7. Manna issue 92 - Be Rooted In Christ (Part 2)_Grow In Christ 紮根基督系列(第二章)_基督裡成長
Michael Chan—Leicester, UK 英國萊斯特 Michael Chan
SPIRITUAL CULTIVATION 靈修
We have established that God’s plan and revelation are central to building our faith,
but the human part of the equation is that we must pursue to learn before God bestows us understanding.
Just as a plant needs suitable soil and conditions to thrive,
we must cultivate the ideal spiritual environment where our faith can grow.
Here are some requirements:
我們已經確定，神的計劃和啟示是建立我們信仰的核心，
但此方程式的人性部分是，在神賜予我們理解之前，必須追求學習。
就像植物需要合宜的土壤和條件，才能茁壯成長一樣，
我們必須建立理想的屬靈環境，讓自已的信仰得以成長。
以下是一些必要條件：
A. Be Willing to Live a Holy Life 願意過著聖潔的生活
After Daniel had recorded and sealed a prophecy of the end time,
he asked the angels to explain further the things that would come to pass
(Dan 12:9–10).
However, they responded that it was not yet time for God to reveal the meaning of the words.
To whom would they be revealed?
To those who are pure and wise.
If we pursue a holy life, pleasing and acceptable to God,
God will give us knowledge of the truth
(2 Tim 3:1–7).
Today, we must be willing and determined to live a holy life
—one in which we avoid all wrong and defilement, in word, attitude, and action.
在但以理記錄並封印了末世的預言之後，
他要求天使進一步解釋將要發生的事情
（但 12：9-10）。
然而，他們回答說，現在還不是神啟示這些話含義的時候。
他們會向誰啟示呢？
給那些純潔智慧的人。
如果我們追求聖潔的生活，蒙神悅納，
神會賜給我們真理的知識
（提後 3：1-7）。
今日，我們必須樂意並決心過著聖潔的生活，
—在言語、態度和行為上，我們要避免一切錯誤污穢的行為。
B. Take Action to Practice the Truth 採取行動實踐真理
Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear.
With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you;
and to you who hear, more will be given.
For whoever has, to him more will be given;
but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”
(Mk 4:24–25)
24又說：你們所聽的要留心。你們用甚麼量器量給人，也必用甚麼量器量給你們，並且要多給你們。
25因為有的，還要給他；沒有的，連他所有的也要奪去。
(可 4：24-25)
The “measure” here refers not to the standard by which we measure others
but the measure of our mentality and heart towards God’s word.
Depending on how we receive, accept and use the word of God,
He will bless us to the same degree.
If we desire to learn and practice God’s word,
God will give us understanding
(Jn 7:16–17).
But if we only receive God’s word for knowledge and not life application,
then we will be unable to grasp it.
Hence, Jesus likens those who hear and do His word to the man who builds his house on the rock
(Mt 7:24).
Those who practice God’s word will gain blessings and enlightenment to appreciate God’s truth further.
此處的“衝量”，不是指我們用來衡量別人的標準，
而是用來衡量我們接受神道理的心態和誠心。
取決於我們如何領受、接納和運用神的話語，
祂就會以同樣的程度來祝福我們。
如果我們渴望學習運用神的道理，
神就會讓我們明白
（約 7：16-17）。
但如果我們只領受神的話語，只為了學習知識，而不是生活中應用，
那麼我們將無法掌握它的涵意。
因此，耶穌比喻那些聽祂道理、遵行神話語的人，就好像把房子蓋在磐石上，
（太 7：24）。
那些實行神話語的人，會得到祝福和領悟，進一步明白神的真理。
We see this happening to the disciples in the Book of Acts:
their understanding of God’s word significantly increased
because they were constantly practicing God’s word,
so God brought things to their remembrance.
For example, John recounts Jesus’ prophecy of the temple being destroyed and raised in three days
—after Jesus’ resurrection, they realized He had been speaking about the temple of His body
(Jn 2:21–22).
我們在使徒行傳中，看到這事發生在門徒身上：
對神道理的理解大大增加，
因為他們不斷實行神的話語，
因此，神使他們想起了一些事情。
例如，約翰記得耶穌關於聖殿的預言，聖殿三天內會被摧毀，並再建立，
—耶穌復活之後，他們才知道，耶穌說的是祂身體的聖殿
（約 2：21-22）。
C. Wait Patiently for the Master 耐心等待救主
We often become frustrated when we read the Bible and cannot understand it immediately.
We may become impatient.
The desire to comprehend God’s word is important,
but the need for instant gratification could lead us to give up altogether.
This is why the Bible tells us to wait for God
(Ps 130:5).
If we study His word patiently and persistently, with a heart of trust in God,
then He will reveal everything in His time.
當我們讀聖經，因為不能立即明白意思，就常常感到灰心，。
我們可能會沒有耐心。
想要明白神道理的渴望，是很重要的，
但要即時得到這樣的滿足，可能會導致我們完全放棄。
這就是為什麼，聖經告訴我們要等候神
（詩 130：5）。
如果我們以信靠神的心，耐心堅持不懈地研習祂的話語，
接著祂就會在祂覺得時間合適的時候，啟示一切。
D. Believe in Christ and His Church 信靠基督和教會
To be firmly rooted in the correct place,
we must firmly believe and hold on to the correct doctrines
(Jn 17:6–8),
including believing in the true church as the steward of those doctrines
(1 Cor 4:1; Col 1:25).
Are we able to practice, preach and defend the teachings of the church without question?
Since God is the One who bestows understanding,
if we let doubts creep in,
then our understanding of God’s word and the truth will gradually decrease.
If this continues, we may succumb to self-deception
—we will falsely believe that we have a good level of understanding and will stray from the true gospel.
Hence, we have to believe wholeheartedly in the true church and the complete truth of salvation.
要能夠牢牢紮根於正確的地方，
我們要堅定相信，並堅守正確的教義，
（約 17：6-8），
包括相信，真教會是這些教義的管理執事
（林前 4：1；歌羅西書 1：25）。
我們是否能夠，毫無疑問地實行、傳揚，並且捍衛教會的教義？
因為神是給予人明白的獨一真神，
如果我們讓懷疑慢慢爬進內心，
那麼我們對神的話語、對真理的認識，就會逐漸減少。
如果這種情況繼續下去，就可能會跌倒，而自欺欺人，
—我們會錯誤地認為，自已已經有很好的認知，因而會偏離純正的福音。
因此，我們必須要全心全意地信靠真教會，及救贖的完備真理。
E. Meditate and Reflect on God’s Word 思想反省神的道理
Whether studying the Bible or listening to sermons,
we must reflect and meditate on the word we have received
(Ps 1:1–2).
Only by doing this will we have a deeper and broader understanding of the Scriptures,
beyond the superficial.
We will begin to understand how certain passages relate to other parts and teachings of the Bible.
Meditation on God’s word is why the saints of old had such deep relationships with God.
They could persevere no matter their challenges
because they could access a deeper appreciation and understanding of God’s word and will.
We must do the same today.
無論是研經，還是聆聽講道，
我們必須反省思想自已聽到的話語
（詩 1：1-2）。
只有這樣作，我們才能對聖經有更深更廣的理解，
超越表面的認知。
我們將開始明白，某些段落經文，如何與聖經的其他部分和教導有所關聯。
默想神的話語，就是古代聖徒能與神有如此深厚關係的原因。
無論遇到什麼困難挑戰，他們都能堅持下去，
因為他們可以更深入地欣賞和理解神的話語和旨意。
我們今日也必須這樣做。
F. Discuss to Learn 討論學習
Malachi talks about how God listens to those who discuss God’s word among themselves
(Mal 3:16–18).
Matthew also describes how the disciples asked Jesus to explain a parable to them
(Mt 13:11).
We should do the same
—discuss the word of God to learn from one another.
Having the humility to ask questions when we do not understand, and to listen, is important.
瑪拉基書談到，神如何傾聽那些彼此討論神話語的人
（瑪 3：16-18）。
馬太福音也描述了，門徒如何要求耶穌向他們解釋比喻
（太 13：11）。
我們也應該這樣做，
—討論神的話語，互相學習。
當我們不理解的時候，能謙虛地提出問題，並且傾聽，這就很重要。
G. Proclaim and Cultivate 宣道培養
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth,
but you shall meditate in it day and night,
that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.
For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
(Josh 1:8)
8這律法書不可離開你的口，
總要晝夜思想，
好使你謹守遵行這書上所寫的一切話。
如此，你的道路就可以亨通，凡事順利。
(書 1：8)
Proclaiming God’s word is not limited to preaching to non-believers.
We must preach to and share God’s word with our fellow brethren
during classes, fellowships, and social situations.
As we proclaim God’s word, we must practice and believe what God has taught us.
We will naturally reflect deeply on God’s word and gain a deeper understanding through this process.
This is why the ministers of God have great insight into the Scriptures
—the more they preach, the more they are inspired by the Holy Spirit
to recall and comprehend God’s word, building on what they already know.
傳揚神的話語，不僅限於向非信徒傳道。
我們必須向主內同靈，傳講分享神的話語，
不論是課堂、團契和社交場合的時候。
當我們傳講神話語的時候，必須施行並相信神所教導我們的道理。
經由這個過程，我們自然就會深刻反覆思考神的話語，獲得更深入的認識。
這就是為什麼，神的傳道工人，會對聖經有很深入的洞察力，
—他們傳講的越多，就越會得到聖靈的啟發，
能夠回想和明白神的道理，建立在他們已有的認知基礎上。
SPIRITUAL GROWTH 靈命成長
Although the roots of a plant or tree are hidden,
you can usually estimate how deep and wide they stretch
by how tall and large the plant has grown above ground.
A small plant, such as a bonsai tree, will remain small
unless it is transferred into a larger pot where its roots can spread.
For some trees, the roots are at least a one-to-one ratio to the height,
keeping them nourished and standing securely no matter how strongly the wind blows.
雖然植物或樹木的根部是隱藏的，
你通常可以估計它們向下伸展的深度和寬度，
依照植物在地面上生長的高度和大小來計算。
小型植物，如盆栽等，會一直保持很小，
除非它被移植到一個更大的瓦盆裡，而它的根部可以散佈出去。
對於某些樹木來說，很多根部與高度的比例，至少都是一比一，
無論強風刮多大，都能保持它們得到營養，並且安穩站立。
And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah
Shall again take root downward,
And bear fruit upward.
(Isa 37:31)
31猶大家所逃脫餘剩的，仍要往下扎根，向上結果。
(賽 37：31)
How do we know when our faith has taken root and is growing?
Isaiah tells us the proof is when we bear fruit.
How can we go about cultivating a fruit-bearing faith?
Today, if we want to grow strong and manifest spiritual fruit,
we must root ourselves deeply in God’s will, not our own.
When our roots are established,
we will see the fruit in how our attitude and our prayers are transformed.
So, what kind of prayers will a rooted faith produce?
我們如何知道自已的信仰何時生根發芽呢？
以賽亞告訴我們，證據就是當我們結果的時候。
我們怎樣才能開始培養出會結果子的信心呢？
今日，如果我們想要生長茁強，並且結出屬靈的果子，
我們必須深深紮根於神的旨意中，而不是我們自己的意思。
當我們根部深紮的時候，
將看到自已的態度和禱告，是如何轉變的成果。
那麼，根深蒂固的信仰，會產生什麼型態的祈禱呢？
A. Fruitful Prayers 禱告有功效
1. Physical versus Spiritual 肉體對比屬靈
…From men of the world who have their portion in this life,
And whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure.
They are satisfied with children,
And leave the rest of their possession for their babes.
As for me, I will see your face in righteousness;
I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.
(Ps 17:14–15)
14...脫離那只在今生有福分的世人！
你把你的財寶充滿他們的肚腹；
他們因有兒女就心滿意足，
將其餘的財物留給他們的嬰孩。
15至於我，我必在義中見你的面；
我醒了的時候，得見（或譯：著）你的形像就心滿意足了。
(詩 17：14-15)
These verses talk about two types of believers.
The first are those who are satisfied with things of the world.
They are content with physical blessings
—health, wealth, comfort, and security
—and have no desire to pursue any further.
The second type seek not for physical blessings but for spiritual ones.
They desire a close relationship with God, to be more like Him,
and to one day be with Him in eternity.
這些經節談到兩種類型的信徒。
第一種類是滿足於世間事物的人。
他們滿足於物質上的祝福，
—健康、財富、舒適和安全
—也沒有想想再繼續追求下去。
第二種類的人，不會尋求物質的祝福，而是追求屬靈的祝福。
他們渴望與神建立親密的關係，可以變得更像祂，
有一天可以與神永遠在一起。
Do we only pray for material things in our prayers,
or have we started praying for spiritual matters?
If we are rooted and growing spiritually,
we will focus less on our physical lives and more on our spiritual lives.
We are blessed to have a loving heavenly Father
Whom we can approach for grace, healing in times of sickness, and guidance in our education or career.
But to mature in faith, we must seek the things above
(Col 3:2; Mt 6:33)
and realize that prayer is a time of spiritual cultivation and deep communion with God.
Each morning, we can pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit
and for God to help us fulfill His will in all we do.
We are no longer thinking of what God can do for us,
but what we can do for the Lord
—how to be more pleasing to Him.
我們禱告的時候，是否只為了物質的東西祈禱，
還是我們開始為屬靈的事項禱告？
如果我們的靈性有紮根並且成長，
我們將更減少關注自已的物質生活，而會更多注意自已的靈命。
我們有幸能擁有一位慈愛的天父，
我們可以向神尋求恩典、疾病尋求醫治，以及引領我們的學習教育或職業生涯。
但信心要能成熟，我們必須尋求天上的事，
（西 3：2；太 6：33）
並意識到，禱告是靈修的時間，是與神深入交流的時間。
每天早晨，我們可以禱求聖靈充滿，
並求神幫助我們，在我們所行的一切事，實行祂的旨意。
我們不再想，神能為我們做什麼事，
而是思考我們能為主做些什麼
—如何更討祂喜悅。
2. Self versus Others 自已對比大家
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests,
but also for the interests of others.
(Phil 2:4)
4各人不要單顧自己的事，也要顧別人的事。
(腓 2：4)
We are told that we should mind our own business,
but the above verse instructs us otherwise.
If we pray only for our personal matters, then we are not progressing spiritually.
When we start praying for the personal matters of others,
it is an indication that we are growing and becoming more selfless.
This goes beyond praying for our close friends and family
because we love them and are personally affected by what happens to them.
But when we pray for someone outside our family and close social circle,
especially those we do not know,
we are truly altruistic in sacrificing our time and effort for their benefit.
Such prayers show spiritual maturity.
我們被告知，應該管好自己的事，
但上面的經文告訴我們的卻是不一樣。
如果我們只為個人事務禱告，那麼我們就沒有在屬靈上進步。
當我們開始為他人私事禱告時，
這表明我們正在成長，並且變得更加無私。
這超出了我們僅為密友和家人祈禱，
因為我們愛他們，並且對於發生在他們身上的事情，感同身受。
但是，當我們為家人和親密朋友圈以外的某人禱告時，
尤其是那些我們不認識的人，
我們真的是不求回報，只為了他們的好處而付出我們的時間和精力。
這樣的禱告顯出了屬靈的成熟度。
3. “Hear me” versus “Teach me”“聽我的”對比“指教我”
I am Your servant;
Give me understanding,
That I may know Your testimonies.
(Ps 119:125)
125我是你的僕人，求你賜我悟性，使我得知你的法度。
(詩 119：125)
We want the Lord to hear our prayers, but do we ask to seek a response?
Instead of only seeking God’s blessings, we should also seek His teaching.
The above psalmist asked God for understanding
so that he could know His testimonies, which are God’s commandments.
We should all pursue to reach this level of spiritual growth,
where we seek to be taught and enlightened by God.
我們想要主垂聽我們的禱告，但我們會要求找出回應嗎？
我們不僅要尋求神的祝福，還要尋求神的教導。
上述的詩人求神能給予啟示，
好讓他知道，神的見證，也就是神的誡命。
我們大家都應該追求達到這種靈性成長的層次，
我們尋求能被神教導和啟示的不足之處。
4. “Lord, love me” versus “Help me to love You more”
“主阿，愛我”對比“幫助我愛你更深”
For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus:
that if One died for all, then all died.
(2 Cor 5:14)
14原來基督的愛激勵我們；因我們想，
一人既替眾人死，眾人就都死了；
(林後 5：14)
When we are first planted with the seed of faith,
we are very sensitive to God’s love.
Every drop of grace causes us to sprout taller,
and our prayers reflect the desire to be loved by God.
But as we mature and learn to appreciate His sacrificial love,
we are inspired to return that love.
We want to love Him more and love others as He has loved us
(Jn 15:12).
Christ’s love compels us to devote ourselves to serving others
(1 Jn 3:16, 4:17).
So in our prayers, we need to reflect and ask God to help us understand His love
so that we can truly take root and grow.
當我們第一次種下信仰種子的時候，
我們對神的愛非常敏銳。
每一次點點滴滴的恩典，都使我們發芽長得更高，
而我們的祈禱亦反應了被神疼愛的渴望。
但當我們長大成熟，並且學會感謝神奉獻生命的慈愛時，
我們受到感動，而願意回報這份愛。
我們想要更愛祂，友愛別人，就像祂愛我們一樣
（約 15：12）。
基督愛的驅使，使我們致力於服事他人
(約翰一書 3：16, 4：17)。
所以在我們的禱告中，就需要反省，並祈求神幫助我們了解祂的慈愛
讓我們真正紮根成長。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯
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