1. Manna issue 92 - Be Rooted In Christ (Part 1) 紮根基督(第一回)
Michael Chan—Leicester, UK 英國萊斯特 Michael Chan
The Bible tells us that, in the end time,
our lives will become increasingly complex and the world more chaotic.
Although we are not of the world,
we will still face the same trials and tribulations.
But we live by faith, not by sight
(2 Cor 5:7).
By having our faith fully rooted in Christ,
we can face whatever challenges that come our way.
聖經告訴我們，末世中，
我們的生活將變得越來越複雜，世界將更加混亂。
雖然我們不屬於世界，
我們仍將面臨同樣的考驗和磨難。
但我們憑信心而活，而不是憑眼見，
（林後 5：7）。
藉由把我們的信心，完全紮根於基督，
無論我們遇到任何挑戰，都可以面對。
Every physical structure, be it natural or manmade, requires a foundation.
For that object to grow or expand, this foundation must be deeply rooted.
So if we firmly root ourselves and our faith in Christ,
then we can not only withstand the storms of life,
but we will thrive and grow spiritually.
每個物理結構，無論是自然還是人造的，都需要有一個基礎。
給那個物體可以成長或是擴大，這個基礎必鬚要根深蒂固。
因此，如果我們自已和信仰，牢牢紮根於基督，
那麼就不僅能承受生命的風暴，
而且會在靈性上茁壯成長。
The question is, what steps must we take to become rooted in Christ?
問題是，我們必須採取哪些步驟，才能在基督裡生根呢？
THE DIFFICULTIES OF TAKING ROOT 紮根的困難
No matter our circumstances
—for example, our age or the country we live in
—we will undoubtedly meet challenges to our faith.
These are not limited to specific periods of our lives,
and they do not come only in the form of physical illness or career problems.
They could be either physical or spiritual issues, or both.
無論我們的情況如何，
—例如，我們的年齡，或是居住的國家，
—毫無疑問，我們的信仰將會面臨挑戰。
這些事情，不會僅限於我們生命中的某個特定時期，
它們不僅僅會以身體疾病，或是職業丑問題的形式出現。
它們即可能是身體出問題，或是精神出問題，或兩者兼備。
In Matthew 7:24–27, Jesus describes two houses
—one built on the rock and one on the sand.
Both houses face the same wind and floods,
but only the one founded on the rock remains standing.
We will all face the same challenges in our lives;
the important thing is to build a solid foundation of faith and take root before such matters arise.
在馬太福音 7 章 24-27 節中，耶穌描述了兩間房子，
—一間建造在岩石上，另一間建築在沙子上。
兩間房子都面臨同樣的大風和洪水，
但只有那根基立在磐石上的房子，還站立著。
我們都會在生活中，面臨同樣的挑戰；
重要的是，要建立牢固的信仰根基，並在事情發生之前紮下好根基。
What kind of challenges will we have to face?
我們將會面臨什麼挑戰呢？
A. External Challenges 外部困難
“Woe to the world because of offenses:
For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!”
(Mt 18:7)
7這世界有禍了，因為將人絆倒；絆倒人的事是免不了的，但那絆倒人的有禍了！
(太 18：7)
Jesus confirms that offenses are caused by people and things in the world.
These external challenges are unavoidable and may cause us to stumble.
Whatever, or whomever, these external challenges turn out to be,
we must be aware and prepared to face them.
Here are some types of external challenges we may encounter:
耶穌確認，過犯是由世上的人與事所引起的。
這些外部挑戰是不可避免的，且可能會導致我們跌倒。
無論是什麼挑戰，或者無論是誰，這些外部困難原來是，
我們必須小心，並且好好準備來面對它們。
以下是我們可能會遇到的一些外部挑戰：
1. Heresies and ideologies 異端與意識形態
We must mature and no longer be swayed by the influences of society
(Eph 4:14).
In this end time, more heresies will arise
(2 Pet 2:1),
but they will be nothing new.
They will be ideas we have heard before,
either from the Bible or from human ideology,
but tweaked slightly to make them seem like fresh revelations.
In broader society, many concepts seem good and have changed the hearts of men,
but they are not biblically founded.
我們必須長大成熟，不再受到社會的影響
（弗 4：14）。
在此末世，將會出現更多的異端
(彼後 2：1)，
但它們將不會是什麼新鮮事。
它們將是我們以前聽過的想法，
不論是來自聖經，還是人類所產生的意識形態，
只不過是想法稍作調整，以致使它們看起來像是新穎的發現。
在更加寬廣的社會裡，很多觀念看起來很不錯，已經改變了人們的內心，
但它們卻是沒有聖經的依據。
2. Temptations and deceptions 引誘與欺騙
In this world, we will face temptations of the flesh,
such as lust and greed (2 Tim 3:6; 1 Tim 6:10).
Satan will use these temptations to deceive us,
and others will play on the desires of our hearts for their own gain.
在這個世界上，我們要面對肉體的引誘，
例如慾望和貪婪（提後 3：6；提前 6：10）。
撒旦會利用這些誘惑，來欺騙我們，
有些人會為了自己的利益，而利用我們內心的慾望。
3. Evils and unrighteousness 邪惡與不義
Jesus tells us that lawlessness will increase worldwide,
causing love to decrease
(Mt 24:12).
This is manifested in how people conduct themselves.
Evil and unrighteousness abound,
and unfairness and injustice are part and parcel of life.
This is the state of the world today.
耶穌告訴我們，世界不法的行為將會增加，
以致於愛逐漸減少
（太 24：12）。
這體現在，人們自已的行為方式上。
邪惡不義比比皆是，
不公平不公正，成為生活的難以避免一部分。
這就是當今世界的狀況。
B. Internal Conflict 內在矛盾
“Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man;
but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.
…But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,
fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”
(Mt 15:11, 18–19)
11入口的不能污穢人，出口的乃能污穢人。
18惟獨出口的，是從心裡發出來的，這才污穢人。
19因為從心裡發出來的，有惡念、兇殺、姦淫、苟合、偷盜、妄證、謗讟。
(太 15：11，18-19)
When talking about cleanliness or purity,
Jesus emphasizes that it is what comes out of man’s heart that defiles him.
Whether good or bad, a person's actions are controlled by his thoughts and feelings
(Prov 4:20–27).
Our heart determines whether we are deemed acceptable in God’s eyes,
as someone who either conforms to the teachings of the Bible or the behaviors of the world.
External challenges can affect us and enter our hearts.
But at times, the conflict comes from our own heart or mind,
which is not yet fully mature.
When we allow internal conflicts to fester,
there is a danger of giving place to the devil,
of letting bitterness and anger erupt into evil speaking and sin.
Our words become corrupt and contrary to biblical standards
(Eph 4:25–31).
Here are some forms of internal conflict to be aware of:
當談論清潔純潔的時候，
耶穌強調，是因為從人心中出來的東西，玷污了他。
不管是好是壞，人的行為是由思想感情所控制的
（箴 4：20-27）。
我們的內心決定了，我們是否在神的眼中，為神所悅納，
作為一的人，不是符合聖經的教導，或是效法世界的行為。
外部的挑戰會影響我們，並且進入我們的內心。
但有時候，矛盾來自於我們自己的內心或思想，
那是因為還沒有完全成熟。
當我們容忍內心矛盾開始惡化的時候，
就會給魔鬼留地步的危險，
會讓苦毒憤怒爆發出來，成為惡言和罪惡。
我們的話語變墮落，和違背聖經的標準
（弗 4：25-31）。
以下是一些需要注意內心矛盾的形式：
1. Self-centeredness 以自我為中心
In the end time, people will become “lovers of themselves”
(2 Tim 3:1–2)
—individuals will become more self-centered.
We can see this playing out in the increase of protests, strikes, and complaints.
These may be justified but ultimately arise from discontent and self-interest.
When we are not content,
we immediately complain and challenge the situation.
As Christians, we should not be self-centered but God-centered.
Unfortunately, we are still susceptible to being self-centered,
whether we are conscious of it or not.
This could be when we dwell on a frustrating situation
or feel embarrassed or undermined by others.
到最後，人都會成為“愛自己的人”
（提後 3：1-2）
—人人會變得更加自我中心。
我們可以在抗議、罷工和客訴中，看到這一點逐漸增加。
這些事情可能是合理的，但最終是源於不滿和自身的利益。
當我們無法滿足的時候，
我們會立即抱怨，並且想要挑戰這種情況。
作為基督徒，我們不應該以自我為中心，而應該以神為中心。
不幸的是，我們仍然很容易就以自我為中心，
無論我們是否有無意識到這一點。
這可能是，當我們身陷令人沮喪的情況，
或者感到很尷尬，或是受到他人侵害的時候，就會產生這種自我中心的心態。
2. Comparative mentality 競爭心態
Why is there strife?
Because we lust for pleasures and covet what we do not have
(Jas 4:1–3).
We live in a competitive world that influences us to compare ourselves with others,
not just in physical or material terms,
but also in our achievements.
We may even look at how much honor we receive within the church compared to other brethren.
These comparisons generate pride, jealousy, and imbalanced feelings.
為什麼會有爭競呢？
因為我們貪圖享樂，覬覦自已所沒有的物品
（雅 4：1-3）。
我們生活在一個競爭激烈的世界中，世界會影響我們與他人進行比較，
不管是比較身體素質，或是物質方面，
也會比較我們的成就。
我們甚至會看看，與其他弟兄姐妹相比，自已在教會中得了多少榮耀。
這些比較會產生驕傲、嫉妒和心態失衡。
3. Insubmissive behaviors 背逆的行為
Often, when we hear something we dislike or feel challenged, we retaliate.
Sometimes we feel oppressed and bullied,
and these become our internal conflict.
However, Paul tells us we should do all things without complaining and disputing
so that we can remain blameless and shine as lights in the world
(Phil 2:14–16).
通常，當我們聽到自已不喜歡，或是受到挑戰的時候，就會進行報復。
有時我們感到被壓迫和受欺侮，
這些事會成為我們內部的衝突。
然而，保羅告訴我們，我們做一切的事情，應該都不要抱怨爭論
這樣我們才能保持清白，像世界上的光一樣閃耀
（腓 2：14-16）。
In our lives, we will face both external challenges and internal conflicts.
If we are not firmly rooted, we will be influenced
or tempted by these things, leading us to fall.
在我們的生活中，會面臨內外困難衝突。
如果沒有好好紮根，就會受到影響
或被這些事所誘惑，導致我們跌倒。
ESTABLISH OUR ROOTS 紮下根基
A. Take Root In God And His Word 紮根於神和聖經
1. God is the One and only true God 神是獨一真神
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God.”
(Jn 17:3a)
3認識你─獨一的真神，這就是永生。
(牽 17：3a)
There is only One God,
but we make the mistake of seeing God as being separate from His word.
When we listen to a sermon,
we forget that the message is the word of God
—it is from God.
God and His truth are inseparable
—we cannot say that we believe in God but disagree with parts of the Bible.
只有獨一真神，
但我們錯誤認為神與祂的話語，是分開的。
當我們聽講道的時候，
我們忘記了訊息就是神的話語，
—它來自於神。
神和真理是不能分割的，
—我們不能說，自已相信神，但不同意某些聖經的部分。
In our evangelism work,
we meet Christians from other denominations
who believe that receiving the Holy Spirit and the correct water baptism are unnecessary
—even despite the Bible’s instructions on these matters,
including words spoken by Jesus Himself.
How can they believe in Christ and not in His words?
在我們宣道的工作中，
我們遇到其他教派的基督徒，
他們認為，領受聖靈和正確的洗禮，是沒有必要的，
—即使聖經有指示這些事項，
包括耶穌親自說過的話。
他們怎麼能相信基督，而不相信祂的話語呢？
We must be careful not to fall into this trap.
If there is a biblical teaching that we cannot accept,
then we are doubting God.
How can we say that we honor and respect God
if we do not follow His instructions?
If we believe that He is the One and only true God,
we must accept that His word is the only truth.
我們必須小心，不要落入這個陷阱。
如果有我們不能接受的聖經教導，
那麼我們就是懷疑神。
我們怎麼能說，自已榮耀敬畏神，
如果我們不聽從祂的指示？
如果我們相信，祂是獨一真神，
就必須接受，祂的話語就是唯一的真理。
2. Jesus is the only Saviour 耶穌是唯一的救主
For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men,
the Man Christ Jesus,
who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
(1 Tim 2:5–6)
5因為只有一位神，在神和人中間，只有一位中保，乃是降世為人的基督耶穌；
6他捨自己作萬人的贖價，到了時候，這事必證明出來。
(提前 2：5-6)
Jesus is the only way to the Father
(Jn 14:6).
This is a teaching we need to hold on to firmly,
and it is the only way to take root and be built up in faith.
耶穌是通往天父的唯一道路
（約 14：6）。
這是我們需要牢牢緊握的教義，
這是紮根信心和建立好信仰的唯一途徑。
3. The truth is found in the one true church 獨一真教會發現真理
Through the church, God revealed mysteries hidden to previous generations
(Eph 3:5, 10).
The church is the pillar and foundation of the truth,
built upon the apostles and prophets
(1 Tim 3:15; Eph 2:19–20).
Today, when we take root in God and His word and trust in Jesus as our Saviour,
we cannot view the church as a separate entity.
Once we submit to the truth given to the church and accept baptism,
then we are grafted onto the body of Christ
(1 Cor 10:17, 12:12–13).
通過教會，神啟示了隱藏在前世的奧秘
（弗 3：5、10）。
教會是真理的柱石和根基，
建立在使徒先知之上
（提前 3：15；弗 2：19-20）。
今天，當我們在神和祂的話語中紮根，信靠耶穌作為我們的救主，
我們不能將教會，視為一個非開的實體。
一旦我們順服賜給教會的真理，並接受洗禮，
那麼我們就被移植到基督的身體之上
(林前 10：17，12：12-13)。
Therefore, the church is more than just a human organization.
Spiritually, the church is perfect because it is formed by God’s complete truth
—those who accept the truth become part of this church,
those who do not believe drift away.
If we do not take root in the truth and in Christ as our Saviour,
we will be rooted in the wrong place.
We may grow and have conviction in our beliefs,
but those beliefs will be incorrect.
Therefore, we need to renew our minds and take root in God, His word, and Christ our Saviour,
through whom we reach the Father.
On earth, Jesus Christ can only be found in the true church.
因此，教會不會僅是一個人類的組織。
在屬靈上，教會是完美的，因為它是神完備的真理所形成的，
—而接受真理的人，就成為教會的一份子，
而那些不信的人，就會漂流而去。
如果我們不紮根於真理基督，作為我們的救主，
我們將紮根於錯誤的地方。
我們就會成長，並堅信自已的信念，
但那些信念卻是不正確的。
因此，我們需要更新我們的心志，紮根於神、紮根祂的話語，和紮根於我們的救主基督，
通過基督，我們能接觸天父。
在地上，耶穌基督只能在真教會中找到。
4. The truth remains unchanged 真理保持不變
God and His word are not given to change;
they will always remain the same
(Ps 102:27, 119:89).
Today, the true church of God has received the complete truth of salvation
—we must hold on to this belief
(Eph 3:10).
If we do not take root in this understanding,
even if we serve in the church,
our foundation will be wrong and we will not grow in faith.
神和祂的話語是不會改變的；
他們將永遠保持不變
（詩 102：27、119：89）。
今日，神的真教會，已經領受了完備救恩的真理，
—我們必須堅持這個信仰
（弗 3：10）。
如果我們不紮根於這種信仰的認知，
即使我們在教會服事，
我們的根基將會是錯誤的，自已不會在信仰中成長。
B. Why Should We Take Root? 我們為何需要紮根？
1. God’s will 神的旨意
It is God’s will to reveal Himself and His truth to humankind,
and He desires for all to be saved
(1 Tim 2:4; Mt 16:17).
God chose to manifest His truth through the church
so that we all have a chance to receive and accept His salvation.
If God were not willing to reveal,
we would have no hope of finding and understanding the things of God,
regardless of how much effort we invest.
There may be things we do not yet understand,
but only through God, and by His will,
can we search deeper and discover more profound spiritual teachings
(Jn 16:13; 1 Cor 2:10–11).
這是神的旨意，向人類啟示祂自己和真理，
祂期望所有人都能得救
（提前 2：4；太 16：17）。
神選擇要通過教會，顯明祂的真理，
這樣，我們都有機會得到並領受祂的救恩。
如果神不願意顯露出來，
我們就不會有希望，去找到並理解神的事情，
無論我們花費了多少努力。
可能還有一些事情，我們都還不明白，
但只有通過神，靠著祂的旨意，
我們才能更深入的探索，和發現更深奧的屬靈教導
（約 16：13；林前 2：10-11）。
2. The Holy Spirit’s revelation 聖靈啟示
God has given us His Holy Spirit so that we can understand the things of God
(1 Cor 2:11–13).
The Holy Spirit teaches us so that we can comprehend and speak the things of God.
The Holy Spirit is not only the guarantee of our heavenly inheritance
(Eph 1:13–14)
but the One who helps us take root and grow in God’s truth.
For this reason,
we should cherish the gift of the Holy Spirit and draw closer to God through prayer and meditation.
神已將聖靈賜給我們，使我們能明白神的事
（林前 2：11-13）。
聖靈教導我們，使我們能夠理解並講述神的事情。
聖靈不僅是我們天國產業的保證
（弗 1：13-14）
而會幫助我們的救世主，讓我們在神的真理中紮根，而且成長茁壯。
因為這個理由，
我們應該珍惜聖靈的恩賜，通過禱告和思想更加靠近神。
3. God’s plan 神的計劃
God desires to reveal His truth to humankind and has bestowed the Holy Spirit
to enlighten and guide us in this endeavor,
but God has His plan and schedule for when these revelations take place.
Jesus highlighted this when He told His disciples they were blessed to see and hear things
that the ancient saints had hoped to witness
(Lk 10:23–24).
God has His timing for when His mysteries would be revealed,
and He chose His church to be the stewards of these mysteries
(1 Cor 4:1).
As the true church in the end time,
we thank God that we have received the complete gospel of salvation
and continue to deepen and clarify our understanding of His truth.
God chooses who will receive understanding
(Mt 13:11)
—if we seek with humility, through the power of the Holy Spirit,
He will enable us to comprehend His truth
(1 Cor 1:26–31, 2:13–16).
神想要向人類顯露祂的真理，並且賜下聖靈，
在這屬靈的事上，啟發指導我們，
但對於這些啟示發生的時間，神有祂自已的計劃和時間表。
當耶穌強調這一點，祂告訴門徒，他們是很幸運的，可以看見和聽到這些事，
而這些事是古聖徒所盼望，想要見證的
（路 10：23-24）。
神有他的時機，來揭露祂的奧秘，
祂揀選教會，做為這些奧秘的管家
（林前 4：1）。
作為末世的真教會，
感謝神，我們已經領受了完備救贖的福音，
並繼續加深明白，我們對祂的真理的認知。
神選擇的人，就會了解
（太 13：11）
—如果我們謙卑尋找，藉著聖靈的力量，
祂會讓我們明白祂的真理
(林前 1：26-31, 2：13-16)。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯
