第14章 真理的能力
§1
第14章 真理的能力
§2
Chap. 14—Power of the Truth
§3
早期的传道人曾以“圣灵和大能的明证”（林前2:4）传讲上帝的道。福音的传讲曾使人心激动。现在为何真理的传讲很少有能力感动人呢？难道上帝在这个时代不比在使徒时代更愿意赐福祂圣工的工人吗？{5T157.2}[1]
§4
The word of God was preached by His ministers in early days “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” The hearts of men were stirred by the proclamation of the gospel. Why is it that the preaching of the truth has now so little power to move the people? Is God less willing to bestow His blessing upon the laborers in His cause in this age than in the apostles’ day??{5T 157.2}[1]
§5
我们向世人传扬的警告必须向他们证明是一种活的香气叫人活还是死的香气叫人死。难道主会差派祂的仆人去传这个非常严肃的信息同时却不给他们祂的圣灵吗？难道脆弱犯错的人，既没有来自上帝的特别恩典和能力，还敢站在活人和死人之间，传讲永生之道吗？我们的主有丰盛的恩典，强大的权能；祂必将这些恩赐充分地给予凡凭着信心到祂面前来的人。祂比父母把好东西给自己的儿女更愿将圣灵给求祂的人。宝贵重要的现代真理之所以没有发挥救人的大能，是因为我们没有本着信心作工。{5T157.3}[2]
§6
The warning which we bear to the world must prove to them a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. And will the Lord send forth His servants to proclaim this fearfully solemn message and withhold from them His Holy Spirit? Shall frail, erring men, without special grace and power from God, dare to stand between the living and the dead to speak the words of everlasting life? Our Lord is rich in grace, mighty in power; He will abundantly bestow these gifts upon all who come to Him in faith. He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than are parents to give?good gifts to their children. The reason why the precious, important truth for this time is not powerful to save is that we do not work in faith.?{5T 157.3}[2]
§7
我们应当诚恳地祈求圣灵的沛降，正如门徒们在五旬节祈求一样。他们那时既需要圣灵，我们今日就更加需要了。道德的黑暗象柩衣一般遮盖大地。各种各式的假道、异端以及撒但的欺骗在将人的思想导入歧途。若缺少上帝的圣灵与权能，我们宣讲真理的努力就必归于徒然。{5T158.1}[3]
§8
We should pray as earnestly for the descent of the Holy Spirit as the disciples prayed on the day of Pentecost. If they needed it at that time, we need it more today. Moral darkness, like a funeral pall, covers the earth. All manner of false doctrines, heresies, and satanic deceptions are misleading the minds of men. Without the Spirit and power of God it will be in vain that we labor to present the truth.?{5T 158.1}[3]
§9
藉着默想基督，运用对祂的信心，亲自经验祂拯救的恩典，我们才能把祂介绍给世人。如果我们学了耶稣的样式，祂就会成为我们的主题；祂的爱既在我们内心的祭坛燃烧，就会感动人心。真理就会以圣灵的明证来传讲，而不是作为一种冷淡无生命的理论。{5T158.2}[4]
§10
It is by contemplating Christ, by exercising faith in Him, by experiencing for ourselves His saving grace, that we are qualified to present Him to the world. If we have learned of Him, Jesus will be our theme; His love, burning upon the altar of our hearts, will reach the hearts of the people. The truth will be presented, not as a cold, lifeless theory, but in the demonstration of the Spirit.?{5T 158.2}[4]
§11
我们许多传道人在讲道中太过详细地讲述理论，关于实际的敬虔却讲得不够。他们对真理有理智上的认识，但他们的心却没有被基督之爱的真热诚所感动。许多人通过研究我们的书刊，获得了真理的理论知识，但他们却没有亲自研究圣经。他们没有不断寻求更深入更全面地认识圣经所启示的救恩计划。他们虽然向别人讲道，自己在宗教的成长上却变成侏儒。他们没有经常来到上帝面前，恳求祂的灵和恩典，好使他们可以正确地把基督介绍给世人。{5T158.3}[5]
§12
Many of our ministers in their discourses dwell too largely upon theory and not enough on practical godliness. They have an intellectual knowledge of the truth, but their hearts are untouched with the genuine fervor of the love of Christ. Many have gained by the study of our publications a knowledge of the arguments that sustain the truth, but they have not become Bible students for themselves. They are not constantly seeking for a deeper and more thorough knowledge of the plan of salvation as revealed in the Scriptures. While preaching to others, they are becoming dwarfs in religious growth. They do not often go before God to plead for His Spirit and grace that they may rightly present Christ to the world.?{5T 158.3}[5]
§13
人的力量是软弱的，人的智慧是愚拙的。我们的成功并不依赖我们的才干或学识，而是依赖我们与上帝活泼的关系。当人们试图显示自己的学识和能力时，真理的能力就被剥夺了。这种人还显示自己对经验上的宗教知之甚少，他们的内心和生活都不圣洁，充满着虚荣自负。他们不学耶稣的样式。他们无法把一位他们自己所不熟悉的救主介绍给人。他们自己的心没有因强烈地感到基督为拯救将亡之人所做的伟大牺牲而软化折服。他们不觉得舍己并为祂所亲爱的人受苦是一种特权。有些人高抬自己，谈论自己；他们预备讲章写文章是要唤起人们注意传道人，惟恐自己得不到应得的尊荣。要是我们更多高举耶稣，更少赞美传道人，更多赞美真理的创始者，更少赞美其信使，就会在上帝面前占据比今天更为有利的位置。{5T158.4}[6]
§14
Human strength is weakness, human wisdom is folly. Our success does not depend on our talents or learning, but on our living connection with God. The truth is shorn of its power when preached by men who are seeking to display their own?learning and ability. Such men display also that they know very little of experimental religion, that they are unsanctified in heart and life and are filled with vain conceit. They do not learn of Jesus. They cannot present to others a Saviour with whom they themselves are not acquainted. Their own hearts are not softened and subdued by a vivid sense of the great sacrifice which Christ has made to save perishing man. They do not feel that it is a privilege to deny self and to suffer for His dear sake. Some exalt self, and talk of self; they prepare sermons and write articles to call the attention of the people to the minister, fearing that he will not receive due honor. Had there been more lifting up of Jesus and less extolling the minister, more praise rendered to the Author of truth and less to its messengers, we would occupy a more favorable position before God than we do today.?{5T 158.4}[6]
§15
救赎的计划并没有本着其单纯传讲出来，因为很少传道人知道什么是单纯的信心。在理智上认识真理是不够的；我们必须体验真理在我们心中和生活上的能力。传道人需要象小孩子一样来到基督面前。弟兄们，要寻求耶稣，承认你们的罪，昼夜恳求上帝，直到你们知道为基督的缘故你们蒙赦免被悦纳了。然后你的爱就会多了，因为你得到的赦免多。这样，你就能向他人指明基督为赦罪的救赎主，从充满真理成圣能力的心中把真理宣讲出来。我的弟兄们，我为你们担心。我劝你们象早期门徒们做的一样，在耶路撒冷等候，直到象他们一样领受圣灵的洗。决不要觉得可以随便进入工作部门，直到你们用信心抓住了你们力量的膀臂。{5T159.1}[7]
§16
The plan of salvation is not presented in its simplicity for the reason that few ministers know what simple faith is. An intellectual knowledge of the truth is not enough; we must know its power upon our own hearts and lives. Ministers need to come to Christ as little children. Seek Jesus, brethren, confess your sins, plead with God day and night, until you know that for Christ’s sake you are pardoned and accepted. Then will you love much because you have been forgiven much. Then you can point others to Christ as a sin-pardoning Redeemer. Then you can present the truth from the fullness of a heart that feels its sanctifying power. I fear for you, my brethren. I counsel you to tarry at Jerusalem, as did the early disciples, until, like them, you receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Never feel at liberty to go into the desk until you have by faith grasped the arm of your strength.?{5T 159.1}[7]
§17
我们如果拥有基督的精神，就会象祂那样作工；我们会充满拿撒勒人耶稣的观念并将之呈现于人前。我们如果是基督的真门徒，而不是徒有其表的信徒和未悔改的传道人，就会以温柔和热诚的态度来传讲真理，并在我们的生活中实践真理，以致世人不会继续质疑我们是否相信我们所宣称的信仰。我们若本着基督的爱传讲信息，始终谨记生命的价值，连世人都会断定：“他们是象耶稣的。”{5T159.2}[8]
§18
If we have the spirit of Christ we shall work as He worked; we shall catch the very ideas of the Man of Nazareth and present them to the people. If, in the place of formal?professors and unconverted ministers, we were indeed followers of Christ we would present the truth with such meekness and fervor, and would so exemplify it in our lives, that the world would not be continually questioning whether we believe what we profess. The message borne in the love of Christ, with the worth of souls constantly before us, would win even from worldlings the decision: “They are like Jesus.”?{5T 159.2}[8]
§19
我们如果想改革他人，自己就必须实践我们希望他们实行的原则。话无论说得有多好听，若与日常的生活相矛盾，就必毫无能力。基督的传道人们，我劝你们：“要谨慎自己和自己的教训”（提前4:16）。不要给自己开脱你们责备别人的罪。你们如果传讲温柔和仁爱，就要让这些美德在你们自己的生活中示范出来。你们如果力劝别人要仁慈、谦恭、顾家，就要用你们自己的榜样加强你们的劝诫。你们既比别人领受了更大的亮光，责任也自比别人更大了。如果你们疏忽遵行主的旨意，就会多受鞭打。{5T160.1}[9]
§20
If we desire to reform others we must ourselves practice the principles which we would enforce upon them. Words, however good, will be powerless if contradicted by the daily life. Ministers of Christ, I admonish you: “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine.” Do not excuse sins in yourselves which you reprove in others. If you preach on meekness and love, let these graces be exemplified in your own life. If you urge others to be kind, courteous, and attentive at home, let your own example give force to your admonitions. As you have received greater light than others, so is your responsibility increased. You will be beaten with many stripes if you neglect to do your Master’s will.?{5T 160.1}[9]
§21
撒但的网罗确实在为我们张开，就象在以色列人进入迦南地之前为他们张开一样。我们正在重蹈那班人的覆辙。轻浮、虚荣、贪爱安逸和娱乐、自私自利和不洁正在我们中间滋长。现在需要坚定无畏的人宣讲上帝全部的劝勉；需要不象别人一样沉睡，而是警醒自守的人。我既确实知道我们的传道人极其缺乏圣洁和能力，就深感痛苦地看到他们努力高抬自我。如果他们能看到耶稣的真实样子，以及自己的本相，那么软弱，那么没有效率，那么不象他们的夫子，他们就会说：如果我的名字写在生命册上最不起眼的位置，对我来说也足够了，我是那么不配得到祂的注意。{5T160.2}[10]
§22
Satan’s snares are laid for us as verily as they were laid for the children of Israel just prior to their entrance into the land of Canaan. We are repeating the history of that people. Lightness, vanity, love of ease and pleasure, selfishness, and impurity are increasing among us. There is need now of men who are firm and fearless in declaring the whole counsel of God; men who will not sleep as do others, but watch and be sober. Knowing as I do the great lack of holiness and power with our ministers, I am deeply pained to see the efforts for self-exaltation. If they could but see Jesus as He is, and themselves as they are, so weak, so inefficient, so unlike their Master, they would say: If my name may be written in the obscurest part of the book of life, it is enough for me, so unworthy am I of His notice.?{5T 160.2}[10]
§23
你的任务乃是研究并效法那楷模。基督是舍己的吗？你必须照样舍己。祂是柔和谦卑的吗？你必须照样柔和谦卑。祂在救灵的工作上是热心的吗？你必须照样热心。祂作工是要增进祂父的荣耀吗？也必须照样做。祂常常寻求来自上帝的帮助吗？你也一样。基督能忍耐吗？你也必须忍耐。基督怎样饶恕祂的仇敌，你也要照饶恕你的仇敌。{5T160.3}[11]
§24
It is your work to study and to imitate the Pattern. Was?Christ self-denying? so must you be. Was He meek and lowly? so must you be. Was He zealous in the work of saving souls? so must you be. Did He labor to promote the glory of His Father? so must you. Did He often seek help from God? so must you. Was Christ patient? so will you be patient. As Christ forgave His enemies, so will you forgive.?{5T 160.3}[11]
§25
讲台上的宗教，远不如家庭中的宗教那么多地显露我们的真实品格。传道人的妻子儿女，以及那些在他家中帮佣的人，乃是最有资格衡度他敬虔的人。一个善良的人必造福于他的家庭。妻子，儿女，以及帮佣的人都必因他的宗教而获益。{5T161.1}[12]
§26
It is not so much the religion of the pulpit as the religion of the family that reveals our real character. The minister’s wife, his children, and those who are employed as helpers in his family are best qualified to judge of his piety. A good man will be a blessing to his household. Wife, children, and helpers will all be the better for his religion.?{5T 161.1}[12]
§27
弟兄们，要将基督带到家里来，也要请祂同上讲台去，随时随地都要祂与你偕行。这样你们就不必向别人强调赏识传道人身份的重要性了，因为你们自己身上已显出自天而来的凭据，向众人证明你们是基督的仆人。要在你独处的时候有耶稣同在。当记得祂的生活是常在祷告之中，依靠圣灵新的灵感所维持的。务要保持你的思想和你内心的生活在上帝的大日交帐之时不致羞愧。{5T161.2}[13]
§28
Brethren, carry Christ into the family, carry Him into the pulpit, carry Him with you wherever you go. Then you need not urge upon others the necessity of appreciating the ministry, for you will bear the heavenly credentials which will prove to all that you are servants of Christ. Carry Jesus with you in your hours of solitude. Remember that He was often in prayer, and His life was constantly sustained by fresh inspirations of the Holy Spirit. Let your thoughts, your inner life, be such that you will not be ashamed to meet its record in the day of God.?{5T 161.2}[13]
§29
天庭之门并没有对义人恳挚的祈祷关闭。以利亚和我们是同样性情的人，主却垂听他，并明显地应允了他的祈求。我们缺乏能力与上帝同在，唯一的原因在我们自己。倘若许多自称相信真理之人内在的生活，呈现于他们眼前，他们必不再自称是基督徒了。他们没有在恩典中长进。偶尔献上了一次匆促的祷告，却没有与上帝真正地来往。{5T161.3}[14]
§30
Heaven is not closed against the fervent prayers of the righteous. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, yet the Lord heard and in a most striking manner answered his petitions. The only reason for our lack of power with God is to be found in ourselves. If the inner life of many who profess the truth were presented before them, they would not claim to be Christians. They are not growing in grace. A hurried prayer is offered now and then, but there is no real communion with God.?{5T 161.3}[14]
§31
我们若欲在属灵的生活上长进，就必须多用时间祷告。当真理的信息初次传开时，我们的祈祷是多么的殷切。在内室，农场，果园或丛林中，都常常听到祈求的声音。三三两两聚在一起提述上帝的应许，用几小时的光阴诚挚祈祷；往往先听见哭泣的声音，继而是感谢和赞美的歌声。而今上帝的大日较我们初信之时更近了，我们应该比起初的时期更加诚恳、更加热心。而今危机比当年还要多。人的心肠比当时更为刚硬。我们现在需要被基督的灵所充满，在我们领受它之前决不停息。{5T161.4}[15]
§32
We must be much in prayer if we would make progress in the divine life. When the message of truth was first proclaimed, how much we prayed. How often was the voice of?intercession heard in the chamber, in the barn, in the orchard, or the grove. Frequently we spent hours in earnest prayer, two or three together claiming the promise; often the sound of weeping was heard and then the voice of thanksgiving and the song of praise. Now the day of God is nearer than when we first believed, and we should be more earnest, more zealous, and fervent than in those early days. Our perils are greater now than then. Souls are more hardened. We need now to be imbued with the spirit of Christ, and we should not rest until we receive it.?{5T 161.4}[15]
§33
弟兄姐妹们，你们忘了吗？你们的祷告应该象锐利的镰刀一样，与工人们一同到伟大的收割园地去。当年轻人前去传讲真理时，你们应该有为他们祷告的时辰。祈求上帝亲自与他们联络，赐他们智慧、恩典和知识，保护他们脱离撒但的网罗，保守他们有清洁的思想和纯洁的心。我恳劝你们敬畏上帝的人，不要浪费光阴作无益的谈话或不必要的事去满足骄傲或放纵食欲。要把这些时间花在为你们的传道人与上帝较力上。要扶住他们的手，象亚伦和户珥曾扶住摩西的手一样。{5T162.1}[16]
§34
Brethren and sisters, have you forgotten that your prayers should go out, like sharp sickles, with the laborers in the great harvest field? As young men go forth to preach the truth, you should have seasons of prayer for them. Pray that God will connect them with Himself and give them wisdom, grace, and knowledge. Pray that they may be guarded from the snares of Satan and kept pure in thought and holy in heart. I entreat you who fear the Lord to waste no time in unprofitable talk or in needless labor to gratify pride or to indulge the appetite. Let the time thus gained be spent in wrestling with God for your ministers. Hold up their hands as did Aaron and Hur the hands of Moses.?{5T 162.1}[16]