3. Manna issue 97 - God's Word and I 神的話語與我
Boaz—Malaysia 馬來西亞
According to Guinness World Records,
the Christian Bible is the best-selling book of all time,
with over five billion copies published over the 1,500 years
since its content was standardized.[1]
By the end of the twentieth century,
the Bible had been translated into nearly 325 languages,
with parts of it translated into 1,800 other languages.[2]
However, the Bible's broad distribution is inexplicable
when we consider the consistent opposition and eradication attempts it has faced throughout history.
根據金氏世界紀錄，
基督教聖經是有史以來最暢銷的書籍，
在 1500 年間，已經出版超過 50 億本，
自其內容統一開始。 [1]
到了 20 世紀末，
聖經已被翻譯成將近 325 種語言，
其中部分內容已翻譯成 1800 種其他語言。 [2]
然而，當我們想到聖經在歷史上所面臨持續的反對和消滅的企圖時，
它如此廣泛的傳播就讓人難以理解了。
The phenomenal preservation and dissemination of the Bible
attest to its significant impact on its readers.
Along with the cohesiveness of its message,
despite having multifarious contributors from across time, place, and socio-political backdrops,
this proves that the Bible is indeed the word of God,
written through His inspiration (2 Tim 3:16).
The Bible's authors describe God's word as having life and power
(Jn 6:63; Lk 1:37).
Some hold it so dear
that they have risked their lives to continue reading, possessing, printing, and sharing the Bible
under the threat of persecution.
聖經非凡的保存和傳播之廣，
證明了它對讀者深遠的影響。
雖然聖經有各種不同時代，不同地域，不同社會政治背景的文章作者，
但其訊息卻保持高度的凝聚力，
這點證明了聖經確實是神的話語，
是神所默示寫下的
(提後 3：16)。
很多聖經的作者描寫神的話語充滿生命和能力
(約 6：63；路 1：37)。
有些人很珍惜聖經，
以至於他們會冒著自已生命的危險，在迫害的威脅下，
仍然堅持研讀，保有，印刷和分享聖經。
Despite its esteemed status,
we may find that the Bible's message does not resonate with us.
We may wonder, "What good is the Bible to me?"
Ironically, this thought process has been described in the Scriptures:
"Those who are well have no need of a physician"
(Mt 9:12b).
If we have no need for the guidance of God's word,
then naturally, we will not see how the Bible is relevant to us.
儘管聖經享有崇高的地位，
我們卻可能發現，聖經的訊息並沒有引起我們的共鳴。
我們可能會想：“聖經對我有什麼益處？”
諷刺的是，聖經中描述了這種思考的過程：
“12康健的人用不著醫生，”
(太 9：12b)。
如果我們不需要神話語的指引，
那麼自然的，我們就不會明白聖經與我們有什麼相關。
SPIRITUAL SICKNESS 屬靈的軟弱
If a person is sick but cannot see the symptoms of his illness,
it does not mean he is well.
Similarly, an inability to see the need for a physician
does not mean that a physician is unneeded.
The truth is, today, we are all afflicted with an illness
that stems from the emptiness in our hearts,
which is symptomatic of the human race turning away from God and towards sin.
Since there is no God in our hearts, there is a void.
In order to fill this void,
we constantly strive with all our strength for something that will fill the void
and become a substitute for “God” in our hearts
(Ps 16:4).
That something differs from person to person
—some pursue knowledge, art, love, money, or fame.
Nevertheless, paradoxically, the more we try to fill the void,
the greater it grows
(Eccl 1:7–8, 14).
如果一個人生病了，卻看不到疾病的症狀，
這並不代表他的身體好了。
同樣的，若看不到需要看醫生，
並代表不需要有醫生。
事實是，今日我們都飽受一種疾病的折磨，
那是源自於自已內心的空虛，
而正是人類遠離神，走向罪惡的徵兆。
由於我們心中沒有神，所以存在空虛，。
為了填補這空虛，
我們不斷竭盡全力追求某些可以填補這空虛的事物，
並成為我們內心之“神”替代物
(詩 16：4)。
這種追求因人而異，
—有些人追求知識，藝術，愛，金錢或名聲。
然而，矛盾的是，我們越是試圖填補這空虛，
它就越加生長
(傳 1：7-8，14)。
This malaise can be exacerbated by external factors.
The world is chaotic, and much of life is fundamentally out of our control;
regret, sorrow, and dissatisfaction are part and parcel of the human condition.
These feelings, if unprocessed, can manifest as anxiety and depressive disorders
(Prov 12:25).
The World Health Organization estimates
that approximately five percent of the world's adult population suffers from depression
(not including the myriad of other anxiety disorders),
and more than 700,000 people commit suicide annually,
with the number growing with each passing year.[3]
這種不適感可能會因外在因素而惡化。
這個世界很混亂，生活許多事情基本上都不受我們掌控；
後悔，悲傷和不滿是人類生活中密不可分的一部分。
若不加以處理，這些情緒可能會展現為焦慮及憂鬱症
(箴 12：25)。
世界衛生組織估計，
全球成年人口約有 5% 患有憂鬱症
(不包括其他各種的焦慮症)，
每年有超過 70 萬人自殺，
而且這個數字還在逐年增加。 [3]
The methods we use to ease our inner discomfort
—whether or not it rises to the classification of mental illness
—may not always lead to positive outcomes.
For example, we seek comfort and escape
in the alternative realities of entertainment, games, and the virtual world.
However, media platforms, smartphones, and social media algorithms
are designed to trigger our most basic psychological, behavioral, and neurological impulses,
causing us to become unhealthily dependent or addicted to them.
It has been estimated that 400 million people worldwide suffer from internet addiction,
which is defined by compulsive and continued use despite harmful consequences.[4] [5]
我們用來緩解自已內心不適的方法，
—無論它的產生是否被歸類為精神疾病，
—並非總能帶來正面的結果。
例如，我們會尋求慰藉和逃避，
選擇在娛樂，遊戲和虛擬世界的另類現實中。
然而，媒體平台，智慧型手機和社群媒體演算法，
被設計來觸發我們最基本的心理，行為和神經衝動，
導致我們對它們產生不健康的依賴或上癮。
據估計，全球有 4 億人出現網路成癮，
這種疾病的定義是有強迫性的持續使用，儘管存在有害的後果，。 [4] [5]
"Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord GOD,
"That I will send a famine on the land,
Not a famine of bread,
Nor a thirst for water,
But of hearing the words of the LORD."
(Amos 8:11)
11主耶和華說：日子將到，
我必命饑荒降在地上。
人飢餓非因無餅，
乾渴非因無水，
乃因不聽耶和華的話。
(摩 8：11)
Through the prophet Amos, the Bible prophesied our modern predicament
—that even those living in abundance and privilege are deeply dissatisfied and anxious.
This is because we are deprived of the word of God, whether by choice or otherwise.
Only when we realize that the emptiness within
stems from the absence of God's word in our lives
will we perceive our infirmity and need for Jesus the Physician.
藉著先知阿摩司，聖經預言了我們現代的困境
─即使是那些生活富足，享有特權的人，也會深感不滿和焦慮。
這是因為我們脫離了神的話語，無論是出於自願還是其他原因。
只有當我們意識到自已內心的空虛，
源自於我們生活中缺乏神的話語，
我們才會察覺到自己的軟弱，需要耶穌這位醫生。
Jesus said,
"Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God"
(Mt 4:4b).
God's word is closely related to our existence as living beings.
God's breath imbued man with a living spirit
(Gen 2:7).
His breath also inspired and formed the Bible,
the word of life:
"All Scripture is breathed out by God"
(2 Tim 3:16a, ESV).[6]
Since both man and the Bible are formed by the same breath,
they share the same essence.
Therefore, to nurture our inner spirit, we must feed on God’s word.
耶穌說：
“4人活著，不是單靠食物，
乃是靠神口裡所出的一切話。”
(太 4：4b)
作為活物，神的話語與我們個體的存在息息相關。
神的氣息賦予人活靈。
(創 2：7)
神的氣息也啟示並編成了聖經，
－生命的話語：
“16聖經都是神所默示的(或作：凡神所默示的聖經)”
(提後 3：16a，ESV)[6]
既然人與聖經兩者都是由同一氣息而出的，
它們擁有相同的本質。
因此，若要滋養自已內心的靈命，我們必須餵養神的話語。
SPIRITUAL HEALTH 靈命健康
Our physical health is clinically assessed through various instruments and metrics,
with cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels
being three key health indicators routinely monitored.
Similarly, we can examine three aspects of our spirituality
—the spirit, soul, and body
(1 Thess 5:23)
—to evaluate our spiritual health.
This spiritual health check assesses how close we are to God
and how aligned we are to His word and the likeness of Christ.
我們的身體健康狀況可以透過各種儀器和指標進行臨床評估，
其中有膽固醇，血壓和血糖水平，
是三大常規監測的關鍵健康指標。
同樣的，我們可以檢視自已靈命的三個面向
－精神，靈魂和身體
(帖前 5：23)
－來評估自已靈命的健康。
這項靈性健康檢查評估我們如何與神親近的程度，
以及我們如何與祂的話語及基督的樣式的符合。
Spirit 聖靈
A conscience that cannot discern between truth and falsehood, between right and wrong,
is a sick spirit.
The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD,
Searching all the inner depths of his heart.
(Prov 20:27)
良心若無法分辨真假，善惡，
就是一種生病的心靈。
27人的靈是耶和華的燈，
鑒察人的心腹。
(箴 20：27)
According to this verse, the conscience acts as a lamp,
scrutinizing our innermost thoughts and secret actions,
revealing whether they are right or wrong.
Hence, when we do something wrong,
our conscience is pricked,
spurring us to confess and repent.
根據這節經文，良心就像一盞燈，
詳細檢視自已內心深處的想法和隱密的行為，
顯露出它們是對還是錯。
因此，當我們做錯事時，
我們的良心就會刺痛，
促使我們認罪悔改。
However, in our weakness,
we sometimes ignore our conscience
and make excuses for doing what we should not, or vice versa.
Each time we allow ourselves to do so,
it becomes easier to disregard our inner moral compass.
Through this repeated pattern of behavior,
our conscience gradually becomes desensitized towards doing wrong.
Hence, an unresponsive conscience is a sign of a sick spirit.
然而，由於我們的軟弱，
我們有時會無視自已的良心，
為自已不該做的事情找藉口，反之亦然。
每當我們允許自己這樣做時，
那就更容易去忽略自已內心的道德準則。
透過這種重複的行為模式，
我們的良心逐漸對惡行變得麻木不仁。
因此，良心遲鈍就是內心生病的徵兆。
Normalizing sin prevents our conscience from functioning as it should,
like seared skin losing its sensitivity
(1 Tim 4:2).
The process is similar to forming callouses on our hands and feet.
Skin subject to constant friction will form a thick layer of dead tissue to protect itself.
When we experience the continuous pricking of our conscience,
we soothe ourselves and ignore the feeling of guilt,
developing a thick spiritual callous over time.
We become numb to sin, unable to distinguish right from wrong, and deaf to good advice.
Like Pharoah's heart, our heart becomes hard when hearing God's warnings
(Ex 7:13, 22, 8:19, 9:12, 35).
正常化罪行會阻礙自已的良心正常運作，
就像燒焦的皮膚會失去敏感性
(提前 4：2)。
這個過程就類似我們手腳長出老繭。
皮膚由於不斷受摩擦，就會形成一層厚厚的死皮來保護自己。
當我們的良心不斷被刺痛時，
我們就會安慰自己，而忽略內疚感，
久而久之，就會形成一層厚厚屬靈的老繭。
我們對罪變得麻木，無法分辨是非，且拒絕聽取忠言。
就像法老的心一樣，我們內心神的警告時，還是變得剛硬
(出 7：13，22，8：19，9：12，35)。
Indeed, the heart of man is exceedingly deceitful
(Jer 17:9).
The various excuses and lies we use to justify our wrongs come from within.
Since sin entered the world, humanity has lived under its sway
(Rom 5:12).
Living in a fallen world, man is naturally inclined towards sin, becoming enslaved to sin.
We need only look around to see the inherent sinfulness of human nature.
的確，人心極度詭詐
(耶 17：9)。
我們用各種藉口和謊言來合理化自己的源自於內心。
自從罪入世界以來，人類就一直活在罪的影響之下
(羅 5：12)。
生活在墮落的世界裡，人自然傾向犯罪，成為罪的奴隸。
我們只要環顧四周，就能看到人性天生的罪性。
So, how do we return the spirit to a healthy state, able to discern right from wrong?
We must rely on the Lord, who searches the heart and tests the mind
(Jer 17:10),
and be cleansed by the blood of Christ from the guilt of our past sins
(Heb 9:14).
Through the Holy Spirit, our slumbering conscience is awakened,
and our hard hearts are replaced by a heart of flesh,
able to sense the pricking of our conscience
(Ezek 36:26).
那麼，我們該如何使心靈恢復健康，能夠明辨是非呢？
我們必須倚靠耶和華，祂鑒察人心，試驗人肺腑
(耶 17：10)，
並靠著基督的寶血洗淨我們過去的罪孽
(來 9：14)。
藉著聖靈，我們沉睡的良心得以喚醒，
用肉心取代我們的硬心，
能夠感受到自已良心的刺痛
(結 36：26)。
As part of this spiritual transformation and renewal,
the word of God acts as the guide and standard against which we measure ourselves
to ensure we are on the right track
(Rom 2:15).
Like a mirror, God's word shows us our actual spiritual state,
whether or not we are doers of the word, practicing the perfect law of liberty
(Jas 1:22–25).
Going deeper than our outward behavior,
God's word can also be a scalpel,
dissecting between soul and spirit to expose the heart's deepest intention
and removing the hidden diseases that evade our self-examination
(Heb 4:12–13; Ps 19:12).
作為這種靈命轉變和更新的一部分，
神的話語是我們衡量自己的指引和標準，
以確保我們走在正確的道路上
(羅 2：15)。
神的話語如同鏡子，向我們顯明自已真實屬靈的狀態，
無論我們是否遵行神的話語，是否實踐了這使人自由的完美律法
(雅 1：22-25)。
神的話語比我們外在的行為更深入，
它也可以像一把手術刀，
剖開魂與靈，顯露內心最深的想法，
並除去那些逃避我們自我省察的隱密疾病
(來 4：12-13；詩 19：12)。
In the New Testament, the requirements of holiness far exceed our outward behavior,
encompassing even our inner thoughts and the intention of the heart.
Human laws can only govern and punish actions and deeds without jurisdiction over unconsummated desire
(Prov 24:10–12).
However, Jesus tells us that not only should we not commit adultery or murder,
we should not even harbor lust or anger in our hearts
(Mt 5:28, 21–22).
在新約中，聖潔的要求遠超過了我們外在的行為，
甚至涵蓋了自已內心的心思與意念。
人為的法律只能管理及懲罰行為，而無法管轄未實現的慾望
(箴 24：10-12)。
然而，耶穌告訴我們，我們不但應該不可姦淫或殺人，
甚至不該於自已心中潛藏情慾或憤怒
(太 5：28，21-22)。
The standard of God's law can seem uncompromising compared to human law,
but it is the absolute moral standard under which our spirit thrives.
Following God's word, our conscience will no longer lose its direction
but will compel us to set our sights, minds, and actions to adhere to God's will.
Only then can we be assured that our conscience and, in turn, our spirit remain healthy.
與人類的法律相比，神律法的標準看似毫不妥協，
但它卻是絕對的道德標準，使我們的靈命可以茂盛發展。
遵行神的話語，我們的良心將不再迷失方向，
而會迫使我們設定自已的眼光，思想和行為都設定為符合神的旨意。
只有這樣，我們才能確保我們的良心，以及接下來自已的靈命保持健康。
Soul 靈魂
A self-centered life is a marker of a diseased soul.
Of the various ways the word "soul" is used in the Bible,
the most common conveys the sense of a person's identity, being, or ego
(Ps 103:1–2).
And like a healthy spirit that is oriented towards the law of God,
a healthy soul is one that mirrors or is like God.
Conversely, an unhealthy soul is one that is averse to God's will
and chooses instead to act according to personal desires.
Such self-centeredness and carnality lead to jealousy, anger, and conflict,
such as in the case of the Corinthian believers
who formed factions and brought one another to court before unbelievers
(1 Cor 3:3, 6:6).
The more self-centered someone is,
the less considerate he is of others' feelings and perspectives,
increasing the likelihood and severity of conflict.
以自我為中心的生活是靈魂生病的標誌。
“靈魂”這個字在聖經中有很多種用法，
其中最常見的含意傳達了個人身分，存在或自我意識的一種感覺
(詩 103：1-2)。
正如健康的心靈以神的律法為導向一樣，
健康的靈魂也會如鏡反射神的形象或如神一般。
相反的，不健康的靈魂則會違背神的旨意，
且反而選擇按照個人的慾望行事。
這種自我中心和肉體慾望會導致嫉妒，憤怒和衝突，
正如哥林多教會信徒的例子，
他們結黨結派，在不信之人面前互相控告
(林前 3：3，6：6)。
一個人越加自我中心，
就越不會考慮他人的感受和觀點，
這會增加衝突的可能性和嚴重程度。
Self-centeredness is a rejection of God as King in our lives.
We see examples of such diseased souls during the time of Noah
when the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful
and took as wives whom they chose,
or the Israelites during the time of the Judges,
where everyone did what was right in their own eyes
(Gen 3:2; Judg 21:25).
These souls acted contrary to what God willed for men,
instead choosing to satisfy their flesh.
They saw their own lusts and desires as the only thing worth pursuing, superseding even God's law.
The people of Israel went so far as to demand Samuel to anoint a king over them, to be like other nations.
This was a clear rejection of the Lord God as their true King,
who had led them out of Egypt and in their conquest of the promised land
(1 Sam 8:5–8).
自我中心就代表拒絕神成為我們生命的君王。
我們在挪亞的時代就看到這樣病態靈魂的例子，
當時神子看見人間女子美貌，
便任意挑選為妻；
或士師時代以色列人也是一樣，
那時各人任意而行自已眼中看為正的事
(創 3：2；士 21：25)。
這些靈魂的行為違背了神給人的旨意，
反而選擇去滿足自己的肉體。
他們視自己的肉慾和情慾，如同唯一值得追求的事物，甚至取代神的律法。
以色列百姓甚至要求撒母耳去給他們膏立一位君王，像其他列國一樣。
這就是很明顯拒絕了耶和華神成為他們真正的君王，
是神帶領他們出埃及，並征服了應許之地
(撒上 8：5-85)。
Today, we see the same human tendency.
As the ideologies of individualism and humanism continue to grow in influence,
we find that society no longer accepts God's absolute moral standard as universal.
In this relentless pursuit of human rights and progress,
men's lifted pride has caused them to reject and usurp God as King in their lives.
The prophet Ezekiel draws a comparison between the king of Tyre
—who was proud because of his riches and wisdom in trade
—and Satan
—whose heart was lifted because of his beauty,
corrupting his wisdom for the sake of splendor
(Ezek 28:5–6, 17).
With the ever-increasing technological and scientific advancement,
souls in these last days have become afflicted with the same terminal condition
—imagining themselves as gods
(Ezek 28:9).
今天，我們看到相同的人類傾向。
隨著個人主義和人文主義的意識形態不斷增強影響力，
我們發現，社會不再接受神絕對道德標準作為普世標準。
在這對人權和進步的不懈追求，
人類高舉的驕傲已驅使他們拒絕並篡奪神作為他們生命中的君王。
以西結先知比較了推羅王與撒旦，
—他因自已貿易的資財及智慧而心裡高傲，
—撒旦則因自己的美貌而心中高傲，
又因榮光敗壞智慧
(結 28：5-6，17)。
隨著科技的不斷進步，
末世的靈魂也陷入了同樣的末期狀況，
—自以為神
(結 28：9)。
How can we overcome this disease of self-centeredness and pride?
The apostle Paul reminds us
that we, who have been redeemed and have had our conscience cleansed,
should also put off our old self-centered selves
that are driven by fleshly lusts
and instead be renewed as new men,
created according to God for His righteousness and holiness
(Eph 4:22–24).
我們該如何克服這種自我中心和驕傲的疾病？
使徒保羅提醒我們，
我們這些蒙救贖，潔淨自已良心的人，
也應該脫自已自私的舊人，
那些受肉體的情慾驅使，
而反過來更新成為新人，
這新人是因著神的公義和聖潔而造的。
(弗 4：22-24)
Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me,
let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."
(Lk 9:23)
23耶穌又對眾人說：若有人要跟從我，
就當捨己，天天背起他的十字架來跟從我。
(路 9：23)
Following Christ is a continual process of self-denial.
This means unraveling an egocentric worldview that begins at birth.
In How to Win Friends and Influence People,
the self-help author Dale Carnegie wrote
that the sweetest and most important sound a person will ever hear is his or her own name.
Our name may be forgettable to others,
but for us, it carries a profound meaning representing our reputation, character, and abilities
—our personal "brand."
Can we remove our name and ourselves from the center of our personal universe to follow Christ?
跟隨基督是一個持續不斷自我否定的過程。
這意味著要拆解天生自我為中心的世界觀。
在如何贏得朋友與影響別人的一書中，
那自助的作家戴爾、卡內基寫道，
一個人一生中會聽到最甜美及最重要的聲音就是自己的名字。
我們的名字別人或許會遺忘，
但對我們自已而言，它承載一種深刻的意義，代表著我們的聲譽，品格和能力
—我們個人的“品牌”。
我們能否能夠從個人宇宙的心中，移除自己的名字和自我，去跟隨基督呢？
The way to remedy this sickness is to de-center ourselves
by focusing on God's word and Christ's example.
In doing so, we learn to bear the yoke of Christ
and allow Him to form in our hearts.
Then, we will have the strength to deny ourselves completely,
flushing out the old self by being filled with Christ.
The space in our hearts may be infinitely vast,
but we are selective, at times hating one because we love another.
If the heart chooses Christ, we will naturally diminish and exclude our sense of self.
Becoming less self-centered and arrogant
will also result in less friction and conflict with others.
As Christ re-takes His throne as King of our lives,
we will naturally rely on Him in all things, and our worries will be lifted.
治癒這種疾病的方法就是放下自我中心，
專注神的話語和基督的榜樣。
這樣，我們就能學會背負基督的軛，
並讓祂在我們心中成形。
這樣，我們就有力量完全捨己，
被基督充滿，洗淨舊我。
我們內心的空間或許無限寬廣，
但我們是很挑剔會選擇的，有時因愛一人而恨另一人。
若內心選擇了基督，我們自然會減少並排除自我意識。
變得不那麼自我中心及傲慢，
也會減少與他人的摩擦和衝突。
當基督重登祂的寶座，成為我們生命的君王時，
我們自然會在凡事依靠祂，我們的憂慮也會消失。
A soul filled with Christ will be healed from the inside out,
transforming from the inward heart to outward behavior
and becoming more Christlike as a partaker of the divine nature
(2 Pet 1:4).
一個充滿基督的靈魂將會從內而外得到醫治，
從內心轉變成外在行為，
而變得更像基督，與神的性情有份。
（彼後 1：4）
Body 身體
A diseased body is one that is trapped in the indulgence of lust.
The body and its needs are inseparable; unless our body dies,
we will always be driven to fulfill its needs.
However, while it is normal for our bodies to have needs,
if we overindulge excessively and are constantly driven to satisfy those needs,
then our needs have become lust and evil desires.
生病的身體就是深陷放縱情慾的身體。
身體與其需要密不可分；除非我們的身體死亡，
我們總是會驅使去滿足其需求。
然而，雖然身體有需求是正常的，
但如果我們太過度放縱，並且不斷受驅使去滿足這些需求，
那麼我們的需求就變成了情慾和邪惡的慾望。
Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods,
but God will destroy both it and them.
Now the body is not for sexually immorality but for the Lord,
and the Lord for the body.
(1 Cor 6:13)
13食物是為肚腹，肚腹是為食物；
但神要叫這兩樣都廢壞。
身子不是為淫亂，乃是為主；
主也是為身子。
(林前 6：13)
Addressing one of the most fundamental human needs,
Paul quotes a common saying of the time
that was used to justify the overconsumption of food.
The saying implies that if one does not eat all the available delicious food,
one is doing a disservice to his stomach and his body
since the stomach is made to enjoy food.
While indulging in food seems innocuous,
the Bible records many examples
of people doing foolish things or committing grave sins
just from the simple act of indulging in food.
Eve perceived the forbidden fruit as good for food
—a delicacy
—while Esau, in hunger, sold his birthright for a bowl of red stew.
Hence, Paul warns us that even with what seems to be innocuous indulgence,
"God will destroy both it and them."
談到人類最基本的需求之一，
保羅引用了當時的一句俗語，
那用來合理化過度消耗食物。
這俗語暗示，如果有人不吃完所有可遇的美味佳餚，
那他就是在傷害自己的胃和身體，
因為胃就是用來享受食物的。
雖然縱情享用食物看似無害，
但聖經記載了許多例子，
有人行蠢事，或犯重罪，
僅因為縱情美食的簡單行為。
夏娃認為禁果好作食物，
—是一道美味佳餚，
—而以掃則因著飢餓，進而出賣了自己長子的名份，以換取了一碗紅豆湯。
因此，保羅警告我們，即使是看似無害的縱情享樂，
“13但神要叫這兩樣都廢壞”。
Paul goes on to draw a parallel between gustatory appetite and sexual desire
(1 Cor 6:15–18).
Both are basic, physical urges
—gifts from God to enrich our lives.
It is a blessing to eat and drink the fruit of our labor,
as it is to live joyfully with one's wife
(Eccl 5:18–19, 9:9).
But unrestrained craving for food and sex
can tip into evil desire, overindulgence, and debauchery,
harming us both physically and spiritually.
保羅繼續比較味覺和情慾
(林前 6：15-18)。
兩者都是基本的生理需求，
—是神賜給我們豐富生命的恩賜。
可以吃喝自己勞動的成果，
如同與自已妻子快樂同住，
就是一種祝福
(傳 5：18-19，9：9)。
然而，若無節制渴求食物和情慾，
就會墮入邪惡的慾望，過度放縱和縱情酒，
從而傷害我們的肉體和靈命。
So, how can our bodies overcome lust? 所以我們的身體要如何克服情慾？
1. The truth shall make us free
(Jn 8:32)
Philosophers and religious leaders throughout history
have contemplated the issues of sin and death but without a satisfactory conclusion.
Since these great thinkers were mere men, themselves deeply entangled in the flesh,
they were unable to overcome sin and death
—only Jesus could.
Therefore, God’s word not only makes us aware of sin
(which these great men could understand)
but also gives us the power to overcome sin
(surpassing these great men).
Only the truth can set us free.
True freedom from sin is to live in a world of sin, yet not be of this world
(Jn 17:14–17).
Every word from God carries power, and every promise and prophecy is fulfilled
(Lk 1:37).
Even creation was wrought through God's word.
How can His word not enable us to overcome the bondage of sin?
1. 真理必叫我們得自由
(約 8：32)
歷代的哲學家和宗教領袖，
都曾思考罪與死亡的問題，卻未能得出令人滿意的結論。
由於這些大思想家只是凡人，自身也深陷於肉體的情慾，
他們無法勝過罪與死亡
─只有耶穌可以。
因此，神的話語不僅讓我們意識到有罪，
（這些偉人能理解），
也賜給我們能力勝過罪孽
（超過這些偉人）。
只有真理才能使我們得自由。
真正離罪的自由就是活在罪惡的世界中，卻不屬於這個世界
(約 17：14-17)。
神說的每個字都帶著能力，每一個應許和預言都必應驗
(路 1：37)。
甚至創造也是藉著神的話語而成的。
祂的話語怎麼不能幫助我們勝過罪的捆綁呢？
2. Put to death the deeds of the body
(Rom 8:13)
If, in our lives, we continually yield to bodily desires, we will surely perish.
Therefore, we must discipline our bodies, bringing them into subjection,
not in the manner of one beating the air
(1 Cor 9:26–27).
To "discipline" means to strike repeatedly, figuratively,
to practice self-control rather than be controlled by our desires
—to bring our bodies into subjection rather than be subject to our bodies.
This involves strict and consistent efforts
to ensure that we are always in control of our bodies
and not allow our bodies to drive our actions.
Those who live according to the flesh will die,
but those who overcome their desires will live.
Therefore, we must put to death the misdeeds of the body which stem from our desires.
2. 治死身體的惡行
(羅 8:13)
如果在生活中，我們一直屈服於肉體的私慾，我們就必定會滅亡。
因此，我們必須訓練己身，叫它們順服，
不可像打空氣的態度一樣。
(林前 9：26-27)
“自律”的意思就是反覆攻擊，比喻性的，
可以自我克制，而不是被私慾控制，
—要讓我們的身體順服，而不是受制於自已的肉體。
這需要遷涉到嚴格且持續的努力，
以確保我們始終掌控自己的身體，
而不是讓自已的身體驅使我們的行為。
那些順從肉體的人必死，
而那些勝過私慾的人必活。
因此，我們必須治死肉體因私慾而發的惡行。
Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;
and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
(Jas 1:15)
15私慾既懷了胎，就生出罪來；
罪既長成，就生出死來。
(雅 1：15)
If, over time, we fail to curb the sins born from our desires,
they will develop into compulsive behavior.
We become entrenched in sin and can no longer stop ourselves.
Willpower alone is not enough;
we need to call upon the name of the Lord Jesus
and rely on the Holy Spirit's power to put these desires and deeds to death.
如果久而久之，我們無法抑制自已慾望而生的罪，
它們就會發展成難以抑制的行為。
我們會陷於罪中，無法自拔。
單靠意志力是不夠的；
我們需要呼求主耶穌的名，
並依靠聖靈的能力，來治死這些慾望和行為。
3. Present our bodies to God (1 Cor 6:13b; Rom 6:13b)
After we have been redeemed by baptism into Christ,
the ownership of our bodies belongs to God.
While we remain in control, our bodies are effectively on loan from the Lord.
Though once we used our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness to sin,
now we offer them as instruments of righteousness to God.
Life is not meant for indulging our desires
or solely for our physical existence, but to live for God.
3. 將身體獻給神
(林前 6：13b；羅 6：13b)
我們蒙救贖受洗歸入基督之後，
我們身體的所有權就屬於神了。
雖然我們還仍控制自己的身體，但我們的身體實際上是從主借來的。
雖然我們曾經用自已的身體作不義的工具去犯罪，
但如今我們將身體為作為公義的器皿獻給神。
人生的意義不在於放縱自已的情慾，
也不僅僅為了肉體的生存，而在於為神而活。
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
that you present your bodies a living sacrifices, holy, acceptable to God,
which is your reasonable service.
(Rom 12:1a)
12所以弟兄們，我以神的慈悲勸你們，
將身體獻上，當作活祭，是聖潔的，是神所喜悅的；
你們如此事奉乃是理所當然的。
(羅 12：1a)
Those who offer their bodies as living sacrifices to the Lord
will surely suffer in the flesh, either facing persecution
(2 Tim 3:12)
or spiritual refinement
(1 Pet 4:1).
The apostles endured much physical pain and suffering for the sake of the gospel;
Paul was given a thorn in his side to keep him vigilant over his own pride
(2 Cor 11:23–25, 12:7).
To safeguard the body presented to Him,
God will at times allow us to suffer the thorns of fleshly affliction or persecutions.
Though these bring us momentary pain, they will yield eternal salvation.
凡將身體當作活祭獻給主的人，
一定會肉體受苦，或面臨逼迫
(提後 3：12)，
或遇到屬靈的熬煉
(彼前 4：1)。
眾使徒為了福音的緣故，忍受許多肉體的苦楚和苦難；
保羅肋旁有一根刺，叫他警醒，而使他不至於驕傲
(林後 11：23-25，12：7)。
為了保守身體獻給神，
神有時會讓我們遭遇肉體患難或逼迫的刺。
雖然這些會帶給我們短暫的痛苦，但它們會帶給我們永生救恩。
CONCLUSION 結論
Then the dust will return to the earth as it was,
And the spirit will return to God who gave it.
(Eccl 12:7)
7塵土仍歸於地，靈仍歸於賜靈的神。
(傳 12：7)
When our life on earth ends, what will become of us?
The Bible tells us that our bodies will return to dust,
but this is not the end of the story.
The Lord has a plan for faithful Christians when He comes again.
Our lowly bodies will be resurrected
and transformed to conform to His glorious, incorruptible body
and receive our heavenly citizenship and inheritance
(Phil 3:20–21; 1 Cor 15:52).
當我們世上的生命結束時，我們會變成什麼樣子呢？
聖經告訴我們，我們的身體將會回歸塵土，
但這並不是故事的結束。
主再來時，有一個計劃給虔誠的基督徒。
我們卑微的身體將會復活，
並轉變如同祂榮耀，不朽壞的身體，
並得到天上國民的身分和基業。
(腓 3：20-21；林前 15：52)
Therefore, life is not just about our flesh;
it is primarily about the spirit.
The animating breath that brought life to our bodies of dust
is the same breath that conveys God's word.
While the body can be sustained with bread and water,
the spirit cannot survive without the teachings of the Bible,
which explains the spiritual sickness under which humanity toils.
We must recognize our infirmity and turn once again to the Bible.
It is only through strengthening our relationship with God and His healing word
that we can revive our conscience, remove the tumor of self-centeredness,
neutralize the influence of lust on our bodies, and return to total spiritual health.
因此，生命不只是關乎我們的肉體；
它主要關乎靈命。
那賦予我們塵土之軀生命的活力之氣，
也是同樣傳達著神話語的氣息。
雖然身體可以靠食物與水維持，
但靈命卻離不開聖經的教導存活，
聖經解釋了人類所深陷的屬靈疾病。
我們必須認識自身的軟弱，並再次轉向聖經。
只有透過加強自已與神，及自已與祂醫治話語的關係，
我們才能喚醒良知，清除自我中心的毒瘤，
消除自已肉身情慾的影響，並恢復完全靈命的健康。
[1] "Best-selling book," Guinness World Records, accessed September 20, 2024,
https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/best-selling-book-of-non-fiction.
[1] “最暢銷書籍”，金氏世界紀錄，查閱日期：2024 年 9 月 20 日，
https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/best-selling-book-of-non-fiction
[2] John Hick, Lawrence E Sullivan, et al, "Christianity," Encyclopedia Britannica,
updated September 23, 2024,
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christianity.
[2] John Hick、Lawrence E Sullivan 等人，“基督教”，“大英百科全書”，
2024 年 9 月 23 日更新，
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christianity
[3] “Depressive disorder (depression),” World Health Organization, March 31, 2023,
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression.
[3] “憂鬱型情緒障礙(憂鬱症)”，世界衛生組織，2023 年 3 月 31 日，
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
[4] Nick Galov, “20 Eye-Twitching Tech Addiction Facts for 2023,” Web Tribunal,
updated March 6, 2023, https://webtribunal.net/blog/tech-addiction-facts/#gref.
[4] Nick Galov，“2023 年令人瞠目的科技成癮事實”，網路評審團網站，
更新於 2023 年 3 月 6 日，
https://webtribunal.net/blog/tech-addiction-facts/#gref
[5] “Definition of Addiction,” American Society of Addiction Medicine,
updated September 15, 2019, https://www.asam.org/quality-care/definition-of-addiction.
[5] “成癮的定義”，美國成癮醫學會，
2019 年 9 月 15 日更新，
https://www.asam.org/quality-care/definition-of-addiction
[6] The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESVR Text Edition: 2016.
Copyright c 2001 by Crossway Bibles,
a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
[6] 聖經，英語標準版。 ESVR 文字版本：2016。
Crossway Bibles 版權所有 2001，
好消息出版社的出版部。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯
Manna 嗎哪 56 (1)