759 英翻中 (459) Preaching the gospel of the Christ complete. 基督福音要傳得全備. 10/05/2024
3. Paul’s responsibility (vv. 25–27). 3. 保羅的職責（25-27 等節）。
Had Paul compromised with the Jews and
stopped ministering to the Gentiles, he could have been spared a great deal of
suffering. But he could not abandon his
calling just for personal safety and comfort. He had been made a minister by
God; he had been given a “stewardship” (dispensation) and he had to be faithful
to his calling (1 Cor. 4:2). It was not a matter of choice: he was called to
fulfill the Word of God. This can mean “I must preach the Word fully and not
compromise any truth.” It can also mean “I am commissioned by God’s Word and I
must be faithful to discharge my office.” 若保羅與猶太人妥協，並停止對外邦人宣教的事奉，他或可免掉受重大苦難。 但是他不能因自己人身安全和舒適，放棄上帝對他的呼召。他既被上帝呼召當了宣教士; 被賦予了 “管家的職責” （就當忠信配合），他必須忠實於自己的被呼召 （林前 4：2）。 這不是選擇的問題：而是他被上帝呼召後，要履行對祂諾言的兌現問題。這意味著 “我必須認真傳講聖經，不能對真理有任何妥協。” 這也可能是說 “我受上帝的委派，必須忠實地履行我的職責，言行一致。”
Paul’s special message regarding the
Gentiles had to do with what he called “the mystery.” To us today, a mystery is
something eerie and perhaps frightening, but this was not the way the word was
defined in Paul’s day. The false teachers used this word to describe the inner
secrets of their religions. A mystery is a “sacred secret,” hidden in the past
and now revealed by the Holy Spirit (see Eph. 3:1–13). 保羅要對外邦人傳講的特別信息，必須用他所稱的 “奧秘” 來釋放。 “奧秘” 對我們今天來說是迷信，也許令人毛骨悚然的事，
但這不是保羅那個時代，對這個詞的解說。假教師用這個詞來形容他們宗教信仰的內在秘密。是 “神聖的秘密”，隱藏在過去，現在由聖靈啟示（見 弗 3：1-13）。
God called the nation of Israel to be His
people, He gave them His law (including the priesthood and sacrifices), and He gave them a wonderful
land. He promised them a King who would one day establish a glorious kingdom and fulfill the many
promises made to Abraham and David. The Old Testament prophets wrote about a Messiah who would
suffer, and a Messiah who would reign.
They could not explain the seeming contradiction (see 1
Peter 1:9–12). They did not understand that the Messiah first had to suffer before He could enter
into glory (Luke 24:13–27). 上帝呼召以色列國為祂的子民， 把祂的律法賜給他們（包括: 聖職和 獻祭），祂已賜給了他們一塊美好的土地。祂允許賜給他們國王，有一天他會建立光榮的王國，履行祂對亞伯拉罕和大衛所下多諾言。舊約先知寫的是遭受苦難的彌賽亞， 和將統治以色列國的彌賽亞。他們不能解釋這看上去似是矛盾的事（請參閱 彼前 1：9–12）。他們不了解彌賽亞必須先受苦才可以進入榮耀的事（路24：13–27）
Jesus Christ came to earth, was rejected by
His people, and was crucified. He arose again and returned to heaven. Did this
mean that God’s promised kingdom for Israel was now abandoned? No, because God
had initiated a new program—His mystery—that was not explained by the
Old Testament prophets. The mystery is that today God is uniting Jews and
Gentiles in the church (Eph. 2:11–22). When the church is completed, then Jesus
Christ will return and take His people to heaven (1 Thess. 4:13–18). Then He
will again deal with Israel as a nation and
establish the promised kingdom (Acts 15:12–18). 耶穌基督來到世上，被祂的子民拒絕， 並釘祂在十字架上。祂復活後升天。這是否意味著上帝應許的國度，因為以色列拒絕，現在被遺棄了？ 不，因為上帝興起了新程序 —— 祂的奧秘
—— 那不是由舊約先知能解釋的。奧秘是今天上帝將猶太人和外邦人在教會中結合在一起（弗 2：11-22）。當教會完美建成後，然後耶穌基督會再來，並接祂的子民去天堂（帖前 4：13-18）。然後，祂會再與以色列國打交道，建立祂應許的國度（徒15：12-18）。
Imagine what this message meant to the
Gentiles. 想像這個信息對外邦人有什麼意義。
They were no longer excluded from the glory
and riches of God’s grace! During the Old Testament dispensation, a Gentile had
to become a Jewish proselyte in order to share in the blessings of Israel. But
in the new dispensation, Jews and Gentiles alike are saved by faith in Jesus
Christ (Rom. 10:12–13). No wonder the Jewish false teachers opposed Paul. He
dared to say, “There is no difference!” 外邦人不再被排斥在上帝恩典的豐盛和榮耀之外！在舊約時代，他們必須成為皈依猶太教的信徒，才能分享以色列的祝福。 但是在新宗教時代，猶太人和外邦人，都因信耶穌基督，都得拯救（羅10：12-13）。難怪猶太的假教師反對保羅。 因保羅敢說 “沒有區別！”
We who have grown up in somewhat Christian
surroundings have a tendency to take all of this for granted. But think of the excitement this
message must have generated in a church composed of new believers who had no
background in the church. Once they were outside the covenants of God, but now
they were members of His family. Once they were living in spiritual ignorance
and death, but now they were alive and sharing in the riches of God’s wisdom in
Christ. Once they had no hope, but now
they had a glorious hope because Christ now lived within! It would be good for
us today to recapture some of that “first love” excitement. 我們生長在基督信仰的環境，肯定得救是白白的。但是，請想想這消息多麼令人興奮，在由沒有宗教背景的新信徒組成的新教會的產生。他們曾經在上帝的誓約之外，但如今他們是上帝家中的人。從前他們住在靈性的無知和死亡中，如今他們復活了，並分享上帝在基督裡豐盛的智慧。 曾經他們沒有盼望，但如今他們有了光榮的盼望，因為基督現在住在他們裡面！ 今天，這將是我們從新回到有關
“最初的愛” 所賜我們興奮的最佳時刻。
I was privileged to minister in Africa for
three weeks, and there I was introduced to some of the finest Christians I have ever met. I taught the
Word to over five hundred national pastors in Kenya for almost a week, and each
service was a challenge and blessing to me. Many of the pastors still had the
marks of paganism and idolatry on their bodies; yet their faces were aglow with
the joy of the Lord. I went to Africa to minister to them, but they
ministered to me! They reminded me not to take for granted the glorious
riches I have in Jesus Christ. 我有榮幸在非洲宣教三個星期，在那裡遇到我見過的美好的基督徒。在教肯尼亞國的五百名屬國家牧師們聖經，幾乎有一周的時間，每次事奉對我來說，都是對我的挑戰和祝福。許多牧師仍然有異教偶像崇拜的印記在他們的身上；但是他們的臉却帶著主的喜樂與榮光。我本是去非洲服事他們，但如今反而是他們來教導我！他們提醒我，不要白白的擁有耶穌基督榮光的豐盛。
4. Striving for the Saints (1:28—2:3) 4. 為聖徒努力奮鬥（1：28—2：3）
We have met Paul the preacher, sharing the
gospel and Paul the prisoner, suffering for the Gentiles. 我們遇到了傳教士保羅，分享了福音並且保羅是被囚的，他為外邦人受苦。
Now we meet Paul the prayer warrior,
striving in prayer for the individual saints that they mightmature in the faith. The words striving (Col.
1:29) and conflict (Col. 2:1) are athletic terms. They refer to the strenuous effort put forth by the
runner to win the race. Our English word agony comes from this Greek word. 現在，我們遇到祈禱的勇士保羅，為每個聖徒祈禱，或者能使他們的信心成熟。奮鬥（西 1:29）和衝突（西 2：1）是運動員的術語。它們指的是跑步者為贏得勝利，而付出的奮鬥和努力。英語
“痛苦(agony)” 是來自於此希臘字。
Paul’s
instruction (v. 28a). “Whom” refers,
of course, to Jesus Christ. “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord” (2 Cor. 4:5).
The false teachers exalted themselves and their great “spiritual” attainments. They preached a system of
teaching, but Paul preached a Person. The gnostics preached philosophy and the
empty traditions of men (Col. 2:8), but Paul proclaimed Jesus Christ. The false
teachers had lists of rules and regulations (Col. 2:16, 20–21), but Paul
presented Christ. What a difference in ministries! 保羅的教學（28節上半段）。當然， “誰” 在這裡是指耶穌基督。 “因為我們不是宣講自己，是宣講主耶穌基督”（林前4：5）。假教師們高舉自己和他們偉大的 “屬靈” 的成就。他們宣講了教學制度，但是保羅宣講完全的人。諾斯底派講哲學和空洞傳統的人（西 2：8），但是保羅聲稱耶穌基督是完全的人。假老師有一條條的規章制度的表列出來（民 2：16、20-21），但是保羅只宣稱基督。這在傳好消息上，是何等的不同！
Paul not only preached (the word
means “to announce with authority as a herald”), but he also warned. While
it is good to proclaim positive truth, it is also necessary to warn God’s
people against the lies of the enemy (Acts 20:31). In fact, God’s people should
be alert to warn one another (admonish in Col. 3:16 niv). Paul
considered himself a spiritual father to the local churches, and it was his
duty to warn his children (1 Cor. 4:14). 保羅不僅是宣教者 (這詞是說，“ 帶權威的宣教使者”），但他還提出警告。宣揚積極的真理是好的，警告上帝的子民不要中了敵人的謊言，也是必要的（徒 20:31）。實際上，上帝的子民應該互相警惕（在 西3:16這一經節中的告誡 ）。保羅認為自己是當地教會屬靈的父親，警告他的孩子是他的責任（林前1：4：14）。
But Paul was also a teacher of the
truth. It is not enough to warn people; we must also teach them the positive truths of the Word of God. How far
would we get in our travels if the highway signs told us where the roads were not
going? Not very far! It is good to win a man to Christ, and then to warn
him about the dangers ahead; but it is also important to teach that
convert the basic truths of the Christian life. 但是保羅還是真理的老師。警告人是不夠的；我們還必須教導他們上帝聖言的正面真理。我們到底要走多遠，才能見到高速公路標誌告訴我們此路不通？ 不會太遠！ 要贏得人歸向基督很好，然後，警告在他前面的危險; 但對剛信主耶穌的人，教導他基督徒生活的基本真理也很重要。
Paul not only
preached Christ, but he also “taught Christ,” for in Christ are “all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge”
(Col. 2:3). It was not necessary to introduce any new teaching, for all that a
believer needs to know is
related to Jesus Christ. “Teaching every man in all wisdom” was Paul’s concern
(Col. 1:28). Wisdom is
the right use of knowledge. The false teachers promised to give people a
“hidden wisdom” that would make them “spiritually elite.” But all true
spiritual wisdom is found only in Jesus Christ. 保羅不僅宣講基督，而且還 “教導基督”，因為在基督裡 “藏著所積蓄的一切智慧知識”（西 2：3）。沒有必要引入任何新的教義，因為信徒需要知道與耶穌基督有關的，都藏在祂裡面。保羅最關心的就是 “用諸般的智慧傳揚給每人”（西 1:28）。智慧是對知識的正確使用。假教師許諾給人 “隱藏的智慧” ，那將使他們成為“屬靈上的精英”。但是全部真正屬靈的智慧，只有在耶穌基督裡面才能找到。
Paul’s intent (v.
28b; 2:2–3). He wanted to present every believer “perfect in Christ Jesus.” The
word perfect was a favorite word with the gnostic teachers. It described the
disciple who was no longer a novice, but who had matured and was fully instructed
in the secrets of the religion. Paul used it to mean “complete, mature in
Christ.” This is the goal of all preaching, warning, and teaching. 保羅的意圖（28節後半段至 2：2-3）。他想使 “在基督耶穌裡的完美” 呈現在每位信徒面前。 “完美”是諾斯底學派的教師最喜歡的術語。它描述不再是新手的門徒，但是已經成熟的信徒，經過宗教的秘密的教導。保羅用它來表示 “在基督裡完全的成熟。” 這是所有宣教要達到的目標，警告和教學。
What are the
evidences of this spiritual maturity? 這種屬靈成熟的證據是什麼？
5. Paul described them next (Col. 2:2). 5. 保羅接下來描述屬靈成熟的證據（西2：2）。
Encouragement—“that their hearts might be comforted.” 鼓勵 —— “使他們的心靈得到安慰”。
Our English word encourage
means “with heart.” To encourage people is to give them new heart. Shallow sympathy
usually makes people feel worse, but true spiritual encouragement makes them
feel better. It brings out the best in people. 英語 “鼓勵” 是 “與心有關。” 鼓勵人就是給他們新的心。淺薄的同情通常會使人感到更糟，但是真正屬靈的鼓勵，會使他們感覺好多了。它帶給人最好的。
Endearment—“being knit together in love.” The mature Christian loves
the brethren and seeks to be a peacemaker, not a
troublemaker. He is a part of spiritual unity in the church. An immature person
is often selfish and causes division. 愛好 —— “在愛中交織在一起”。 成熟的基督徒愛弟兄，並希望成為和平使者，而不是製造麻煩的人。他是在教會裡屬靈的結合的一份子。 不成熟的人經常很自私並導致分裂。
Enrichment—“unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding.”
Paul mentioned the riches of Christ earlier (Col. 1:27). Too many Christians
are living like paupers when they could be living like kings. Mature Christians
do not complain about what they don’t have. Rather, they make use of the vast
resources that they do have in Jesus Christ. 豐盛 —— “充分理解完全豐盛的保證。” 保羅先前提到過，在基督裡的豐盛（西 1：27）。太多的基督徒過著像貧民生活，而他們應該像國王過著一樣豐盛生活。成熟基督徒從不抱怨自己缺乏什麼。相反，他們却充分的利用在耶穌基督裡豐盛的資源。
Enlightenment—“full assurance of understanding.” The mature believer has assurance in his
heart that he is a child of God. The spiritual knowledge that he has in
Christ constantly enlightens him and directs him daily. I have often counseled
believers who told me they lacked assurance of their salvation. Invariably,
they have been neglecting God’s Word and living in ignorance. 啟發 —— “在理解中的充足確據”。 成熟的信徒在他內心確知他是上帝的兒女。他在基督裡擁有的屬靈知識，日常不斷的啟發，並指引他。我經常勸導那些告訴我的信徒說，他們缺乏救恩的確據。肯定是他們忽略了上帝的話語，而生活在無知中。
God wants us as
His children to have “understanding” and “wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:2–3).
The word translated
“understanding” literally means “to place together.” It is the ability to
assess things. Wisdom implies the
ability to defend what we understand. Knowledge
suggests the ability to grasp truth. All of these terms were also used by
the gnostics. 上帝要我們作為祂兒女的有 “悟性” 和 “智慧與知識”（西2：2-3）。 “悟性” 的字的意思是 “使思想集中。” 它是評估事物的能力。智慧是捍衛我們悟性的能力。知識是促使掌握真理的能力。所有的這些術語也被諾斯底派使用。
Paul’s intercession (1:29—2:1). “For this I labor
to the point of exhaustion, agonizing” is a literal translation of the first
part of Colossians 1:29. What a picture of prayer! So much of our praying is
calm and comfortable, and yet Paul exerted his spiritual muscles the way a
Greek runner would exert himself in the Olympic Games. He also taught Epaphras
to pray the same way (Col. 4:12). 保羅的代禱（1章29節至2 章1節）。 “為此，我是何等的盡心竭力的禱告” 是直譯歌羅西書1章29節的上半段。多麼感人祈禱的圖片！ 我們的祈禱如此平靜舒適，而保羅卻發揮了他的屬靈力量，如希臘賽跑者將自己的全盤精力投入到奧運會一樣。他還教導以巴弗用同樣的方式祈禱（西4:12）。
This does not
mean that our prayers are more effective if we exert all kinds of fleshly
energy. Nor does it mean that we must
“wrestle with God” and wear Him out before He will meet our needs. Paul
described a spiritual striving: it was God’s power at work in his life. 我並不是說，在祈禱時我們要使用全身的能力來增加它的果效。也不是說我們必須 “與上帝摔角”，並使祂乏力後，來滿足我們的需要。保羅描述了屬靈上的奮鬥：是上帝在他生命中發揮大能的作用。
True prayer is
directed to the Father (Matt. 6:9), through the Son (in His name, John
14:13–14), in the power of the Holy
Spirit (Jude 20). When the Spirit is at work in our lives, then we can pray
mightily in the will of God. 真正的禱告是面對天父（太 6：9），藉著祂兒子（奉祂的名，約14：13-14），及聖靈的大能（猶20）。當聖靈在我們的生命中運作，然後我們可以在上帝的偉大的旨意中禱告。
How does the
Spirit assist us in our praying? For one thing, the Spirit teaches us the Word
and shows us the will of God
(John 16:13–15). Prayer is not our trying to change God’s mind. It is learning
what is the mind of God and
asking accordingly (1 John 5:14–15). 聖靈如何幫助我們禱告？ 舉例來說，聖靈教導我們上帝的話，並啟示祂的旨意（約16：13-15）。禱告不是我們嘗試用來改變上帝的主意。 却是要我們學習上帝的旨意，並提出相應的懇求（約壹5：14-15）。
The Holy Spirit
constantly intercedes for us even though we do not hear His voice (Rom.
8:26–27). He knows the
Father’s will and He helps us pray in that will. 聖靈不斷地為我們代求，甚至我們還聽不到祂的聲音（羅 8：26-27）。祂知道父上帝的旨意，祂幫助我們在天父上帝的旨意中祈禱。
There are times
when we simply do not feel like praying—and that is when we must pray the most!
The Spirit gives us
divine energy for prayer, in spite of the way we feel. The resurrection power
of Jesus Christ is made available to us (Eph. 3:20–21). 有時候我們根本體會到我們不想禱告，那就是我們必須要祈禱的時候！ 聖靈在我們感覺不到的時候，賜予我們屬靈的禱告能力。耶穌基督的復活大能促使我們能禱告（弗3：20–21）。
In these verses
Paul explained his ministry, and in so doing, he silenced the accusations of
the enemy. He also stirred the
affections of the believers as they realized how much Paul had done for them. 保羅在這些經文中解釋了他的事工，並且這樣做，使敵人的指責沉默。當信徒意識到保羅為他們做了這麼多的服事，他也激發了他們的感情。
All of us are not
called to be apostles, but each one of us does have a God-given ministry. We
can share the gospel and be soul-winners. We can suffer for Christ and fulfill
the ministry God has given us. We can strive in prayer for God’s people and
encourage them to mature. Paul took time to minister to individuals; note
the repetition of “every man” in Colossians 1:28. If we minister to only a few
believers, we are helping the whole church. 我們每人都不是使徒，但我們中的每人都有上帝賜予的事工。我們可以分享福音，並贏得靈魂。我們可以為基督受苦，並履行上帝所賜給我們的事工。 我們可以努力為上帝的子民禱告，並促進他們成熟。
保羅花時間為個人服侍; 注意在歌羅西書1章28節中重複的使用 “每人” 。若對少數信徒服侍，我們就是在幫助整個教會。
Are you fulfilling your God-given ministry? 在履行上帝所賜的事工上，你完全做到了嗎？
