Manna issue 75 - Striving Towards Maturity 追求靈性成熟
What is spiritual maturity? 翻譯：Bloomwitz
何謂靈性成熟？
K.C. Tsai—Toronto, Canada
INTRODUCTION
簡介
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在啟示錄的第二、第三章中記錄主耶穌指派約翰寫信給亞洲的七間教會的事。 這兩個章節以每間教會的重要特質來揭示了靈性成熟的不同階段。 此外，從這些教會身上也能一瞥神的旨意，他要教會（人）同心努力邁向成熟，要做好充分的準備這樣教會（人）才能永遠歸主。
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Chapters Two and Three of the Book
of Revelation record the seven epistles
that the Lord Jesus had instructed
John to write to the churches in Asia.
These reveal the different levels of
maturity in and key characteristics of
each of these churches. Furthermore,
the epistles reveal the will of God:
He requires the church as a whole to
strive towards maturity—to be fully
prepared so that she can belong to
Him forever.
The church should strive towards
perfection—prepared as a bride
adorned for her husband (Rev
21:2). However, this requires every
believer to realize his own spiritual
shortcomings and then do his utmost
to be mature. Maturity is the goal for
the church but the extent to which
it can be attained depends on the
individual spiritual pursuit of every
believer within the congregation
(Eph 4:11–16).
BE MATURE IN UNDERSTANDING
在心智上成熟
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弟兄們，在心志上不要作小孩子。然而，在惡事上要作嬰孩，在心志上總要作大人。（哥林多前書 14章20節） |
Brethren, do not be children in
understanding; however, in malice
be babes, but in understanding be
mature. (1 Cor 14:20)
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我們可以從一個人的心智來測定一個人的成熟，他是否意識到自身的短處，積極尋求神的道，遵行神的旨意並主動親近神，然後從中培養屬靈的品格。什麼是一個人不成熟心智的表徵呢？諸如嫉妒、輕視他人，容易動怒、記恨、累積對同工之怨於心，不饒恕他人。因此保羅有相當好的理由勸勉在哥林多教會的信徒應當在靈性上成熟。 |
We can determine a person’s
maturity from his understanding:
whether he recognizes his
weaknesses, learns God’s word
willingly, meditates on His will, and
draws near to Him, thereby cultivating
his spiritual character. What are the
signs of a person who is immature in
understanding? These include being
jealous of or belittling others, being
easily offended, harboring hatred,
bearing grudges against fellow
workers, and refusing to forgive. It
is thus with good reason that Paul
exhorted the believers in Corinth to
be mature in understanding and in
spirituality.
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舉例而言其中一位缺乏屬靈成熟的國王，掃羅。一開始，他是一位相當傑出的青年，並且有清潔、謙卑的心。這是神揀選他擔任以色列第一任國王的原因。接下國王的職位後，掃羅經歷了戰爭的勝利並且深得民心。 |
An example of someone who
lacked spiritual maturity was King
Saul. In the beginning, he was an
outstanding young man with a pure
and humble heart. That was why
God chose him to be the first king
of Israel. After taking on the role, he
experienced military success and won
the hearts of the people.
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不幸的是，這樣出色的成就很快地導致驕傲，掃羅甚至輕賤神的命令。一次，撒母耳指示掃羅前往吉甲等候他七天後到達，然後獻上燔祭與平安祭。掃羅由於失去耐心，不等到撒母耳到來便逕自獻上燔祭與平安祭。（撒母耳記上13章5-9節）當神幫助掃羅打敗亞瑪力人時，掃羅已經變得自大，故此，他釋放了亞馬力國王，並且歸還多數本應趙神的旨意摧毀的戰利品。（撒母耳記上15章3節和15章9節）這些不斷違背神旨意的行為至終使保羅喪失了神的賜福與同在。 |
Unfortunately, such success soon
led to the loss of humility, and
Saul began to despise even God’s
command. When Samuel instructed
Saul to proceed to Gilgal and wait
seven days for him to arrive to
sacrifice the burnt offering and peace
offering, Saul lost patience and made
the offerings himself (1 Sam 13:5–9).
When God helped him to defeat
the Amalekites, Saul had become
so complacent that he took it upon
himself to spare the king of the
Amalekites along with much of the
spoils of war, all of which should have
been destroyed according to God’s
command (1 Sam 15:3; cf. 15:9).
These repeated acts of disobedience
eventually lost him God’s favor and
abidance.
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掃羅的不成熟充分地展現在他對於大衛的態度上。在大衛殺死歌利亞後掃羅開始忌妒起大衛，由於大衛，掃羅不再是聚光燈的焦點。（撒母耳記上18章8節）。他的腦中開始充滿殺死大衛的想法。這個事件展示了一個靈性不成熟的人，不理解神的旨意，並且縱容自己順著情慾而行。 |
Saul’s immaturity was especially
obvious in his attitude towards
David. After David killed Goliath, Saul
became jealous because he felt he
was no longer in the limelight (1 Sam
18:8). He became obsessed with the
thought of killing David. This incident
shows that a spiritually immature
person does not understand the will
of God and allows himself to be
controlled by his own desires and
emotions.
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在整個拯救世人的歷史中， |
Throughout the history of salvation,
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神已經差遣了無數的僕人來成全他的工，其中包含指導和管理他的選民。神對這些僕人唯一的要求是他們必須了解自己的任務並且與神同工。畢竟，這是神的工，只有神能帶領、成全。一個僕人需要在做聖工的過程中努力讓靈性成熟。 |
God has sent countless servants to
carry out His work which includes
guiding and governing His elect.
God’s only requirement is that these
servants realize their mandates and
work with God. After all, it is God’s
work, and only He is able to bring it
to completion. What a servant needs
to do is to strive towards maturity in
the course of serving God.
FEAR GOD
敬畏神
The LORD forbid that I should do
this thing… (1 Sam 24:6)
主禁止我做這事……（撒母耳記上24章6節）
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大衛被掃羅追殺並且不斷的遭遇危險。在隱基底的洞穴中（撒母耳記上24章1-7節）還有在西弗的曠野（撒母耳記上26章6-12節）大衛有機會殺死掃羅，除去自己生命的威脅，大衛的追隨者甚至想代替大衛殺死掃羅。
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David was pursued by Saul and
faced continual danger. In a cave at
En Gedi (1 Sam 24:1–7) and in the
wilderness of Ziph (1 Sam 26:6–12),
he was presented with opportunities
to kill Saul and end the threat to his
life; his followers even offered to kill
Saul on his behalf.
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然而大衛選擇敬畏神，他拒絕對掃羅，耶和華的受膏者下手。並不是由於掃羅不值得被殺。相反的，對相信神的公義，並且願意服從神的旨意（撒母耳記上26章10-11節）這個大衛生命中的事件展現了真實的的成熟。 |
Yet David chose to fear God; he
refused to lay hands on Saul, the
anointed one of God. It was not
that King Saul did not deserve to
die. Rather, David believed in the
righteousness of God and chose
to obey His will (1 Sam 26:10–11).
This chapter in David’s life portrayed
genuine maturity.
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羅波安，大衛的孫子不聽取長者的建言，反而聽取年輕且衝動魯莽的青梅竹馬的意見，在擔任國王的時候。結果，他的命令造成支派的分裂，甚至王國分成兩半。（列王記上12章13-14節）。如果羅波安在成熟一些，並且更有遠見，以色列的歷史應該會很不一樣的。 |
Rehoboam, David’s grandson,
failed to heed the counsel of the
elders when he became king,
choosing instead to listen to the
impetuous and ruthless advice of the
young men who had grown up with
him. As a result, his words caused
the departure of ten tribes, and the
division of the kingdom into two (1
Kgs 12:13–14). Had Rehoboam been
more mature and possessed greater
foresight, the history of the Israelites
might have been altogether quite
different.
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當神的話沒有深植於人心的時候，人便只能短視近利。他將不會有遠見，讓視線超越眼前的障礙，瞥見主導一切的神的旨意。他將憑己意判斷，就像掃羅；或者像羅波安僅依賴他人的意見。因此，學習敬畏神並且遵行祂的命令是追求靈性成熟的重要步驟。 |
When the word of God is not
planted within the heart of man, man
can only see what is right before him.
He will neither be able to look beyond
the obstacles that he faces nor see
the purpose of God, who is behind
all things. He will make judgments
based on his own opinions, like Saul;
or rely on the opinions of others, like
Rehoboam. Therefore, learning to
fear God and obey His commands
are the first steps to be taken in the
pursuit of spiritual maturity.
A Copy of the Law Book
抄寫律法書
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在以色列人進入迦南地以前，摩西傳達來自神的教訓給他們： |
Before the Israelites entered Canaan,
Moses gave them the following
instructions from God:
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當你來到神所應許之地，安居，並且說：「到了耶和華─你神所賜你的地，得了那地居住的時候，若說：我要立王治理我，像四圍的國一樣。 你總要立耶和華─你神所揀選的人為王。必從你弟兄中立一人；不可立你弟兄以外的人為王。 只是王不可為自己加添馬匹，也不可使百姓回埃及去，為要加添他的馬匹，因耶和華曾吩咐你們說：不可再回那條路去。 他也不可為自己多立妃嬪，恐怕他的心偏邪；也不可為自己多積金銀。 他登了國位，就要將祭司利未人面前的這律法書，為自己抄錄一本， 存在他那裡，要平生誦讀，好學習敬畏耶和華─他的神，謹守遵行這律法書上的一切言語和這些律例， 免得他向弟兄心高氣傲，偏左偏右，離了這誡命。這樣，他和他的子孫便可在以色列中，在國位上年長日久。（申命記17章14-20節） |
“When you come to the land which
the LORD your God is giving you,
and possess it and dwell in it, and
say, ‘I will set a king over me like
all the nations that are around me,’
you shall surely set a king over you
whom the LORD your God chooses;
… when he sits on the throne of
his kingdom, that he shall write
for himself a copy of this law in
a book, from the one before the
priests, the Levites. And it shall be
with him, and he shall read it all the
days of his life, that he may learn
to fear the LORD his God and be
careful to observe all the words of
this law and these statutes, that his
heart may not be lifted above his
brethren, that he may not turn aside
from the commandment to the right
hand or to the left, and that he may
prolong his days in his kingdom,
he and his children in the midst of
Israel.”
(Deut 17:14–20)
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神是以色列的王。（撒母耳記上12章12節）他的人民其實不需要跟隨其他民族的風俗立王來統領他們。（撒母耳記上8章4-9節）然而，在他們進入應許之地以前， |
God was the king of the Israelites
(1 Sam 12:12); His people need not
have followed the other nations in
appointing a king to govern them
(1 Sam 8:4–9). Nevertheless, before
they entered the Promised Land,
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神早就已經知道以色列民會要求立一位國王了。所以神指示國王必須抄寫一本律法書帶在身邊並且在他生命的年日中，每日誦讀律法。這確保了耶和華選民的王能學習敬畏神，並且遵行他的律例典章。他將有能力藉由神的話來查驗己身，並且為人民判斷是非。他也將以神的話爲腳前的燈，他所做的每一個決策都將蒙神喜悅。 |
God already knew that the Israelites
would ask for a king. So He instructed
that the king should make a copy of
the law for himself and read it all the
days of his life. This ensured that the
human ruler of God’s people would
learn to fear the LORD his God and
to observe the law and the statutes.
He would be able to use the word
of God to examine himself and to
discern the counsel of men. He would
also be able to use the word of God
as his guide so that all his decisions
would be pleasing to God.
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敬畏耶和華是智慧的開端，認識至聖者便是聰明。（箴言9章10節） |
The fear of the LORD is the
beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One
is understanding. (Prov 9:10)
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智慧源於認識神並且有敬畏神的心。一個不敬畏神的人將會作出神所不喜悅的事，顯出他靈性上的不成熟。 |
Wisdom stems from the knowledge
of God and from a God-fearing heart.
A person who does not fear God will
do things that displease God and
thus reveal his immaturity.
INCREASE IN THE KNOWLEDGE
OF GOD
增加對神的認識
Spiritual growth should occur in
tandem with physical growth.
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因此，我們自從聽見的日子也就為你們不住的禱告祈求，願你們在一切屬靈智慧的悟性上，滿心知道神的旨意；好叫你們行事為人對得起主，凡是蒙祂喜悅，在一切善事上結果子，漸漸地多知道神。（歌羅西書1章9-10節） |
For this reason we also, since the
day we heard it, do not cease to
pray for you, and to ask that you
may be filled with the knowledge
of His will in all wisdom and
spiritual understanding; that you
may walk worthy of the Lord, fully
pleasing Him, being fruitful in every
good work and increasing in the
knowledge of God. (Col 1:9–10)
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保羅為歌羅西教會的中信徒代求，求神賜給他們充滿屬靈的智慧並且能多知道神的旨意。這樣，他們便能做出合神旨意的決定。一個人如果能有這樣的心智便能凡事尋求神的喜悅，並且漸漸地多知道神。靈性成長就像從起點走到目標，透過一步一步的學習我們的靈性可以有所增加。 |
Paul interceded for the believers in
Colossae, asking God to fill them with
the knowledge of His will and with
spiritual understanding. In this way,
they would be able to make decisions
according to God’s will. A person
with such resolve will seek to please
God in all things and to increase in
the knowledge of God. To “increase”
signifies a process of growth—with a
starting point and an ultimate goal.
Similarly, spiritual maturity is attained
through step-by-step learning.
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孩子漸漸長大，強健起來，充滿智慧，又有神的恩在他身上。耶穌的智慧和身量（或做：年紀），並神和人喜愛祂的心，都一齊增長。（路加福音2章40,52節） |
And the Child grew and became
strong in spirit, filled with wisdom;
and the grace of God was upon
Him. And Jesus increased in wisdom
and stature (or: age), and in favor
with God and men. (Lk 2:40,52)
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學習敬畏神並且遵守祂的命令是追求靈性長成的第一步。 |
Learning to fear God and obey His commands are the first steps to be taken in the pursuit of spiritual maturity.
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靈性的成熟不是參照信主的時間長度，而是看我們是否熱心尋求神的道理並且遵行他的教訓。（歌羅西書2章6-7節） |
Spiritual maturity is not determined by the number of years we
have believed in the Lord, but by the effort we put in to learn
God’s word and to transform ourselves in accordance with His
teachings (Col 2:6–7).
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基督耶穌降生之後，他的智慧、身量並眾人喜愛他的心都隨著年歲增長。身體的成熟是顯而易見的，然而靈性的成熟，內在的轉變只有自己能測度。靈性成熟非取決於信主的年數，乃在追求道理的心態並轉化自己行事合乎神的教訓。（歌羅西書2章6-7節）因此我們的年齡不是重點。靈性成熟是基於我們如何利用時間學習退一步觀看事件的全貌，並且從中理解自己的卑微。 |
After Jesus was born, He grew in
wisdom and stature, exemplifying the
growth of a person who loves God.
Physical maturity can be observed
outwardly; spiritual maturity is,
however, an inner transformation
that can only be gauged by oneself.
Spiritual maturity is not determined
by the number of years we have
believed in the Lord, but by the effort
we put in to learn God’s word and
to transform ourselves in accordance
with His teachings (Col 2:6–7).
Therefore, our chronological age is
irrelevant. Instead, maturity is based
on how well we use our time to learn
to view situations holistically and to
comprehend our lowliness before
God.
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另外，侍奉神的成熟也不是取決於行事效率。更加重要的是遠見、情緒管理與衝動抑制。（出埃及記14章11-14節） |
In addition, maturity in our service
to God is not just about efficiency
at completing a job, but even
more importantly, it is the need for
foresight, the ability to control our
temper, and the ability to curb our
impulsiveness (Ex 14:11–14).
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成熟可從我們對於被交付工作的敬業程度看出，不論交付給我們的工作有多小。 有些信徒對被分配到的工作例如教員、領詩或打掃，不負責任。雖然應該有某些原因讓他們忙中忽略請人代替事前答應的聖工。相反的，還是有模範信徒衷心做每一件聖工。他們不需要人提醒他們負責任，他們盡全力而行。一路走來，盡力解決問題，從不推卻責任。有這樣的工人對教會是一大安慰。 |
Maturity can also be seen from
the level of commitment and
responsibility we bring to the roles
and duties— no matter how small
— assigned to us. For example,
there are some believers assigned
with church work, be it religious
education, hymn leading, or church
cleaning, who do not turn up for
their duties. While there may be
genuine reasons for their oversight,
such as prior commitments, the
responsible thing to do is to inform
others in advance or make alternative
arrangements. In contrast, there are
exemplary believers who carry ou
every assigned duty faithfully. They
need no repeated reminders to
carry out their duties; they do their
best, endeavor to resolve any issues
along the way and do not shirk
responsibility. Such workers are a
great comfort to the church.
CONCLUSION: DEPART FROM
THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE
TRUTH
結論：從初信啟程
For though by this time you ought
to be teachers, you need someone
to teach you again the first
principles of the oracles of God; and
you have come to need milk and
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看你們學習的工夫，本該作師傅，誰知還得有人將神聖言小學的開端另教導你們，並且成了那必須吃奶，不能吃乾糧的人。 凡只能吃奶的都不熟練仁義的道理，因為他是嬰孩； 惟獨長大成人的才能吃乾糧；他們的心竅習練得通達，就能分辨好歹了。（希伯來書5章12-14節） |
not solid food. For everyone who
partakes only of milk is unskilled in
the word of righteousness, for he is
a babe. But solid food belongs to
those who are of full age, that is,
those who by reason of use have
their senses exercised to discern
both good and evil.
(Heb 5: 12–14)
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希伯來書的作者勉勵信徒成為靈性上的成人而不是停留在初信階段。書信中提及基本信心包含懺悔、相信真神、聖禮、復活與審判等等，以奶和嬰孩比喻。作者鼓勵信徒從教訓中得到提升並且成長。然後他們便能吃乾糧；他們的心竅習練得通達，就能分辨好歹了。（希伯來書5章14節） |
The author of the book of Hebrews
exhorts believers to become of full
age in terms of the truth and not stop
at the stage of “the first principles of
the oracles of God.” The latter refer
to the basic faith, which includes
repentance, belief in God, the
sacraments, resurrection, judgment,
and so forth—analogized by “milk
for babes.” The author encourages
the believers to progress from these
teachings and to grow up. Then they
will partake of solid food, which is for
those who “by reason of use have
their senses exercised to discern both
good and evil” (Heb 5:14).
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那些長成的人必然熟捻神公義的教訓。一個真正成熟的人會每日思想神的話並且依照神的道理來做決定。紀念神的話，他便得以度過難關和苦難，信仰必不致動搖。因此，讓我們一同努力進入信仰成熟者的行列吧！ |
Those who are of “full age” are
skillful in the word of righteousness.
A truly mature person meditates on
the word of God daily and uses it to
make his decisions. With God’s word,
he overcomes hardships and trials
and remains unshaken in his faith.
Therefore, let us strive to join the
ranks of such mature Christians.
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入英翻中的事工
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