260靈修 Nov. 17, 2011: 哥林多前書第十二章1Corinthians 12

十二

12 正如身體是一個,卻有許多肢體,而且肢體雖然很多,身體仍是一個;基督也是這樣。 13 我們無論是猶太人,是希臘人,是作奴隸的,是自由的,都在那一位聖靈裡受了洗,成為一個身體,都飲了那一位聖靈。 14 原來身體有許多肢體,並不是只有一個肢體。 15 假如腳說:“我不是手,所以我不屬於身體。”它不能因此就不屬於身體。 16 假如耳朵說:“我不是眼睛,所以我不屬於身體。”它也不能因此就不屬於身體。 17 假如整個身體只是眼睛,怎樣聽呢?假如整個身體只是耳朵,怎樣聞味呢? 18 但現在神按照自己的意思,把肢體一一放在身體上。 19 假如所有的只是一個肢體,怎能算是身體呢? 20 但現在肢體雖然很多,身體卻只是一個。 21 眼睛不能對手說:“我不需要你。”頭也不能對腳說:“我不需要你們。” 22 相反地,身體上那些似乎比較軟弱的肢體,更是不可缺少的。 23 我們認為身體上不大體面的部分,就更加要把它裝飾得體面;不大美觀的部分,就更加要使它美觀。 24 我們身體上美觀的部分,就不需要這樣了。但神卻這樣把身體組成了:格外地把體面加給比較有缺欠的肢體, 25 好使肢體能夠互相照顧,免得身體上有了分裂。 26 如果一個肢體受苦,所有的肢體就一同受苦;如果一個肢體得榮耀,所有的肢體就一同快樂。

 

默想

  1. 保羅以人的身體來解釋信徒彼此之間的關係,都是基督的身體。不論我是誰,我有什麼恩賜,對自己的教會或是整體的教會來說,我都是“不可缺少的”(22節)。
  2. 當身邊的基督徒得榮耀時,我的反應如何?當有基督徒受苦時,我的反應又如何?我會與喜樂的人同樂,與哀傷的人同哭嗎(參羅 12:15)?

禱告與筆錄:

繼續安靜在神面前,與神對話,並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想(心得),或是與神的禱告,記錄在“靈程筆記”簿上面。

 

CHAPTER 12

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized byone Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

 

Meditation

  1. Paul used the image of the body to explain our relation to one another.  We’re all parts of the body of Christ.  Whoever you are or whatever your spiritual gifts are, you are “indispensable” (v22) to the others in your church, and in the church.
  2. What is my reaction when some other Christian gets recognition and honour? Or when someone is suffering?  Do I rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep (Rm 12:15)? Or am I jealous of those who rejoice and apathetic to the weeping?

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.


 

260靈修 Nov. 16, 2011: 哥林多前書第十一章1Corinthians 11

十一

23 我當日傳交給你們的,原是從主領受的,就是主耶穌被出賣的那一夜,他拿起餅來, 24 祝謝了,就擘開,說:“這是我的身體,為你們擘開的;你們應當這樣行,為的是記念我。”25 飯後,照樣拿起杯來,說:“這杯是用我的血所立的新約,你們每逢喝的時候,應當這樣行,為的是記念我。”26 你們每逢吃這餅,喝這杯,就是宣揚主的死,直等到他來。 27 因此,無論甚麼人若用不合適的態度吃主的餅,喝主的杯,就是得罪主的身體、主的血了。 28 所以人應當省察自己,然後才吃這餅,喝這杯。 29 因為那吃喝的人,如果不辨明是主的身體,就是吃喝定在自己的身上的罪了。 30 因此,你們中間有許多人是軟弱的,患病的,而且死了的也不少。 31 我們若仔細省察自己,就不會受審判了。 32 然而我們被主審判的時候,是受他的管教,免得和世人一同被定罪。

 

默想

  1. 守聖餐是為紀念。以色列人吃逾越節晚餐,每個家庭都重溫祖先的經歷。今天,透過聖餐餅與杯,我們被帶回十字架底下。所以,我們因著信與基督聯合,在聖餐聚會中,我們一同進入祂的死,也與他一同復活。“紀念”就是邀請我們來經歷救恩得勝的偉大時刻;“紀念”也是邀請我們來經歷聖潔的神,並向祂獻上我們的感恩、敬拜、讚美。
  2. 若可能,跪下來向聖潔的神禱告,獻上我的感恩、敬拜、讚美。下次聖餐聚會時,記得在領聖餐時,“紀念”耶穌犧牲的大愛。

 

禱告與筆錄:

繼續安靜在神面前,與神對話,並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想(心得),或是與神的禱告,記錄在“靈程筆記”簿上面。

 

CHAPTER 11

23For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

27Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. 32When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

 

Meditation

  1. The communion service is a memorial.  As the Israelites ate the Passover meal, each family relived the experience of its ancestors.  Today through the bread and cup, we return to the foot of the cross.  So, in the communion service, as we are united with Christ through faith, we share His death and His resurrection.   “Do this in remembrance” invites us to experience the awesome moment when our salvation was won.  It invites us to experience the holy God and to offer Him our thanks, our worship, and our praise.
  2. If possible, kneel down to pray.  Tell God all my gratitude and other emotions for all that Jesus has done on the cross for me.  During next communion service, remember to take Communion “in remembrance” of Jesus and His Sacrificial Love.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

260靈修 Nov. 15 2011: 哥林多前書第十章1Corinthians 10

1 弟兄們,我不願意你們不知道,我們的祖宗都曾經在雲下,都曾經從海中經過, 2 都曾經在雲裡在海裡受洗歸於摩西。 3 他們都吃了一樣的靈糧, 4 都喝了一樣的靈水;他們所喝的,是從那隨著他們的靈磐石那裡來的,這磐石就是基督。 5 但他們大多數的人,都得不到神的喜悅,因此他們都死在曠野。 6 這些事都是我們的鑒戒,叫我們不要貪戀惡事,像他們那樣。 7 你們也不可拜偶像,像他們有些人那樣;正如經上所記:“人民坐下吃喝,起來玩樂。” 8 我們也不可淫亂,像他們有些人那樣,一天就死了二萬三千人。 9 我們也不可試探主,像他們有些人那樣,結果就被蛇咬死了。 10 你們也不可發怨言,像他們有些人那樣,就被那毀滅者所滅。 11 這些事發生在他們身上,作為鑒戒,並且記下來,為了要警戒我們這些末世的人。 12 所以,那自以為站得穩的,應當謹慎,免得跌倒。 13 你們所受的試探,無非是人受得起的;神是信實的,他必不容許你們受試探過於你們抵受得住的,而且在受試探的時候,必定給你們開一條出路,使你們能忍受得住。

 

默想

  1. 試探就是一股壓力,驅使自己要走自己的路,放縱自己,踢開神,陷入懷疑沮喪,色情,憤怒,受自己感受的左右,讓個人的價值決定於別人的評價……。試探是一直存在的,有時來自外在,有時來自內心。保羅說,不要擔心,因為神不會拋棄我們,也不會讓我們過了界限,祂總是在,並且隨時幫助我們。
  2. 有什麼試探是我不斷地面對的?13節經文對我是鼓勵還是無奈?為什麼?告訴耶穌我的困境,請求祂的幫助,與我同在,幫助我勝過這個試探。

 

禱告與筆錄:

繼續安靜在神面前,與神對話,並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想(心得),或是與神的禱告,記錄在“靈程筆記”簿上面。


CHAPTER 10

1For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3They all ate the same spiritual food 4and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert.   6Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry.” 8We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9We should not test the Lord, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.   11These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

 

Meditation

  1. Temptation is the pressure to take our own way, to indulge ourselves, to spurn God, to plunge into doubt or despair, lust or anger, to give in to our own feelings and let them draw conclusions about our worth based on what other people say about us or what we say about ourselves.  It’s an ever-present pressure.  Sometimes it’s from others, and other times it’s from within.  But Paul says not to worry for God will never let us down, never let us pushed past our limit.  He will be there.  Always.  Not as a lecturer but as a Helper.
  2. What temptations do I most consistently have to face? Does v13 encourage or frustrate me? Why?
  3. Tell it to Jesus and ask His help in acknowledge His ever-presence with me and helping me to overcome this particular temptation.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

260靈修 Nov. 14 2011: 哥林多前書第九章1Corinthians 9

23 我所作的一切,都是為了福音的緣故,好讓我與別人同享福音的好處。 24 難道你們不知道,在場上賽跑的人,雖然大家都跑,但得獎的只有一個人嗎?你們都應當這樣跑,好叫你們可以得獎。 25 凡參加運動比賽的,在一切事上都有節制;他們這樣作,不過要得到能壞的冠冕,我們卻是要得不朽的冠冕。 26 所以,我奔跑不像無定向的;我鬥拳不像打空氣的。 27 我要克制自己的身體,叫身體服我,免得我傳了給別人,自己反而落選了

 

默想

  1. 我是否能體會保羅為這場傳福音的競賽而產生的急迫情緒?在這場賽跑中,我目前的位置是參賽選手,還是看台上的觀賽者?我是否切慕將來主要賞賜我的冠冕?
  2. 告訴主我的現況,求主幫助我成為積極鍛煉的參賽者。

 

禱告與筆錄:

繼續安靜在神面前,與神對話,並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想(心得),或是與神的禱告,記錄在“靈程筆記”簿上面。

 

CHAPTER 9

23I do all this for the sake of the gospel,  that I may share in its blessings.

24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

 

Meditation

  1. Can I appreciate the urgency Paul shows for this race of the gospel? Right now, am I a runner or a spectator?  Do I long for the crown (trophy) that God is going to reward me?
  2. Talk to God about my role right now, ask Him to help me prepare for the race.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

260靈修 Nov. 11 2011: 哥林多前書第八章1Corinthians 8

1關於祭過偶像的食物,我們曉得我們都有知識。但知識會使人自高自大,唯有愛心能造就人……6然而我們只有一位神,就是父;萬物都是從他而來,我們也為了他而活。我們也只有一位主,就是耶穌基督;萬物都是藉著他而有的,我們也是藉著他而有的。7不過,這種知識不是人人都有的。有些人直到現在習慣了拜偶像的事,因此他們吃的時候,就把這些食物看作是真的獻過給偶像的;他們的良心既然軟弱,就被污穢了。8其實食物不能使我們親近神,我們不吃也無損,吃也無益。9然而你們要謹慎,免得你們這自由成了軟弱的人的絆腳石。10因為如果有人看見你這有知識的人,在偶像的廟裡吃飯,他的良心若是軟弱,他不就放膽去吃那祭過偶像的食物嗎?11因此,基督已經為他死了的那軟弱的弟兄,就因你的知識而滅亡了。12你們這樣得罪弟兄,傷了他們軟弱的良心,就是得罪基督了。13所以,如果食物使我的弟兄跌倒,我就永遠不再吃肉,免得使我的弟兄跌倒了。

 

默想

  1. 我生命中,有那件事,是我的自由,卻成為別人的絆腳石?飲酒?穿著?音樂?生活形態?政治立場?
  2. 主啊,是否有人因我的自由而跌倒?當我在此靜默時,求主將這人帶進我心中……。

 

禱告與筆錄:

繼續安靜在神面前,與神對話,並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想(心得),或是與神的禱告,記錄在“靈程筆記”簿上面。

 

 

CHAPTER 8

1Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. 3But the man who loves God is known by God.   4So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. 5For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), 6yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.   7But not everyone knows this. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. 8But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.   9Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, won’t he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? 11So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

 

MEDITATION

  1. Is there something in my life that when I exercise my freedom, it becomes a stumbling block for others?  Drinking? Clothing? Music? Lifestyle? Political viewpoints? Legalism?
  2. Lord, is there someone stumbled because of my freedom?  As I pause to listen, bring the person to mind…

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

260靈修 Nov. 10 2011: 哥林多前書第七章1Corinthians 7

17不過,主怎樣分給各人,神怎樣呼召各人,各人就要照著去行事為人。我也這樣吩咐各教會。18   有人受了割禮而蒙召的嗎?他就不要遮掩割禮的記號。有人未受割禮而蒙召的嗎?他就不要受割禮。19割禮算不得甚麼,沒有割禮也算不得甚麼,要緊的是遵守神的命令。20各人蒙召的時候怎樣,他就應當保持原來的情況。21你蒙召的時候是作奴僕的嗎?不要為此煩惱。但如果你能夠得到自由,就要把握這機會。22因為作奴僕的蒙了主的呼召,就是屬於主的自由人了;照樣,自由的人蒙了呼召,他就是基督的奴僕了。23你們是用重價買來的,不要作人的奴僕。24弟兄們,你們各人蒙召的時候怎樣,就應當在神面前保持這原來的情況。

 

默想

  1. 我們常以結婚與否、工作貴賤、財富多寡,來斷定自己的身份;但這些都只是神用來塑造我們的原料。所以,保羅勸導他們不要希望換個環境、或配偶等,因為是神,而不是結婚與否,或其他因素,來決定我們的身份與價值。
  2. 我目前有些怎樣的困境,我希望能有改變的?第17,19節是否給我一些指引、原則?將心中的困境向神訴說。若有需要,可以詢問教會傳道人,並尋求屬靈指引。

 

禱告與筆錄:

繼續安靜在神面前,與神對話,並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想(心得),或是與神的禱告,記錄在“靈程筆記”簿上面。

 

 

CHAPTER 7

17Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 18Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. 19Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. 20Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him. 21Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. 23You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to.

 

MEDITATION

  1. We’d like to think that our married status, vocational status, economic status make us who we are.  These are important but not essential raw materials which God uses to shape his life in us.  So, Paul told them don’t wish to be someplace else or with someone else.  God, not your marital status or any other thing, defines your life (v17).
  2. What are some of the things that I’d like to have changed in my life?  Would verses 17 & 19 provide some direction and principle?  Tell God about it and, if needed, contact your pastor for further help.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

260靈修 Nov. 9 2011: 哥林多前書第六章1Corinthians 6

9 你們不知道不義的人不能承受神的國嗎?不要自欺,無論是行淫亂的、拜偶像的、姦淫的、作孌童的、親男色的、 10 偷竊的、貪心的、醉酒的、辱罵人的或勒索的,都不能承受神的國。 11 你們有些人從前也是這樣的,但現在藉著我們主耶穌基督的名,靠著我們神的靈,都已經洗淨了,聖潔了,稱義了。 要用身體榮耀神 12 甚麼事我都可以作,但不是都有益處。甚麼事我都可以作,但我不要受任何事的轄制。 13 食物是為了肚腹,肚腹是為了食物;但神卻要把這兩樣都廢掉。身體不是為了淫亂,而是為了主,主也是為了身體。 14 神不但使主復活了,也要用他的能力使我們復活。 15 你們不知道你們的身體就是基督的肢體嗎?這樣,我們可以把基督的肢體當作娼妓的肢體嗎?當然不可以! 16 你們不知道那跟娼妓苟合的,就是與她成為一體了嗎?因為經上說:“二人要成為一體。”17 但那與主聯合的,就是與他成為一靈了。 18 你們要逃避淫亂的事。人所犯的,無論是甚麼罪,都是在身體以外,唯有行淫亂的,是觸犯自己的身體。 19 你們不知道你們的身體就是那位住在你們裡面的聖靈的殿嗎?這聖靈是你們從神那裡領受的。你們不是屬於自己的, 20 因為你們是用重價買來的。所以你們務要用自己的身體榮耀神。

 

默想

  1. 在每天的報紙、電視、路邊廣告牌等各種傳媒,都充塞著色情的暗示,我怎樣看這些事?照看不誤,不認為有任何不妥?心中有些不安,不悅,但也無奈,畢竟到處都是?非常厭惡,轉換看別的,或索性走開?
  2. 安靜禱告,默想我的身子,是神的,是屬神的,也是與神聯合的。聆聽聖靈在心中對我說的話,指出我在身子上有什麼不潔、不義的行為、思想?求主赦免,並求主幫助,使我能“用自己的身體榮耀神”。

 

禱告與筆錄:

繼續安靜在神面前,與神對話,並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想(心得),或是與神的禱告,記錄在“靈程筆記”簿上面。

 

CHAPTER 6

9 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

12 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. 13 You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

 

MEDITATION

  1. The newspaper, television and roadside billboard are all covered with sexual images.  How do I see these things?  Nothing wrong? Uneasy but couldn’t help it? Disgusted and turned away?
  2. Silently think of my own body.  It’s for God and belongs to God and united with God.  Listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to me, pointing out any unclean, unjust behaviour or thought.  Ask for forgiveness and God’s help to “glorify God in my body”.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

 

260靈修 Nov. 8 2011: 哥林多前書第五章1Corinthians 5

第五章

6 你們這樣自誇是不好的。你們不知道一點麵酵能使全團麵發起來嗎? 7 你們既是無酵的麵,就應當把舊酵除淨,好讓你們成為新的麵團;因為我們逾越節的羊羔基督已經被殺獻祭了。 8 所以我們守這節,不可用舊酵,也不可用又邪又惡的酵,而是要用純潔真實的無酵餅。 9 我以前寫信告訴你們,不可與淫亂的人來往。 10 這話當然不是指這世上行淫亂的、貪心的、勒索的,或拜偶像的人;如果是這樣,你們就非脫離這世界不可。 11 但現在我寫信告訴你們,如果有稱為弟兄,卻是行淫亂、貪心、拜偶像、辱罵人、醉酒或勒索的,這樣的人,不可和他來往,連和他吃飯都不可。

 

默想

  1. 神的話是毫不妥協的,有罪必須要面對,無論是什麼罪,都要認真的面對,並果斷的處理。若肢體中有病的部分不去求醫,不單那部分的肢體有可能逐漸壞死,更可能讓整個身體都受到威脅危險(麵酵的效果)。保羅命令哥林多教會的信徒,與教會中那些犯罪的人(11節)斷絕來往,目的主要是要保護教會,不陷入同樣罪的陷阱中。
  2. 在我想要指出我認為教會或小組中的弟兄姊姊不恰當的行為時, 求主讓我先反省自己的行為與心態,並心存深切“哀痛”(2節)地為他們禱告。
  3. 當為他們的罪哀痛禱告時,我心中對他們及其他弟兄姐妹會產生怎樣的態度?這對防止罪的“麵酵效應”有什麼作用?

 

禱告與筆錄:

繼續安靜在神面前,與神對話,並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想(心得),或是與神的禱告,記錄在“靈程筆記”簿上面。

 

CHAPTER 5

6Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? 7Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.

9I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

 

MEDITATION

  1. The Word of God is relentless.  It insists that we face up to our sin.  Whether that sin is indolence, idolatry, or immorality, we must face it squarely and deal with it decisively.  For if that diseased part of the body is not dealt with, not only is the individual member of the body at risk of dying, but it also puts the entire body at risk.  Paul urged them to sever all relationships with those sinning people.  His purpose is for the protection of the church lest they be led into the same sinful trap.
  2. When I wanted to point out inappropriate behaviours of someone in the church or cell group, Lord God, please remind me to examine my own behaviour and thought life first.  Then, give me a deep mourning for them and their sins.
  3. What will happen to my attitude when I mourn for them and others?  How would this affect the prevention of sin’s “yeast effect”?

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 

260靈修 Nov. 7 2011: 哥林多前書第四章1Corinthians 4

第四章

8 你們已經滿足了,已經豐富了,不需要我們,自己作王了。我恨不得你們真的作了王,讓我們也可以跟你們一同作王! 9 我想神是把我們作使徒的列在最後,好像定了死刑的人,因為我們成了一臺戲給宇宙觀看,就是給天使和世人觀看!10 我們為基督的緣故,成了愚笨的;你們在基督裡,倒成了聰明的。我們軟弱,你們倒強壯;你們受人尊敬,我們倒被輕視。 11 直到現在,我們還是又飢又渴,衣不蔽體,又挨打,又沒有棲身的地方, 12 並且勞苦,親手作工。被人咒罵,我們就祝福;遭受迫害,我們就忍受; 13 被人毀謗,我們卻好好地勸導;直到現在,人還是把我們當作世上的垃圾,萬物的渣滓。

 

默想

  1. 保羅諷刺哥林多信徒自以為靈裡已完全,並將他們的境況對比保羅自己為福音所受的苦。信徒往往因為內心沒有安全感,或是害怕生命中出現失控的情況,就容易產生屬靈上的自信(相信自己而非相信神)。但若相信神絕對的可靠,就能在憂傷時得幫助,一帆風順時得指引。
  2. “相信神是可靠的”對我來說,是什麼意思?我曾經驗過神的信實嗎?是什麼事?再次為這個經驗感謝神,並求主增加我對神的信心。

 

禱告與筆錄:

繼續安靜在神面前,與神對話,並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想(心得),或是與神的禱告,記錄在“靈程筆記”簿上面。

 

CHAPTER  4

8Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have become kings—and that without us! How I wish that you really had become kings so that we might be kings with you! 9For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men. 10We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! 11To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

 

MEDITATION

  1. Paul mocks the Corinthian Christians’ claim that they’ve achieved spiritual perfection by contrasting their condition with his suffering for the gospel.  Spiritual pride is an indication that we are insecure or afraid of life’s uncontrollable ambiguities.  Trust in God’s absolute reliability will aid in times of sorrow and serves as a guide when all is well.
  2. What does “trust in God’s absolute reliability” mean to me?  Have I experienced God’s faithfulness?  What was it?  Thank God for that experience again.  Pray for the increase of my trust in God.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.

 


 

260靈修 Nov. 4 2011: 哥林多前書第三章1Corinthians 3

第三章

10 我照著神賜給我的恩典,就像一個聰明的工程師,立好了根基,別人在上面建造。各人要注意怎樣在上面建造, 11 因為除了那已經立好的根基以外,沒有人能立別的根基。那根基就是耶穌基督。 12 如果有人用金、銀、寶石、草、木、禾秸,在這根基上建造, 13 各人的工程將來必要顯露,因為那日子必把它顯明出來。有火要把它顯露出來,那火要考驗各人的工程是怎樣的。 14 如果有人在這根基上建造的工程存得住,他就要得到賞賜; 15 如果有人的工程被燒毀,他就要受虧損;自己卻要得救,只是要像從火裡經過一樣。

默想

  1. 這個建造的比喻指出,一方面我們與神同工,一同建造;另一方面我們也是神的工作。我們是教會的建築工人,同時也是神所建造的教會。當我們將生命傾倒在神的工作中,我們實際成了神所建造的教會的材料。在總工程師——神的指導下,我們不斷地得到塑造,原本毫不起眼的小磚塊,也能變成美麗建築物的一部分,為要使神得到榮耀。
  2. 禱告——求神幫助我成為祂忠心的工人,建造祂的教會。也求神幫助我,配合神不斷地塑造,使我的生命越來越有基督的榮美。

 

禱告與筆錄:

繼續安靜在神面前,與神對話,並聆聽祂對我說的話。將心中的思想(心得),或是與神的禱告,記錄在“靈程筆記”簿上面。

 

CHAPTER 3

10By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

 

MEDITATION

  1. The metaphor of the building indicates that, first, we’re workers with God.  And second, we’re worked upon by God.  We’re both the builders of the church and simultaneously part of the church that is being built.  We’re constantly in a state of both being the church and becoming the church.  When we pour our lives into the work and we become the actual materials for the church that God is building.  Under the direction of the Master Builder, we are being transformed.  An insignificant and even a rather ugly brick becomes a significant part of a beautiful structure, built to the glory of God.
  2. Pray — Ask God help me to be his faithful worker in building his church, also to cooperate with his formation work in me to become more and more like Christ.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.  Then write down any thought and/or prayer in the 2011 “Spiritual Journal” book.