第63章 基督的门徒是世上的光
§1
第六十三章 基督的门徒是世上的光
§2
Christ’s Followers the Light of the World
§3
“你们是世上的光。城造在山上是不能隐藏的。人点灯，不放在斗底下，是放在灯台上，就照亮一家的人。你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父”（太5:14-16）。{GW92 433.1}
§4
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:14-16.]{GW92 433.1}
§5
历代以来，上帝的子民一直是世上的光。约瑟曾在埃及作擎光者。他在一个拜偶像的国家中表显了耶和华。当以色列民离开埃及前往应许之地的时候，他们也作了周围列国的光。通过他们，上帝向世人显示出来。撒但想要熄灭他们的光；但上帝的能力使这光在以色列人作为一个国家存在的时候一直亮着；甚至在以色列人被掳期间也有为上帝而作的忠心见证。从但以理和他的同伴身上，从末底改的身上，都有灿烂的光辉发出来，照亮了巴比伦宫廷的黑暗。在圣洁的异象中，上帝向但以理启示了祂曾向别人隐藏的亮光和真理，并藉着祂拣选的仆人将这亮光直照到以后的时代，且会继续照到世界的末了。{GW92 433.2}
§6
In all ages the people of God have been the light of the world. Joseph was a light in Egypt. He represented Jehovah in the midst of a nation of idolaters. While the Israelites were on the way from Egypt to the promised land, they were a light to the surrounding nations. Through them God was revealed to the world. Satan sought to extinguish their light; but by the power of God it was kept alive through successive generations while Israel maintained a national existence; and even during the captivity there were faithful witnesses for God. From Daniel and his companions, and Mordecai, a bright light shone amid the moral darkness of the kingly courts of Babylon. In holy vision, God revealed to Daniel light and truth that he had concealed from other men, and through his chosen servant this light has shone down through the ages, and will continue to shine to the end of time.{GW92 433.2}
§7
我们生活在这个时代的人拥有比曾赐给亚伯拉罕、约瑟、摩西、但以理、以斯拉、尼希米和其他古代圣贤们更大的亮光和特权，我们也就相应地有更大的责任要让我们的光照耀世界。上帝已使我们成为祂律法的保管者。我们是用基督的宝血赎回来的，我们要跟从祂的脚踪，在世人面前把祂表明出来。然而我们有没有忠心地保管真理，在现存的属灵衰退和道德腐败中正确地表现真理呢？我们有没有在做我们一切所能做的和所应该做的，散布宝贵的真理亮光呢？弟兄们，你们知道真理，明白上帝律法的要求；你们知道凡故意犯罪的人都不能进入永生，可是你们却看到人们竟使那律法在世上无效了。你们的职责是什么呢？你们不要问：“对我来说什么是方便的呢？什么是合意的呢？”而要问：“我能做什么好拯救生灵呢？”{GW92 434.1}
§8
We who are living in this age have greater light and privileges than were given to Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and other ancient worthies, and we are under correspondingly greater obligation to let our light shine to the world. God has made us the depositaries of his law. We have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, and we are to follow in his footsteps, to represent him before the world. But are we faithful depositaries of the truth, correctly representing it amid the spiritual declension and moral corruption that now exist? Are we doing all that we might and should do to diffuse the precious light of truth? Brethren, you see the truth, you understand the claims of God’s law; you know that no willful transgressor will enter into life, and yet you see that law made void in the world. What is your duty? You are not to ask, “What is convenient for me? what is agreeable?” but, “What can I do to save souls?”{GW92 434.1}
§9
有一项伟大的工作摆在我们面前。世界需要受到警告。这项工作要求运用上帝已托付我们保管的所有才干。祂已赐给我们才能，使我们能对他人的心思发挥影响。我们的才干有笔墨，印刷品，声音，钱财和心灵圣洁的情感。这一切的才干都是主的。祂把这些才干借给我们，并且要我们为使用这些才干而负责，——要我们向世人忠心地履行我们的责任。我们可以很靠近耶稣；我们可以与祂谈心，并且得到心灵的安息和平安，我们就能向别人宣扬真圣洁的荣美。{GW92 434.2}
§10
There is a great work before us. The world is to be warned. This work calls for the exercise of all the talents that God has intrusted to our keeping. He has given us abilities that enable us to exert an influence on other minds. We have talents in the pen, the press, the voice, the purse, and the sanctified affections of the soul. All these talents are the Lord’s. He has lent them to us, and he holds us responsible for the use we make of them,—for the faithful discharge of our duty to the world. We may come very near to Jesus; we may commune with him, and having found rest and peace to our own souls, we may show forth to others the beauties of true holiness.{GW92 434.2}
§11
我们将遭遇考验我们信心和勇气的战斗。但这一切若靠着耶稣乐意赐予的恩典而胜过，就必使我们更有力量。但我们必须相信，毫无疑惑地持定诸般应许。这些应许是充足丰富的，即使在末后日子的种种危险和考验中也是如此。且听主的先知发出的确信：“虽然无花果树不发旺，葡萄树不结果，橄榄树也不效力，田地不出粮食，圈中绝了羊，棚内也没有牛；然而，我要因耶和华欢欣，因救我的上帝喜乐。主耶和华是我的力量；祂……使我稳行在高处”（哈3:17-19）。我们运用信心、谈论信心并且表现出信心时，上帝的应许就会向我们证实出来。而当我们始终如一地行出我们所表白的信仰时，我们也就在教导别人要谨慎而行。{GW92 434.3}
§12
We shall meet with conflicts to test our faith and courage, but they will make us strong if we conquer through the grace which Jesus is willing to give. But we must believe; we must grasp the promises without a doubt. They are ample and rich, even during the perils and trials of the last days. Hear the assurance given by the prophet of the Lord: “Although the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, ... he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” [Habakkuk 3:17-19.] As we exercise faith, talk faith, and act faith, the promises of God will be verified to us. And as we walk consistently with our profession of faith, we are also teaching others to walk circumspectly. {GW92 434.3}
§13
不要选择黑暗。要从寒冷黑暗的不信的洞穴出来，进到上层房间，在那里你可以沐浴在上帝之爱的阳光里，享受耶稣同在的平安和安息。救主说过：“我是世界的光。跟从我的，就不在黑暗里走，必要得着生命的光”（约8:12）。当你经常报怨黑暗的时候，你就向世人表明你不是在跟从耶稣，否则就是祂欺骗了你。但是，亲爱的弟兄们，你们岂不是一直有谈论黑暗和不信的习惯吗？你们岂不是因这么做而大大影蔽了别人的道路，使他们以为真理没有什么动人之处，基督的宗教与服务不能令人满意吗？你们的言语、你们的生活和你们的品格已经表现了你们的信仰；你们已经使多少人灰心、偏向错误的方向了呢？{GW92 435.1}
§14
Do not choose darkness. Come out of the cold, dark caverns of unbelief into the upper chamber, where you may bask in the sunshine of God’s love, and enjoy peace and rest in the presence of Jesus. The Saviour said: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” [John 8:12.] When you constantly complain of darkness, you represent to the world that you are not following Jesus, or else that he has deceived you. But, dear brethren, have you not been in the habit of talking darkness and unbelief? Have you not, by so doing, greatly shadowed the path of others, and led them to think that there could be nothing attractive in the truth, nothing satisfying in the religion and service of Christ? Your words, your life, and your character have represented your religion; and how many souls have you discouraged, and balanced in the wrong direction?{GW92 435.1}
§15
不要请教感觉，因为感觉不可作我们的向导。我们行事为人要凭着信心，而不凭着眼见。不要让疑惑不信使你与上帝隔绝。不要让一句不信或沮丧的话脱口而出。撒但喜悦这种话，因为这是羞辱耶稣的。要认真努力纠正每一品格缺陷。要抛弃怨言和焦躁。你放纵这些品性的时候就是在表现黑暗之君撒但而不是光明之君基督。不要投下阴影遮暗别人的道路。要行在光中，耶稣面上发出的平安和喜乐就会在你身上反映出来。耶稣活着；祂的应许是：“照着你们的信给你们成全了吧”（太9:29）。{GW92 435.2}
§16
Do not consult feeling; for feeling is not to be our guide. We are to walk by faith, not by sight. Do not let unbelief separate you from God. Do not let one word of unbelief or discouragement escape your lips. Satan is pleased at every such expression, because it is dishonoring to Jesus. Seek earnestly to remedy every defect of character. Put away murmuring and fretfulness. In the indulgence of these traits you represent Satan, the prince of darkness, and not Christ, the Prince of light. Cast no shadow to darken the pathway of others. Walk in the light, and the peace and joy that shine in the face of Jesus will be reflected in you. Jesus lives; and his promise is, “According to your faith be it unto you.” [Matthew 9:29.] {GW92 435.2}
§17
那些谈论疑惑不信的人在天光明亮的时候或许会有点热心，凡事令人鼓舞；但当战争变得艰难，当我们不得不在绝望中抱一线希望，并且透过深厚的黑暗将我们的请求力陈到施恩的宝座时，那时那些疑惑不信的人就不会谈论迦南美地，而会强调要遇到的种种危险了。他们会细述城墙的高大和我们要遇到的巨人，那时会听到忠心的迦勒说：那地“是极美之地。耶和华若喜悦我们，就必将我们领进那地，把地赐给我们；那地原是流奶与蜜之地”（民14:7,8）。{GW92 436.1}
§18
Those who talk unbelief may have a little enthusiasm when the sky is bright, and everything encouraging; but when the battle goes hard, when we have to hope against hope, and urge our petitions to the throne of grace through deep darkness, then the unbelieving ones will not talk of the good land of Canaan, but will make prominent the dangers to be encountered. They will dwell on the strong walls, and the giants we shall meet, when the language of faithful Caleb should be heard: “The land ... is an exceeding good land. If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us.” [Numbers 14:7, 8.]{GW92 436.1}
§19
现在缺少勇敢的人；愿意为真理的缘故冒险的人；愿意谨慎自守而不阴郁沮丧的人；愿意警醒祷告的人，而且他们的祷告会结合着活泼主动的信心。我们可以愉快甚至满心喜乐。即使在试探之下，我们也可以说出于信心、盼望和勇气的话。然而不要沉湎于轻浮无聊；不要脱口说出粗俗的俏皮话，因为这些东西会使撒但大大得利。我们正生活在审判的严肃时辰，此时我们应该刻苦己心，承认我们的错误，悔改我们的罪，并且彼此代求，使我们可以得医治。{GW92 436.2}
§20
Men of courage are wanted now; men who will venture something for the truth’s sake; men who will be sober, but not gloomy and desponding; men who will watch unto prayer, and whose prayers will be mingled with living, active faith. We may be cheerful and even joyful. Even under temptation, our language may be that of faith and hope and courage. But no lightness, no trifling, should be indulged in; no low witticism should escape our lips, for these things give Satan great advantage. And we are living in the solemn hour of the Judgment, when we should afflict our souls, confess our errors, repent of our sins, and pray for one another that we may be healed.{GW92 436.2}
§21
我们若是悔改归正了，就不会再用扭曲片面的品格的表现撒但，而会在品格上、言语上和行为上效法在基督的生活中赐给我们的完美品格。我们若不遵循这个完美的榜样，恶习就会把我们牢牢地套在撒但的网罗里。我们担不起与那试探人的戏耍，——担不起坚持一个错误的习惯，怀有一个心爱的罪恶。我们若是承认和离弃自己的罪，若是以痛悔和谦卑的心来到耶稣面前，承认我们无力消除一个罪恶的污点或瑕疵，并且全然依赖被钉之救主的功劳，就可指望得赦免，因为祂的话已经作了保证。祂说过祂必饶恕我们的过犯，涂抹我们的罪恶。我们必须深思耶稣无比的慈爱与怜悯，而不要细想我们的不配与罪恶。我们若是看自己，一切都会黑暗；但耶稣乃是完全的亮光与生命，我们只要“仰望而得活。”我们可以仰望“为我们信心创始成终的耶稣，祂因那摆在前面的喜乐，就轻看羞辱，忍受了十字架的苦难”（来12:2）。这里表明的是何等的温柔、何等的怜悯、何等的慈爱啊！{GW92 436.3}
§22
If we are converted, we shall no longer represent Satan by warped, one-sided characters; but in character, in words, and in actions, we shall conform to the perfect character given us in the life of Christ. Unless we follow this perfect example, evil practices will confirm us in Satan’s snare. We cannot afford to dally with the tempter,—to persist in one wrong habit, to cherish one darling sin. If we confess and forsake our sin; if we come to Jesus in penitence and humility of soul, acknowledging our inability to remove one spot or stain of sin, and relying wholly on the merits of a crucified Saviour, we may expect forgiveness; for his word is pledged. He has said that he will pardon our transgressions, and blot out our sins. We must dwell upon the matchless love and compassion of Jesus, and not upon our own unworthiness and sinfulness. If we look to ourselves, all will be darkness; but Jesus is all light and life, and we have only to “look and live.” We may look “unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.” [Hebrews 12:2.] What tenderness, what mercy, what love, are here manifested! {GW92 436.3}
§23
藉着不断的警醒祷告，我们可以在恩典上长进，完善基督化的品格。但对于爱上帝的人来说，祷告不会成为任务，而会成为一个乐趣，一个力量之源。我们的心会停留在上帝身上，我们会用自己日常的生活说：“看哪，上帝的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的”（约1:29）。鉴于耶稣为救赎我们脱离撒但的权势所做的，我们还怎么能允许罪恶的品格特性得势，从而使撒但欢欣鼓舞，使为我们而死的主忧伤呢？{GW92 437.1}
§24
Through constant watchfulness and prayer we may grow in grace, and perfect Christian characters. But prayer will be no task to the soul that loves God; it will be a pleasure, a source of strength. Our hearts will be stayed upon God, and we shall say by our daily life, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world,” [John 1:29.] In view of what Jesus has done to redeem us from the power of Satan, how can we allow evil traits of character to gain the ascendency, thus giving Satan cause to exult, and bring grief to Him who died for us?{GW92 437.1}
§25
主正等着要把丰盛的福惠赐给我们，只要我们愿意遵守条件。我们怀存疑惑的时候是无法荣耀祂的。我们必须相信祂必做祂已说过要做的事。要记住我们有一位活着的救主。你如果不舒畅不快乐，也不要藉着谈论你的感觉来羞辱上帝。要谈论诸应许，谈论耶稣乐于赐福；在你还没有意识到的时候，乌云就会消散，亮光就会来到心里，你就会在耶稣里得到平安和安息。要怀着爱心。“爱弟兄，要彼此亲热；恭敬人，要彼此推让”（罗12:10）。要养成说愉快的充满希望和勇气的话语、讲仁爱和欣赏之言的习惯，这会使人心连心。“我们若在光明中行，如同上帝在光明中，就彼此相交，祂儿子耶稣的血也洗净我们一切的罪”（约壹1:7）。{GW92 437.2}
§26
The Lord is waiting to bestow rich blessing upon us if we will only comply with the conditions. We cannot glorify him while we cherish doubt. We must believe that he will do just what he has said he would. Remember that we have a living Saviour. If you do not feel light-hearted and joyous, do not dishonor God by talking of your feelings. Talk of the promises, talk of Jesus’ willingness to bless; and before you are aware of it, the cloud will lift, light will come into the soul, and you will find peace and rest in Jesus. Cherish love. “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.” [Romans 12:10.] Form a habit of speaking words of cheerful hope and courage, words of love and appreciation, that will bind hearts together. “If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” [1 John 1:7.] {GW92 437.2}