第102章 信徒的关系
§1
第102章 信徒的关系
§2
The Relation of Church Membership
§3
每一个争取胜利的人，都要对付自己的弱点；然而人们往往是太易于察觉弟兄的过错，看不到自己的过错，所以他们应该更加殷勤地严格自省，而不是批评他人。{1TT 564.1}[1]
§4
Every man who is striving to overcome will have his own weaknesses to contend with, but it is so much easier for persons to see the faults of their brethren than to see their own that they should be much more diligent and critical with themselves than with others.?{1TT 564.1}[1]
§5
教会的全体信徒若是上帝的儿女，就必须先经过一番训练的程序，然后才能作世上之光。人若仍在黑暗之中，并以此自满，不特别努力与真光之源联络，上帝就不会使这等男女充当传光的导管。凡是感觉到自己的需要，深刻思考，极其恳切地坚持祷告及行动的人，就必得到上帝的帮助。在关于自己的事上，人有许多要学习的，也有许多应忘却的。必须摆脱旧习惯和旧风俗，只有藉着恳切奋斗，去纠正这些错误，全然接受真理，实行其原则，并靠上帝的恩典，方可得到胜利。{1TT 564.2}[2]
§6
All the members of the church, if they are sons and daughters of God, will have to undergo a process of discipline before they can be lights in the world. God will not make men and women channels of light while they are in darkness and are content to remain so, making no special efforts to connect with the Source of light. Those who feel their own need, and arouse themselves to the deepest thought and the most earnest, persevering prayer and action, will receive divine aid. There is much for each to unlearn with respect to himself, as well as much to learn. Old habits and customs must be shaken off, and it is only by earnest struggles to correct these errors, and a full reception of the truth in carrying out its principles, by the grace of God, that the victory can be gained.?{1TT 564.2}[2]
§7
我巴不得能说感人的话，使我们都认识到我们每一个人唯一的指望就是与上帝连络。要获得纯洁的心；要多加自省，克服固执和爱自己的心。这就需要恒切诚恳的祷告。{1TT 564.3}[3]
§8
I wish I could speak words which would impress us all that our only hope as individuals is to connect with God. Purity of soul must be obtained; and there is much heart searching to be done and much obstinacy and self-love to be overcome, which will require constant, earnest prayer.?{1TT 564.3}[3]
§9
【镇定与自制】
§10
急躁而喜欢批评人的人，对于自己缺乏基督徒礼貌往往辩解说，一些改革家在工作时也具有此种精神。他们宣称，现代的工作也需要这同样的精神；然而事实并非如此。镇定而有完全自制的精神，在任何地方都是更好的，甚至在最粗野的人群中也是这样。激烈兴奋的热心对于任何人都无益处。上帝拣选改革家，并非因为他们的武断和激情。尽管他们有这些品格特性，祂仍按他们的本色接纳他们。如果他们有谦卑的心，用理性管束自己的情绪，祂原会委托给他们大十倍的责任。基督的传道人虽然需要谴责罪恶和不敬虔，污秽和虚谎，有时也蒙召在高低贵贱的人中申斥罪孽，表明上帝的义怒要降在干犯祂律法的人身上，然而他们却不可盛气凌人，专横跋扈；而应表现出仁爱慈悲，救人而不是灭人的精神。?{1TT 564.4}[4]
§11
【Calmness and Self-Control】
§12
Men who are harsh and censorious often excuse or try to justify their lack of Christian politeness because some of the Reformers worked with such a spirit, and they claim that the work for this time requires the same spirit; but this is not so.?A spirit which is calm and under perfect control is better in any place, even in the roughest company. A furious zeal does no good to anyone. God did not select the Reformers because they were overbearing, passionate men. He accepted them as they were, notwithstanding these traits of character; but He would have placed tenfold greater responsibilities upon them had they been of humble mind, having their spirits under control of reason. While ministers of Christ must denounce sin and ungodliness, impurity and falsehood, while they are sometimes called to rebuke iniquity among the high as well as the low, showing them that the indignation of God will fall upon the transgressors of His law, yet they should not be overbearing or tyrannical; they should manifest kindness and love, a spirit to save rather than to destroy.?{1TT 564.4}[4]
§13
耶和华的长久忍耐，教导凡有志与基督同工的传道人和信徒明白忍耐与仁爱的真谛。基督与犹大和冲动的彼得接触，并非因为犹大的贪心和彼得的暴躁，而是要他们向祂这位大教师学习，变得象祂一样无私，温柔和虚心。祂看到这两个人身上有良好的素质。犹大擅长理财，如果他肯衷心领受主的教训，原可成为对教会颇有价值的人才。基督曾申斥一切自私，欺诈，贪婪，甚至在今生小事上的不忠。祂常常重述这些教训：“人在最小的事上忠心，在大事上也忠心；在最小的事上不义，在大事上也不义”（路16:10）。{1TT 565.1}[5]
§14
The long-suffering of Jehovah teaches ministers and church members who aspire to be colaborers with Christ, unmistakable lessons of forbearance and love. Christ connected Judas and impulsive Peter with Himself, not because Judas was covetous and Peter passionate, but that they might learn of Him, their great Teacher, and become, like Him, unselfish, meek, and lowly of heart. He saw good material in both these men. Judas possessed financial ability and would have been of value to the church had he taken home to his heart the lessons which Christ was giving by rebuking all selfishness, fraud, and avarice, even in the little matters of life. These lessons were oft-repeated: “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”?Luke 16:10.?{1TT 565.1}[5]
§15
【严守忠贞】
§16
我们的救主设法使自己的听众铭记于心，人若肯在极小的事上欺瞒邻人而占便宜，到了有机会的时候，也会在更大的事上欺瞒人。人若稍微偏离严格的正直，就拆毁了栅栏，预备心思，去行更大的不义。基督用教训和榜样指教我们，严格的纯正应该管理我们对同胞的行动。“你们愿意人怎样待你们，你们也要怎样待人”（太7:12）。基督常常指出法利赛人有缺陷的生活，予以谴责。他们自称守上帝的律法，但每日的行为却是犯罪作恶。许多孤儿寡妇的一点小钱，也被他们全部夺取来满足贪财的欲望。{1TT 566.0}[6]
§17
【Strict Integrity】
§18
Our Saviour sought to impress upon His hearers that a man who would advantage himself by overreaching his neighbor in the smallest item would, if the opportunity were favorable, overreach in larger matters. The least departure from strict rectitude breaks down the barriers and prepares the heart to?do greater injustice. Christ, by precept and example, taught that the strictest integrity should govern our actions toward our fellow men. “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”?Matthew 7:12. Christ was continually portraying the defective lives of the Pharisees and reproving them. They professed to be keeping the law of God, yet in their daily acts were practicing iniquity. Many widows and orphans were robbed of their little all to gratify an avaricious desire for gain.?{1TT 565.2}[6]
§19
犹大如果具有向善之心，尽可受惠于主这一切的教训；然而他却为贪欲所胜，爱财之念成了主宰的力量。他携带钱囊，经管那用以促进基督工作的钱财，但他却时时挪移小笔款项私用。他的私心使他对于马利亚所奉献的香膏大为不满，责备她轻率。就这样，他本应作学生，却当起了教师，教导我们的主关于马利亚的行动是否得当。{1TT 566.1}[7]
§20
Judas might have been benefited by all these lessons had he possessed a desire to be right at heart; but his acquisitiveness overcame him, and the love of money became a ruling power. He carried the purse containing the means to be used in carrying forward the work of Christ, and little sums were from time to time applied to his own use. His selfish heart grudged the offering made by Mary of the alabaster box of ointment, and he reproved her for her imprudence. Thus, instead of being a learner, he would be a teacher and instruct our Lord in regard to the propriety of her action.?{1TT 566.1}[7]
§21
这两个人有同样的机会和特权，可以不断学习基督的教训和榜样，纠正自己品格上的罪性。他们在听到主对于伪善和腐败所发的严厉斥责时，也看出这些受到申斥的人，正是救主热切关怀和不倦努力所要改变的对象。救主曾为他们的黑暗和错误哭泣。祂向他们发出无限的慈怜与慈爱，并对耶路撒冷城呼喊道：“我多次愿意聚集你的儿女，好像母鸡把小鸡聚集在翅膀底下，只是你们不愿意”（路13:34）！{1TT 566.2}[8]
§22
These two men alike had the opportunities and privileges of the continual lessons and example of Christ to correct their sinful traits of character. While they heard His withering rebukes and denunciations against hypocrisy and corruption, they saw that those so terribly denounced were the objects of solicitous and unwearied labor for their reformation. The Saviour wept because of their darkness and error. He yearned over them with unbounded compassion and love, exclaiming to Jerusalem: “How often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!”?Luke 13:34.?{1TT 566.2}[8]
§23
【耶稣的忍耐】
§24
彼得在行动上敏捷而热心，勇敢而不妥协；基督在他的品质中看到对教会的重大价值。因此祂让彼得与自己联络，好保存他一切良善宝贵的素质，并用自己的教训和榜样去软化他的急躁脾气，抚平他的粗卤之举。人心如果真因上帝恩典而改变，就必在外表上表显出真正的仁爱，同情和有礼貌。耶稣从来不是冷若冰霜，不能接近的。在祂需要恢复精力和休息之时，有病痛的人往往搅扰祂休息，但祂总是给众人慈祥的看顾，说鼓励的话语。祂是真礼貌的表率。彼得曾否认他的主，后来大为后悔，并为自己的大罪深深自卑。基督在复活之后仍提到彼得的名字，表明祂饶恕了这位有过错的门徒。{1TT 566.3}[9]
§25
【The Forbearance of Jesus】
§26
Peter was prompt and zealous in action, bold and uncompromising; and Christ saw in him material that would be of great value to the church. He therefore connected Peter with Himself, that all which was good and valuable might be preserved, and that by His lessons and example He might soften whatever was harsh in his temper and smooth whatever was rugged in his deportment. If the heart were indeed transformed by divine grace, an external change would be seen in true kindness, sympathy, and courteousness. Jesus was never cold and unapproachable. The afflicted often broke in upon His retreat when He needed refreshment and rest, but He had a kind look and an encouraging word for all. He was a pattern of true courtesy. Peter denied his Lord, but afterward repented and was deeply humbled because of his great sin; and Christ showed that He forgave His erring disciple in condescending to mention him by name after His resurrection.?{1TT 566.3}[9]
§27
犹大屈服于撒但的试探，出卖自己至好的朋友。彼得则学习和受益于基督的教训。在主升天之后，彼得便推进那留给门徒的改革大工。这两个人代表基督所召与己联络的两等人。祂使他们有机会从祂的教训和祂无私慈怜的生活榜样上向祂学习。{1TT 567.1}[10]
§28
Judas yielded to the temptations of Satan and betrayed his best friend. Peter learned and profited by the lessons of Christ, and carried forward the work of reform which was left to the disciples when their Lord ascended on high. These two men represent the two classes that Christ connects with Himself, giving to them the advantages of His lessons and the example of His unselfish, compassionate life, that they may learn of Him.?{1TT 567.1}[10]
§29
人越仰望救主，越认识祂，就越与祂的形像同化，并行基督所行的事。我们所处的世代需要改革的工作。照在我们身上的真理之光，需要坚决行动和具有真正道德价值的人，恒心殷勤作工，拯救凡肯听上帝圣灵邀请的人。{1TT 567.2}[11]
§30
The more man views his Saviour and becomes acquainted with Him, the more he will become assimilated to His image and work the works of Christ. The age in which we live calls for reformatory action. The light of truth which shines upon us calls for men of determined action and sterling moral worth to labor diligently and perseveringly to save the souls of all who will hear the invitation of the Spirit of God.?{1TT 567.2}[11]
§31
教会信徒彼此之间所应存有的爱心，往往被批评责难的精神所代替。这种精神甚至表现在宗教活动中，表现在彼此攻击和严责个人上。传道人，长老或平信徒不应该支持这种事。教会礼拜应当专注上帝的荣耀。当各具特性的人在教会的团体中相聚的时候，若不被上帝的真理软化，并制服品格上锋利的棱角，教会就要受到影响，结果就牺牲了平安与和谐，而放纵这些自私不圣洁的特性了。许多人在严密监视弟兄们的过失时，忽略了省察自己的心及洁净自己的生活。这种情形使上帝不悦。教会中的信徒个人应当严守自己的心，谨慎自己的行动，免得为自私的动机所左右，成为软弱弟兄们的绊脚石。{1TT 567.3}[12]
§32
The love which should exist between church members frequently gives place to criticism and censure; and these appear, even in the religious exercises, in reflections and severe personal thrusts. Such things should not be countenanced by ministers, elders, or people. The services of the church should be carried forward with an eye single to the glory of God. When men with their peculiar organizations are brought?together in church capacity, unless the truth of God softens and subdues the sharp points in the character, the church will be affected and its peace and harmony sacrificed to indulge these selfish, unsanctified traits. Many, in their close watch to discover the faults of their brethren, neglect the investigation of their own hearts and the purification of their own lives. This brings the displeasure of God. The individual members of the church should be jealous for their own souls, critically watching their own actions, lest they should move from selfish motives and be a cause of stumbling to their weak brethren.?{1TT 567.3}[12]
§33
上帝按人的现状接纳他们，包括他们品格中人性的成分。如果他们愿意接受训练，向祂学习，祂就会造就他们为祂服务。在一些教会信徒心中，存着恶毒，嫉妒，怀疑，猜忌，甚至怨恨，其根源在撒但的工作。这些成分都具有毒害教会的影响。“一点面酵能使全团发起来”（林前5:6）。在攻击弟兄上所表现的宗教热情，并不是按着真知识的热心。基督与这一类见证毫无关系。（4T485-489.1880年）{1TT 568.1}[13]
§34
God takes men as they are, with the human element in their character, and then trains them for His service if they will be disciplined and learn of Him. The root of bitterness, envy, distrust, jealousy, and even hatred, which exists in the hearts of some church members, is the work of Satan. Such elements have a poisonous influence upon the church. “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.”?1 Corinthians 5:6. The religious zeal which is manifested in a raid upon brethren is a zeal not according to knowledge. Christ has nothing to do with such testimony.?{1TT 568.1}[13]