第31章 领受劝告
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第31章 领受劝告
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Chap. 31 - The Message Heeded
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（本章根据：哥林多后书）
§4
保罗从以弗所出发作另一次的布道游行，在这一次行程中，他希望再度巡视他从前在欧洲工作的实况。他在特罗亚逗留了一时，宣讲“基督的福音”，发现有一些人乐意听他所传的信息。他后来提到自己在此地的工作时说：“主也给我开了门。”他在特罗亚的努力虽然成功，但他却不能在那里久留，因为有“为众教会挂心的事，”尤其是哥林多教会的事，重重地压在他心上。他曾经希望在特罗亚可以遇见提多，以便从他获悉哥林多的信徒如何接受他信中劝告和责备的话；但关于这一点他竟失望了，他论到这一次的经验写道：“那时因为没有遇见兄弟提多，我心里不安。”所以他离开特罗亚，渡海到马其顿去，在腓立比，他遇到了提摩太。[1]{AA 323.1 }
§5
From Ephesus Paul set forth on another missionary tour, during which he hoped to visit once more the scenes of his former labors in Europe. Tarrying for a time at Troas, to preach Christs gospel, he found some who were ready to listen to his message. A door was opened unto me of the Lord, he afterward declared of his labors in this place. But successful as were his efforts at Troas, he could not remain there long. The care of all the churches, and particularly of the church at Corinth, rested heavily on his heart. He had hoped to meet Titus at Troas and to learn from him how the words of counsel and reproof sent to the Corinthian brethren had been received, but in this he was disappointed. I had no rest in my spirit, he wrote concerning this experience, because I found not Titus my brother. He therefore left Troas and crossed over to Macedonia, where, at Philippi he met Timothy. {AA 323.1 }[1]
§6
保罗为哥林多教会焦虑的时候，他并不悲观；然而有时却不免心中深感悲伤，唯恐他的忠告和劝诫被误会了。他后来写道：“我们……身体也不得安宁，周围遭患难；外有争战，内有惧怕。但那安慰丧气之人的上帝，借着提多来安慰了我们。”[2]{AA 324.1 }
§7
During this time of anxiety concerning the church at Corinth, Paul hoped for the best; yet at times feelings of deep sadness would sweep over his soul, lest his counsels and admonitions might be misunderstood. Our flesh had no rest, he afterward wrote, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus. {AA 324.1 }[2]
§8
这个忠心的传信使者带来了令人鼓舞的信息，说明哥林多的信徒中间已经起了奇妙的变化。许多人已经领受保罗书信中所有的教训，并已悔改他们的罪。他们的生活不再是基督教的耻辱，而为有利于实际敬虔发挥了强有力的影响。[3]{AA 324.2 }
§9
This faithful messenger brought the cheering news that a wonderful change had taken place among the Corinthian believers. Many had accepted the instruction contained in Pauls letter and had repented of their sins. Their lives were no longer a reproach to Christianity, but exerted a powerful influence in favor of practical godliness. {AA 324.2 }[3]
§10
使徒满心快乐，就再写一封信给哥林多的信徒，表示他心中因他们所成就的善工而得的快慰。他写道：“我先前写信叫你们忧愁，我后来虽然懊悔，如今却不懊悔。”当他唯恐自己的话会被轻视而深感痛苦时，也曾多次后悔自己为什么会写得如此坚决而严肃，他继续写道：“如今我欢喜，不是因你们忧愁，而是因你们从忧愁中生出懊悔来；你们依着上帝的意思忧愁，凡事就不至于因我们受亏损了。因为依着上帝的意思忧愁，就生出没有后悔的懊悔来，以致得救。”那由于上帝恩典在人心中的影响而产生的懊悔必要使人承认并离弃罪恶。这就是使徒所说在哥林多信徒生活中所看到的效果。“从此就生出何等的殷勤、自诉、自恨、恐惧、想念、热心。”[4]{AA 324.3 }
§11
Filled with joy, the apostle sent another letter to the Corinthian believers, expressing his gladness of heart because of the good work wrought in them: Though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent. When tortured by the fear that his words would be despised, he had sometimes regretted that he had written so decidedly and severely. Now I rejoice, he continued, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of. That repentance which is produced by the influence of divine grace upon the heart will lead to confession and forsaking of sin. Such were the fruits which the apostle declared had been seen in the lives of the Corinthian believers. What carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal. {AA 324.3 }[4]
§12
保罗曾经一度为众教会的灵性背负重担，这重担沉重得使他难以担负。假师傅曾力图破坏他在信徒中间的感化力，并提倡他们自己的谬道来代替福音的真理，以下的几句话可以显明保罗当时所遭遇的困惑和失望：“我们……被压太重，力不能胜，甚至连活命的指望都绝了。”[5]{AA 325.1 }
§13
For some time Paul had been carrying a burden of soul for the churches--a burden so heavy that he could scarcely endure it. False teachers had sought to destroy his influence among the believers and to urge their own doctrines in the place of gospel truth. The perplexities and discouragements with which Paul was surrounded are revealed in the words, We were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life. {AA 325.1 }[5]
§14
但是如今一个焦急的原因已经消除了。保罗一听到他写给哥林多信徒的书信被接受的消息，他便发出了以下欢喜的言辞：“愿颂赞归与我们主耶稣基督的父上帝，就是发慈悲的父，赐各样安慰的上帝；我们在一切患难中，他就安慰我们，叫我们能用上帝所赐的安慰，去安慰那遭各样患难的人。我们既多受基督的苦楚，就靠基督多得安慰。我们受患难呢，是为叫你们得安慰、得拯救；我们得安慰呢，也是为叫你们得安慰；这安慰能叫你们忍受我们所受的那样苦楚。我们为你们所存的盼望是确定的；因为知道你们既是同受苦楚，也必同得安慰。”[6]{AA 325.2 }
§15
But now one cause of anxiety was removed. At the tidings of the acceptance of his letter to the Corinthians, Paul broke forth into words of rejoicing: Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. {AA 325.2 }[6]
§16
保罗在为他们的重新悔改并在恩典上有长进表示喜乐时，他因这种内心和生活上的改变而将一切颂赞归与上帝。他扬声说：“感谢上帝！常率领我们在基督里夸胜，并借着我们在各处显扬那因认识基督而有的香气。因为我们在上帝面前，无论在得救的人身上、或灭亡的人身上，都有基督馨香之气。”按照当时的风俗，一个将军征战凯旋时，总要带着一批俘虏回来。在这样的场合中，事先总安排一些拿香的人，当大军胜利归来时，那馨香的气味对于指定处死的俘虏，就是死的香气，表明他们被执行死刑的时候近了；但对于那些蒙攻取者恩待得以保全性命的俘囚，它却是活的香气，表明他们得释放的时候近了。[7]{AA 325.3 }
§17
In expressing his joy over their reconversion and their growth in grace, Paul ascribed to God all the praise for this transformation of heart and life. Thanks be unto God, he exclaimed, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of His knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish. It was the custom of the day for a general victorious in warfare to bring with him on his return a train of captives. On such occasions incense bearers were appointed, and as the army marched triumphantly home, the fragrant odor was to the captives appointed to die, a savor of death, showing that they were nearing the time of their execution; but to those of the prisoners who had found favor with their captors, and whose lives were to be spared, it was a savor of life, in that it showed them that their freedom was near. {AA 325.3 }[7]
§18
保罗如今满有信心和希望。他深觉撒但已无法胜过上帝在哥林多的工作，因此他用赞美的话来倾吐他心中的感恩。他和他的同工愿意本着新的热情、出去传播有关救主的知识，用以庆祝他们对抗基督和真理之仇敌所获的胜利。福音的芬芳之气将要像馨香一般散布到全世界。对于那些接受基督的人，这信息就必作活的香气叫人活；但对于那些固执不信的人，却要作死的香气叫人死了。[8]{AA 326.1 }
§19
Paul was now full of faith and hope. He felt that Satan was not to triumph over the work of God in Corinth, and in words of praise he poured forth the gratitude of his heart. He and his fellow laborers would celebrate their victory over the enemies of Christ and the truth, by going forth with new zeal to extend the knowledge of the Saviour. Like incense the fragrance of the gospel was to be diffused throughout the world. To those who should accept Christ, the message would be a savor of life unto life; but to those who should persist in unbelief, a savor of death unto death. {AA 326.1 }[8]
§20
保罗体会到这工作的极其重大，不禁感叹说：“这事谁能当得起呢？”谁能如此的传讲基督，以致他的仇敌没有正当的理由来藐视传信人或他所传的信息？保罗渴望信徒感觉到传福音之人的严肃责任。传福音的人唯有忠心传道，再配合着纯洁而言行一致的生活，方能使他们的工作蒙上帝悦纳，并对世人有益。现今凡心中感觉工作重大的传道人，最好也和保罗一同感叹说：“这事谁能当得起呢？”[9]{AA 326.2 }
§21
Realizing the overwhelming magnitude of the work, Paul exclaimed, Who is sufficient for these things? Who is able to preach Christ in such a way that His enemies shall have no just cause to despise the messenger or the message that he bears? Paul desired to impress upon believers the solemn responsibility of the gospel ministry. Faithfulness in preaching the word, united with a pure, consistent life, can alone make the efforts of ministers acceptable to God and profitable to souls. Ministers of our day, burdened with a sense of the greatness of the work, may well exclaim with the apostle, Who is sufficient for these things? {AA 326.2 }[9]
§22
有人批评保罗写头一封信乃为举荐自己。因此使徒提到这事，询问教友是否这样论断他的动机。他问道：“我们岂是又举荐自己吗？岂像别人，用人的荐信给你们，或用你们的荐信给人吗？”信徒迁居到新地点，往往带着原先所加入之教会的荐信；但身居领导地位的职工，也就是这些教会的创办人，却无需这样的举荐。那些被引领离弃拜偶像而相信福音的哥林多信徒，他们自己全都是保罗所需要的荐信。他们的领受真理，和他们生活上所生的变化，就强有力地证明了他工作的忠诚，并证明了他是基督的执事，有权从事指导、责备与劝诫。[10]{AA 327.1 }
§23
There were those who had charged Paul with self-commendation in writing his former letter. The apostle now referred to this by asking the members of the church if they thus judged his motives. Do we begin again to commend ourselves? he inquired; or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Believers moving to a new place often carried with them letters of commendation from the church with which they had formerly been united; but the leading workers, the founders of these churches, had no need of such commendation. The Corinthian believers, who had been led from the worship of idols to the faith of the gospel, were themselves all the recommendation that Paul needed. Their reception of the truth, and the reformation wrought in their lives, bore eloquent testimony to the faithfulness of his labors and to his authority to counsel, reprove, and exhort as a minister of Christ. {AA 327.1 }[10]
§24
保罗以哥林多的信徒为他的证明书，他说：“你们就是我们的荐信，写在我们的心里，被众人所知道所念诵的。你们明显是基督的信，借着我们修成的；不是用墨写的，乃是用永生上帝的灵写的；不是写在石版上，乃是写在心版上。”[11]{AA 327.2 }
§25
Paul regarded the Corinthian brethren as his testimonial. Ye are our epistle, he said, written in our hearts, known and read of all men: forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. {AA 327.2 }[11]
§26
罪人的悔改和他们的得因真理成圣，乃是传道人所能得到的最有力的凭据，证明上帝已选召他从事传福音的工作。他作使徒的凭据是写在悔改之人的心上，也是在他们更新的生活上看出来的。基督在人心里成了有荣耀的盼望。一个传道人得因他传道工作上的这些印证而大大加强力量。[12]{AA 328.1 }
§27
The conversion of sinners and their sanctification through the truth is the strongest proof a minister can have that God has called him to the ministry. The evidence of his apostleship is written upon the hearts of those converted, and is witnessed to by their renewed lives. Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. A minister is greatly strengthened by these seals of his ministry. {AA 328.1 }[12]
§28
今日基督的传道人应当有哥林多教会为保罗工作所作同样的见证。今日虽然有许多的传道人，但可惜有才能的圣洁福音执事，也就是充满了那存在基督心中之爱的人却寥寥无几。骄傲自恃、贪爱世俗、吹毛求疵、苦毒仇恨，乃是许多自称信仰基督之人所结的果子。他们的生活既与救主的生活大相径庭，往往就证明那领他们信主之传道人的工作性质如何了。[13]{AA 328.2 }
§29
Today the ministers of Christ should have the same witness as that which the Corinthian church bore to Pauls labors. But though in this age there are many preachers, there is a great scarcity of able, holy ministers--men filled with the love that dwelt in the heart of Christ. Pride, self-confidence, love of the world, faultfinding, bitterness, envy, are the fruit borne by many who profess the religion of Christ. Their lives, in sharp contrast to the life of the Saviour, often bear sad testimony to the character of the ministerial labor under which they were converted. {AA 328.2 }[13]
§30
一个人所能获致的尊荣，再没有较比得蒙上帝悦纳作有才能的福音使者更大的了。但那些蒙主赐以能力、并在他圣工上成功的人是决不会自夸的。他们承认自己是完全依靠他，并认明自己是没有能力的。他们与保罗一同说：“并不是我们凭自己能承担什么事；我们所能承担的，乃是出于上帝；他叫我们能承当这新约的执事。”[14]{AA 328.3 }
§31
A man can have no greater honor than to be accepted by God as an able minister of the gospel. But those whom the Lord blesses with power and success in His work do not boast. They acknowledge their entire dependence on Him, realizing that of themselves they have no power. With Paul they say, Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament. {AA 328.3 }[14]
§32
一个真正的传道人乃是从事主的工作。他感到自己工作的重要，认明自己对于教会以及对于世界所保持的关系，乃与基督所保持的是一样的。他不息不倦地工作，要引领罪人度一种更高贵的生活，以至他们可以获取得胜者的奖赏。他的嘴唇已经沾了从坛上取下来的红炭，他也高举耶稣为罪人的唯一希望。那些听他讲道的人认明他确已借着热切而有成效的祈祷亲近上帝。圣灵已经降在他的身上，他心中已经燃烧着天上的灵火，他就能将属灵的话解释属灵的事了。有能力赐给他，使他攻破撒但的堡垒。人们听他述说上帝的爱，就觉得扎心，许多人因此就问道：“我当怎样行才可以得救？”[15]{AA 328.4 }
§33
A true minister does the work of the Master. He feels the importance of his work, realizing that he sustains to the church and to the world a relation similar to that which Christ sustained. He works untiringly to lead sinners to a nobler, higher life, that they may obtain the reward of the overcomer. His lips are touched with a live coal from the altar, and he uplifts Jesus as the sinners only hope. Those who hear him know that he has drawn near to God in fervent, effectual prayer. The Holy Spirit has rested upon him, his soul has felt the vital, heavenly fire, and he is able to compare spiritual things with spiritual. Power is given him to tear down the strongholds of Satan. Hearts are broken by his presentation of the love of God, and many are led to inquire, What must I do to be saved? {AA 328.4 }[15]
§34
“我们既然蒙怜悯，受了这职分，就不丧胆；乃将那些暗昧可耻的事弃绝了，不行诡诈，不谬讲上帝的道理；只将真理表明出来，好在上帝面前把自己荐与各人的良心。如果我们的福音蒙蔽，就是蒙蔽在灭亡的人身上。此等不信之人，被这世界的神弄瞎了心眼，不叫基督荣耀福音的光照着他们；基督本是上帝的像。我们原不是传自己，乃是传基督耶稣为主，并且自己因耶稣作你们的仆人。那吩咐光从黑暗里照出来的上帝，已经照在我们心里，叫我们得知上帝荣耀的光显在耶稣基督的面上。”[16]{AA 329.1 }
§35
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every mans conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. {AA 329.1 }[16]
§36
使徒就是这样发扬光大上帝的恩典和怜悯，而显明在他奉派作基督之执事的神圣委托上。他和他的弟兄借着上帝丰盛的怜悯，曾在艰难、困苦和危险中得蒙保守。他们既未塑造自己的信仰和教训以迎合听众的愿望，也没有避讳不说得救所必需的真理来使自己的教训更为动人。他们曾平易而清楚地将真理表明出来，并为人心的受感与悔改而祈祷。他们也曾努力使自己的行为与自己的教训相符，以便所提供的真理可以荐与各人的良心。[17]{AA 330.1 }
§37
Thus the apostle magnified the grace and mercy of God, shown in the sacred trust committed to him as a minister of Christ. By Gods abundant mercy he and his brethren had been sustained in difficulty, affliction, and danger. They had not modeled their faith and teaching to suit the desires of their hearers, nor kept back truths essential to salvation in order to make their teaching more attractive. They had presented the truth with simplicity and clearness, praying for the conviction and conversion of souls. And they had endeavored to bring their conduct into harmony with their teaching, that the truth presented might commend itself to every mans conscience. {AA 330.1 }[17]
§38
使徒继续写道：“我们有这宝贝放在瓦器里，要显明这莫大的能力是出于上帝，不是出于我们。”上帝原可借着无罪的天使来宣扬他的真理，但这却不是他的计划。他竟拣选一班凡夫俗子，就是被软弱所困的人作为实行他计划的工具。那无价的宝贝乃是放在瓦器里的，他的福惠要借着人而传达给世人。他的荣耀要借着他们照耀在罪恶的黑暗之中。他们要以仁爱的服务应付有罪和困乏的人，引领他们来就十字架。他们要在一切的工作中将荣耀、尊贵、颂赞归与那超乎万有并管理万有的主。[18]{AA 330.2 }
§39
We have this treasure, the apostle continued, in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. God could have proclaimed His truth through sinless angels, but this is not His plan. He chooses human beings, men compassed with infirmity, as instruments in the working out of His designs. The priceless treasure is placed in earthen vessels. Through men His blessings are to be conveyed to the world. Through them His glory is to shine forth into the darkness of sin. In loving ministry they are to meet the sinful and the needy, and lead them to the cross. And in all their work they are to ascribe glory, honor, and praise to Him who is above all and over all. {AA 330.2 }[18]
§40
保罗提到自己的经验，说明他选择为基督服务并不是出于自私的动机；因为他的道路曾满布着磨炼和试探。他写道：“我们四面受敌，却不被困住；心里作难，却不至失望；遭逼迫，却不被丢弃；打倒了，却不至死亡；身上常带着耶稣的死，使耶稣的生也显明在我们身上。”[19]{AA 330.3 }
§41
Referring to his own experience, Paul showed that in choosing the service of Christ he had not been prompted by selfish motives, for his pathway had been beset by trial and temptation. We are troubled on every side, he wrote, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. {AA 330.3 }[19]
§42
保罗令他的弟兄们想到他和他的同工作基督的使者，是经常处于危险之中的。他们所忍受的苦难使他们渐渐筋疲力尽了。他写道：“因为我们这活着的人是常为耶稣被交于死地，使耶稣的生在我们这必死的身上显明出来。这样看来，死是在我们身上发动，生却在你们身上发动。”这些基督的传道人因贫乏和劳苦而在肉体方面受苦，就是效法他的死。但那在他们身上发动的死却给哥林多人带来了属灵的生命与健康，而使他们因相信真理得以分享永生。这样看来，凡跟从耶稣的人应当小心，决不可因疏忽或判离而加重传道人的负担与试炼。[20]{AA 331.1 }
§43
Paul reminded his brethren that as Christs messengers he and his fellow laborers were continually in peril. The hardships they endured were wearing away their strength. We which live, he wrote, are alway delivered unto death for Jesus sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you. Suffering physically through privation and toil, these ministers of Christ were conforming to His death. But that which was working death in them was bringing spiritual life and health to the Corinthians, who by a belief in the truth were being made partakers of life eternal. In view of this, the followers of Jesus were to be careful not to increase, by neglect and disaffection, the burdens and trials of the laborers. {AA 331.1 }[20]
§44
保罗继续说：“我们既有信心，正如经上记着说：‘我因信，所以如此说话。’我们也信，所以也说话。”保罗完全确信那交托给他的真理的真实性，所以没有什么事能以引诱他谬讲上帝的道，或隐瞒他心灵的感悟。他不愿以依从世人的意见来求得财富、尊荣或享乐。他虽然经常有为那已传给哥林多人的信仰而殉身的危险，但他是不怕威吓的；因为他知道那曾经死过而又复活的主要使他从坟墓中兴起，并将他献与天父。[21]{AA 331.2 }
§45
We having the same spirit of faith, Paul continued, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak. Fully convinced of the reality of the truth entrusted to him, nothing could induce Paul to handle the word of God deceitfully or to conceal the convictions of his soul. He would not purchase wealth, honor, or pleasure by conformity to the opinions of the world. Though in constant danger of martyrdom for the faith that he had preached to the Corinthians, he was not intimidated, for he knew that He who had died and risen again would raise him from the grave and present him to the Father. {AA 331.2 }[21]
§46
他说：“凡事都是为你们，好叫恩惠因人多越发加增，感谢格外显多，以致荣耀归与上帝。”使徒们传讲福音并不是为表扬自己。那导使他们献身从事这工作的，乃是救灵的希望。而且也是这一希望，才保守他们不因危险的威胁或实际的苦难而停止他们的努力。[22]{AA 332.1 }
§47
All things are for your sakes, he said, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. Not for self-aggrandizement did the apostles preach the gospel. It was the hope of saving souls that led them to devote their lives to this work. And it was this hope that kept them from ceasing their efforts because of threatened danger or actual suffering. {AA 332.1 }[22]
§48
保罗宣称：“所以我们不丧胆；外体虽然毁坏，内心却一天新似一天。”保罗已然感受到仇敌的势力；他的体力虽然逐渐衰退，但他仍旧忠心而毫不畏缩地宣扬基督的福音。这位十字架的英雄穿戴上帝所赐的全副军装，在战斗中奋勇前进。他那愉快的口吻就宣布了他已在战争中获胜。他注视着忠心之人的报赏，而以得胜的声调欢呼说：“我们这至暂至轻的苦楚，要为我们成就极重无比永远的荣耀。原来我们不是顾念所见的，乃是顾念所不见的；因为所见的是暂时的，所不见的是永远的。”[23]{AA 332.2 }
§49
For which cause, Paul declared, we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. Paul felt the power of the enemy; but though his physical strength was declining, yet faithfully and unflinchingly he declared the gospel of Christ. Clad in the whole armor of God, this hero of the cross pressed forward in the conflict. His voice of cheer proclaimed him triumphant in the combat. Fixing his gaze on the reward of the faithful, he exclaimed in tones of victory, Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. {AA 332.2 }[23]
§50
保罗请求哥林多的弟兄重新思想救赎主无比大爱的言辞，乃是非常恳切动人的。他写道：“你们知道我们主耶稣基督的恩典；他本来富足，却为你们成了贫穷，叫你们因他的贫穷，可以成为富足。”你们既知道他原有地位的崇高，也知道他自卑屈辱程度的低下。他一旦踏上克己牺牲的道路，就毫不偏离，直到他舍弃自己的性命。在宝座和十字架之间，他并没有得片刻的歇息。[24]{AA 332.3 }
§51
Very earnest and touching is the apostles appeal that his Corinthian brethren consider anew the matchless love of their Redeemer. Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, he wrote, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich. You know the height from which He stooped, the depth of humiliation to which He descended. Having once entered upon the path of self-denial and sacrifice, he turned not aside until He had given His life. There was no rest for Him between the throne and the cross. {AA 332.3 }[24]
§52
保罗逐点反复详述，为要使那些阅读他书信的人得以充分明白救主为他们的缘故所作的不可思议的自卑。使徒先说明基督原与上帝同等，并与他同受天使的敬拜，又追述他的经历，直至屈辱到最卑微的地步。保罗深信如果能导使他们明白天上的主宰所作的惊人牺牲，则所有的自私就必从他们的生活中排除了。他指明上帝的儿子怎样放弃自己的荣耀，自愿取了人的性质；然后虚己成为奴仆，存心顺服，以至于死，“且死在十字架上，”（腓2:8）以便救拔堕落的人类，使他们得到盼望、喜乐和天国。[25]{AA 333.1 }
§53
Point after point Paul lingered over, in order that those who should read his epistle might fully comprehend the wonderful condescension of the Saviour in their behalf. Presenting Christ as He was when equal with God and with Him receiving the homage of the angels, the apostle traced His course until He had reached the lowest depths of humiliation. Paul was convinced that if they could be brought to comprehend the amazing sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven, all selfishness would be banished from their lives. He showed how the Son of God had laid aside His glory, voluntarily subjecting Himself to the conditions of human nature, and then had humbled Himself as a servant, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8), that He might lift fallen man from degradation to hope and joy and heaven. {AA 333.1 }[25]
§54
当我们根据十字架来研究神的品德时，我们就看出公理与正义原是配合着怜悯、慈爱和赦免的。我们看到在宝座中间，有一位手脚和肋旁都带有伤痕，就是为使人与上帝和好而受有伤痕的主。我们看到一位无穷的父，“住在人不能靠近的光里，”然而他却因他儿子的功劳而接纳我们归他自己。那预示着只有不幸和绝望之报应的乌云，在十字架光芒照耀之下，反而现出上帝的手笔：犯罪的人，存活，存活吧！你们这些悔改相信的人，存活吧！我已经付了赎价。[26]{AA 333.2 }
§55
When we study the divine character in the light of the cross we see mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness blended with equity and justice. We see in the midst of the throne One bearing in hands and feet and side the marks of the suffering endured to reconcile man to God. We see a Father, infinite, dwelling in light unapproachable, yet receiving us to Himself through the merits of His Son. The cloud of vengeance that threatened only misery and despair, in the light reflected from the cross reveals the writing of God: Live, sinner, live! ye penitent, believing souls, live! I have paid a ransom. {AA 333.2 }[26]
§56
我们在默想基督时，便徘徊于广大无边的爱海岸上。我们虽极力要描述这爱，但却无词可遣。我们思想他在地上的生活，他为我们所作的牺牲，他在天上为我们担任中保的工作，以及他为凡爱他的人所预备的住处；我们只能感叹说：基督的爱是何等地高深！“不是我们爱上帝，乃是上帝爱我们，差他的儿子，为我们的罪作了挽回祭，这就是爱了。”“你看父赐给我们是何等的慈爱，使我们得称为上帝的儿女。”（约一4:10；3:1）[27]{AA 333.3 }
§57
In the contemplation of Christ we linger on the shore of a love that is measureless. We endeavor to tell of this love, and language fails us. We consider His life on earth, His sacrifice for us, His work in heaven as our advocate, and the mansions He is preparing for those who love Him, and we can only exclaim, O the height and depth of the love of Christ! Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. 1 John 4:10; 3:1. {AA 333.3 }[27]
§58
这种爱像圣火一样，在每一个忠实门徒的心坛上燃烧起来。上帝的爱乃是在这个地上借着基督而彰显的。他的儿女也要在这个地上借着无瑕疵的生活回应这爱。这样，罪人就必被带领到十字架跟前，仰望上帝的羔羊。[28]{AA 334.1 }
§59
In every true disciple this love, like sacred fire, burns on the altar of the heart. It was on the earth that the love of God was revealed through Christ. It is on the earth that His children are to reflect this love through blameless lives. Thus sinners will be led to the cross to behold the Lamb of God. {AA 334.1 }[28]