2013-8-19 15:44
Why are we still here? 為什麼我們留在這裡？
Pastor Milt Johnson – 江森牧師
May 5, 2013 – 2013年5月5日
I don't know where I would be today if it were NOT for a man named Bucky Ford. 如果沒有巴基.福特這個人的話， 我不知道今天我會在哪裡。
Who is Bucky Ford you ask? 那這個巴基.福特是誰呢？
Bucky Ford was my 6th grade Sunday school teacher and this week in preparation for this sermon I've spent a great deal of time thinking about him and the incredible impact he had on my life. 他是我6年紀的主日學老師。這個星期我準備講章時，我花了很多時間回想他的事，他對我的一生有很重要的影響。
When I first met Bucky he was well into his 70's with a thick head of curly white hair. 當我第一次遇見巴基的時候，他已經是70歲了，有一頭花白的頭髮。
He was also severely hunched over and forced to walk with a cane because of the terrible pain of arthritis! 因為嚴重的關節病痛，他嚴重地弓著背，住著拐杖，
In other words initially Bucky (who had faithfully taught the same Sunday school class for 25 years) was anything but impressive from the perspective of the average 6th grade boy! 巴基腳同一班教了25年的主日學，對於6年級的孩子們，他並不出色。
Nevertheless, the Lord knew exactly what I needed and He powerfully used Bucky to bring stability into my life which (at this time) was anything but stable! 但是，上帝知道我需要什麼，他用巴基把穩定性帶到我不穩定的生活中。
Bucky, you faithfully taught us from God's Word all about the things we needed to hear making the Bible come alive, practical, and interesting. 巴基，你忠心地用神的話教給我們需要知道的東西，讓聖經變得充滿生機，實用，有趣。
Bucky also purposely and very personally engaged in the things that were important in my life.
For example, he would often show up at my school or home to simply see how I was doing! 巴基也特意親自參與到我生活中重要的事情。比如，他會到我的學校或是家裡來看望我的表現。
He was also one of my biggest cheerleaders attending and cheering at many of my sporting events and academic awards ceremonies. 他也是我最忠實的拉拉隊員，在很多的體育活動和學校頒獎中為我加油。
But most importantly, Bucky provided a living example of what a man sold out for -- and to Jesus Christ looked like filling a huge void in my life because of my father's debilitating alcoholism. 最重要的，巴基是一個活生生的榜樣，為耶穌基督付出一生，他填補了我酒鬼父親留下很大的空缺。
And lastly, Bucky introduced me to the joy of teaching the Scriptures propelling me onto the path that I am still walking upon to this day. 最後，巴基也讓我體會到教聖經的快樂，使我走上這條路，我直到如今仍然在教聖經。
I'm sharing these things today on Teacher Appreciate Sunday because I'm guessing that many of you listening to me today work with children! 我分享這些，是因為今天是謝師主日（教師節），我們中間有許多人教過孩子們。
I'm also figuring that some of you may from time to time wonder if it's worth it. 有些人會問這些值得嗎？
And I wanted to demonstrate to you that you may NEVER know until you get to heaven what God will do in the life of that young person you see, serve and teach each week. 我想說，你可能永遠不會知道，直到你進入天堂，才會看到神在這些年輕人身上做的工，他們是你每周看見，服事，教導的年輕人。
Bucky Ford has now been in heaven for over 25 years! 巴基。福特在天堂已經超過25年了。
Yet let me assure you today that I will spend every day for eternity in heaven thanking God for Bucky's Christlike love, care, example and teaching in my life. 我向你保證，我在天堂中每一天，都會讚美神，巴基把像基督的愛心，關懷，樣式，教導帶到我的生活中。
As we enter now into today's sermon I would like to invite you to turn with me to the book of Acts chap. 1 vs. 8. (Acts 1:8). 現在進到今天的證道，讓我們翻到使徒行傳第1章第8節
When you are finished doing that look up with me please at one of the screens and one of my favorite comic strips, Calvin and Hobbes which is written and illustrated by Bill Watterson. 讀完後，請看電視屏幕上，是我很喜歡的漫畫，叫卡爾文與霍布斯，是Bill Watterson畫的。
Set in an unspecified contemporary suburban city of the USA it follows the humorous antics of Calvin, a bright and adventurous six-year-old boy, and Hobbes, his sarcastic stuffed tiger. 背景是在美國的一個當代的小鎮，有許多幽默滑稽的故事，有關於一個聰明而好奇的6歲男孩叫卡爾文，他有一個會挖苦的毛絨老虎叫霍布斯。
I like Calvin and Hobbes because it is imaginative, hilariously drawn, and at times philosophical—all the while retaining a child's perspective. 我很喜歡卡爾文與霍布斯，因為這個故事有豐富的想像，有趣的圖畫，還充滿了哲學，而且完全從一個孩子的角度來講述故事。
Take for example this instance, in which Calvin is lying awake in bed one night and asking out loud, 比如，有個晚上，卡爾文躺在床上，大聲問：
“I wonder why man was put on earth. What's our purpose? Why are we here?” 我想知道為什麼人會被放到世界上，我們的目的是什麼，為什麼我們在這裡。
To which the sardonic Hobbs replies, “Tiger Food.” 挖苦的（老虎娃娃）霍布斯說，（是為了）老虎的食物。
You know folks! Since the dawn of time, mankind has been searching for the answer to that question with little or no success because they are NOT looking in the Scriptures (God's Word) for their answers. 你知道嗎？從古至今，人類都在尋找這個問題的答案，可是卻一直有點或沒有成功。因為他們沒有在聖經中找答案。
In today's sermon I want to take this question to a more specific level by asking, “Why are believers still here?” 今天證道，我想問一個更具體的問題，為什麼我們基督徒還在這裡。
After all, wouldn't it be much better if God simply took us to be with Him in heaven at the moment we placed our trust in Christ? 終究，在我們相信上帝的那一刻，為什麼上帝不直接把我們接到天堂上和他在一起？
Why then, has God chosen to keep us here? 為什麼上帝選擇要把我們留在這裡？
In my analysis from the Scriptures I've come up with five reasons for us to prayerfully consider (and apply). 從我對聖經的分析，我有5個原因和你敬虔地來思考。
Five biblical reasons we are still here 五個根據聖經的原因，為神麼我們還在這裡
Here in Acts 1:8 we discover the first purpose. 在使徒行傳1:8這裡，我們發現第一個目的。
Contextually, Jesus is just wrapping up 40 days of post-resurrection teaching with His disciples. As He is ascending back into heaven He tells His disciples that they are here… 上下文裡，耶穌剛剛結束復活後40天給門徒的教導。當他升天回去時，他告訴他的門徒，他們留在地上是......
To be Christ’s witnesses 為了成為基督的見證人
In Acts 1:8 Christ tells them…在使徒行傳1:8基督告訴他們......
8 you will receive power (He declares) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."1:8 但聖靈降臨在你們身上、你們就必得著能力．並要在耶路撒冷、猶太全地、和撒瑪利亞、直到地極、作我的見證。
The word "witness" here carries the basic meaning of somebody who tells what he or she has seen and heard. 在這裡“證人”這個詞的基本含義是：講述他們之所聞所見的某個人。
Our English word martyr comes from the same Greek word translated "witness," and many of God's people over the centuries (including most of Christ’s Apostles) sealed their witness for Christ by laying down their lives for Him. 我們的英語殉道者一詞來自同一個希臘詞翻譯“證人”，在過去幾個世紀許多見證神的人（包括大多數基督差派的使徒們）他們奉獻生命來為基督作見證。
Interestingly, I’ve probably seen this before but something that jumped off the pages at me as examined this text this past week God revealed to my heart that the phrase “You shall be my witnesses” is NOT a command but rather it’s a prediction of what the apostles, the church, and you and I (as members of the church) will be! 有趣的是，我可能已經看到了這一點，但有個想法引起我的注意，當過去的這一周我思索這段經文。神在我心裡顯明，說這句話“你是我的見證”並不是一個命令，而這是一個預言,祂預告: 使徒，教堂，你和我（作為教會的成員）將是什麼? 將要成為祂的見證！
We might be good or bad witnesses. But we are nevertheless witnesses. We cannot be anything but witnesses. 我們可能是好證人或壞證人。但我們始終是證人。我們僅僅是證人。
As a witness for our Savior we are to show and to tell others about Christ and the good news of the gospel. 為我們的救主作為證人，我們要展現，要告訴別人基督和福音的好消息。
In Rom. 10:13-15 reminding us of this great responsibility and privilege, Paul writes:在羅馬書10:13-15裡，為了提醒我們這個偉大的責任和特權，保羅寫道：
13 for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." 14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" 10:13 因為『凡求告主名的、就必得救。』 10:14 然而人未曾信他、怎能求他呢．未曾聽見他、怎能信他呢．沒有傳道的、怎能聽見呢。 10:15 若沒有奉差遣、怎能傳道呢．如經上所記、『報福音傳喜信的人、他們的腳蹤何等佳美。』
The word “preacher” in vs. 14 is a very poor translation. 14節 中的“傳道”一詞是一個非常糟的翻譯。
You see the Gk. word for "preach" here in vs. 14 is NOT limited a Sunday morning sermon from the pulpit; but rather it means to announce or to proclaim something. 你看的希臘字“傳”，在這裡14節，不局限於一個星期天的早晨在講台上講道; 而是意味著宣告或宣揚某事。
In fact, as we’ve studied the book of Acts I hope you’ve seen that the early church was rocking it’s world (lit. in Acts 17:6 “turning their world upside down” ) as they proclaimed Christ and the gospel everywhere that they went! 事實上，當我們研讀使徒行傳書，我希望你們已經看到:早期教會搖動著它的世界（字面的意思，在使徒行傳17:6“把世界翻倒”），因為他們在他們所到之處宣揚基督和福音！
Of course it was NOT their ability but the power of the Holy Spirit (as Christ notes here) that made the actually difference! 當然，這不是他們的能力，而是聖靈的能力（如這裡基督註明的），因為這事實上有著極大的不同！
Nevertheless the Holy Spirit was only able to do so because in spite of great adversity and opposition these early believers obediently carried their relationship and their faith in Christ outside the walls of the church and into the community or marketplace. 然而，聖靈只能夠這樣做，因為在這些早期的信徒儘管面對極大的逆境和反對，順服地把他們與基督的關係和新陽，帶到教會外，帶進社區或市場。
They were the proclaimer and the Holy Spirit was the Persuader. They faithfully preached and the Holy Spirit convicted, convinced and converted the sinner to Christ. 他們是宣告者而聖靈是說服者。他們忠心地宣講，而聖靈定罪，說服，使罪人轉向基督。
Could what happened in Acts happen again? --The answer of course is “yes” it could. 有沒有可能發生在使徒行傳的事再一次發生？答案當然是“有可能”。
But it starts with you and me! With that in mind let me ask this: 但是，它要從你和我開始！考慮到這一點，讓我問個問題：
· What if everyone in our church behaved just as we do? 在我們的教會，如果每個人都表現得就像我們現在一樣，那會是怎樣？
· How well would the church know the Bible? 我們教會了解“聖經”好到什麼程度？
· What kind of a prayer life would the church have? 我們教會有什麼樣的禱告生活？
· How many people would be hearing the gospel each week? 每星期有多少人會聽到的福音？
What kind of church would it be? 教會會是什麼樣？
Brothers and sisters in Christ - The consequences of our failure to faithfully share Christ outside these walls are incredibly significant! 在基督裡的兄弟姐妹們 - 我們未能忠實地走出教會圍牆與牆外的人分享基督，這個失職後果是令人難以置信的嚴重！
In fact, there can be no hearing and belief unless someone is willing to communicate the truth. And if people don’t hear and they don’t believe they WILL spend an eternity separated from God in hell. 事實上，除非有人願意傳達真理，否則有可能是沒人聽道也將沒人信道。如果人們聽不到，那麼他們也不會相信，他們會永遠在地獄與上帝隔絕。
Yes! God does have a plan for reaching the world and it's really a very simple one. We (you see) are God's Plan A ... (and folks) there is NO Plan B. 沒錯！上帝有一個計劃，為要觸及到全世界的一個計劃，這其實是一個很簡單的計劃。我們（你看）是上帝的A計劃... （朋友）沒有B計劃。
And like these early believers our work and the work of our church MUST be done in Holy Spirit’s power and in the humble, prayerful submission to our Lord. 像這些早期的信徒一樣，我們的工作和我們教會的工作必須藉由聖靈的能力，用謙卑並禱告順服我們的主。
A second purpose for our remaining on earth is presented in Matt. 28:19, 20. 我們仍然留在地上的第二個目的是在馬太福音 28章19，20節可見。
Turn there please! (Matt. 28:19,20) 請翻到馬太福音28:19-20
In this companion passage to Acts 1:8 (which is often identified as the Great Commission) Christ instructs His disciples saying: 這個與使徒行傳1:8相搭配的經文裡（通常被確定為大使命）耶穌基督指示他的門徒說：
19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."28:19 所以你們要去、使萬民作我的門徒、奉父子聖靈的名、給他們施洗．〔或作給他們施洗歸於父子聖靈的名〕 28:20 凡我所吩咐你們的、都教訓他們遵守我就常與你們同在、直到世界的末了。
While it appears in our English translations that opening verb “Go” is a command or an imperative; in the original GK it is NOT a command but actually a present participle. 雖然它出現在我們的英文翻譯，開頭的動詞“去”是一個命令或命令式，但是它在希臘原文不是命令，但實際上是一個現在分詞。
The ONLY command here is "make disciples." And that my friends, is the second purpose that God has left believers here on earth. 這裡唯一的命令是“造就出門徒”（使…做門徒）而且，此為第二個目的，為何上帝已經在地上留下信徒。
To make disciples 為了造就出門徒
Lit. Jesus instructs believers here saying, 字面的意思是，在這裡，耶穌教導信徒說，
"While you are going, (no matter where we find ourselves) make disciples of all the nations." “當你們離去，（無論我們發現自己身在何處）要使萬民作我的門徒。
Now depending on whom you ask, you might find a wide variety of interpretations regarding what it actually means to “make disciples.” 現在看你是問誰，你可以找到有關『做門徒』的各種不同解釋。
Most churches today understand it as a command to evangelize the world—to lead people to faith in every corner of the world and spread the gospel as far as possible. 今天大部份的教會都理解為『傳福音給世界』是主的命令——帶領世界各個角落的人來信主，將福音傳得越遠越好。
However, while there is certainly an evangelistic aspect to Christ’s command here, I believe that His instructions go beyond just spreading the gospel. 雖然傳福音是主耶穌基督的命令的一部分，但是我相信祂的意思一定不只是傳福音而已。
To see what I mean please open your Bibles to the gospel of Lk chap. 14. We are turning here because it is the ONLY passage in the Scriptures where Christ provides His own definition of a disciple. (Lk. 14) 要了解我講的意思，請翻到路加福音14章。我們翻到這一章是因為在聖經中這是唯一的地方提到耶穌如何定義祂所謂的門徒。
Here in Lk. 14 we discover that so like many times in Jesus’ earthly ministry a large crowd of people had gathered around Him. 在路加福音14章我們發現，耶穌早期的事工中常常有一大群人圍繞著祂。
And knowing that a good number of those in the crowd were NOT the least bit interested in spiritual things; in vs. 25 we read that Jesus turned to the multitudes and began teaching them about…而且我們知道群眾中大部分對屬靈的事情沒什麼興趣：在25節我們讀到耶穌轉過來面對群眾，開始教導他們……
The Cost of Discipleship作為門徒的代價
The term “disciple” (presented here in the teaching of Christ in vss. 26, 27, 33) is translated from the Greek word math-ay-tes meaning “a learner" or “a follower.” 門徒這個字（基督在這裡的教導：參閱26、27、33節）是從希臘字math-ay-tes翻譯來的，意思是學習者或跟從者。
A disciple was not a purely Christian concept. 門徒並不是單單從基督教而來。
In fact, in Jesus’ day a disciple was one who committed himself to a teacher in order that He might learn how he thinks, lives and works. 事實上在基督的時代，一個門徒代表他願意對老師委身，要學習老師如何思考、生活及做事。
That being noted, it is very clear that as Jesus is addressing this crowd He is making a very clear distinction between salvation and discipleship. 注意，這清楚地表示，當基督對群眾說話的時候，祂對救恩及門徒訓練做了很清楚的定義。
In fact, if you think about it (according the Scriptures) there were some early disciples of Jesus who were NOT even believers. 事實上，你想一想（根據聖經）一些耶穌早期的門徒，他們甚至都還不是信徒。
Judas of Iscariot is a prime example of someone who promised to follow Jesus as his Master and Teacher but who when he realized the direction He was going -- or just how much it was going to cost him to follow – bailed out! 加略人猶大就是一個典型的例子，他答應跟隨耶穌，將耶穌視為主人及老師，但當他知道他要走的方向或是他將要付出的代價有多大，他就不跟從主了。
Thus, it is extremely important that we understand that there is a big difference between believing on Christ for salvation and following Him in discipleship. 因此很重要的是，我們要了解為得救恩而相信基督以及跟隨基督作他的門徒中間有很大的不同。
Our salvation decision (putting our faith in Christ for eternal life) you see, must be made ONLY once! 你看，我們得救恩的決定（為得永生而信靠基督），一生只能做一次。
Our discipleship decision (our commitment to obey and follow Christ) must be made again and again! 我們做門徒的決定（我們委身要服從及跟隨基督）必須一再的做。
The bottom line is this: While salvation is open to all who will come by faith, discipleship is for believers willing to pay a price. 底線是：救恩是開放給那些因著信而來的人；做門徒卻只給那些願意付代價的信徒。
Q- What kind of price are we talking about? 我們現在提到的是何種代價？
To find out, as I place vss. 26, 27 up on the screens let’s read them together. 要找出答案，讓我們一起讀在投影幕上的26、27節.
Here we are told: 這裡告訴我們：
26"If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. 27 “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
26人到我這裡來，若不恨自己的父母、妻子、兒女、弟兄、姊妹，和自己的性命，就不能作我的門徒。 27凡不背著自己十字架跟從我的，也不能作我的門徒。
26人到我這裡來，若不恨自己的父母、妻子、兒女、弟兄、姊妹，和自己的性命，就不能作我的門徒。 27凡不背著自己十字架跟從我的，也不能作我的門徒。
To begin with, according to vs. 26 a disciple of Christ…首先，根據26節，基督的門徒……
Must love Christ supremely 必須愛基督超過一切
To properly apply this biblical truth we need to understand that the word “Hate” in Christ’s instructions here is functioning in a hyperbolic or exaggerated way! 要適當的應用這條聖經的真理，我們必須了解在基督的教導裡，『恨』這個字是一個很誇大的用法。
It’s saying that our love and devotion for Christ must be so complete that the deepest love we have for our dearest loved ones fades in comparison. 它是說，我們對基督的愛及忠誠必須完全到，以至於對我們最親愛的人所給的摯愛相比下就褪色減弱。
Practically speaking that means that whoever maintains such a devoted relationship with the Lord Jesus will every now and again be obliged (by Jesus Himself) to act in ways that friends and loved ones who do not possess a relationship or commitment with Him as deep as theirs will NOT understand. 實際上這表示不論是誰，如果要與主耶穌保持如此親密的關係，就要常常覺得對主有某種義務，這種關係是深到朋友或親人無法了解的。
As a result they will NOT know how to interpret their obedience to Christ correctly often seeing it as disdain or even hate for them. 結果這些愛主的人不知道要如何正確的解釋對基督的順服，通常看起來就好像他們鄙視或恨他們的親人或朋友。
For example, how many missionaries, whose parents do NOT share the depths of their commitment to Christ, when it came to embark for a foreign shore, (exposing their family to a difficult, primitive or even dangerous life and depriving them of the comforts of life in the USA)… have heard from the lips of their own parents words to this effect: 例如，有許多的宣教士，並他們的父母並不分享他們對基督的委身，當他們到國外宣教時，把自己的家人碰到困難，原始，危險的生活，使他們家人不能在美國過安逸的生活這時，他們的父母對與他們的努力就會說：
‘My son, you must hate us, you are abandoning us, you are throwing your life away; how can you do this?!’ 我的兒子，你一定是恨我們，你放棄我們，你正在丟棄你的生命，你怎麼能這麼做呢？
Thus I hope you can see that Jesus wasn't exaggerating nor being ridiculous when He used the word "hate" in His instructions. 因此我希望，當你看到耶穌用『恨』這個字在他的命令中，祂既不誇張，也不荒謬。
On a side note: 有個旁注說：
David Livingstone the great missionary to Africa once wrote about being chased up a small tree and besieged by lions. 深入非洲的偉大傳教士David Livingstone大衛·李文斯頓在其書中曾描述遭一群獅子圍困在一棵小樹上。
He said the tree was so small that he was barely out of reach of the lions. He said they would stand on their back feet and roar and shake the little tree, and that he could feel the hot breath of the lions as they sought him. 他說樹太小，害他幾乎被獅子抓到。獅子用後腳站立，搖動樹並對他咆哮，他甚至感受到獅子吐出的熱氣。
"But," he states, "I had a good night and felt happier and safer in that little tree besieged by lions, in the jungles of Africa, in the will of God, than I would have been out of the will of God in England." 他寫道「但是，我渡過了美好的一夜。在這棵被獅子包圍的樹上、在非洲的叢林裏、在神的旨意中，我卻感到比我在英國、不在神的旨意中要快樂、安全的多。」
Warning: Beware of using the command here of Christ as an excuse to treat family members shabbily or with disrespect. The biblical responsibilities for our family still remain. 警告：我們在這裏要小心，不可用基督的命令作為我們不好好對待家人，不尊敬家人的藉口。《聖經》所提到、我們對親人的責任仍然是有的。
However, according to Jesus to be a true follower of Christ no earthly tie, however close it might be, MUST ever take precedence over our allegiance to -- and our obedience of Him. 但是，根據耶穌所說，作為一個真正跟隨基督的人，就不該有屬世的連結，不管屬世的連結有多近，擺在我們對基督的忠誠和順服前面。
So Christ says, ‘count the costs!’ 所以基督說「要算計代價！」
Second according to vs. 27 a disciple of Christ… 其次，根據〈27節〉，基督的門徒…
Must be willing to bear our own cross 必須願意揹自己的十字架
To appropriately apply this second statement of Christ we need to understand that 2,000 years ago a 'cross' represented just one thing --death. 要適當地應用基督這第二個命令，我們就需要瞭解：兩千年前，十字架代表了一件事情──就是死。
Unlike today there were ABSOLUTELY NO religious significances or attachments to the cross!
不像今天，那時十字架完全沒有宗教含義或引射！
With that thought in mind, looking at vs. 27 and putting these words into today’s language it would sound something like this: 瞭解了這一點，我們把以下這些現代詞彙放入〈27節〉來看：
‘Seat yourself in your own electric chair’ or ‘try on your own hangman’s noose’ or ‘give yourself your own lethal injection and come after Me!’ 「坐上你自己的電椅」或「把絞刑的繩套上你自己的脖子」或「對你自己行死刑注射，來跟從我！」
The point Jesus is making here is that a disciple is willing to give his entire life in loyalty and commitment to Christ! 這裏、耶穌是說：門徒願意把他全部的生命獻在對基督的忠誠和責任心！
Practically speaking that means… 坦白說，上面那句話是指…
· dying to self! 自己要死！
· to our own plans, ideas and ambitions! 我們的計劃、想法、雄心也要死！
· It’s also daily enduring and identifying ourselves with Christ… 我們每天的忍受和與基督一同…
o in His shame, 羞辱、
o suffering, 受苦、
o self-denial and surrender to God’s will. 克己，並降服於神的旨意。
Applying this illustration to our lives and ministries we once again see the emphasis that following Jesus is a decision that demands the utmost seriousness and commitment of our hearts.
把前述的解說應用到我們的生命和事工上，我們再一次看到：跟從耶穌是一個決定，這個決定需要我們極度的認真和委身。
So Jesus is once again saying, “Follower of Christ” – Count the costs! 所以，耶穌再一次說：「跟隨基督的人」要算計代價！
Third, according to vs. 33 a disciple of Christ… 第三，根據〈33節〉，基督的門徒…
Must willing to give up everything 必須願意撇下一切
33 “So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. 33. 這樣，你們無論什麼人，若不撇下一切所有的，就不能作我的門徒。
The Greek word translated “give up” in this verse is apo-tas-somai which carries the meaning of … 這裏「撇下」的希臘原文是「apo-tas-somai」，其意為…
· to set apart or to withdraw one's self from 「分開」、或「把自己撤出」
· to take leave of, to bid farewell [or] 「辭別」、「告別」
· to renounce, or forsake 「離棄」、「遺棄」
Presented here in the middle voice this sentence could be translated ‘to separate or withdraw oneself from all our possessions.’ 這句話使用關身語態，可翻譯成「把自己從我們一切財物中分開或撤出」。
Interestingly, in the entire NT this word appears only 11 times in 6 verses and in all but this occurrence the idea is one of voluntarily taking leave or of bidding farewell. 有意思的是，這個字在整本《新約》當中、只在六節經文中出現11次，而且只有在這裏它的含意是「自願辭別或告別」。
Therefore I don’t believe that Jesus is saying that to follow Him we MUST join a monastery and take a vow of poverty - possessing nothing! 因此，我相信耶穌不是在說：我們要跟從耶穌，就必須進修道院，並發誓守貧，放棄一切財物！
What it does mean, however is that Jesus is looking for a willingness in our hearts to give Him 100% control of everything we possess! 而它的意思是：耶穌在我們心中、尋找願意把自己擁有的一切、交給祂來百分之百掌控的自願！
Our Lord Jesus Christ desires and deserves our very best! Our total commitment! And nothing else will do! 我們的主耶穌基督要我們最好的，也應得我們最好的！我們完全的奉獻！沒有別的！
So Christ says, ‘count the costs!’ 所以基督說「要算計花費！」
Wrapping up this point I came across an amazing quote by Brother Andrew in his 1967 book “God's Smuggler” in which he details his adventures as a Bible-smuggler behind the Iron Curtain. He writes: 總結這一點，我偶然看到Andrew安德烈弟兄在他1967年寫的書「God's Smuggler」當中一段很驚奇的話。這本書詳述了他走私《聖經》至鐵幕國家的冒險經歷。他寫道：
“I have come to see clearly that life is more than self. It is more than doing what I want, striving for what will benefit me, dreaming of all I can be. Life is all about my relationship with God. There is no higher calling, no loftier dream, and no greater goal than to live, breathe, and be poured out for Jesus Christ." 「我已清楚看到生命大過自我。大過做我要做的，大過為利己奮鬥的，大過夢想我能成就的。生命全部是關乎我與神的關係，再沒有比活著、呼吸、為基督傾倒有更高的呼召、更高的夢想、更大的目標了。」
With these practical thoughts of our Savior in mind about the characteristics and costs of biblical discipleship, and recalling once again that we are commissioned by Christ to “Make disciple” – believer's whose lives revolve around the cause and priorities of Christ, His Word, His Will, and His Church -- and NOT merely converts -- turn back with me now to Matt. 28:19, 20. 考慮到我們救主對聖經中做門徒的特點和代價的具體看法，同時回想到我們已經被基督賦予了使命去“訓練門徒”——也就是那些信主的人，他們的生活中的起因和優先都是圍繞著基督，他的道，他的意願，和他的教會而作的—他們不只是信主的人—和我一起翻回馬太福音28:19, 20
Looking once again at the practical instructs of Christ to His followers observe please that grammatically in the original Greek there are three participles accompany the imperative “Make Disciples” that I believe reveal the main components of the making disciples process. 讓我們重新審視基督對他的跟隨者的一些具體的指示，請注意在希臘原文中和“訓練門徒”命令在一起的文法上有三個分詞，我相信這些詞正充分顯明了訓練門徒的過程。
1st … 首先：
• Going - As noted earlier a disciple of Christ is one who understands that NO matter where they go they are a witness for Jesus Christ and are to be seeking to win others to Him. 去—早期的基督的門徒是這樣的一種人，他知道無論他走到哪裡，他都是耶穌基督的見證人，他都要想辦法贏得他人來到主前。
2nd…其次
• Baptizing them - A disciple of Christ is one who has placed his or her trust in Jesus Christ and who has publically expressed their commitment to Him by being baptized. 給他們施洗—一個基督的門徒是這樣一種人，他信靠耶穌基督，他還在眾人面前用受洗來表明他對耶穌的委身。
You see, while baptism is NOT necessary for salvation, it is necessary for obedience to Jesus Christ! 你們要知道，儘管受洗並不是救恩的必要條件，它是向耶穌基督表示順服的必要一步。
3rd … 第三
• Teaching them– A disciple of Christ must remain in the fellowship of other believers so that he or she might be taught the commandments and truths of Christ and His Word. 教導他們- 一個基督的門徒必須參與和其他信徒在一起的聚會裡，這樣他或她才能被基督的誡命和真理，祂的話語來教導。
Pausing to summarize and make final applications I remind all of us that Jesus didn't tell us to go out and just introduce people to Jesus! He commanded us to make disciples, to reproduce ourselves.
我們暫且在這裡總結一下，做最後一個論點，我想提醒大家，耶穌並沒有告訴我們走出去，僅僅告訴他人有耶穌！他要求我們去訓練信徒，去複制我們自己。
Q- With that thought in mind…有了剛才的想法，我請問大家：
Do you know of any people here at CBC who could benefit from your spiritual maturity or gifting? 你在我們的教會這裡，能否找到從你的靈命成熟或屬靈恩賜裡受益的人？
Do you know of any people here at CBC who you could benefit from their spiritual maturity or gifting? 你在我們的教會這裡，能否找到在他的靈命成熟或屬靈恩賜裡使你受益的人？
A third purpose for the believer remaining on earth is presented in Rom. 8:29, 30. Here we see God's desire for us … 我們信徒留在世上的第三個目的是，如羅馬書8:29, 30 所顯示。從這裡我們看到了神對我們所要求的：
To be conformed into the image of Christ 效法他基督的模樣
29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; 30 and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. 29因為他預先所知道的人， 就預先定下效法他兒子的模樣， 使他兒子在許多弟兄中作長子。30預先所定下的人又召他們來。所召來的人， 又稱他們為義。所稱為義的人， 又叫他們得榮耀。
During the US civil war President Lincoln met with a group of ministers for a prayer breakfast. 在美國南北戰爭的時候，有一天林肯總統和一些牧師在一個早餐禱告會上相聚。
At one point one of the ministers said, "Mr. President, let us pray that God is on our side." 有一位牧師在某個時間說：“總統先生，讓我們禱告上帝站在我們這邊。”
Lincoln's response showed far greater insight, "No, gentlemen, let us pray that we are on God's side." 林肯的回答卻更加意味深長：“不，先生，讓我們禱告我們站在上帝這邊。”
Dear Friends, if we wish to know what God wants us to do, then we must first strive to live a life of conformity to Him. 親愛的朋友們，如果我們想知道神要求我們做什麼，那麼我們必須首先要努力活出效法基督的生活來。
How does that happen? 怎樣才能做到呢？
It is important to realize that becoming more like Christ starts by first trusting in Him as Savior from our sins. 很重要的是要明白，變得更像基督首先我們應該相信基督是我們的救主，他從我們的罪孽裡救我們出來。
Then it stands to reason that we cannot grow to be like someone we don't know. How do we get to know Christ! 其次，我們也知道我們不可能長成一個我們一無所知的人，那麼我們怎樣能了解基督呢？ 、
A deeper knowledge of Christ becomes a reality in our lives ONLY by being faithfully committed to (and are serving within) the Body of Christ, praying and by reading, studying and mediating on the Bible daily. 要更深刻地了解基督，這要在我們的生活中成真，只能藉著忠心地委身在基督的身體，在基督的身體裡服事，禱告，藉著每天閱讀，學習和思考聖經。
The Apostle Paul reiterates this truth in Eph. 4:11-13: 使徒保羅在以弗所書4章11-13節重申這個道理：
11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ. 11他所賜的有使徒，有先知。有傳福音的。有牧師和教師。12為要成全聖徒， 各盡其職， 建立基督的身體。13直等到我們眾人在真道上同歸於一， 認識神的兒子， 得以長大成人， 滿有基督長成的身量。
Becoming like Jesus also requires putting off the old man and putting on the new man. 成為像耶穌一樣也需要脫下舊我和穿上新我。
In Rom. 13:14 Paul writes: 保羅在羅馬書13章14節寫道：
14 put on (lit. “clothe yourself in) the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. 總要披戴主耶穌基督， 不要為肉體安排， 去放縱私慾。
Likewise in Eph. 4:24 he commands us saying, “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” 同樣保羅在以弗所書4章24節說：“並且穿上新人。 這新人是照著神的形像造的， 有真理的仁義， 和聖潔。”
How do we cloth ourselves in the Lord Jesus Christ? 我們如何能穿上耶穌基督成為新人呢？
Through the fortitude given to us by the indwelling Holy Spirit we seek to exemplify the qualities Jesus showed while He was here on earth (love, humility, truth, and service).
是通過內住的聖靈所給與我們的堅忍，我們尋求效法耶穌在地上時顯示給我們的美德（愛，謙卑，信實，和服事）
We must also NOT give our desires any opportunity to lead us into sin, avoiding situations that open the door to gratifying sinful desires. 我們也必須不給我們的慾望有機可乘，以至於我們犯罪，遠離一切有可能成全我們罪慾的情境。
And finally, we must train ourselves in the use of spiritual weapons: prayer, Bible study and meditation, fellowship with other believers, and other specific habits that we can learn from Jesus. 最後，我們還必須訓練我們使用屬靈的武器：禱告，查經和默想，和其他信徒的團契，以及我們能從耶穌學到的其它特殊習慣。
Brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. 主內的兄弟姐妹們，耶穌在十字架上的犧牲，不僅僅是讓我們舒舒服服地，順心如意地享受生活。
His purpose is far deeper. He wants to make us like Himself! 祂的目的更深遠。祂要塑造我們像祂一樣！
A fourth reason or purpose for our remaining on earth is presented in Eph. 2:10. Here we read about God’s desire for us… 我們留在這個世界的第四個緣由或目的，在以弗所書第二章第十節有所說明。這裡我們讀到神對我們期望。。。
To walk in the works God has prepared for us to walk 行在神為我們預備的工作裡
Paul writes: 保羅寫道：
10 we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 我們原是他的工作，在基督耶穌裡造成的，為要叫我們行善，就是神所預備叫我們行的。
The word “workmanship” in the original Greek carries the meaning of ”a work of art - a masterpiece!” 在希臘原文中，“工作”的意思是指“藝術作品 – 傑作!”
But please notice that unlike a painting or a sculpture that adorns a museum we are NOT created to simply be on display! 但請注意，和裝飾博物館的一幅畫，或一座雕塑不同，神創造了我們，不是用來展示！
The purpose of our creation is that we will do good works! 神創造我們，是為了讓我們做善工！
These good works, Paul clearly notes, are prepared-in-advance by God - not “to work in them” But “to walk in them!” 保羅清楚地說明，這善工，是神提前預備好的 – 不是“在它們當中作工”，而是“在它們當中行走”！
Practically speaking that means that … 事實上，這是說。。。
· We don't have to create them! 不需要我們來創造它們！
· Nor should we rely on our own strength and wisdom to discover and perform them! 不用靠我們的勇氣和智慧來發現和完成它們！
· We are simply to “walk in them.” 我們就是單單“行在它們當中”即可。
Pausing for application let me ask do you possess a servant’s heart? Are you walking in the works God has prepared for you to walk? 這該如何應用呢？讓我來問你，你有一顆服事的心嗎？你是在神預備給你行的工作裡行嗎？
The fifth and final purpose we will look at today for the believer being left in the world is presented in 1 Cor. 10:31 where we are told... 第五個，也是最後一個我們今天要看的，信徒留在這世界上的目的，是在哥林多前書第十章三十一節告訴我們的。。。
31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 所以，你们或吃或喝，无论作什么，都要为荣耀 神而行。
I love the simplicity of this verse! Don’t you? God’s Word tells us here that we are here… 我喜歡這句經文的簡單！你覺得呢？神的話在這裡告訴我們，我們在這個世上。。。
To glorify God in everything we do為要在我們做的每一件事上榮耀神
Tomorrow if you are like me when you wake up there are probably going to be many things that you have in your head that you need to do that day. 如果你和我一樣，明天早晨醒來，腦子裡很可能滿滿的，都是一天要做的事情。
And as we reflect on our mental to-do list I want to urge all of us to have “Give God Glory” as a purpose for the day? 當我們在心裡羅列要事清單的時候，我願意督促大家把“歸榮耀給神”列為一天的目標之一？
This, you see, should be at the heart of what we hope to do every day of our lives. 您看！這應該是我們每天生活中想要做的事情的中心點！
The truth is that No task is too mundane for God and He wants to help us in every job we need to do, even the ones which don’t appear to be very spiritual. 事實上，對神來說，沒有什麼事情是太世俗的。神想要在我們必須做的每一件事上都幫助我們，甚至是看上去不那麼屬靈的事情，也是如此。
And if we dedicate our work to God, whatever that work may be, whether it is cleaning the dishes or creating spreadsheets it is transformed from tiresome work to become worship exalting our Father God. 那麼，如果我們把我們的工作奉獻給神，無論什麼工作，無論是洗盤子，還是製作電子表格，令人厭煩的工作就會變為高舉我們父神的敬拜。
Conclusion: 結論：
So there you have them. Five reasons or purposes for why God has left us here on earth instead of taking us right to heaven! What are these reasons? 現在你都聽全了。為什麼神讓我們留在地上，沒有直接把我們帶入天國的五項原因或目的是什麼？
· To be a witness做見證人
· To make disciples做門徒
· To be conformed into the image of Christ有基督的形象
· To walk in the works God has prepared for us to walk 在神預備好要我們行的善工中行
· To glorify God in everything we do 在我們做的每一件事上榮耀神
With these thoughts in mind allow me to read in closing the challenging words of the two angels to the disciples in Acts 1:11 as they stood watching Christ disappear into the clouds as He ascended back into heaven. 有了這些想法，讓我讀一下在使徒行傳第一章第十一節，兩位天使對使徒們說的挑戰性的經文作為今天的結束。這句經文是他們在看著基督從雲裡消失，當基督升天返回天家的時候說的。
11 They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." “加利利人哪，你們為什麼站著望天呢？這離開你們被接升天的耶穌，你們見他怎樣往天上去，他還要怎樣來。”
Brothers and sisters in Christ - There is NOT disputing the promise—Jesus is coming back, in a fashion similar to the way He departed that day. 主內的兄弟姐妹們 – 這是沒有爭議的應許- 耶穌還會再來，以他離開的方式回來。
In the meantime there was much work to done then! And there is much work to be done today! 與此同時，還有很多的事要完成！今天也有許多的事要做！
So as my grandmother use to say: ‘let’s get cracking!’ 那麼，就像我爺爺常說的，“讓我們趕快開始行動吧！”
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