14. Manna issue 92 - Be Rooted In Christ (Part 3)_Bear Fruit In Christ 紮根基督(第三回) 基督裡結果
Michael Chan—Leicester, UK 英國萊斯特 Michael Chan
Mature faith overcomes all things
—it remains steadfast in the face of temptation and trials.
A mature faith even thrives and bears fruit through trials.
How can we overcome the obstacles to our growth to cultivate such a victorious faith?
成熟的信心勝過一切，
—面對誘惑和考驗，它仍然堅定不移。
成熟的信心甚至還會於試煉中茂盛成長，並結出果實。
我們要怎樣才能克服成長的障礙，培養出這樣得勝的信心呢？
OBSTACLES TO OUR GROWTH 成長的障礙
Sometimes we feel distant from God,
as though many things are standing between Him and us.
There will always be obstacles hindering us from drawing near or fully worshipping God.
Here are a few areas where difficulties can arise:
有時候，我們覺得遠離了神，
就好像有很多東西，阻擋在祂和我們之間。
總是會有障礙，阻撓我們親近神，或是全心全意敬拜神。
以下是一些有可能出現困難的區域：
A. The Environment 環境
We could be affected by different issues that come with our circumstances
(Mt 13:20–22).
We could face poverty, illness, unemployment,
or a work situation that conflicts with our Christian status.
These factors may or may not be within our control,
but they can stop us from drawing close to God.
我們可能會受到自已環境，不同問題的影響
（太 13：20-22）。
我們可能面臨貧困、疾病、失業，
或是與我們基督徒身份，有所衝突的工作環境。
這些因素可能會，或是可能不會在我們的控制範圍之內，
但它們卻可以阻止我們親近神。
B. The Self 自我
Although we like to think of ourselves as rational beings,
humans are governed by our emotions.
Our actions and outlook are influenced
by whether we are happy, angry, or sad at any given moment
(Prov 4:23).
If we do not feel like obeying God’s word
or do not enjoy worshipping God,
are we able to deny ourselves?
儘管我們喜歡，將自己視為理性的存在，
而人類卻是受自已的情緒所支配。
我們的行動和看法則受到影響，
基於任何特定時刻，我們是快樂、憤怒還是悲傷
（箴 4：23）。
如果我們不想聽從神的話，
或是不喜歡敬拜神，
我們是否能自己否認呢？
C. Relationships with Others 朋友關係
If there is hatred and antagonism between ourselves and another,
there is a barrier preventing us from drawing close to God
(Mt 5:22–24).
Sadly, conflicts may arise between brethren
when there are misunderstandings or disagreements,
which can escalate to the point where one party stops coming to church for a time.
We may even become so angry with someone
that we do not feel like praying or worshipping in God’s house.
如果我們與他人之間，有仇恨和敵意，
就會有一道屏障，阻止我們親近神
（太 5：22-24）。
可悲的是，當有誤解或是意見不合的時候，
弟兄之間可能會發生衝突，
這事件可能會導致衝突升級，直到有一方停止來教會一段時間。
我們甚至可能對某人很生氣，
以致於自已不想待在神的家中，祈禱或敬拜。
HOLDING FAST TO OUR FAITH 堅守信仰
Many biblical characters held on to their faith in God,
despite undergoing great sorrow and suffering.
One example is Hannah.
Every year, she would go to Shiloh with her family
to offer sacrifices and worship God
(1 Sam 1).
But Peninnah would use these trips as opportunities
to mock Hannah for being childless.
So each time Hannah went to worship God,
the occasion would be tainted with sorrow and humiliation.
If every Sabbath we returned home from church distressed and in tears,
would we be able to endure and continue attending weekly worship?
Though Hannah must have anticipated these attacks,
she faithfully made the yearly pilgrimage to worship God.
許多聖經人物堅守神的信仰，
儘管經歷了巨大的悲傷和痛苦。
有一個例子是哈拿。
每年，她都會和家人一起去示羅，
獻祭和敬拜神
(撒上 1)。
但是，毗尼拿會利用這些旅行的機會，
來嘲笑哈拿沒有孩子。
所以每次哈拿去敬拜神的時候，
這個場合將會抹上一股悲傷和屈辱的色彩。
如果每個安息日，我們從教會回家時都帶著悲傷和眼淚，
我們是否能忍受下來，並繼續參加每週的禮拜呢？
雖然哈拿一定猜到了這些攻擊，
她虔誠地進行年度的朝聖活動，去敬拜神。
Another example is Job.
For most people, it would be devastating to go through bankruptcy
and lose everything they own.
But if they have their health and a loving family,
they can rebuild meaningful lives.
Losing a child is much harder to accept and move on from,
no matter how long we had them in our lives.
We may think facing chronic illness would be easier,
but we know from experience
that even a minor infection can have us begging to return to full health.
另一個例子是約伯。
對於大多數人來說，破產將是毀滅巨大的，
並且失去了他們擁有的一切。
但是如果他們保有自已健康，和一個充滿慈愛的家庭，
他們就可以重建有意義的生活。
失去孩子更加令人難接受，並且還要從其中跳脫出來繼續前進，
無論我們在生活中擁有它們多久。
我們可能認為面對慢性病會更容易，
但我們從經驗中知道
即使是輕微的感染也會讓我們乞求恢復健康。
Job lost all his possessions, his children, and his health.
He did not only lose one child but ten children and their families.
The boils so deformed his face that his friends did not recognize him.
These were unbearable trials, but Job held on to his faith.
He did not sin, even when his wife tried to provoke him.
It was not that he felt no sorrow or physical suffering,
but Job knew he could not sin against God.
約伯失去了他所有的財產、他的孩子和他的健康。
他不是只有失去一個孩子，而是失去了十個孩子，還有孩子他們的家庭。
面部生瘡使他的臉部變形，以至於他的朋友都認不出他了。
這些都是令人難以忍受的考驗，但是約伯卻堅持他的信仰。
即使他的妻子試圖激怒他，他也沒有犯罪。
並不是他沒有感到悲傷，或是身體上沒有痛苦，
但約伯知道，他不能得罪神。
How can we, like these characters, hold on to our faith
while facing trials and obstacles to our growth?
當我們面對自已成長的考驗和障礙時，
我們要如何，才能像這些人物一樣，堅持我們自已的信仰？
A. Faith, Not Feelings 信仰，沒有感覺
If we are truly rooted and growing spiritually,
then our environment, our selves,
and our relationships will not prevent us from drawing close to God.
Faith is not dependent on feelings,
and our emotions will not take precedent in our practice of the truth.
If we constantly dwell on and plant our roots in our feelings,
we will not see how God is trying to strengthen us, and we will not grow.
如果我們有真正紮根，並且靈性成長，
那麼，我們的環境，我們自己，我們的人際關係
就不會阻擋我們親近神。
信仰不是依靠感覺，
在我們實踐真理時，我們的情緒不會那麼重要。
如果我們一直專注，並紮根自已的感受，
我們將看不到，神想要如何加強我們，我們也不會有所成長。
B. Be Constantly Filled by the Holy Spirit 一直聖靈充滿
We should not pray to be momentarily filled by the Holy Spirit
when we occasionally need Him.
We should not only seek Him when we feel weak.
We should pray to be constantly filled by the Spirit,
to transform our behavior and character.
If we only desire the spiritual “feeling” of being filled by the Spirit,
our roots will be shallow.
One powerful prayer will not inspire and sustain us to keep doing God’s will,
to preach and be faithful to His word,
especially when we face troubles
and can no longer feel that special feeling.
Can we be like Daniel’s three friends,
who remained faithful in the face of certain death,
even though there were no signs from God that He would save them
(Dan 3:16–18)?
當我們偶爾才需要他的時候，
不應該只求暫時被聖靈充滿。
我們不應該只有軟弱時，才尋求祂。
我們應該祈求不斷被聖靈充滿，
來改變我們的行為和性格。
如果我們只想要那被聖靈充滿的屬靈“感覺”，
我們的根將會很膚淺。
若只有一次很有力的祈禱，並不會激勵支持我們繼續遵行神的旨意，
能出去宣道，並虔誠遵守祂的話語，
尤其是當我們遇到困難的時候，
再也感受不到那種特別的感動。
我們能不能像但以理的三個朋友一樣，
即使面對某種程度的死亡威脅，仍然保持忠誠，
即使神沒有任何神蹟出現，表示神會拯救他們
（但 3：16-18）？
Today, we need to reflect on whether we are submitting to the Holy Spirit in our everyday life
and doing everything to be acceptable to God.
When we live to please God,
we can be reassured that God is with us
(Phil 2:13).
今日，我們需要反思，自已是否在日常生活中，有順服聖靈，
並且一切行為舉止，都為神所悅納。
當我們活著時，能取悅神，
我們才可以放心，神與我們同在
（腓立比書 2：13）。
C. Faith Is the Core of Life 信仰是生活的核心
Our faith should be the core and most important aspect of our lives.
However, we often treat it as a supplement
to tap into when encountering problems or needs.
We see it as just another thing
to juggle and prioritize our other responsibilities above it.
For example, we may see our education as the core of our life
and only pray to God for academic success.
We may decline church work assignments
when we have exams and even miss Sabbath worship to revise.
This shows that education has replaced God as the center of our lives,
and faith is merely a supplement.
我們的信仰，應該是生活的核心和最重要的地方。
但是，我們經常把它當作一種附加的事情，
是遇到問題或是有需要的時候，才進行探尋。
我們認為這只是另一件事情，
能同時兼顧，並且優先考慮的其他責任大於信仰。
例如，我們可能將教育視為自已生活的核心
並只會向神祈求學業順利。
當我們有考試，甚至會錯過安息日聚會來複習
就可能會拒絕教會聖工的指派。
這表明了，教育已經取代神，成為我們生活的中心，
而信仰只是一種額外附加之物。
If faith is truly our core,
we will invest time and effort into other aspects of our lives
—our family, career, or passions
—but we would never compromise
or neglect our worship and relationship with God.
We would continue to practice God’s commands,
as faithful as ever.
Our faith will no longer crumble or be lost in the face of adversity
—it will be the thing that we hold firmly to keep us afloat.
如果信仰真的是我們的核心，
我們會將時間和精力，投入到生活的其他層面，
—我們的家庭、事業或愛好之上，
—但我們絕不會妥協，
或忽視自已敬拜和與神的關係。
我們將會繼續實行神的誡命，
永遠保持虔誠。
面對逆境的時候，自已的信心不會再崩塌或是迷失，
—這將是我們堅定不移地生存下去的核心。
COMFORT IN THE TIME OF CALAMITIES 災難時刻的安慰
As we undergo challenges and hold fast to our faith,
God does not expect us to grit our teeth
and carry on through sheer determination of will.
God knows that we need encouragement and strength
to keep us going during painful times.
If we have faith in His good will for us,
God will comfort us and help us to grow.
當我們遇到困難，並堅守自已的信仰時，
神不希望我們咬緊牙關，
並全憑意志決心繼續下去。
神知道我們需要鼓勵和力量，
在痛苦的時刻，幫我們繼續前進。
如果我們相信神對我們良善的旨意，
神會安慰我們，幫助我們成長。
A. God Gives His Beloved Sleep 神賜給疼愛的人安眠
In times of trouble,
the fear and anxiety churning within us can make us lose sleep.
But when we fully entrust our lives to God,
we find that we sleep peacefully,
just like Jesus and Peter did when they were in dangerous situations
(Mt 8:24; Acts 12:6, 7, 9; Ps 127:2).
If we can let things go and allow God full control,
our hearts will be calm when trouble comes.
This is not apathy
—we will still care and be affected by the ups and downs of life.
But if we can still our hearts and find peace during trials,
we know that we have grown in faith
(Isa 26:3).
在困難的時候，
我們內心湧動著的恐懼焦慮，讓我們失眠。
但當我們將生命完全託付給神的時候，
我們發現，自已睡得很安穩，
就像耶穌和彼得，在危險的情況時所做的那樣
（太 8：24；徒 12：6，7，9；詩 127：2）。
如果我們可以把事情放手，讓神完全掌控，
當困難來臨時，我們的內心就能平靜。
這不是漠不關心，
—我們仍然會關心，且受到生活起起落落的影響。
但如果在試煉中，我們能靜下心來，找到平安，
我們知道，自已的信仰有成長
（賽 26：3）。
B. Seek to Comfort, Not to Be Comforted 尋求機會安慰人，不等待別人安慰
It is natural to seek comfort when facing difficulties,
but can we momentarily look past our troubles and comfort others?
If we are growing, we will be ready to encourage and support others in need,
no matter what we are going through at the time
(Acts 20:35).
We hear testimonies of brothers and sisters suffering from terminal illnesses
who continue to comfort others.
Instead of expressing sorrow,
they encourage their fellow brethren and co-workers
to serve the Lord faithfully.
These are examples of people who are deeply rooted and growing in Jesus.
遇到困難時候，自然而然會想要尋求安慰，
但我們能否暫時拋開自已的煩惱，去安慰別人呢？
如果我們有成長，將會準備好鼓勵和幫助有需要的人，
無論我們當時正在面臨什麼情況
（徒 20：35）。
我們聽到身患絕症弟兄姊妹的見證，
他們可以繼續去安慰別人。
反而沒有流露出悲傷，
他們鼓勵教會同靈和同工
要忠心事奉主。
這些都是例子，他們能在耶穌裡深入紮根，而有所成長的人。
C. Show Concern for Others 關心別人
Showing concern for others is more relevant today,
during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
or any other collective crisis and catastrophe.
Individually, we have experienced different levels and forms of stress and uncertainty.
Government restrictions and social distancing measures have severely impacted our lives,
and the combination of these factors has created a mental health crisis.
But some have been able to look beyond their suffering
and show concern for others
(Phil 2:30).
If we are spiritually mature,
we will put our worries aside to reach out to our brothers and sisters,
both near and far, to see how they are doing.
今日，持續於新冠疫情期間，
或其他任何其他集體面臨的危機和災難，
表達出關心別人的作為，則更加有意義。
就個人而言，我們感覺到不同程度和形式的壓力和不確定性。
政府的限制和社交距離的措施，嚴重影響了我們的生活，
這些的因素結合在一起，形成了心理的健康危機。
但是有些人的眼光，已經能夠超越他們的痛苦
而去關心別人
（腓 2：30）。
如果我們的靈命成熟，
我們會放下憂慮，向我們的兄弟姐妹伸出援手，
無論遠近，去關心他們的生活情如何。
GROWTH THROUGH TRIALS 試煉中成長
There are examples in the Bible of people firmly rooted in God’s word,
who reached a spiritual maturity level that overcame their circumstances.
They did not wait for times of peace to cultivate themselves,
and instead, they served God faithfully during great persecution.
Even when they knew their remaining time on earth would be short,
they did not complain or question
but used the opportunity to write their prophecies, testimonies, and encouragements
for the benefit of the church.
聖經中有很多人，牢牢紮根於神話語的例子，
他們屬靈的程度達到成熟，可以克服環境。
他們沒有等到太平盛世時，來靈修自己，
相反的，他們於大迫害期間，虔誠事奉神。
即使他們知道，自已世上剩餘的時間會很短，
他們沒有抱怨質疑
反而利用這個機會，寫下他們的預言、見證和鼓勵
讓教會可以得到好處。
A. Peter: Grasp Every Opportunity 彼得：把握每次機會
When Peter wrote his second epistle,
he knew that he would die soon
(2 Pet 1:12–21).
What would we do if we knew that we would be imminently “putting off our tent”?
Jesus had already told Peter that he would die an unpleasant and violent death
(Jn 21:18–19).
He would be persecuted,
but his death would bring glory to God.
Nonetheless, he wrote:
當彼得寫下第二封書信的時候，
他知道，自已很快就會死去
(彼後 1：12-21)。
如果我們知道，自已我們即將“脫下自已的帳篷”，我們會做什麼事呢？
耶穌已經告訴彼得，他將會痛苦橫死
（約 21：18-19）。
他會受迫害，
但他的死亡，會給神帶來榮耀。
儘管如此，他卻寫道：
I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent,
to stir you up by reminding you.
…Moreover I will be careful to ensure
that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.
(2 Pet 1:13–15)
13我以為應當趁我還在這帳棚的時候提醒你們，激發你們。
15並且，我要盡心竭力，使你們在我去世以後時常記念這些事。
(彼後 1：13-15)
Peter continued to encourage the brethren,
ensuring that his testimony would remain after his demise.
彼得繼續鼓勵弟兄姐妹，
確保他的見証死後仍然保留。
Today, do we put off serving God
when we have time and a degree of material comfort?
As we grow older and gain more responsibilities in life,
we should grasp every opportunity
to cultivate ourselves, seek God’s pleasure, and encourage others,
no matter our circumstances.
今天，當我們時間充足，擁有一定程度的物質享受，
我們有沒有拖延事奉神，？
隨著我們年齡的增長，生活中承擔的責任越來越多，
我們應該抓住每個機會，
靈修自己，尋求神的喜悅，鼓勵別人，
無論我們的環境情況如何。
B. Paul: Unbound by Circumstances 保羅：不受環境捆綁
Paul endured several stretches in prison and house arrest.
If he ever felt a moment of sadness or frustration about being in chains,
we never see any sign of it.
When he and Silas were imprisoned,
they spent their time singing and praying
(Acts 16:25).
Physically, they were in prison,
but spiritually, through faith, they were free.
Another time, Paul explained to Timothy that,
though he was in chains, the word of God is not chained
(2 Tim 2:9).
This is why Paul wrote many letters while under house arrest
(Eph 6:20).
有好幾次時間，保羅忍受被監禁和軟禁。
如果他曾經因為捆綁，而感到悲傷沮喪，
我們卻從未看到任何跡象。
當他和西拉被監禁時，
他們利用時間唱詩禱告
（徒 16：25）。
身體上，他們關在監獄裡，
但在精神上，因為有信心，他們是自由自在的。
還有一次，保羅向提摩太解釋說，
他雖被捆鎖，神的話語卻沒有受到束縛
（提後 2：9）。
這就是為什麼，在軟禁期間保羅寫了很多書信
（弗 6：20）。
Today, we may not physically be in prison,
but we may feel bound by our circumstances.
During periods of complete lockdown,
youths may feel locked out of employment,
and parents may feel imprisoned by the constant grind of childcare and homeschool duties,
on top of working from home.
Like in prison,
we lose our liberty and are forced into a position not of our choosing.
Would we feel discouraged,
or would we use this as an opportunity to grow in Christ?
今日，我們可能沒有身陷牢獄，
但我們可能感覺，自已受到環境的束縛。
在完全鎖城期間，
年輕人可能會覺得沒有工作機會，
父母可能會因為照護子女和在家教會職責的日常工作打擾，而覺得受到監禁，
並且還要在家工作。
就像身處監獄裡，
我們失去了自由，被迫陷於不能自已選擇的處境。
我們會不會感到灰心呢，
還是我們會以此為契機，好好在基督裡成長？
Paul chose the latter
—he could no longer travel to preach,
so he took this opportunity to write.
His letters were sources of encouragement for the believers
and formed a crucial portion of the New Testament,
edifying and enlightening countless souls throughout history.
Today, thanks to Paul’s prison epistles,
we have a clearer understanding of our belief and the doctrines of God.
保羅選擇了好好成長，
—他不能再去旅行傳教，
所以他藉此機會寫作。
他的書信，是許多信徒得到鼓勵的來源，
並形成了新約聖經的重要部分，
經由歷史長河的前進，造就無數的靈魂，讓他們有所領悟。
今天，感謝保羅的監獄書信，
我們對自己的信仰與神的教義，有了更清晰的認識。
C. John: Higher Spiritual Ground 約翰：更高的屬靈之地
John’s life also ended in dire circumstances.
He was persecuted and exiled to the island of Patmos as a criminal.
But it was here
that God chose to reveal to John His mysteries and visions of things to come,
which John recorded as the Book of Revelation
(Rev 1:9).
When we are going through difficulties,
it is not uncommon for God to reveal His will and help us learn from the experience.
約翰的生命也以悲慘的情況結束。
他被迫害，流放到拔摩海島，如罪犯一樣。
但就在這裡，
神選擇向約翰啟示，許多神未來事物的奧秘和異象，
而約翰記載下來，成為聖經經卷啟示錄
（啟 1：9）。
當我們遇到困難的時候，
神啟示祂的旨意，並幫助我們從經驗中學習的情況，並不少見。
All three of these apostles faced calamity,
but they did not seek comfort or freedom;
instead, they accepted and made use of their respective situations.
They recorded what they received from God to educate, encourage, and edify the members.
Today, if we desire to take root in Christ, His church, and the truth,
we need to respond positively to challenges and constraints.
If our behavior and mindset do not align with the Bible’s requirements,
we must change and root ourselves deeper in God’s word.
這三個使徒都會面臨災難，
但是他們並沒有尋求安慰或自由；
相反的，他們接受了各自的情況，並加以好好利用。
他們記錄了從神那裡所得到的教訓，以教育、鼓勵及造就信徒。
今天，如果我們渴望紮根在基督裡、紮根於祂的教會和紮根在真理中，
就需要積極應對困難和制約的因素。
如果我們的行為和心態，不符合聖經的要求，
就必須改變自己，讓自已更深地紮根在神的話語中。
CONCLUSION 結論
Taking root and growing in the Lord is not simply a thought or an abstract idea
—it must be accomplished with practical and attainable steps.
It is God’s will for every one of us to be firmly established in Him.
But most importantly, we must be rooted and spiritually thriving
to prosper the work of God and edify those around us,
so we can all be built up in Christ
(Eph 4:11–17).
So, let us reflect:
How deeply rooted am I in the truth?
How strong is my faith?
Am I able to defend our beliefs?
And do I have unwavering trust in God,
no matter what I encounter?
在主裡生根長大，不是簡單的想法，或是抽象的概念
—它必須通過切實可行的步驟來完成。
神的旨意是，我們每一個人要在祂裡面堅守信仰。
但最重要的是，我們必須紮根，並在屬靈上蓬勃發展，
能興旺神的工作，來造就我們周圍的人，
這樣我們大家，都能建立在基督裡，
（弗 4：11-17）。
那麼，讓我們反省一下：
我自已紮根真理有多深？
我的信仰有多堅強？
我是否能捍衛自已的信仰呢？
我是否對神有堅定不移的信心，
不管我遇到什麼事情？
God is with us and will never leave those who do His will.
So let us not be troubled, whatever befalls us,
as God’s promises never fail.
We will be as a fruitful tree through faith in God, planted by the waters
(Ps 1:3; Jer 17:8).
神與我們同在，永遠不會離開那些遵行祂旨意的人。
無論什麼事情發生在我們身上，所以我們不要煩惱，
因為神的應許永遠不會落空。
因為相信神，我們就會像是一棵結果子的樹，栽在溪水：
（詩 1：3；耶 17：8）。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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