第32章 慷慨捐输的教会
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第32章 慷慨捐输的教会
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Chap. 32 - A Liberal Church
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保罗在致哥林多教会的第一封书信中，曾指示信徒关于维持上帝在地上圣工所根据的一般原则。他论到自己为他们作使徒的工作，询问说：[1]{AA 335.1 }
§4
In his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul gave the believers instruction regarding the general principles underlying the support of Gods work in the earth. Writing of his apostolic labors in their behalf, he inquired: {AA 335.1 }[1]
§5
“有谁当兵，自备粮饷呢？有谁栽葡萄园，不吃园里的果子呢？有谁牧养牛羊，不吃牛羊的奶呢？我说这话，岂是照人的意见？律法不也是这样说吗？就如摩西的律法记着说：‘牛在场上踹谷的时候，不可笼住它的嘴。’难道上帝所挂念的是牛吗？不全是为我们说的吗？分明是为我们说的。因为耕种的当存着指望去耕种，打场的也当存得粮的指望去打场。”[2]{AA 335.2 }
§6
Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? or saith He it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. {AA 335.2 }[2]
§7
使徒更进一层的问道：“我们若把属灵的种子撒在你们中间，就是从你们收割奉养肉身之物，这还算大事吗？若别人在你们身上有这权柄，何况我们呢？然而我们没有用过这权柄；倒凡事忍受，免得基督的福音被阻隔。你们岂不知为圣事劳碌的，就吃殿中的物吗？伺候祭坛的，就分领坛上的物吗？主也是这样命定，叫传福音的，靠着福音养生。”（林前9:7-14）[3]{AA 335.3 }
§8
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, the apostle further inquired, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:7-14. {AA 335.3 }[3]
§9
使徒在此提及主维持在圣殿供职之祭司的计划。凡分别专任此一圣职的人，均受自己弟兄的供给，因为祭司是为他们职司属灵幸福的。“那得祭司职任的利未子孙，领命照例向百姓取十分之一。”（来7:5）利未支派乃是主所拣选，担任圣殿崇事与祭司圣职的。有话论到祭司说：“耶和华你的上帝……将他拣选出来，……奉耶和华的各侍立侍奉。”（申18:5）一切收获的十分之一乃是主所命定属于他的，而扣留十分之一，在他看来乃是夺取。[4]{AA 336.1 }
§10
The apostle here referred to the Lords plan for the maintenance of the priests who ministered in the temple. Those who were set apart to this holy office were supported by their brethren, to whom they ministered spiritual blessings. Verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law. Hebrews 7:5. The tribe of Levi was chosen by the Lord for the sacred offices pertaining to the temple and the priesthood. Of the priest it was said, The Lord thy God hath chosen him . . . to stand to minister in the name of the Lord. (Deuteronomy 18:5.) One tenth of all the increase was claimed by the Lord as His own, and to withhold the tithe was regarded by Him as robbery. {AA 336.1 }[4]
§11
保罗说“主也是这样命定，叫传福音的靠着福音养生”时，意思就是指着这种维持传道工作的计划。后来使徒在写信给提摩太时也说：“工人得工价是应当的。”（提前5:18）[5]{AA 336.2 }
§12
It was to this plan for the support of the ministry that Paul referred when he said, Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. And later, in writing to Timothy, the apostle said, The laborer is worthy of his reward. 1 Timothy 5:18. {AA 336.2 }[5]
§13
缴纳十分之一不过是上帝维持他崇事计划的一部分。《圣经》曾详细列举各种的捐献与供物。在犹太制度之下，民众无不受教要在维持上帝圣工与供应穷人需要这两件事上，存慷慨捐输的精神。每逢特别时节，另有乐意的奉献。在庄稼与葡萄收获的时候，凡土地所产初熟之物包括五谷、新酒和油都要当作供物奉献与耶和华。遗下的穗子和田角的庄稼，则当留给穷人。初剪的羊毛，初收的五谷，也是分别归给上帝的。一切头生的牲畜也是如此；至于头生的儿子，则须付出赎价。凡初熟之物都要先带到圣所放在耶和华面前，然后专供祭司之用。[6]{AA 336.3 }
§14
The payment of the tithe was but a part of Gods plan for the support of His service. Numerous gifts and offerings were divinely specified. Under the Jewish system the people were taught to cherish a spirit of liberality both in sustaining the cause of God and in supplying the wants of the needy. For special occasions there were freewill offerings. At the harvest and the vintage, the first fruits of the field--corn, wine, and oil--were consecrated as an offering to the Lord. The gleanings and the corners of the field were reserved for the poor. The first fruits of the wool when the sheep were shorn, of the grain when the wheat was threshed, were set apart for God. So also were the first-born of all animals, and a redemption price was paid for the first-born son. The first fruits were to be presented before the Lord at the sanctuary and were then devoted to the use of the priests. {AA 336.3 }[6]
§15
主定意借着这种慈善的制度，教导以色列人须在凡事上以他为首。这样他们就会想到上帝乃是其田地、牛羊和牲畜的物主；那赐下阳光和雨水给他们使庄稼发长成熟的也是他。凡他们一切所有的无不是他的；他们不过是他物业的管家而已。[7]{AA 337.1 }
§16
By this system of benevolence the Lord sought to teach Israel that in everything He must be first. Thus they were reminded that God was the proprietor of their fields, their flocks, and their herds; that it was He who sent them the sunshine and the rain that developed and ripened the harvest. Everything that they possessed was His; they were but the stewards of His goods. {AA 337.1 }[7]
§17
基督徒所享有的特权既远超乎犹太民族的，但施舍却不如他们慷慨，这是不合上帝旨意的。救主宣告说：“多给谁，就向谁多取；多托谁，就向谁多要。”（路12:48）昔日希伯来人所奉命具有的慷慨精神，大部分仍在裨益其本族；但今日却在使上帝的圣工普及全球。基督已将福音的财宝置于跟从他的人手中，而且他也将传扬救恩佳音给世人的责任放在他们身上了。当然我们的职责远比古代以色列人的更为重大。[8]{AA 337.2 }
§18
It is not Gods purpose that Christians, whose privileges far exceed those of the Jewish nation, shall give less freely than they gave. Unto whomsoever much is given, the Saviour declared, of him shall be much required. Luke 12:48. The liberality required of the Hebrews was largely to benefit their own nation; today the work of God extends over all the earth. In the hands of His followers, Christ has placed the treasures of the gospel, and upon them He has laid the responsibility of giving the glad tidings of salvation to the world. Surely our obligations are much greater than were those of ancient Israel. {AA 337.2 }[8]
§19
上帝的圣工一经扩展，则求助的呼声就必愈来愈频繁。为了答应这些呼声，基督徒就应当听从主的命令：“你们要将当纳的十分之一全然送入仓库，使我家有粮。”（玛3:10）如果自命为基督徒的人肯忠心将十分之一和当献的供物献与上帝，他的府库就必丰足。这样，就根本无需依赖举办展览会、开彩发奖或召开同乐会等来募捐维持圣工了。[9]{AA 338.1 }
§20
As Gods work extends, calls for help will come more and more frequently. That these calls may be answered, Christians should heed the command, Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house. Malachi 3:10. If professing Christians would faithfully bring to God their tithes and offerings, His treasury would be full. There would then be no occasion to resort to fairs, lotteries, or parties of pleasure to secure funds for the support of the gospel. {AA 338.1 }[9]
§21
人们都想将他们的金钱用在任性放纵，满足口腹，妆饰自己，或铺张家宅的事上。许多教友为了这一类的事，竟毫不吝惜地浪费，甚至奢侈无度。但当请他们捐献给主的府库，用以推进他在地上的圣工时，他们便踌躇了。他们或者因为感到无可奈何，勉强捐出一笔款项，但为数却远较其经常供无谓挥霍的为少。他们表现了并不真爱为基督服务，对救人一事也无真实的兴趣。这等人的发育不全而具有病态的基督徒生活，该是何等的令人惊奇啊！[10]{AA 338.2 }
§22
Men are tempted to use their means in self-indulgence, in the gratification of appetite, in personal adornment, or in the embellishment of their homes. For these objects many church members do not hesitate to spend freely and even extravagantly. But when asked to give to the Lords treasury, to carry forward His work in the earth, they demur. Perhaps, feeling that they cannot well do otherwise, they dole out a sum far smaller than they often spend for needless indulgence. They manifest no real love for Christs service, no earnest interest in the salvation of souls. What marvel that the Christian life of such ones is but a dwarfed, sickly existence! {AA 338.2 }[10]
§23
人若因基督的爱而心里火热，他就必认为协助推进那交托世人之最高尚最圣洁的工作，就是将丰富的仁慈、怜悯和真理传与世人的工作，不仅是一种本分，而且也是一件乐事。[11]{AA 338.3 }
§24
He whose heart is aglow with the love of Christ will regard it as not only a duty, but a pleasure, to aid in the advancement of the highest, holiest work committed to man--the work of presenting to the world the riches of goodness, mercy, and truth. {AA 338.3 }[11]
§25
那诱致世人将分属上帝的财物留作满足私欲之用的，乃是贪婪的精神；这种精神，现今正和昔日借着先知严厉谴责他的百姓一般，仍然为上帝所憎恶；那时他说：“人岂可夺取上帝之物呢？你们竟夺取我的供物。你们却说：我们在何事上夺取你的供物呢？就是你们在当纳的十分之一和当献的供物上。因你们通国的人都夺取我的供物，咒诅就临到你们身上。”（玛3:8-9）[12]{AA 339.1 }
§26
It is the spirit of covetousness which leads men to keep for gratification of self means that rightfully belong to God, and this spirit is as abhorrent to Him now as when through His prophet He sternly rebuked His people, saying, Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Malachi 3:8, 9. {AA 339.1 }[12]
§27
慷慨的精神乃是天国的精神。这种精神的最高表现乃见诸基督在十字架上所作的牺牲。天父为我们的缘故，舍了他独生子；而基督则先舍弃他一切所有的，然后又舍去己身，俾使人得蒙拯救。那髑髅地的十字架应引动每一跟随救主之人的乐善好施之心。那里所阐明的主义是施，是施舍。“人若说他住在主里面，就该自己照主所行的去行。”（约一2:6）[13]{AA 339.2 }
§28
The spirit of liberality is the spirit of heaven. This spirit finds its highest manifestation in Christs sacrifice on the cross. In our behalf the Father gave His only-begotten Son; and Christ, having given up all that He had, then gave Himself, that man might be saved. The cross of Calvary should appeal to the benevolence of every follower of the Saviour. The principle there illustrated is to give, give. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked. 1 John 2:6. {AA 339.2 }[13]
§29
反之，自私的精神乃是撒但的精神。世人在生活上所表现的主张是受，是受取。他们希望如此获得幸福与安逸，谁知播种的结果却是不幸和死亡。[14]{AA 339.3 }
§30
On the other hand, the spirit of selfishness is the spirit of Satan. The principle illustrated in the lives of worldlings is to get, get. Thus they hope to secure happiness and ease, but the fruit of their sowing is misery and death. {AA 339.3 }[14]
§31
非等到上帝中止赐福与他的子民，则他们决不应中止那将他当得之分归还与他的义务。他们不仅应将属于主的一份献纳与他，也当将慷慨的奉献当作感恩奉献，送入他的府库。他们理当以愉快的心情，将自己所受恩惠的初熟之物，就是他们最上选的财物和最圣善的服务，贡献给创造主。这样他们就必得到丰盛的福气。上帝必亲自使他们的心像浇灌的园子，水流不绝。等到最后庄稼大收割的时候，他们所能交与主的禾捆，必是那从不自私运用其所借得之财物的报偿。[15]{AA 339.4 }
§32
Not until God ceases to bless His children will they cease to be under bonds to return to Him the portion that He claims. Not only should they render the Lord the portion that belongs to Him, but they should bring also to His treasury, as a gratitude offering, a liberal tribute. With joyful hearts they should dedicate to the Creator the first fruits of their bounties--their choicest possessions, their best and holiest service. Thus they will gain rich blessings. God Himself will make their souls like a watered garden whose waters fail not. And when the last great harvest is gathered in, the sheaves that they are enabled to bring to the Master will be the recompense of their unselfish use of the talents lent them. {AA 339.4 }[15]
§33
上帝所拣选的使者既已参与进攻的工作，就绝不应被迫自备粮饷当兵，而未经其弟兄出乎同情与诚恳之给养的申援。厚待凡放弃世俗职务以便献身传道工作的人，乃是教友的本分。上帝的传道人一旦得到鼓励，他的圣工就大有进展。但何时由于人的自私，将他们当得的给养扣留了，他们的手就发软，而且往往他们的效用也大大地削弱了。[16]{AA 340.1 }
§34
Gods chosen messengers, who are engaged in aggressive labor, should never be compelled to go a warfare at their own charges, unaided by the sympathetic and hearty support of their brethren. It is the part of church members to deal liberally with those who lay aside their secular employment that they may give themselves to the ministry. When Gods ministers are encouraged, His cause is greatly advanced. But when, through the selfishness of men, their rightful support is withheld, their hands are weakened, and often their usefulness is seriously crippled. {AA 340.1 }[16]
§35
凡自命跟从上帝的人，却任凭献身的职工在积极从事传道工作时遭受穷困之苦，上帝的忿怒就要向他们发作。这些自私的人将来必要交帐，不但要为误用主的金钱，也要为因其行径致使主的忠仆感到忧闷伤心而交帐。至于蒙召担任传道工作，又应责任心放弃一切而从事为上帝服务的人，则应因其所作献身的努力领受足能自给与养家的薪资。[17]{AA 340.2 }
§36
The displeasure of God is kindled against those who claim to be His followers, yet allow consecrated workers to suffer for the necessities of life while engaged in active ministry. These selfish ones will be called to render an account, not only for the misuse of their Lords money, but for the depression and heartache which their course has brought upon His faithful servants. Those who are called to the work of the ministry, and at the call of duty give up all to engage in Gods service, should receive for their self-sacrificing efforts wages sufficient to support themselves and their families. {AA 340.2 }[17]
§37
在世俗工作的各部门中，不论劳心或劳力，凡属忠心的职工都能获得适当的薪资。难道传布真理并领人归向基督的工作，不比任何平常事业更为重要吗？难道那班忠心从事此种工作的人，不应公正地享受充分报酬的权利吗？从我们对那为精神与物质双方利益操劳所作之相对价值的估计，就显出我们对于属天之事与属地之事所表重视的对比。[18]{AA 341.1 }
§38
In the various departments of secular labor, mental and physical, faithful workmen can earn good wages. Is not the work of disseminating truth, and leading souls to Christ, of more importance than any ordinary business? And are not those who faithfully engage in this work justly entitled to ample remuneration? By our estimate of the relative value of labor for moral and for physical good, we show our appreciation of the heavenly in contrast with the earthly. {AA 341.1 }[18]
§39
为了要使府库中贮有款项维持传道工作，并应付协助国外布道事业的要求，上帝的子民就必须乐意慷慨地捐献。传道人负有一种严重的责任，要使会众时常注意上帝圣工的需要，并要教导他们以慷慨为怀。何时这事被忽略了，会众也不捐助别人的需要了，则不仅主的圣工要遭受损害，连那原应临到信徒的福分也被扣留了。[19]{AA 341.2 }
§40
That there may be funds in the treasury for the support of the ministry, and to meet the calls for assistance in missionary enterprises, it is necessary that the people of God give cheerfully and liberally. A solemn responsibility rests upon ministers to keep before the churches the needs of the cause of God and to educate them to be liberal. When this is neglected, and the churches fail to give for the necessities of others, not only does the work of the Lord suffer, but the blessing that should come to believers is withheld. {AA 341.2 }[19]
§41
即使是最穷苦的人也应将他们的捐款带来献给上帝。他们当借克己帮助那些需要较比自己更为迫切的人，而分享基督的恩惠。穷人所献的礼物就是出乎克己的果实，要如同馨香升到上帝面前。每一出于献己的行为能加强奉献者仁爱为怀之心，使他和那位“本来富足，却为我们成了贫穷，叫我们因他的贫穷可以成为富足”之主联系更加密切。[20]{AA 341.3 }
§42
Even the very poor should bring their offerings to God. They are to be sharers of the grace of Christ by denying self to help those whose need is more pressing than their own. The poor mans gift, the fruit of self-denial, comes up before God as fragrant incense. And every act of self-sacrifice strengthens the spirit of beneficence in the givers heart, allying him more closely to the One who was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich. {AA 341.3 }[20]
§43
《圣经》记载那位寡妇将两个小钱，就是尽她所有的投入银库的行为，乃为鼓励凡与贫困挣扎，而仍渴望奉献礼物襄助上帝圣工的人。基督唤起门徒注意这位妇人，因她将“她一切养生的”都捐上了（可12:44）。他评定她所献的礼物，较比那班并非出于克己之人所布施的大量捐款更有价值。因为他们只是从自己有余之中舍出一部分来。但这位寡妇却为了她的捐款，甚至剥夺了自己生活所需，而深信上帝必供给她明日所有的需要。救主论到她说：“我实在告诉你们，这穷寡妇投入库里的，比众人所投的更多。”（可12:43）这样，他便教人知道礼物的评价，并不在乎数量，乃是根据捐献的比率和捐献者的动机而定。[21]{AA 342.1 }
§44
The act of the widow who cast two mites--all that she had--into the treasury, is placed on record for the encouragement of those who, struggling with poverty, still desire by their gifts to aid the cause of God. Christ called the attention of the disciples to this woman, who had given all her living. Mark 12:44. He esteemed her gift of more value than the large offerings of those whose alms did not call for self-denial. From their abundance they had given a small portion. To make her offering, the widow had deprived herself of even the necessities of life, trusting God to supply her needs for the morrow. Of her the Saviour declared, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury. Verse 43. Thus He taught that the value of the gift is estimated not by the amount, but by the proportion that is given and the motive that actuates the giver. {AA 342.1 }[21]
§45
使徒保罗在各地教会传道时，常是不倦地努力要感动新悔改之人的心，使他们渴望为上帝的圣工行出大事。他常常鼓励他们要实行慷慨乐捐。他对那些他曾经在他们中间工作过的以弗所长老们说：“我凡事给你们作榜样，叫你们知道；应当这样劳苦，扶助软弱的人，又当记念主耶稣的话说：施比受更为有福。”（徒20:35）他写信给哥林多人也说，“少种的少收，多种的多收；这话是真的。各人要随本心所酌定的；不要作难，不要勉强；因为捐得乐意的人，是上帝所喜爱的。”（林后9:6-7）[22]{AA 342.2 }
§46
The apostle Paul in his ministry among the churches was untiring in his efforts to inspire in the hearts of the new converts a desire to do large things for the cause of God. Often he exhorted them to the exercise of liberality. In speaking to the elders of Ephesus of his former labors among them, he said, I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. He which soweth sparingly, he wrote to the Corinthians, shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7. {AA 342.2 }[22]
§47
马其顿的信徒在今世财物上，几乎都是贫穷的，但他们的心却洋溢着对于上帝和他真理的爱，并且乐意捐助维持福音。因此，在为救济犹太信徒而向外邦人教会普遍募捐之时，马其顿悔改归正之人的慷慨就被高举作为其它教会的榜样。使徒写信给哥林多的信徒，要他们注意“上帝赐给马其顿众教会的恩，……就是他们在患难中受大试炼的时候，仍有满足的快乐；在极穷之间，还格外显出他们乐捐的厚恩。……他们是按着力量，而且也过了力量，自己甘心乐意的捐助；再三的求我们，准他们在这供给圣徒的恩情上有份。”（林后8:1-4）[23]{AA 343.1 }
§48
Nearly all the Macedonian believers were poor in this worlds goods, but their hearts were overflowing with love for God and His truth, and they gladly gave for the support of the gospel. When general collections were taken up in the Gentile churches for the relief of the Jewish believers, the liberality of the converts in Macedonia was held up as an example to other churches. Writing to the Corinthian believers, the apostle called their attention to the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, . . . yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 2 Corinthians 8:1-4. {AA 343.1 }[23]
§49
马其顿信徒的甘愿牺牲，乃是由于专诚献身而来。他们受了上帝圣灵的感动，“先把自己献给主，”（林后8:5）然后才甘心乐意捐出自己的财物来维持福音。他们献捐，并不需要有人劝勉，而是乐于以克己，甚至放弃自己必需之物以便供应别人的需要为荣。当使徒想要加以劝阻时，他们竟强求他接纳他们的捐款。他们本着纯朴、直率与爱弟兄的心，乐意克己，因此就在仁慈的善果上显出满足来。[24]{AA 343.2 }
§50
The willingness to sacrifice on the part of the Macedonian believers came as a result of wholehearted consecration. Moved by the Spirit of God, they first gave their own selves to the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:5), then they were willing to give freely of their means for the support of the gospel. It was not necessary to urge them to give; rather, they rejoiced in the privilege of denying themselves even of necessary things in order to supply the needs of others. When the apostle would have restrained them, they importuned him to accept their offering. In their simplicity and integrity, and in their love for the brethren, they gladly denied self, and thus abounded in the fruit of benevolence. {AA 343.2 }[24]
§51
当保罗差派提多到哥林多去鼓励该地信徒的时候，他教训提多要将教会建立在施舍的慈惠事上；同时他又在个人给当地信徒的书信中，加上他自己的请求说：“你们既然在信心、口才、知识、热心和待我们的爱心上，都格外显出满足来，就当在这慈惠的事上，也格外显出满足来。”“如今就当办成这事；既有愿作的心，也当照你们所有的去办成。因为人若有愿作的心，必蒙悦纳，乃是照他所有的，并不是照他所无的。”“上帝能将各样的恩惠，多多的加给你们；使你们凡事常常充足，能多行各样善事；……叫你们凡事富足，可以多多施舍，就借着我们使感谢归于上帝。”（林后8:4,11-12；9:8-11）[25]{AA 344.1 }
§52
When Paul sent Titus to Corinth to strengthen the believers there, he instructed him to build up that church in the grace of giving, and in a personal letter to the believers he also added his own appeal. As ye abound in everything, he pleaded, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also, Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: . . . being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 8:7, 11, 12; 9:8-11. {AA 344.1 }[25]
§53
不自私的慷慨乐捐使早期教会大得喜乐；因为信徒们知道他们的努力，乃是帮助将福音的信息传给黑暗中的人。他们的善行证明他们并非徒然接受上帝的恩典。除了借着圣灵得以成圣之外，还有什么能产生这种慷慨乐捐的事呢？这在信与不信的人看来，真是恩典的奇迹。[26]{AA 344.2 }
§54
Unselfish liberality threw the early church into a transport of joy; for the believers knew that their efforts were helping to send the gospel message to those in darkness. Their benevolence testified that they had not received the grace of God in vain. What could produce such liberality but the sanctification of the Spirit? In the eyes of believers and unbelievers it was a miracle of grace. {AA 344.2 }[26]
§55
属灵方面的顺利亨通，是与基督徒的慷慨乐捐有密切关系的。凡跟从基督的人，应乐于以在一己生活中表彰其救赎主的仁慈为荣。他们一捐献给主，就得到保证，确知个人的财宝要在自己以先升达天庭。世人要想确保自己产业的安全吗？那就当将产业放在那带有钉痕的手中。他们想要享受自己的财物吗？那就当用来造福穷苦之人。他们要想增添自己的财产吗？那就当听从神圣的训诲：“你要以财物，和一切初熟的土产，尊荣耶和华；这样，你的仓房必充满有余，你的酒酢有新酒盈溢。”（箴3:9-10）他们苦试图保留其财产以供自私之用，就必遭受永远的损失。但愿他们将财宝奉献上帝，而从那时起就带有他的铭记：其上也印有他的不变性。[27]{AA 344.3 }
§56
Spiritual prosperity is closely bound up with Christian liberality. The followers of Christ should rejoice in the privilege of revealing in their lives the beneficence of their Redeemer. As they give to the Lord they have the assurance that their treasure is going before them to the heavenly courts. Would men make their property secure? Let them place it in the hands that bear the marks of the crucifixion. Would they enjoy their substance? Let them use it to bless the needy and suffering. Would they increase their possessions? Let them heed the divine injunction, Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Proverbs 3:9, 10. Let them seek to retain their possessions for selfish purposes, and it will be to their eternal loss. But let their treasure be given to God, and from that moment it bears His inscription. It is sealed with His immutability. {AA 344.3 }[27]
§57
上帝说：“你们在各水边撒种……的有福了。”（赛32:20）无论何处有上帝的圣工或世人的缺乏需要我们的接济，继续不断地分赠上帝的恩赐，绝无招致穷乏之处。“有施散的，却更增添；有吝惜过度的，反致穷乏。”（箴11:24）撒种的须将种子撒出去，才得繁殖。忠心散布上帝恩赐的，也是如此。他们必因授与而添福。因为上帝曾经应许说：“你们要给人，就必有给你们的，并且用十足的升斗，连摇带按，上尖下流的，倒在你们怀里。”（路6:38）[28]{AA 345.1 }
§58
God declares, Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters. Isaiah 32:20. A continual imparting of Gods gifts wherever the cause of God or the needs of humanity demand our aid, does not tend to poverty. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. Proverbs 11:24. The sower multiplies his seed by casting it away. So it is with those who are faithful in distributing Gods gifts. By imparting they increase their blessings. Give, and it shall be given unto you, God has promised; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. Luke 6:38. {AA 345.1 }[28]