Manna issue 69 - Fulfill Your Ministry—A Study on 2 Timothy (II) 完成自已的使命 - 提摩太後書研討 (II)
Fight the good fight, finish the race.
那美好的仗我已經打過了，當跑的路我已經跑盡了
Based on Bible Study Guide: Thessalonians, Timothy and Titus
Published by the True Jesus Church.
參考查經指導手冊：帖撒羅尼迦前後書，提摩太前後書，提多書
真耶穌教會出版
FAITHFULNESS IN PERILOUS TIMES 在危險的日子裡，保持忠心
After encouraging Timothy to be a
good worker of Christ Jesus, Paul
warns Timothy of perilous times
that will come in the last days, when
wickedness and deception will abound.
To prepare Timothy and the believers
for these dangers ahead, Paul reiterates
the necessity to endure affliction and to
continue in the sound doctrine.
在鼓勵了提摩太要成為基督耶穌的好工人之後，
保羅警告他，在末後的日子裡，必有危險的的子來到，
到處都會是邪惡和欺騙。
為了讓提摩太和眾信徒，能夠對於即將到來的這些危險，有所準備，
保羅一再重申，有必要去忍受痛苦，並且繼續這純正的教義。
Be Prepared 好好準備
“But know this, that in the last days
perilous times will come.” (3:1)
1你該知道，末世必有危險的日子來到。
(3：1)
Because of the prevalence of
wickedness, the godly will be
persecuted. In terms of spiritual perils,
the increasing influence of sin will
deceive many people and cause them
to forsake the faith (cf. Mt 24:9–13).
Hence, it is necessary to know that
we are living in perilous times so that
we can be ready to face persecutions
from the ungodly. When we do come
across such people in society, we need
not be surprised or disheartened, since
this has been prophesied long ago.
因為到處都是邪惡，虔誠的人就會受到逼迫。
而屬靈所會面對到的危險，罪逐漸加強他的影響力，
就能欺騙許多的人，使他們來放棄信仰。(參考，太 24：9-13)
因此，我們有必要能自知，是活在一個危險的年代，
這樣，我們自已才會準備好，能面對來自那些不敬虔之人而來的逼迫。
在社會上當我們碰到這些人的時候，
我們不需要感到驚奇，或是感到灰心，
因為這在很久之前，早就已經被預言了。
In these last days, Paul reminds
us that “men will be lovers of
themselves, lovers of money, boasters,
proud, blasphemers, disobedient to
parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving,
unforgiving, slanderers, without selfcontrol,
brutal, despisers of good,
traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers
of pleasure rather than lovers of God”
(3:2–4). These are apt descriptions of
the ills of modern society. Unwittingly,
we may also be guilty of such conduct.
We need to introspect and guard
ourselves against such wickedness.
在末世，保羅提醒我們，
2因為那時人要專顧自己、貪愛錢財、自誇、狂傲、謗讟、違背父母、忘恩負義、心不聖潔、
3無親情、不解怨、好說讒言、不能自約、性情兇暴、不愛良善、
4賣主賣友、任意妄為、自高自大、愛宴樂、不愛神，
(3：2-4)
這些相對於現代社會的各種病態情況，就是很合宜的描述。
不知不覺之中，自已或許也很有可能有這些行為，犯了這些罪。
我們要不斷內省，保守自已，遠離這些邪惡的事。
Pursue True Godliness 追求真正的虔誠
“[H]aving a form of godliness but
denying its power. And from such
people turn away!” (3:5)
5有敬虔的外貌，卻背了敬虔的實意；這等人你要躲開。
(3：5)
In this self-centered world, many
have no regard for God and His
commandments. They live according to
what their hearts and flesh desire rather
than for God’s will (3:4). As believers,
we must not conform to the pattern of
this world. We need to always examine
the choices we make and ask whether
we are doing things to please God or to
please ourselves.
在這個以自我為中心的世界裡，
許多人一點都不關心神的事，也不遵守祂的誡命。
他們生活是依據自已內心和肉體的慾望，而不是遵從神的旨意。(3：4)
身為信徒，我們一定不要去效法世上生活的模式。
我們總要檢查自已所作的選擇，問問自已，
我們是不是用取悅神的心來行事為人，或是為了讓自已高興而已。
If we truly love God, we will deny
ourselves to carry out God’s will.
Therefore, if we want to understand
the truth and not be deceived by
false doctrines, we must first examine
whether we have the motivation to
obey God. If we continue to indulge in
our sins and do not intend to submit
to God, our superficial diligence in
studying God’s word will not bring us
any closer to His will.
若我們真的愛神，就會自已謙卑下來，遵從神的旨意。
所以，若我們想要了解真理，不被虛假的教條所欺騙，
就首先一定要反省自已，是不是動心起念都是為了順從神。
若我們一直沉溺在自已的罪中，也沒有意思要順服神，
就憑著那些對神話語膚淺的研究，將不能讓我們有些許靠近神旨意的機會。
But evil men and impostors will grow
worse and worse, deceiving and being
deceived. But you must continue in
the things which you have learned
and been assured of, knowing from
whom you have learned them, and
that from childhood you have known
the Holy Scriptures, which are able to
make you wise for salvation through
faith which is in Christ Jesus.
(3:13–15)
13只是作惡的和迷惑人的，必越久越惡，他欺哄人，也被人欺哄。
14但你所學習的，所確信的，要存在心裡；因為你知道是跟誰學的，
15並且知道你是從小明白聖經，這聖經能使你因信基督耶穌，有得救的智慧。
(3：13-15)
Paul warns Timothy that things will
get worse. Evil men and impostors
will grow bolder in their deception
(3:13). But Timothy must continue
in the things that he has learned and
been assured of (3:14). Likewise we
should not be disheartened, thinking
God has forgotten us, when we suffer
persecution for leading godly lives
or when we see more and more evil
men arising. We need to hold fast to
the truth with which we have been
entrusted, and be ready to protect and
defend it when evil men attempt to
distort this truth to mislead the church.
保羅警告提摩太，一切都會變得越來越糟。
13只是作惡的和迷惑人的，必越久越惡，他欺哄人，也被人欺哄。
(3:13)
14但你所學習的，所確信的，要存在心裡；
(3:14)
同樣的情況，當我們為了過著敬虔的生活，受到逼迫，
或是看到有更多惡人變得亨通的時候，不應灰心，認為神忘記我們了。
我們要堅守那已經交付我們的真理，準備好好保護著它，
當惡人試著扭曲真理來誤導教會的時候，要起來捍衛真理。
All Scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness, that the man of
God may be complete, thoroughly
equipped for every good work.
(3:16–17)
16聖經都是神所默示的（或作：凡神所默示的聖經），於教訓、督責、使人歸正、教導人學義都是有益的，
17叫屬神的人得以完全，預備行各樣的善事。
(3:16–17)
Paul reminded Timothy: All Scripture
is given by inspiration of God (literally
“God-breathed”) (3:16). In other
words, the Scriptures were written
under God’s direction and guidance;
they are not from the writers’ own
will (cf. 2 Pet 1:20–21). Just as God
breathed the breath of life into Adam
to make him a living being (Gen 2:7),
He has breathed into the Scriptures and
made them His living word.
保羅提醒提摩太，
16聖經都是神所默示的（或作：凡神所默示的聖經）。(3:16)
換句話說，聖經是神的指示和引導下，寫下來的；
而不是來自於作者的意志而寫下了的。(參考，彼後 1：20-21)
就如同神把生命的氣息吹進亞當，讓他成為一個有靈的活人，(創 2：7)
祂已經把生命的氣息吹入了聖經，讓聖經裡面有祂生命的力量。
What then are the roles of the
Scriptures? It is to make us wise for
salvation through faith, which is in
Christ Jesus (3:15). The Scriptures
testify about Christ (Jn 5:39). Through
the Scriptures, we can come to know
the Savior and put our faith in Him
for salvation. The Scriptures also make
us complete, thoroughly equipped
for every good work (3:17). These
are accomplished through doctrine,
reproof, correction, and instruction
in righteousness (3:16). Finally, the
Scriptures reveal to us God’s will,
rebuke us when we have sinned, show
us where we are wrong, and guide
us unto the right path. So through
learning and applying the Scriptures,
we can be transformed into clean and
useful vessels of God, equipped for
every good work.
那麼聖經所扮演的角色到底為何呢？
就了透過相信基督耶穌的信仰，讓我們變聰明而得到拯救。(3：15)
聖經為基督作見証。(約 5：39)
因為有聖經，我們可以認識救主，讓我們信仰祂而得到拯救。
17叫屬神的人得以完全，預備行各樣的善事。(3：17)
這些都是透過教義而完全，
於教訓、督責、使人歸正。(3：16)
最後，聖經把神的旨意向我們顯明，
當我們犯罪的時候，斥責我們，告訴我們那些錯了，指引我們走正確的道路。
所以透過學習聖經，實行聖經的教導，
我們就可以轉變，成為聖潔，神有用的器皿，預備行各樣的善事。
In summary, during these perilous
times, when sins continue to increase
and false teachings abound, it is
necessary for every servant of God to
remain true to the teachings of the
Scriptures, which are inspired by God.
Then our faith will not be shaken, but
we will keep our faith in Jesus Christ for
salvation. We will not fall prey to the
increasing wickedness of the world, but
we will be complete and equipped for
every good work.
總之，在這危險的年代，罪不斷的增加，到處都是錯誤的教導，
每一個神的僕人有必要保守聖經的教導純正，而這些是神所啟發的。
那麼我們的信仰就不會動搖，而能保守自已對耶穌基督的信仰直到最後的拯救。
對於世上漸增的邪惡，我們不會成為他們的獵物，
我們會變得更完全，預備行各樣的善事。
PARTING WORDS 離別的話
Paul is coming to the close of his last
epistle. Soon, he will die the death
of a martyr. In previous chapters, we
have seen Paul’s urgent concern for
the ministry’s continuation through
Timothy. In this final chapter, the climax
of the epistle, Paul commands Timothy
once again with a most solemn charge
to preach the word and fulfill his
ministry as Paul himself has faithfully
done.
保羅已經將近快到他書信的結尾。
不久之後，他就會成為殉道者而死。
在前面的篇章中，我們已經看到保羅對透過提摩太來繼續福音的工作，很嚴正的關切。
而在這最後一篇，書信的信息的最高潮，
保羅再一次命令提摩太，用很嚴肅的態度，要傳神的話，
完成他的使命，就如同保羅他自已一樣，很忠心完成了他的工作。
Preach the Word! 傳揚福音
Preach the word! Be ready in season
and out of season. Convince, rebuke,
exhort, with all longsuffering and
teaching. For the time will come when
they will not endure sound doctrine,
but according to their own desires,
because they have itching ears, they
will heap up for themselves teachers.
(4:2–3)
2務要傳道，無論得時不得時，總要專心；並用百般的忍耐，各樣的教訓，責備人、警戒人、勸勉人。
3因為時候要到，人必厭煩純正的道理，耳朵發癢，就隨從自己的情慾，增添好些師傅，
(4:2–3)
In Season and Out of Season 無論得時不得時
A preacher of God’s word needs to be
ready “in season and out of season”
(4:2). In other words, we must have the
sense of urgency to preach the gospel at
all times, even when the condition does
not seem favorable. King Solomon also
encourages us to sow our seeds in the
morning and in the evening because
we do not know which will prosper
(Eccl 11:6). This means that we ought
to preach the word of God constantly
without worrying about the outcome
of our preaching. We simply fulfill our
duty to plant and water. We can leave
the rest to God because it is He who
gives the increase (1 Cor 3:6–7).
神話語的傳道者，要時時準備好，無論得時不得時。(4：2)
換句說，無論什麼時候，我們一定要有急迫感來傳福音，
由其是當外在的情況是很不如人意的時候。
所羅門王也鼓勵我們，早晚都要撒種，因為我們不知道那一種會發芽。(傳 11：6)
這代表了，應該一直傳揚神的話，不要去擔心傳福音的後果。
我們只要完成自已的責任，好好撒種和溝水。
就可以把其他的事交給神，因為惟有神叫他生長。
(林前 3：6-7)
Convince , Rebuke , Exhort , Teach 教訓，責備人、警戒人、勸勉人
Preaching includes both evangelizing to
unbelievers as well as teaching believers.
With the word of God, the doubtful
must be convinced, the unrepentant
rebuked, the weak exhorted and the
ignorant taught. All approaches are
acceptable as long as they are applied
appropriately, according to the needs
of the recipients.
傳福音包了二個部份，傳福音給不信的人，
同樣的也要教導信徒。
用神的話，懷疑的人必要臣服，斥責那些頑固不化的人，
勸勉那些軟弱的人，無知的人受到教導。
只要能妥善的運用這些方法，所有的方式都是可以接受的，
只要能根據接受者的需要好好的安排。
Preach Sound Doctrine 傳揚純正的道理
Paul warns Timothy that the time will
come when people will not “endure
sound doctrine” (4:3–4). Precisely
because people will not endure sound
doctrine, the need to preach the gospel
is all the more urgent. If the preacher
is silent at a time when false doctrines
abound, falsehood will prevail. But if
we patiently convince, rebuke, exhort
and teach, we can counter the forces
of evil and help some to come to their
senses and escape the snare of the devil
(2:25–26). Even if no one accepts our
preaching, it is still our responsibility as
preachers of God’s word to warn people
of their sins. If we have preached the
word and people do not believe, then
they will be accountable for their own
sins. But if we fail to preach, God will
hold us accountable (Ezek 3:16–21).
保羅警告提摩太，時候將到，人們將會"厭煩純正的道理"。(4:3–4)
更精準的來說，因為人們將會厭煩純正的道理，
傳福音的需要，會變得更加的急切。
若傳福音的人保持沉默了，那假教條四處漫延的時候，這些虛假就會橫行。
但是若我們一直很有恆心的教訓，責備人、警戒人、勸勉人，
我們能反抗邪惡的力量，幫助一些認清自已，逃離魔鬼的網羅。(2：25-26)
即使沒有人接受我們傳福音，身為神話語的傳播者，
這仍是我們的責任，要警告人們他們所犯的罪。
若我們已經傳了神的話，而別人仍然不相信，
那麼他們就該為自已所犯的罪來負責。
但是若我們沒有傳福音，神就會認為是有責任的。
(結 3：16-21)
Be Willing to Listen to the Truth 願意聽從真理
People who have “itching ears” are
bored with the age-old truths of God’s
word. Instead, they are attracted to
new and novel teachings, especially if
these seem philosophically profound
and mystical.
人們因為"耳朵發癢"，就覺得神話語中的真理是老調重談，很無聊。
相反地，他們覺得新奇的教導很吸引人，
特別是那些看起來很深奧的哲學思想。
There are also those who do not like
to hear God’s word because it exposes
their iniquity and condemns them of
their sins. To avoid feeling guilty, they
would rather choose to hear soothing
words that justify their sins. People
who cannot endure sound doctrine
will naturally seek false teachers who
will tell them lies (Isa 30:9–11). This
is what Paul means by “heaping up
for themselves teachers.” By listening
to false teachings, these people can
satisfy their own desires and feel good
about themselves.
也有一些人不喜歡聽神的話，因為這會暴露他們不潔淨的地方，
因著他們的罪行而受到譴責。
為了不要有罪惡感，他們寧願聽一些慰撫人心的話，為自已的罪找藉口。
那些厭煩純正道理的人，自然而然會去尋求那些會向他們說謊言的假教師。
(賽 30：9-11)
這就是保羅所說的，"增添好些師傅"。(4：3)
因為聽從假教師，這些人就隨從自己的情慾，並且自我感覺良好。
Be Persistent 擇善固執
“But you be watchful in all things,
endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (4:5)
5你卻要凡事謹慎，忍受苦難，做傳道的工夫，盡你的職分。
(4:5)
As many will not endure sound
doctrine, the work of preaching can
be difficult and discouraging. Only if
the preacher is equipped with a strong
sense of commission and a heart of
endurance will he be able to continue
in the ministry.
因為許多人會厭煩純正的道理，傳福音的工作就可能會變得很困難，並且令人灰心。
只有當這個傳道人有堅強的使命感，願意耐心等候，
他才能夠在傳福音的事工上努力不懈。
There are many people around
us to whom we need to preach the
gospel, including our family, friends,
classmates, and colleagues. In addition,
preaching the word also includes
preaching to believers. We need to
instruct our brothers and sisters in Christ
in the word of God, whether through
sermons, Bible studies, children classes,
or personal counseling.
我們身旁有許多人，需要我們來向他們傳福音，
包話又親朋好友，同學同事。
此外，傳福音也包括向信徒傳講神的話。
我們要指教基督裡的弟兄姐妹，神的話語，
不論是透過講道，查經，宗教教育，或是個人的安慰勸勉。
Fight the Good Fight, Finish the Race
那美好的仗我已經打過了，當跑的路我已經跑盡了
I have fought the good fight, I have
finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Finally, there is laid up for me the
crown of righteousness, which the
Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to
me on that Day, and not to me only
but also to all who have loved His
appearing.
(4:7–8)
7那美好的仗我已經打過了，當跑的路我已經跑盡了，所信的道我已經守住了。
8從此以後，有公義的冠冕為我存留，就是按著公義審判的主到了那日要賜給我的；不但賜給我，也賜給凡愛慕他顯現的人。
(4:7–8)
This is Paul’s famous song of victory.
If we take “the good fight” in a military
sense, our lives are a fight against evil
and our own sinful desires. It is also
a fight for the faith, to win souls and
preserve sound doctrine (1 Cor 9:26–
27; Gal 5:16–17; 1 Tim 6:12).
這是保羅有名的勝利凱歌。
若我們把"打了美好的仗"這句話以軍事化的角度來看，
我們的生活就是一種對抗邪惡，及自身罪惡慾望的爭戰。
這也是為了信仰的爭戰，要贏得眾人的靈魂，保守住純正的教道。
(林前 9：26-27；加 5：16-17；提前 6：12)
Taken in an athletic sense, the
fight refers to spiritual progress and
endeavors to fulfill our ministry. Our
lives are a race, in which we press on
towards the goal, which is to gain
Christ (Phil 3:12–14; 2 Tim 2:5). We
have to run this race with the self discipline,
energy, and perseverance of
an athlete. We also need to keep the
faith in our lives. Like an athlete who
follows the rules of the game to avoid
disqualification, we have to constantly
watch our lives and our doctrines and
make sure that we conform to God’s
will and commands. Then we will be
able to save ourselves as well as others
(cf. 1 Cor 9:26–27).
若以運動員的角來度來看，
這項競賽就是屬靈程度的進步，以及努力完成自已的使命。
我們的生活就是比賽，比賽的時候我們堅持下去直達終點，
也就是可以最終得到基督。(腓 3：12-14；提後 2：5)
我們必需要好好自律，用很許多精力，帶著運動員努力不懈的心，來參與這個比賽。
就像運動員遵守比賽規則，才不會犯規失去比賽資格，
所以一直要注意自已的生活，及教義，
確認自已有符合神的旨意及命令。
那麼我們才能救自已，及救別人。
(參考，林前 9：26-27)
CONCLUSION 結論
Written in the midst of dire
circumstances, Paul’s personal
messages to Timothy in this epistle
reveal his unwavering faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ and his conviction in the
ministry. We learn of a man who knows
whom he has believed and who knows
that the Lord will not fail him. Never is
his faith shaken by his sufferings and
loneliness. As we study this epistle,
we ought to examine our own faith in
the Lord as well as our commitment to
evangelism.
保羅寫給提摩太的個人訊息，是在他遇到悲慘狀況時寫下來的，
在書信中我們可以看到他對主耶穌基督毫不動搖的信心，以及自已對傳福音使命的確信。
我們認識到，一個人知道他相信誰，
也知道主不會讓他失望。
所以他的信心不會因為苦難或是孤獨的關係，而有所動搖。
當我們研讀這封書信的時候，
我們應該檢查自已對主的信心，同時也反省自對傳福音使命的承諾。
Before his death, Paul’s utmost
concern is the passing on of the
ministry. He charges Timothy to preach
and be faithful to the word. Paul’s final
wish calls out to us today. Have we
been faithful to the sound doctrine?
Have we fulfilled the charge to preach
the word? Are we willing to endure
affliction for the gospel? We must
personally respond to the call of this
epistle, as if it were written directly
to us; only then will our study of this
epistle be truly meaningful, edifying
and fruitful.
在他死去之前，保羅最後所關注的，就是從把福音的工作傳承下去。
他命令提摩太要傳福音，對且至始至終要對神的話語忠心。
保羅最後的希望也在提醒今日的我們。
我們有沒有一直對純正的道理保持忠心？
我們有沒有完成使命，把神的道理傳出去？
我們願不願意為了福音的原故，忍受一切的苦楚？
我們自已一定要回應這封書信的召喚，
就如同這封信是直接寫給我們的一樣；
只有這樣，我們對這封書信的考察，於我們個人而言，
才會有意義，才能有造就，也才能讓我們結出果子來。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
Manna 嗎哪 56 (1)