第10章 基督徒的品格
§1
第10章 基督徒的品格
§2
chap. 10 - Christian Character
§3
基督徒的品格表现在他的日常生活中。基督说：“凡好树都结好果子，惟独坏树结坏果子”（太7:17）。我们的救主将自己比作葡萄树；祂的门徒则是枝子。祂明确表示，凡希望作祂门徒的人都必须结果子。然后祂指出他们如何成为结果子的枝子：“你们要常在我里面，我也常在你们里面。枝子若不常在葡萄树上，自己就不能结果子。你们若不常在我里面，也是这样”（约15:4）。{SL 80.1}[1]
§4
The character of the Christian is shown by his daily life. Said Christ, Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit (Matthew 7:17). Our Saviour compares Himself to a vine, of which His followers are the branches. He plainly declares that all who would be His disciples must bring forth fruit; and then He shows how they may become fruitful branches. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me (John 15:4). {SL 80.1}[1]
§5
使徒保罗描写形容基督徒应结的果子说：“光明所结的果子，就是一切良善、公义、诚实”（弗5:9）。他还说：“圣灵所结的果子，就是仁爱、喜乐、和平、忍耐、恩慈、良善、信实、温柔、节制”（加5:22，23）。这些宝贵的美德，只是上帝律法的原则在生活中实施出来而已。{SL 80.2}[2]
§6
The apostle Paul describes the fruit which the Christian is to bear. He says that it is in all goodness and righteousness and truth (Ephesians 5:9). And again, The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:22, 23). These precious graces are but the principles of Gods law carried out in the life. {SL 80.2}[2]
§7
上帝的律法是道德完美的唯一真标准。基督的生活是遵守律法的典范。基督论到自己说：“我遵守了我父的命令”（约15:10）。没有这样的顺服，就不能满足上帝圣言的要求。“人若说他住在主里面，就该自己照主所行的去行”（约壹2:6）。我们不能辩称自己做不到，因为主向我们保证说：“我的恩典够你用的”（林后12:9）。当我们向那神圣的镜子－－上帝的律法观看时，我们就看出罪的极度可憎，和我们罪人沦丧的状况。然而藉着悔改和信心，我们能在上帝的面前得称为义，并依靠上帝的恩典，遵守祂的诫命。{SL 80.3}[3]
§8
The law of God is the only true standard of moral perfection. That law was practically exemplified in the life of Christ. He says of Himself, I have kept my Fathers commandments (John 15:10). Nothing short of this obedience will meet the requirements of Gods word. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked (1 John 2:6). We cannot plead that we are unable to do this, for we have the assurance, My grace is sufficient for thee (2 Corinthians 12:9). As we look into the divine mirror, the law of God, we see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and our own lost condition as transgressors. But by repentance and faith we are justified before God, and through divine grace enabled to render obedience to His commandments. {SL 80.3}[3]
§9
【爱上帝与爱人】
§10
真正爱上帝的人必诚恳地希望明白和遵行祂的旨意。使徒约翰的书信充分探讨了爱，他说：“我们遵守上帝的诫命，这就是爱祂了”（约壹5:3）。凡爱父母的孩子，必藉着乐意的顺从表现他的爱。但自私自利、不知感谢的孩子，会设法尽可能少地为父母服务，同时却希望享受赐给忠顺儿女的一切权利。在自称为上帝儿女的人中间，也可以看出这样的区别。许多人明知自己蒙受祂的慈爱和眷顾，希望领受祂的福气，但不喜欢遵行祂的旨意。他们视上帝对他们的要求为不愉快的拘束，视祂的诫命为难负的轭。但真诚寻求内心和生活都圣洁的人，会喜爱上帝的律法，并因自己未能满足律法的要求而伤心。{SL 81.1}[4]
§11
【Love for God and Man】
§12
Those who have genuine love for God will manifest an earnest desire to know His will and to do it. Says the apostle John, whose epistles treat so fully upon love, This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments (1 John 5:3). The child who loves his parents will show that love by willing obedience; but the selfish, ungrateful child seeks to do as little as possible for his parents, while he at the same time desires to enjoy all the privileges granted to the obedient and faithful. The same difference is seen among those who profess to be children of God. Many who know that they are the objects of His love and care, and who desire to receive His blessing, take no delight in doing His will. They regard Gods claims upon them as an unpleasant restraint, His commandments as a grievous yoke. But he who is truly seeking for holiness of heart and life delights in the law of God, and mourns only that he falls so far short of meeting its requirements. {SL 81.1}[4]
§13
基督命令我们要彼此相爱，就象祂爱了我们一样。祂曾舍身救赎我们，藉此显示祂的慈爱。蒙爱的门徒说，我们应当甘心为我们的弟兄舍命。因为“凡信耶稣是基督的，都是从上帝而生。凡爱生他之上帝的，也必爱从上帝生的”（约壹5:1）。我们若爱基督，就必爱在生活和品格上与祂相似的人。不但如此，我们还会爱那些“没有指望，”也“没有上帝”的人（见弗2:12）。基督曾离开祂的天家，到世上受苦受死，拯救罪人。为此祂劳碌、受苦和祷告，直到祂心碎肠断，被祂来拯救的人抛弃，在髑髅地将命倾倒（赛53:12）。{SL 82.1}[5]
§14
We are commanded to love one another as Christ has loved us. He has manifested His love by laying down His life to redeem us. The beloved disciple says that we should be willing to lay down our lives for the brethren. For every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him (verse 1). If we love Christ, we shall love those who resemble Him in life and character. And not only so, but we shall love those who have no hope, and are without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12). It was to save sinners that Christ left His home in heaven and came to earth to suffer and to die. For this He toiled and agonized and prayed, until, heartbroken and deserted by those He came to save, He poured out His life on Calvary. {SL 82.1}[5]
§15
【效法榜样】
§16
许多人不愿过我们救主所过的生活。他们认为需要作出太大的牺牲，才能效法这个榜样，结出善行的果实，还须耐心忍受上帝的修剪，以便结出更多的果实。但是当基督徒视自己为基督手中的卑微工具，努力忠心地履行各样职责，依靠上帝所应许的帮助，他就会负起基督的轭，并发现这轭是容易的。这时，他就要为基督挑重担，并称它为轻省的。他可以凭着勇气和信心向上仰望说：“我知道我所信的是谁，也深信祂能保全我所交付祂的”（提后1:12）。{SL 82.2}[6]
§17
【Imitating the Pattern】
§18
Many shrink from such a life as our Saviour lived. They feel that it requires too great a sacrifice to imitate the Pattern, to bring forth fruit in good works, and then patiently endure the pruning of God that they may bring forth more fruit. But when the Christian regards himself as only a humble instrument in the hands of Christ, and endeavors to faithfully perform every duty, relying upon the help which God has promised, then he will wear the yoke of Christ and find it easy; then he will bear burdens for Christ, and pronounce them light. He can look up with courage and with confidence, and say, I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him (2 Timothy 1:12). {SL 82.2}[6]
§19
我们如果在道路上遇见困难，并忠心地予以克服；我们如果遭遇反对与指责，并靠基督的名得了胜；我们如果负起责任，以我们主的精神去履行本分，我们就会获得有关祂信实和能力的宝贵知识。我们不再依靠别人的经验，因为我们自己已经有了凭证。我们可以象古时的撒玛利亚人那样说：“我们亲自听见了，知道这真是救世主”（约4:42）。{SL 83.1}[7]
§20
If we meet obstacles in our path, and faithfully overcome them; if we encounter opposition and reproach, and in Christs name gain the victory; if we bear responsibilities and discharge our duties in the spirit of our Master--then, indeed, we gain a precious knowledge of His faithfulness and power. We no longer depend upon the experience of others, for we have the witness in ourselves. Like the Samaritans of old, we can say, We have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world (John 4:42). {SL 83.1}[7]
§21
我们越默想基督的品格，越体验祂拯救的能力，就越敏感地意识到自己的软弱和瑕疵，并越诚恳地仰望祂为我们的力量和我们的救赎主。我们自己没有能力洁净心灵之殿的污秽。但当我们悔改自己得罪上帝的过错，靠着基督的功劳祈求赦免之时，祂就会赐下那生发仁爱并洁净心灵的信心。我们可以藉着信靠基督和顺从上帝的律法而成为圣洁，获得资格在荣耀的国度里与圣天使和身穿白衣的赎民为伴。{SL 83.2}[8]
§22
The more we contemplate the character of Christ, and the more we experience of His saving power, the more keenly shall we realize our own weakness and imperfection, and the more earnestly shall we look to Him as our strength and our Redeemer. We have no power in ourselves to cleanse the soul temple from its defilement; but as we repent of our sins against God, and seek pardon through the merits of Christ, He will impart that faith which works by love and purifies the heart. By faith in Christ and obedience to the law of God we may be sanctified, and thus obtain a fitness for the society of holy angels and the white-robed redeemed ones in the kingdom of glory. {SL 83.2}[8]
§23
【与基督联合是我们的特权】
§24
每一个基督徒不仅有特权，也有责任与基督保持密切的联合，在属上帝的事上获得丰富的经验。这样，他的生活必多结善果。基督说：“你们多结果子，我父就因此得荣耀”（约15:8）。我们在读到他们特别虔诚的人生记录时，往往觉得他们的经验和成就远超过我们所能达到的。但事实并非如此。基督已为众人舍命。祂在祂的圣言中向我们保证，祂愿意将圣灵赐给凡求祂的人，过于世上的父母愿意将好东西给他们的儿女。众先知和使徒不是靠神迹完善基督徒品格的。他们使用了上帝使他们力所能及的方法。凡作出同样努力的人，必获得同样的结果。{SL 83.3}[9]
§25
【Union With Christ Our Privilege】
§26
It is not only the privilege but the duty of every Christian to maintain a close union with Christ and to have a rich experience in the things of God. Then his life will be fruitful in good works. Said Christ, Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit (John 15:8). When we read the lives of men who have been eminent for their piety we often regard their experiences and attainments as far beyond our reach. But this is not the case. Christ died for all; and we are assured in His word that He is more willing to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than are earthly parents to give good gifts to their children. The prophets and apostles did not perfect Christian character by a miracle. They used the means which God had placed within their reach; and all who will put forth the same effort will secure the same results. {SL 83.3}[9]
§27
【保罗为教会的祷告】
§28
保罗在写给以弗所教会的书信中，对他们讲述了“福音的奥秘”（弗6:19），就是“基督那测不透的丰富”（弗3:8）。接着他向他们保证，他必为他们属灵的兴旺而恳切祈祷: {SL 84.1}[10]
§29
【Pauls Prayer for the Church】
§30
In his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul sets before them the mystery of the gospel (Ephesians 6:19), the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8), and then assures them of his earnest prayers for their spiritual prosperity: {SL 84.1}[10]
§31
“因此，我在父面前屈膝，……求祂按祂丰盛的荣耀，藉着祂的灵，叫你们心里的力量刚强起来，使基督因你们的信，住在你们心里，叫你们的爱心有根有基，能以和众圣徒一同明白基督的爱是何等长阔高深，并且知道这爱是过于人所能测度的，便叫上帝一切所充满的，充满了你们”（弗3:14-19）。{SL 84.2}[11]
§32
I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, . . . that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God (Ephesians 3:14-19). {SL 84.2}[11]
§33
他还写信给他在哥林多的弟兄们说：“就是在基督耶稣里成圣，蒙召作圣徒的，……愿恩惠平安，从上帝我们的父，并主耶稣基督，归于你们。我常为你们感谢我的上帝，因上帝在基督耶稣里所赐给你们的恩惠。又因你们在祂里面凡事富足，口才知识都全备。正如我为基督作的见证，在你们心里得以坚固。以致你们在恩赐上，没有一样不及人的，等候我们的主耶稣基督显现”（林前1:2-7）。这些话不但写给哥林多教会，也写给上帝所有的子民，直到末时。每一个基督徒都可以享受成圣的福惠。{SL 84.3}[12]
§34
He writes to his Corinthian brethren also, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus. . . : Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2-7). These words are addressed not only to the church at Corinth but to all the people of God to the close of time. Every Christian may enjoy the blessing of sanctification. {SL 84.3}[12]
§35
使徒继续写道：“弟兄们，我藉着我们主耶稣基督的名，劝你们都说一样的话。你们中间也不可分党，只要一心一意彼此相合”（10节）。保罗不会要求他们做办不到的事。合而为一是基督徒达到完全时的必然结果。{SL 85.1}[13]
§36
The apostle continues in these words: Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment (verse 10). Paul would not have appealed to them to do that which was impossible. Unity is the sure result of Christian perfection. {SL 85.1}[13]
§37
保罗在写给歌罗西教会的书信中，也说明了应许赐给上帝儿女的光荣特权。他说：我们“听见你们在基督耶稣里的信心，并向众圣徒的爱心，……因此，我们自从听见的日子，也就为你们不住地祷告祈求，愿你们在一切属灵的智慧悟性上，满心知道上帝的旨意。好叫你们行事为人对得起主，凡事蒙祂喜悦，在一切善事上结果子，渐渐地多知道上帝。照祂荣耀的权能，得以在各样的力上加力，好叫你们凡事欢欢喜喜地忍耐宽容”（西1:4-11）。{SL 85.2}[14]
§38
In the Epistle to the Colossians also are set forth the glorious privileges vouchsafed to the children of God. Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, . . . we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness (Colossians 1:4-11). {SL 85.2}[14]
§39
【圣洁的标准】
§40
使徒自己也在努力达到他向他的弟兄们所阐明的圣洁标准。他写信给腓立比的弟兄们说：“只是我先前以为与我有益的，我现在因基督都当作有损的。不但如此，我也将万事当作有损的，因我以认识我主基督耶稣为至宝。……使我认识基督，晓得祂复活的大能，并且晓得和祂一同受苦，效法祂的死，或者我也得以从死里复活。这不是说，我已经得着了，已经完全了。我乃是竭力追求，或者可以得着基督耶稣所以得着我的。弟兄们，我不是以为自己已经得着了。这只有一件事，就是忘记背后，努力面前的，向着标竿直跑，要得上帝在基督耶稣里，从上面召我来的奖赏”（腓3:7-14）。在那些自称无罪之人自夸自义的主张和使徒谦虚的语言之间有着惊人的对比。然而他自己纯正信实的生活才使他对弟兄们的劝勉有非常的能力。{SL 86.1}[15]
§41
【The Standard of Holiness】
§42
The apostle himself was endeavoring to reach the same standard of holiness which he set before his brethren. He writes to the Philippians: What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: . . . that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:7-14). There is a striking contrast between the boastful, self-righteous claims of those who profess to be without sin, and the modest language of the apostle. Yet it was the purity and faithfulness of his own life that gave such power to his exhortations to his brethren. {SL 86.1}[15]
§43
【上帝的旨意】
§44
保罗一有合适的机会，就毫不犹豫地强调圣经所教导的成圣。他说：“你们原晓得我们凭主耶稣传给你们什么命令。上帝的旨意就是要你们成为圣洁”（帖前4:2，3）。“这样看来，我亲爱的弟兄，你们既是常顺服的，不但我在你们那里，就是我如今不在你们那里，更是顺服的，就当恐惧战兢，作成你们得救的工夫。因为你们立志行事，都是上帝在你们心里运行，为要成就祂的美意。凡所行的，都不要发怨言、起争论，使你们无可指摘，诚实无伪，在这弯曲悖谬的世代，作上帝无瑕疵的儿女”（腓2:12-15）。{SL 86.2}[16]
§45
【The Will of God】
§46
Paul did not hesitate to enforce, upon every suitable occasion, the importance of Bible sanctification. He says: Ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:2, 3). Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:12-15). {SL 86.2}[16]
§47
他嘱咐提多教导教会，虽然他们应当依靠基督的功劳得救，但上帝的恩典住在他们心中，就必导致忠实地履行人生一切的义务。“你要提醒众人，叫他们顺服作官的，掌权的，遵他的命，预备行各样的善事。不要毁谤、不要争竞，总要和平，向众人大显温柔。……这话是可信的，我也愿你把这些事切切实实的讲明，使那些已信上帝的人留心做正经事业。这都是美事，并且与人有益”（多3:1-8）。{SL 87.1}[17]
§48
He bids Titus instruct the church that while they should trust to the merits of Christ for salvation, divine grace, dwelling in their hearts, will lead to the faithful performance of all the duties of life. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. . . . This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men (Titus 3:1-8). {SL 87.1}[17]
§49
保罗设法让在我们铭记，爱乃是上帝所悦纳一切侍奉的基础和基督徒美德的最高表现。只有在爱所统治的心灵中，才驻有上帝的平安。“所以你们既是上帝的选民，圣洁蒙爱的人，就要存怜悯、恩慈、谦虚、温柔、忍耐的心。倘若这人与那人有嫌隙，总要彼此包容、彼此饶恕。主怎样饶恕了你们，你们也要怎样饶恕人。在这一切之外，要存着爱心。爱心就是联络全德的。又要叫基督的平安在你们心里作主。你们也为此蒙召，归为一体，且要存感谢的心。当用各样的智慧，把基督的道理丰丰富富的存在心里，用诗章、颂词、灵歌、彼此教导、互相劝戒，心被恩感、歌颂上帝。无论作什么，或说话、或行事，都要奉主耶稣的名，藉着祂感谢父上帝”（西3:12-17）。{SL 87.2}[18]
§50
Paul seeks to impress upon our minds the fact that the foundation of all acceptable service to God, as well as the very crown of the Christian graces, is love; and that only in the soul where love reigns will the peace of God abide. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father of him (Colossians 3:12-17). {SL 87.2}[18]