變得麻木，可用神的話語如何教導和引導我們。
謙卑接受神話語就代表去付諸實踐，
而不是用自已的成就及善行，來合理化自已的不完美和缺點。
謙卑使我們能夠明白，我們還能更多從神話語學到什麼，並應用於自已的生活。
當我們透過聆聽講道和讀經來敬拜主時，
我們內心就會調整注意到自已需要改變的地方。
這種靈命得造就的過程，
會進一步感動我們去聆聽，閱讀和默想神的話語。
Live According to the Spirit 依聖靈而活
For those who live according to the flesh
set their minds on the things of the flesh,
but those who live according to the Spirit,
the things of the Spirit.
(Rom 8:5)
5因為隨從肉體的人體貼肉體的事，
隨從聖靈的人體貼聖靈的事。
（羅 8：5）
In his epistle to the Romans,
Paul explains that to become inclined towards the things of the Spirit,
one cannot be carnally minded
or live a life focused on indulging fleshly desires.
Paul reminds all believers
that a healthy life, for both body and spirit,
is aligned with the things of the Spirit.
In other words, such a life submits to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit stirs up the heart and ears of man.
And a humble man who submits to the Holy Spirit
will hear, understand, and live out the word of God.
在他給羅馬教會的書信中，
保羅解釋說，要改變可以傾向順服聖靈的事，
人就不能心屬肉體，
或過著一種生活專注於放縱肉體情慾。
保羅提醒所有的信徒，
對身心健康的一種生活，
是可以與聖靈心意的事相合。
換句話說，這種生活會順服聖靈的引導。
聖靈會感動人的內心和耳朵。
一個謙卑順服聖靈的人，
將會聆聽，明白並活出神的話語。
Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness 飢渴慕義
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled."
(Mt 5:6)
“6飢渴慕義的人有福了！
因為他們必得飽足。”
（太 5：6）
While on earth, Jesus endured extended periods of hunger and thirst,
including a forty-day-and-night fast.
When tempted by Satan to make bread from stones,
Jesus kept His physical urges in check.
His heart and desire were unshakeably rooted in the word of God.
Jesus is not a God who does not understand our weaknesses;
He has experienced and overcome all temptations common to man
(Heb 4:15–16).
耶穌在世時，曾忍受長時間的飢渴，
包括四十晝夜的禁食。
當撒但誘惑他用石頭做餅時，
耶穌節制了自己的肉慾衝動。
祂的內心和渴望堅定不移紮根於神的話語。
耶穌並非是一個不了解我們軟弱的神；
他體驗過，並戰勝人很平常的一切試探。
（來 4：15-16）
Our physical body has a constant urge to satisfy its various needs and desires.
Failure to control these urges may cause us to neglect the matters of the spirit and soul.
Despite limitations of the flesh,
Jesus was able to set aside His physical needs in service to spiritual growth.
Likewise, we should restrain our physical desires
and instead hunger for righteousness through the word and Spirit of God.
我們的肉體一直衝動，想滿足各種需求和慾望。
若無法控制這些衝動，我們就可能會忽略靈性和靈魂的事。
儘管肉體有極限，
耶穌卻能忽略自已肉體的需要，來促進屬靈的成長。
同樣，我們也應當仰制自已肉體的慾望，
反而是靠神的話語和聖靈來渴慕公義。
HOW THE WORD CAN EFFECTIVELY WORK IN AND PERFECT US
聖經如何能夠有效在我們內心動工且使我們完全？
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer,
he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;
for he observes himself, goes away,
and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it,
and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work,
this one will be blessed in what he does.
(Jas 1:22–25)
22只是你們要行道，不要單單聽道，自己欺哄自己。
23因為聽道而不行道的，
就像人對著鏡子看自己本來的面目，
24看見，走後，
隨即忘了他的相貌如何。
25惟有詳細察看那全備、使人自由之律法的，並且時常如此，
這人既不是聽了就忘，乃是實在行出來，
就在他所行的事上必然得福。
（雅 1：22-25）
This passage tells us
that faith is like a catalyst in a chemical reaction
when it comes to living out God's word.
Faith leads to action.
Thus, our experience of God's word
should not languish in theoretical knowledge
but be practically applied in our daily life.
When we practice the truth,
our lives will be filled with blessings from the word of God,
because they are spirit and life
(Jn 6:63).
These experiences will deepen our conviction
and lead to renewal through the living word of God
(1 Pet 1:23).
這段經文告訴我們，
信心就像化學反應的催化劑，
它幫助我們來活出神的話語。
信心會帶出行動。
因此，我們體驗神的話語，
不應停留在理論的知識層面，
而是應用在自已的日常生活。
當我們實踐真理時，
我們的生命將充滿神話語的福氣，
因為神的話就是聖靈，就是生命
（約 6：63）。
這些體驗將加深我們的信念，
並藉著神活潑的話語帶來更新
（彼前 1：23）。
Like someone unaware of his unkempt appearance,
we may be unwittingly carrying spiritually unhealthy habits and ideas.
It is only when we look into the mirror of God's word
that we spot these blemishes.
But recognizing these issues is not enough
—we must reflect and apply God's word to our lives to address these blemishes.
就像某人不知自己雜亂不整潔的外表，
我們可能在不知不覺中，保留了屬靈有害的習慣和想法。
只有當我們用神話語的鏡子來審視自己時，
才會發現這些瑕疵。
但僅認識到這些問題還是不夠，
—我們必須反省，運用神話語到自已的生活，才能處理這些瑕疵。
God's word shows us the way to turn our lives around.
All we must do is humbly accept its teachings
and submit to the Holy Spirit's guidance.
In doing so, we attend to the needs of our spirit and soul,
returning to full spiritual health.
On the last day, we will be acceptable in the eyes of our heavenly Father.
神話語指引我們道路，轉變自已人生的方向。
我們所要做的就是謙卑接受神的教導，
並順服聖靈的引導。
如此，我們就能滿足了自已靈命與靈魂的需要，
重獲屬靈完全健康。
在末日，我們將蒙天父的眼目所悅納。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯
