QT 06/11/2026 Fri John 15:18–16:15 Loved, Hated, and Guided
READ https://www.esv.org/john15:18-16:15/

What if being loved by the world isn’t always a good thing? What if being hated for following Jesus is actually a sign of faithfulness? And what if, through it all, you’re never alone? Jesus says the Holy Spirit has come to guide you into truth.

Let’s dive into the topics of the danger of being “loved,” the benefit of being “hated,” and the privilege of being guided. Jesus prepares His disciples for life in a world that is not ultimately home for His disciples. His words are sobering: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18). At the same time, Jesus gives His disciples something greater than the world’s acceptance—the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Three truths stand out.

(1) Being loved by the world might disclose that you were of the world

Jesus says: “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own.”—John 15:19

The world’s love is not always a sign that everything is going well spiritually. Sometimes, being comfortably accepted by the world can reveal that we have become too much like the world.

Of course believers do wrong things at times and fall below the stands of both the world and God and thereby incur disdain from both. At other times, believers do altruistic actions that are applauded by all.

But Jesus is not teaching His disciples to seek rejection or to become deliberately offensive. Rather, He warns us not to measure faithfulness by popularity. It is possible to be praised by the world while slowly losing our distinctiveness as followers of Christ.

So we should ask ourselves: Am I seeking Christ’s approval, or am I becoming dependent upon the world’s approval? The Christian does not live for applause from the world. We belong to Christ.

(2) Being persecuted by the world might mean that you are a servant following your Master

Jesus continues: “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” —John 15:20

Persecution is not automatically evidence that a Christian is right—Christians can suffer because of their own foolishness or wrongdoing. But Jesus makes clear that faithful allegiance to Him can bring opposition. The servant should not expect to be treated better than the Master.

Jesus Himself was rejected, opposed, and ultimately crucified. Therefore, when following Christ brings misunderstanding, rejection, or suffering, we should not immediately conclude that God has abandoned us. Sometimes suffering for Christ is precisely evidence that we are walking in the footsteps of Christ.

The question is not simply, “How can I avoid being hated?” It is: “Am I willing to remain faithful to Jesus even when faithfulness costs me the approval of others?”

Our calling is not to manufacture persecution, but neither is it to compromise Christ in order to escape it.

(3) Being guided by the Holy Spirit is the privilege of having the Helper journey with you

The passage does not end with persecution. Jesus tells His disciples: “I will send him to you.” —John 16:7. He is speaking about the Helper—the Holy Spirit. And Jesus gives this remarkable promise:

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.”—John 16:13

The Christian life is therefore not merely about enduring opposition. It is about being accompanied by God. The world may reject us, but the Spirit has been sent to us. The world may distort the truth, but the Spirit guides us into truth. The world may glorify itself, but the Spirit glorifies Christ:

“He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”—John 16:14

This is an extraordinary privilege. We are not left to navigate the Christian life by our own wisdom. The Holy Spirit guides us toward the truth about Christ, opens our understanding to His Word, and continually points us back to Jesus. So when the world’s approval becomes tempting, remember the danger of being loved by the world. When opposition comes because of faithful allegiance to Christ, remember the privilege of following the Master. And when you feel uncertain about how to walk faithfully, remember that Jesus has not left His people alone.

Reflection: The Helper has come.

• Whose approval am I most concerned about—the world’s or Christ’s?
• Is there any area where I am tempted to compromise biblical truth simply to remain accepted?
• When following Jesus becomes costly, do I see suffering as a reason to abandon Him or an opportunity to remain faithful?
• Am I consciously depending upon the Holy Spirit to guide me into truth?
• Does my life, like the Spirit’s ministry, point people toward the glory of Jesus?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to follow Jesus. Help us not to seek the world’s approval, but to remain faithful to Christ. When we face rejection, give us courage; and through Your Holy Spirit, guide us into Your truth. May our lives always glorify Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

QT 06/11/2026 星期五 约翰福音 15:18–16:15 被爱、被恨与被引导
阅读 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John 15%3A18–16%3A15&version=CNVS

如果被世界所爱并不总是好事呢？如果因跟随耶稣而遭人憎恨，其实是信实的标志呢？而且，无论经历什么，你都绝非孤单呢？耶稣说，圣灵已经来了，要引导你们进入真理。

让我们深入探讨“被爱”的危险、“被恨”的益处，以及被引导的特权。耶稣正为门徒们预备，使他们能在一个并非他们最终归宿的世界中生活。祂的话语发人深省：“如果世人恨你们，你们要知道他们在恨你们以先，已经恨我了。”（约翰福音 15:18）与此同时，耶稣赐给门徒的，是比世人的接纳更宝贵的东西——圣灵的同在与引导。其中有三项真理尤为突出。

(1) 被世界所爱，可能揭示你属于世界

耶稣说：“你们若属于这世界，世人必定爱属自己的；但因为你们不属于世界，而是我从世界中拣选了你们，所以世人就恨你们。”——约翰福音15:19

世界的爱并不总是灵性上一切顺利的标志。有时，被世界舒适地接纳，反而可能揭示我们已经变得太像世界了。

当然，信徒有时也会做错事，既达不到世人的标准，也达不到神的标准，从而招致双方的轻视。而在其他时候，信徒所做的利他行为又会得到所有人的称赞。

但耶稣并不是教导门徒去寻求被拒绝，或是故意惹人反感。相反，祂告诫我们不要用受欢迎的程度来衡量忠心。我们有可能一边受到世人的称赞，一边却在慢慢失去作为基督门徒的独特性。

因此，我们应当自问：我是在寻求基督的认可，还是正在依赖世人的认可？基督徒不为世人的掌声而活。我们属于基督。

(2) 遭受世人的逼迫，可能意味着你是一位跟随主人的仆人

耶稣接着说：“你们要记住我对你们说过的话：‘仆人不能大过主人。’他们若迫害我，也必定迫害你们；他们若遵守我的话，也必定遵守你们的话。”——《约翰福音》15:20

逼迫并不必然证明基督徒是正确的——基督徒也可能因自己的愚昧或过错而受苦。但耶稣明确指出，对祂的忠心顺服会招致反对。仆人不应指望自己受到比主人更好的对待。

耶稣自己曾被拒绝、被反对，最终被钉在十字架上。因此，当跟随基督带来误解、拒绝或苦难时，我们不应立即断定神已经离弃了我们。有时，为基督受苦恰恰证明我们正在追随基督的脚踪。

问题不仅仅在于“我如何才能避免被憎恨？”，而在于：“即使忠心会让我失去他人的认可，我是否仍愿意对耶稣保持忠心？”

我们的呼召并非为了制造逼迫，但也绝不是为了逃避逼迫而背弃基督。

(3) 被圣灵引导，是拥有保惠师与你同行的一项特权

这段经文并未止于逼迫。耶稣对门徒说：“我若去了，就会差他到你们这里来。”——《约翰福音》16:7。他所说的就是保惠师——圣灵。耶稣还作了这一非凡的应许：

“只等真理的灵来了，他要引导你们进入一切真理。他不是凭着自己说话，而是把他听见的都说出来，并且要把将来的事告诉你们。”——《约翰福音》16:13

因此，基督徒的生命不仅仅是忍受反对，更是与神同行。世人或许会拒绝我们，但圣灵已被差遣到我们这里；世人或许会歪曲真理，但圣灵却引导我们进入真理。世人或许自我荣耀，但圣灵却荣耀基督：

“他要荣耀我，因为他要把从我那里所领受的告诉你们。”——约翰福音 16:14

这是何等非凡的特权。我们并非仅凭自己的智慧来走基督徒的生命之路。圣灵引导我们认识关于基督的真理，开启我们对祂话语的领悟，并不断将我们引回耶稣那里。因此，当世人的认可变得诱人时，请记住被世界所爱的危险；当因对基督的忠心而遭遇反对时，请记住跟随主所享有的特权；当你对如何忠心行走感到迷茫时，请记住耶稣从未撇下祂的子民。

反思：保惠师已经来了。

• 我最在意的是谁的认可——世人的，还是基督的？
• 是否有任何方面，我曾因想继续被接纳而动摇，甚至想在圣经真理上做出妥协？
• 当跟随耶稣要付出代价时，我是否将苦难视为背弃祂的理由，还是视为持守信心的机会？
• 我是否在有意识地依靠圣灵引导我进入真理？
• 我的生命是否像圣灵的事工一样，将人们引向耶稣的荣耀？

祷告

天父，感谢祢呼召我们跟随耶稣。求祢帮助我们不寻求世人的认可，而是对基督保持忠心。当我们面临被拒绝时，求祢赐给我们勇气；并借着祢的圣灵，引导我们进入祢的真理。愿我们的生命时刻荣耀耶稣。奉耶稣的名祷告，阿们。

QT 05/11/2026 Thu James 4 The War Within: When Desires Become Dangerous
READ https://www.esv.org/James+4/

What if the greatest battle you’re fighting isn’t around you—but within you? James 4 reveals how our desires can become a battlefield, turning believers against one another and even pulling our hearts away from God. So, what’s really causing the war within? Let’s find out!

James 4 gives a powerful diagnosis of why conflict can exist within our hearts and among believers. The striking point is that James does not first blame circumstances or other people—he points to disordered desires within us. What are the factors that contribute to the “wars”?

(1) Uncontrolled passions and desires

“Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” — James 4:1

The first battlefield is inside the heart. When our desires become stronger than our desire to please God, they produce inner conflict. When desire rules the heart, peace disappears.

(2) Desiring what we cannot have

“You desire and do not have…” — James 4:2

Unfulfilled desires can turn into frustration, resentment, jealousy, and anger. The problem is not necessarily having desires; it is allowing those desires to control us.

(3) Covetousness

“You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.” — James 4:2

Coveting means wanting what belongs to someone else or believing that we must have something in order to be satisfied. Comparison can easily become conflict:

• “Why does he have it and I don't?”
• “Why was she recognized and not me?”
• “Why did they get that opportunity?”

When comparison feeds covetousness, relationships suffer.

(4) Failure to bring our needs to God

“You do not have, because you do not ask.” — James 4:2

Instead of bringing our needs to God, we sometimes might wrongly attempt to obtain what we want through human effort, manipulation, competition, or conflict. James reminds us that prayer should be our first response, not fighting.

(5) Self-centered prayers

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” — James 4:3

Even prayer can become self-centred.  The issue is not simply whether we pray, but why we pray. We might mistakenly approach God saying: “Lord, give me what I want”  instead of: “Lord, give me what will glorify You.” God is not merely a means of satisfying our desires.

(6) Friendship with the world

“Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” — James 4:4

James uses very strong language because the issue is spiritual allegiance. Here, “the world” refers to a system of values opposed to God—not simply people, society, or the physical world. When believers embrace values such as pride, selfish ambition, materialism, status, pleasure, and self-gratification above God's will, conflict with God inevitably follows.

(7) Spiritual adultery

“You adulterous people!” — James 4:4

James uses the imagery of unfaithfulness to God. The Christian life is not merely about believing in God while continuing to live according to the world's values. God calls His people to wholehearted devotion. The deeper issue behind the quarrels is therefore divided loyalty.

The Progression of James 4:1–4:  We can summarize James' diagnosis like this:

Desire → Discontentment → Covetousness → Conflict → Wrong motives → Worldliness → Enmity with God

The external quarrel begins with an internal war. What happens in the heart eventually comes out in our relationships.

The Big Question: Before asking: “Why is everyone fighting with me?” James challenges us to ask: “What is fighting inside me?”

• Is it pride?
• Is it jealousy?
• Is it the desire to be recognized?
• Is it the need to control?
• Is it materialism?
• Is it an unmet desire that I have allowed to become an idol?

Connection to the Armour of God: An interesting contrast with Ephesians 6.

We put on the armour of God because there is a battle against spiritual forces of evil. But James 4 reminds us that there can also be a battlefield inside our own hearts. The Christian must therefore recognize two realities: There is a battle around us—and there can be a battle within us. The answer is not merely to fight harder against other people. James will soon give the answer:

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil…” — James 4:7

The way to overcome the war within begins with surrender to God, not surrender to our passions.

Takeaway

The greatest enemy in a quarrel may not be the person standing across from us, but the desire ruling within us. When Christ rules the heart, our desires begin to come under His authority—and when the heart finds its satisfaction in God, there is less need to fight for what the world promises to give. May you win the war within you in a God pleasing way! God bless!

QT 05/11/2026 星期四  雅各书 4 内心的战争：当欲望变得危险时
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/jas/4/

如果你正在经历的最大一场战役并非发生在你的周围，而是发生在你内心深处，会怎样？雅各书4章揭示了我们的欲望如何成为战场，使信徒彼此对立，甚至使我们的心远离上帝。那么，究竟是什么导致了内心的战争？让我们一起来探索吧！”

《雅各书》第4章有力地剖析了为何冲突会存在于我们的内心以及信徒之间。值得注意的是，雅各并没有首先归咎于环境或他人——他指出了我们内心那些紊乱的欲望。哪些因素导致了这些“战争”？

(1) 失控的激情与欲望

“你们中间的争执和打斗是从哪里来的呢？不是从你们肢体中好斗的私欲来的吗？”——雅各书 4:1

第一个战场就在内心深处。当我们的欲望比讨神喜悦的愿望更强烈时，就会产生内心的冲突。当欲望主宰内心时，平安便不复存在。

(2) 渴求无法得到之物

“你们放纵贪欲，如果得不到……”——雅各书 4:2

未满足的欲望会转化为沮丧、怨恨、嫉妒和愤怒。问题并不在于有欲望，而在于任由这些欲望控制我们。

(3) 贪婪

“你们放纵贪欲，如果得不到，就杀人；你们嫉妒，如果一无所得，就打斗争执。”——雅各书 4:2

贪恋意味着想要属于他人的东西，或者认为必须拥有某样东西才能感到满足。比较很容易演变成冲突：

• “为什么他有，而我没有？”
• “为什么她受到认可，而我没有？”
• “为什么他们得到了那个机会？”

当比较滋生贪婪时，人际关系就会受到损害。

(4) 未能将我们的需要带到神面前

“你们得不到，因为你们不求。”——雅各书 4:2

我们有时没有将自己的需要带到神面前，反而错误地试图通过人的努力、操纵、竞争或冲突来获得自己想要的东西。雅各提醒我们，祷告应该是我们的第一反应，而不是争斗。

(5) 以自我为中心的祷告

“你们求也得不到，因为你们的动机不良，要把所得的耗费在你们的私欲上。”——雅各书 4:3

就连祷告也可能变得以自我为中心。问题不仅仅在于我们是否祷告，而在于我们为何祷告。我们可能会错误地对神说：“主啊，赐给我我想要的”，而不是说：“主啊，赐给我能荣耀你的东西。”神绝不仅仅是满足我们欲望的手段。

(6) 与世界为友

“你们不知道与世俗为友，就是与　神为敌吗？”——雅各书 4:4

雅各用词如此强烈，是因为这关乎属灵的效忠。这里所说的“世界”，指的是一种与神相对立的价值观体系——而不仅仅是人、社会或物质世界。当信徒将骄傲、自私的野心、物质主义、地位、享乐和自我满足等价值观置于神的旨意之上时，与神的冲突便不可避免地随之而来。

(7) 属灵的奸淫

“淫乱的人哪”——雅各书 4:4

雅各运用了“对上帝不忠”的比喻。基督徒的生活绝不仅仅是信靠上帝，却仍按着世俗的价值观生活。上帝呼召祂的子民全心全意地委身于祂。因此，争执背后的深层问题在于忠诚的分裂。

雅各书4:1–4的逻辑发展：我们可以这样总结雅各的诊断：

欲望 → 不满足 → 贪婪 → 冲突 → 错误的动机 → 世俗化 → 与上帝为敌

外在的争吵始于内心的战争。心中发生的事情最终会体现在我们的人际关系中。

核心问题：在问“为什么大家都跟我争吵？”之前，雅各挑战我们先自问：“我内心在争战什么？”

• 是骄傲吗？
• 是嫉妒吗？
• 是渴望被认可吗？
• 是控制欲吗？
• 是物质主义吗？
• 是我任其成为偶像的未满足的欲望吗？

与“神的全副军装”的关联：这与《以弗所书》第6章形成了耐人寻味的对比。

我们穿上神的全副军装，是因为要与属灵的恶势力争战。但雅各书第4章提醒我们，我们内心深处也可能存在战场。因此，基督徒必须认识到两个现实：我们周围有一场争战——我们内心也可能有一场争战。解决之道并非仅仅是更激烈地与他人对抗。雅各书很快就会给出答案：

“你们应当顺服　神，抵挡魔鬼，魔鬼就逃避你们。”——雅各书 4:7

“所以，你们要顺服上帝。抵挡魔鬼……”——雅各书 4:7

战胜内心争战的途径，始于向神顺服，而非向自己的情欲屈服。

学习

争执中最大的敌人，或许并非站在我们对面的那个人，而是我们内心掌权的欲望。当基督掌管人心时，我们的欲望便开始服从于祂的权柄——而当心灵在神那里得着满足时，我们就不再那么需要为世人所许诺的那些东西而争斗了。愿你以讨神喜悦的方式，赢得内心的争战！愿神赐福于你！

QT 04/11/2026 Wed James 3 Tame the Tongue, Transform the Heart
READ https://www.esv.org/James+3/

Your tongue is small—but it can start a fire! One word can destroy a relationship, while another can bring healing. So what’s coming out of your mouth? In James 3, God shows us how to tame our tongue and speak with wisdom from above. Let’s dive in!

Scripture Focus: James 3:16–18 (ESV)
“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

James 3 reminds us that our words are powerful. A small tongue can create great damage, just as a tiny spark can set a forest on fire. Our words can encourage, heal, restore and point people toward Christ—but they can also wound, divide and destroy.

The deeper issue, however, is not merely what comes out of our mouths. It is what is growing in our hearts.

James connects our speech with the wisdom that governs our lives. When jealousy and selfish ambition control our hearts, disorder follows. But when we allow God's wisdom to shape us, our words and actions begin to reflect the character of Christ.

(1) What is behind our words?

James says: “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” Sometimes our words reveal what we would rather hide.

A critical comment may reveal jealousy.
A harsh response may reveal pride.
Gossip may reveal a desire to feel superior.
An argument may reveal selfish ambition.
A “reorganisation” may reveal the secret desire to cling to power without showing it.
A “revamp” may reveal the hope of getting rid of a colleague.

We may try to control our tongue without allowing God to deal with our heart. But lasting change begins within.

The tongue is often the messenger; the heart is the source. Jesus said in Luke 6:45 that what fills the heart eventually comes out through the mouth. Therefore, taming the tongue is not simply learning to speak less. It is allowing God to transform what fills our hearts.

(2) God's wisdom changes the way we speak

James gives us a beautiful description of “the wisdom from above.”

It is:
*Pure — our words should be truthful and morally clean.
*Peaceable — we should not use words to create unnecessary conflict.
*Gentle — strength does not require harshness.
*Open to reason — we should be willing to listen and receive correction.
*Full of mercy — our words should leave room for grace.
*Full of good fruits — our speech should produce something spiritually beneficial.
*Impartial — we should not change our words according to someone's status or importance.
*Sincere — our words should be genuine, not manipulative.

This is more than a communication technique. It is the character of Christ being expressed through us. Ask yourself: When I speak, what kind of wisdom am I displaying?

(3) Taming the tongue means choosing peace

Verse 18 says: “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” Notice the picture James gives us: a seed and a harvest. Every conversation is an opportunity to plant something.

A harsh word can plant resentment.

A careless word can plant suspicion.

A gossiping word can plant division.

But a gracious word can plant peace.

An encouraging word can plant hope.

A truthful word spoken in love can plant restoration.

We cannot always control how people respond to us, but we can choose what we sow. If we want a harvest of righteousness, James tells us to sow in peace.

(4) Ask God to change your heart before your words

Perhaps the prayer should not simply be: “Lord, help me control my tongue” but more than that. We should also pray: “Lord, change the heart from which my words come.”

When the heart is surrendered to Christ, the tongue gradually becomes an instrument for His purposes. Before speaking, we can ask:

• Is it true?
• Is it necessary?
• Is it gracious?
• Will it build up?
• Does it reflect Christ?

Not every true thing needs to be said immediately. Not every disagreement requires a response. And not every offense requires response or rebuttal. Sometimes spiritual maturity looks like knowing when to speak—and when to remain silent.

Practical Challenge

Today, intentionally use your words to do three things:
(a) Encourage someone who may be discouraged.
(b) Refuse to participate in gossip even when it seems harmless.
(c) Speak gently in a situation where you would normally respond harshly.

Before sending a message or responding in anger, pause and pray: “Lord, let my words reflect Your wisdom.”

Conclusion

The goal is not simply to have a quiet tongue. The goal is to have a Christ-shaped tongue—one that speaks truth with love, chooses peace over pride, shows mercy instead of condemnation, and brings encouragement rather than destruction. James reminds us that our words are seeds.

What are we planting today? May the Holy Spirit transform our hearts so that our words become instruments of grace, reconciliation and righteousness.

Prayer

Heavenly Father. Thank You for Your Word that reveals what is in our hearts. Forgive us for the times our words have hurt others, created division, spread gossip, or revealed pride and selfish ambition. Give us wisdom from above—wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. Help us to surrender our hearts to You so that our words will honor Christ. Teach us when to speak, what to say, and when to remain silent. May our conversations bring healing instead of hurt, peace instead of conflict, and encouragement instead of discouragement. Let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

QT 04/11/2026 星期三  雅各书 3 驯服舌头，改变内心
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/jas/3/

你的舌头虽小——却能点燃大火！一句话可能毁掉一段关系，而另一句话却能带来医治。那么，你口中说出的是什么呢？在《雅各书》第3章中，上帝向我们展示了如何约束自己的舌头，并用来自上头的智慧说话。让我们一起深入探讨吧！

经文聚焦：《雅各书》3:16–18 （ESV）
16因为凡有嫉妒和自私的地方，就必有扰乱和各样的坏事。17至于从天上来的智慧，首先是纯洁的，其次是和平的，温柔的，谦逊的，满有恩慈和善果，没有偏袒，没有虚伪。18 
这是缔造和平的人，用和平所培植出来的义果。

雅各书3章提醒我们，我们的言语具有巨大的力量。小小的舌头能造成巨大的伤害，正如微小的火花能引燃整片森林。我们的言语可以鼓励、医治、恢复，并引导人们归向基督——但它们也可能伤害、分裂和毁灭。

然而，更深层的问题不仅仅在于我们口中说出的话，而在于我们心中正在滋长什么。

雅各将我们的言语与掌管我们生命的智慧联系在一起。当嫉妒和自私的野心掌控我们的内心时，混乱便随之而来。但当我们让神的智慧塑造我们时，我们的言语和行为便开始反映出基督的品格。

(1) 我们的言语背后隐藏着什么？

雅各说：“因为凡有嫉妒和自私的地方，就必有扰乱和各样的坏事。” 有时，我们的言语会暴露那些我们本想隐藏的东西。

一条批评性的评论可能暴露了嫉妒。
一句尖刻的回应可能暴露了骄傲。
闲言碎语可能暴露了想要感到优越的欲望。
一场争论可能暴露了自私的野心。
一次“重组”可能暴露了暗中想要紧握权力却不显山露水的秘密愿望。
一次“改组”可能暴露了想要除掉某位同事的企图。

我们或许会试图控制自己的舌头，却不愿让上帝来处理我们内心的问题。但持久的改变始于内心。

舌头往往是信使；内心才是源头。耶稣在《路加福音》6章45节中说，心中所充满的终将从口中流露出来。因此，约束舌头不仅仅是学会少说话，而是让上帝改变我们内心所充满的。

(2) 上帝的智慧改变了我们的说话方式

雅各书为我们对“从上头来的智慧”作了美好的描述。

它具有以下特质：
*纯洁——我们的言语应当真实且道德纯洁。
*和平——我们不应利用言语制造不必要的冲突。
*温柔——力量无需依靠粗暴。
*乐于接受劝诫——我们应当愿意倾听并接受指正。
*充满怜悯——我们的言语应当留有恩典的空间。
*结出美好的果子——我们的言语应当结出属灵的益处。
*不偏不倚——我们不应因他人的地位或重要性而改变言辞。
*真诚——我们的言语应当发自内心，而非出于操纵。

这不仅仅是一种沟通技巧，更是基督的品格通过我们得以彰显。试问自己：当我开口说话时，我展现的是怎样的智慧？

(3) 约束舌头意味着选择和平

第18节说：“那为和平努力的人，是在和平中撒下公义的种子，也将在和平中收获公义。”请注意雅各向我们描绘的画面：一颗种子和一次收获。每一次交谈都是播种的机会。

刻薄的话会播下怨恨的种子。

轻率的话会播下怀疑的种子。

搬弄是非的话会播下分裂的种子。

但恩慈的话能播下和平的种子。

鼓励的话能播下希望的种子。

出于爱所说出的诚实话语能播下恢复的种子。

我们无法总是控制别人对我们的反应，但我们可以选择自己要播种什么。如果我们想要义的果实，雅各告诉我们要以和平的方式播种。

(4) 在开口之前，求神改变你的心

或许祷告不应仅仅是：“主啊，帮助我控制我的舌头”，而应该更进一步。我们还应当祷告：“主啊，改变那发出我言语的心。”

当心完全顺服基督时，舌头便会逐渐成为祂旨意的工具。在开口之前，我们可以自问：

• 这是真的吗？
• 这是真的吗？
• 这是必要的吗？
• 这是恩慈的吗？
• 这会造就人吗？
• 这反映了基督的样式吗？

并非所有真理都需要立即说出来。并非所有分歧都需要回应。也并非每一次冒犯都需要回应或反驳。有时，属灵的成熟体现在懂得何时该说话——以及何时该保持沉默。

实践挑战

今天，请有意识地用你的言语做到以下三件事：
(a) 鼓励一位可能正感到沮丧的人。
(b) 即使闲话看似无害，也要拒绝参与。
(c) 在通常会尖锐回应的情况下，温和地说话。

在发送信息或愤怒回应之前，请停下来祷告：“主啊，愿我的言语反映出祢的智慧。”

结语

目标不仅仅是保持沉默。目标是拥有一个像基督一样的舌头——一个以爱说真理、选择和平而非骄傲、展现怜悯而非定罪、带来鼓励而非毁灭的舌头。雅各提醒我们，我们的言语就是种子。

今天我们正在播种什么？愿圣灵改变我们的心，使我们的言语成为恩典、和解与公义的工具。

祷告

天父。感谢祢的话语，它揭示了我们内心的真实。求祢赦免我们那些曾用言语伤害他人、制造分裂、传播流言，或显露骄傲与自私野心的时刻。求祢赐给我们从上头来的智慧——这种智慧是纯全的、和平的、温良的、顺服的、满有怜悯和美善果子的，不偏不倚、真诚无伪。求祢帮助我们将心交托给祢，使我们的言语能荣耀基督。求祢教导我们何时该说话、该说什么，以及何时该保持沉默。愿我们的言语带来医治而非伤害，带来平安而非冲突，带来鼓励而非沮丧。愿我们口中的言语和心中的意念都能蒙祢喜悦。奉耶稣的名祈求，阿们。

QT 03/11/2026 Tue James 2 Faith That Shows: No Favouritism, No Empty Faith
READ https://www.esv.org/James+2/

Can you say you have faith—but your life shows no evidence of it? And what happens when we treat people differently because of their wealth, status, or appearance? James 2 gives us a wake-up call: real faith doesn’t just talk—it shows!

(1) The Sin of Showing Partiality — James 2:1–13

James begins with a direct warning to believers: “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory” (James 2:1, ESV).

The church must never measure people by outward appearance, wealth, social position, clothing, education, influence, or status. James gives a vivid example: a rich man enters the gathering wearing fine clothing, while a poor man arrives in shabby clothing. If the rich man is given a place of honour while the poor man is treated as inferior, the believers have become “judges with evil thoughts” (v. 4).

This is especially serious because God’s values often overturn human standards. James reminds his readers that God has chosen many who are poor in the world to be “rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom” (v. 5). Partiality therefore reveals a heart that evaluates people according to worldly standards rather than according to God's grace.

James calls this behavior sin. In verse 9 he says: “But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.”

The command to love our neighbour is not an optional principle. It is “the royal law” (v. 8). God's people are called to treat others with the same genuine love that they themselves have received from God.

The section reaches its climax in verse 13: “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

This does not mean that Christians earn salvation by being merciful. Rather, a life that has truly experienced God's mercy should become increasingly merciful toward others. Grace received should produce grace displayed.

Reflection:
Ask yourself. Do I treat people differently because of what they possess, what they look like, their education, their position, or what they can do for me? The gospel destroys boasting because everyone comes before God as a sinner in need of mercy. At the foot of the cross, worldly distinctions cannot make one person more deserving of grace than another.

(2) The Scourge of Symbolic Faith — James 2:14–26

James now addresses another danger: a faith that exists only in words but produces no corresponding obedience. He asks: “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” (v. 14)

Notice the emphasis on someone who “says” he has faith. James is confronting a merely verbal profession—a claim to faith that has no visible fruit. He gives a practical illustration. Suppose a brother or sister lacks clothing and daily food, and someone responds, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” but does nothing to meet the person's physical need. Such words accomplish nothing (vv. 15–16).

James then makes the point unmistakably: “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (v. 17) True saving faith is never merely symbolic. It is living faith, and living faith produces action.

James is not teaching that human works purchase salvation. Even verse 24 should not be interpreted to contradict Paul. James’ point is that genuine faith is demonstrated by its fruit. A person may verbally affirm orthodox truths—even “that God is one”—yet mere intellectual agreement is insufficient (v. 19).

James points to Abraham. Abraham's faith was demonstrated when he obeyed God in offering Isaac. His action revealed that his faith was living and genuine. James therefore says: “You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.” (v. 22) Rahab provides another example. She demonstrated her faith by receiving the messengers and sending them out by another way (v. 25).

James concludes: “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” (v. 26) A corpse may still have the outward form of a body, but it has no life. Likewise, a merely verbal profession may have the outward appearance of Christianity while lacking the spiritual life that produces obedience.

A Gospel-centered balance

James 2 should not be understood as teaching salvation by human merit. Rather, works are the evidence and expression of genuine faith. Paul teaches that we are justified by faith apart from works of the law (Romans 3:28), while James confronts the claim that a person can possess genuine faith while deliberately remaining fruitless.

The two truths fit together:

• We are saved by God's grace through faith, not by earning God's favor.
• Genuine faith does not remain alone; it produces obedience, mercy, love, and practical service.
• Good works are not the root of salvation but are evidence of its fruit.
• A Christian should therefore examine not merely what he professes, but whether his faith is producing a transformed life.

Personal Examination

• Do I show partiality toward people based on worldly status?
• Is my faith visible in the way I treat people?
• Do my words about Christ correspond with obedience to Christ?
• When I encounter someone in genuine need, do I merely express concern, or do I act when I am able?
• Is my Christianity merely a profession, or is it a living relationship with Christ that produces fruit?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and for the gift of faith. Open our hearts as we study James 2. Remove partiality from us, strengthen our faith, and help us live out what we believe through love and obedience. May our lives reflect Jesus and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

QT 03/11/2026 星期二  雅各书 2 彰显的信心：不偏待人，不虚浮
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/jas/2/

你能说自己有信心，但生活却毫无迹象可循吗？当我们因他人的财富、地位或外表而区别对待他们时，会发生什么呢？《雅各书》第2章向我们敲响了警钟：真正的信心不仅是口头上的，更要付诸行动！

(1) 偏袒之罪——《雅各书》2:1–13

雅各开篇就向信徒发出直截了当的警告：“我的弟兄们，你们既然对我们荣耀的主耶稣基督有信心，就不应该凭外貌待人”《雅各书》2:1。

教会绝不可根据人的外表、财富、社会地位、衣着、教育程度、影响力或身份来衡量他人。雅各举了一个生动的例子：一个富人穿着华丽的衣服进入聚会，而一个穷人则穿着破旧的衣服到来。如果富人被安排在尊贵的位置，而穷人却被视为低人一等，那么信徒们就成了“成了心怀恶意的审判官吗”（第4节）。

这尤其严重，因为神的价值观往往颠覆人的标准。雅各提醒读者，神拣选了许多世上的贫穷人，使他们“在信心上富足，而且是承受　神的国的人”（第5节）。因此，偏袒暴露了一颗按世俗标准而非按神的恩典来评判他人的心。

雅各称这种行为为罪。在第9节中，他说：“如果你们凭外貌待人，就是犯罪，律法就要裁定你们是犯法的。”

“爱邻舍”的诫命并非可有可无的原则，而是“至尊的律法”（第8节）。神的子民被呼召要以他们自己从神那里所领受的同样真挚的爱来对待他人。

这一段在第13节达到高潮：“因为对不行怜悯的人，审判他们的时候就没有怜悯；怜悯胜过审判。”

这并非意味着基督徒能因行怜悯而赚得救恩。相反，一个真正经历过神怜悯的生命，应当对他人越来越有怜悯之心。所领受的恩典应当结出彰显恩典的果子。

反思：
问问自己：我是否因为别人的拥有、外貌、受教育程度、地位，或是他们能为我做些什么，而区别对待他们？福音摧毁了夸口，因为每个人在神面前都是需要怜悯的罪人。在十字架脚下，世俗的区分无法使某人比另一人更配得恩典。

(2) 虚伪之信的祸害——雅各书 2:14–26

雅各现在谈到了另一个危险：一种仅存于言语中却没有相应顺服的信心。他问道： “我的弟兄们，人若说他有信心，却没有行为，有什么益处呢？这信心能救他吗？”（第14节）

请注意，这里强调的是“说”自己有信心的人。雅各正在谴责一种仅停留在口头的告白——一种没有可见果实的信心的宣称。他举了一个实际的例子：假设一位弟兄或姊妹缺乏衣食，而有人却回应说：“平平安安地去吧！愿你们穿得暖，吃得饱……”，却不采取任何行动来满足对方的物质需求。这样的言语毫无益处（第15–16节）。

雅各随后明确指出：“照样，如果只有信心，没有行为，这信心就是死的。” （第17节）真正的得救之信绝非仅仅是象征性的。它是活的信心，而活的信心会结出果子。

雅各并不是在教导人的行为能换取救恩。即使是第24节，也不应被解释为与保罗的教导相矛盾。雅各的观点是，真正的信心是通过其果子来彰显的。一个人或许口头上承认正统的真理——甚至“神是独一的”——但仅止于理智上的认同是不够的（第19节）。

雅各以亚伯拉罕为例。亚伯拉罕在顺服神、献上以撒时，彰显了他的信心。他的行为表明，他的信心是活泼而真实的。因此，雅各说：“你看，他的信心与行为是一致的，信心就因着行为得到完全了。”（第22节）喇合提供了另一个例子。她通过接待使者并让他们从另一条路离开，彰显了自己的信心（第25节）。

雅各总结道：“身体没有灵魂是死的，照样，信心没有行为也是死的。”（第26节）一具尸体或许仍保留着身体的外在形态，却已毫无生命。同样，仅停留在口头的信仰告白，虽然表面上看似基督徒，却缺乏能带来顺服的属灵生命。

以福音为中心的平衡

不应将《雅各书》第2章理解为教导靠人的功德得救。相反，行为是真实信心的证据和表现。保罗教导我们是因信称义，与律法的行为无关（罗马书3:28)，而雅各则驳斥了“人可以拥有真实的信心，却故意不结出果子”这种说法。

这两个真理相辅相成：

• 我们是因着神的恩典，借着信心得救，而非靠自己的努力赢得神的恩宠。
• 真正的信心不会停留在口头上；它会结出顺服、怜悯、爱心和实际服侍的果子。
• 善行并非得救的根源，而是得救之果的明证。
• 因此，基督徒不应仅止于审视自己所宣称的信仰，更应检视自己的信心是否正在带来生命上的改变。

个人省察

• 我是否根据世俗地位对人有所偏袒？
• 我对待他人的方式是否彰显了我的信心？
• 我关于基督的言语是否与顺服基督的行为相一致？
• 当我遇到真正有需要的人时，我是否只是表达关切，还是在力所能及时付诸行动？
• 我的基督徒身份仅仅是口头上的宣告，还是与基督之间结出果子的活泼关系？

祷告

天父，感谢祢赐下祢的话语和信心的恩赐。当我们研读《雅各书》第二章时，求祢开启我们的心。求祢除去我们心中的偏见，坚固我们的信心，并帮助我们通过爱与顺服活出所信的真理。愿我们的生命反映耶稣的样式，并使祢的名得着荣耀。奉耶稣的名祷告，阿们。

QT 02/11/2026 Mon James 1  Received the Promised Reward — The Crown of Life
READ https://www.esv.org/James+1/

Let’s learn from the book of James, who calls believers to live out their faith through practical obedience. True faith is not merely hearing God’s Word but putting it into action through perseverance in trials, care for the poor, humility, godly speech, prayer, and righteous living.

James reminds us that God is gracious, compassionate, wise, and faithful, and that He gives wisdom to those who ask in faith. Our trials can produce spiritual maturity when we patiently trust Him, while temptation comes from our own sinful desires rather than from God. Genuine faith will necessarily bear fruit in good works—not to earn salvation, but because saving faith transforms how we live. Therefore, as followers of Christ, we are called to reject worldly desires, pursue God’s wisdom, love others without favoritism, control our words, depend on prayer, and faithfully practice what God teaches. Let us not merely hear the Word, but live it, so that our faith is visible in every area of our lives. Let’s dive in.

Scripture: James 1:12 (ESV)
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

Trials are an unavoidable part of the Christian life. James does not promise believers a life without difficulties; instead, he teaches us how to respond when difficulties come.

A trial tests more than our circumstances—it tests our faith. When suffering, disappointment, temptation, or uncertainty comes, we may wonder, “Is God still with me? Is it worth remaining faithful?” James gives us a powerful encouragement: Yes, remain steadfast. God sees your faithfulness, and He has promised a reward—the crown of life.

The crown of life is not a reward that we earn by human strength. It is God's gracious promise to those who endure faithfully and demonstrate their love for Him.

(1) The Trial Tests Our Faith

James says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial.” Notice that James calls the person blessed while that person is still in the middle of the trial. The blessing is not necessarily found in pleasant circumstances. It is found in belonging to God and remaining faithful to Him through those circumstances. Faith that has never been tested has never had the opportunity to demonstrate its perseverance.

When Joseph was betrayed, Job suffered loss, David was pursued, and Paul endured persecution, their circumstances did not mean that God had abandoned them. Their trials became occasions in which faith was demonstrated. Likewise, our trials can become opportunities to trust God more deeply.

Application: When you face a trial, don't immediately ask only, “How can I escape this?” Also ask, “Lord, what are You teaching me through this, and how can I remain faithful to You?”

(2) Endurance Is a Mark of Genuine Faith

James speaks of the believer who “remains steadfast” and “has stood the test.” Christian perseverance does not mean that we never become tired, afraid, or discouraged. It means that, by God's grace, we continue to cling to Christ. There may be moments when we feel weak. We may pray through tears. We may not understand what God is doing. Yet genuine faith continues to say: “I don't understand everything, but I will still trust God.”

Our confidence is not ultimately in the strength of our faith but in the faithfulness of the God in whom we trust.

(3) God Has Promised the Crown of Life

James gives us a glorious promise: “He will receive the crown of life.” The crown represents the reward of life that God promises to His faithful people. Ultimately, the Christian's hope is not earthly comfort, recognition, wealth, or success.

Our hope is life with God. This changes how we look at present suffering. The Christian does not endure trials because suffering itself is valuable. We endure because Christ is more valuable than temporary comfort, and God's promises are greater than our present  circumstances.  The apostle Paul expressed this perspective:

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” — 2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV)

What we experience today is temporary. What God has promised is eternal.

(4) The Crown Is Promised to Those Who Love God

James concludes: “which God has promised to those who love him.” At the heart of perseverance is love for God. We don't remain faithful merely because we want a reward. We remain faithful because God is worthy of our love and trust. The crown of life points us back to the Giver. The greatest blessing is not merely what God places in our hands; it is God Himself.

When we love Christ, we can say: “Lord, even when I cannot understand Your ways, I will trust Your character.” Jesus Himself endured suffering for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). His example reminds us that perseverance has an eternal perspective.

Reflection
Ask yourself:

• What trial am I currently facing?
• Is this trial causing me to draw closer to God or pull away from Him?
• What promise of God can I hold onto today?
• Am I trusting God's faithfulness even when I cannot see the outcome?
• Does my love for Christ remain steadfast when circumstances become difficult?

Your tears are not unseen. Your prayers are not unheard. Your faithfulness is not forgotten.  The trial has an expiration date, but God's promise does not.

Prayer

Heavenly Father. Thank You for Your faithfulness in every season of our lives. When trials come, strengthen our hearts so that we will not turn away from You. Give us perseverance when we are tired, faith when we are afraid, and hope when we cannot see the way ahead. Help us to remember that our present struggles are temporary, but Your promises are eternal. Teach us to love You more deeply through every trial. May our lives demonstrate a faith that remains steadfast because we trust in Your character and Your promises. Thank You for the promise of the crown of life. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and faithfully follow Him until the end. In Jesus' name, Amen.

QT 02/11/2026 星期一  雅各书 1 领受应许的赏赐——生命冠冕
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/jas/1/

让我们从《雅各书》中学习，雅各呼吁信徒通过实际的顺服来活出信仰。真正的信仰不仅是听神的话语，更是通过在试炼中持守、关怀穷人、谦卑、敬虔的言语、祷告以及公义的生活来付诸行动。

雅各提醒我们，神是恩慈、有怜悯、有智慧、信实的，祂会将智慧赐给那些凭着信心求告的人。当我们耐心信靠祂时，试炼能使我们灵命成熟；而试探源于我们自身罪恶的私欲，而非来自神。真正的信心必然会结出善行的果子——这并非为了赚取救恩，而是因为救恩的信心改变了我们的生活方式。因此，作为基督的跟随者，我们被呼召要弃绝世俗的私欲，追求神的智慧，不偏不倚地爱人，谨守言语，倚靠祷告，并忠实地实践神所教导的。让我们不要仅仅听道，更要活出道，使我们的信心在生活的各个层面都显明出来。让我们深入探讨。

经文：雅各书 1:12
“能忍受试炼的人，是有福的；因为他经过考验之后，必得着生命的冠冕，这冠冕是主应许给爱他的人的。”

试炼是基督徒生活中不可避免的一部分。雅各并没有应许信徒会过上没有困难的生活；相反，他教导我们在困难来临时该如何应对。

试炼不仅考验我们的处境，更考验我们的信心。当苦难、失望、诱惑或不确定性来临时，我们可能会疑惑：“上帝还在我身边吗？坚持信靠祂值得吗？”雅各给了我们极大的鼓励：是的，要坚定不移。上帝看见了你的忠心，祂已应许赐下赏赐——那生命的冠冕。

生命冠冕并非靠人的力量赚取的奖赏，而是神对那些忠心忍耐、彰显对祂之爱之人的恩典应许。

(1) 试炼考验我们的信心

雅各说：“能忍受试炼的人，是有福的。” 请注意，雅各称那人是有福的，而当时那人正身处试炼之中。这福分并不一定出现在顺境中，而是在属于神，并在这些境遇中始终对祂保持忠心时才得以显明。从未受过试炼的信心，就从未有机会彰显其坚忍。

当约瑟被出卖、约伯遭受损失、大卫被追杀、保罗忍受逼迫时，这些处境并不意味着神已经离弃了他们。他们的试炼反而成了彰显信心的契机。同样，我们的试炼也能成为更深地信靠神的契机。

应用：当你面临试炼时，不要立刻只问：“我该如何逃脱？”也要问：“主啊，祢要借此教导我什么？我该如何继续忠于祢？”

(2) 忍耐是真实信仰的标志

雅各提到那些“持守到底”并“经受住考验”的信徒。基督徒的坚忍并不意味着我们永远不会感到疲倦、恐惧或灰心。它意味着，靠着神的恩典，我们继续紧握基督。或许会有感到软弱的时候，或许我们会流着泪祷告，或许我们无法理解神正在做什么。然而，真正的信心仍会说：“我虽不明白一切，但我仍要信靠神。”

我们的信心最终并非建立在我们信仰的力量上，而是建立在我们所信靠的那位信实之神的信实之上。

(3) 神应许了生命冠冕

雅各给了我们一个荣耀的应许：“他必得着生命冠冕。”这冠冕象征着神应许给祂忠心子民的生命赏赐。归根结底，基督徒的盼望并非世上的安逸、认可、财富或成功。

我们的盼望是与神同在的生命。这改变了我们看待当下苦难的方式。基督徒并非因为苦难本身有价值而忍受试炼。我们之所以忍耐，是因为基督比暂时的安逸更宝贵，神的应许也比我们目前的处境更伟大。使徒保罗表达了这一观点：

“因为我们短暂轻微的患难，是要为我们成就极大无比、永远的荣耀。”——《哥林多后书》4:17

我们今日所经历的只是暂时的，而上帝所应许的却是永恒的。

(4) 这冠冕是应许给爱上帝之人的

雅各总结道：“这是神应许给爱他之人的。”坚持到底的核心在于对神的爱。我们持守信仰，并非仅仅因为想要得到赏赐，而是因为神配得我们的爱与信靠。那“生命冠冕”将我们的目光引向赐予者。最大的祝福并非仅仅是神放在我们手中的东西，而是神自己。

当我们爱基督时，便能说：“主啊，即使我无法理解你的作为，我仍要信靠你的品格。”耶稣自己也是为了那摆在祂面前的喜乐，忍受了苦难（希伯来书 12:2）。祂的榜样提醒我们，坚持忍耐具有永恒的视野。

反思
问问自己：

• 我目前正面临什么样的试炼？
• 这场试炼是让我更亲近神，还是让我远离祂？
• 今天我可以持守神的哪项应许？
• 即使看不见结果，我是否仍信靠神的信实？
• 当处境艰难时，我对基督的爱是否依然坚定不移？

你的眼泪神都看见了。你的祷告神都听见了。你的信实神不会忘记。试炼有终结之日，但神的应许永不改变。

祷告

天父。感谢祢在我们生命中的每个阶段都信实可靠。当试炼来临时，求祢坚固我们的心，使我们不致背离祢。当我们疲惫时，赐给我们毅力；当我们恐惧时，赐给我们信心；当我们看不清前路时，赐给我们盼望。求祢帮助我们记住：眼前的挣扎只是暂时的，但祢的应许却是永恒的。求祢教导我们，在每一次试炼中更深地爱祢。愿我们的生命彰显出坚定不移的信心，因为我们信靠祢的品格和祢的应许。感谢祢应许赐予我们生命冠冕。求祢帮助我们定睛于耶稣，忠心跟随祂直到终点。奉耶稣的名祈求，阿们。

QT 01/11/2026 Sun Hebrews 13  Go Outside the Camp — Come Into the City
READ https://www.esv.org/Hebrews+13/

To come into God’s Holy Place, we must first go outside the camp—to Jesus. Hebrews 13 calls us to leave the comfort of the old camp, follow Christ beyond the gate, and bear His reproach. For outside the camp is where we find Jesus—and in Jesus, the way to the Holy City.

Scripture Focus: Hebrews 13:11–14 (ESV)
“Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” — Hebrews 13:13–14

(1) Go Outside the Camp — Follow Christ

The writer of Hebrews points us to a striking picture. Under the Old Covenant, the bodies of certain sin offerings were taken outside the camp and burned there. Jesus likewise suffered outside the gate of Jerusalem.

This was not an accident or a defeat. Christ willingly went outside, bearing shame and suffering, “in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.” Therefore, the call of the gospel is not merely, “Believe in Jesus and remain where you are.” It is: “Let us go to him.”

To follow Jesus means being willing to leave behind whatever competes with our loyalty to Him. Sometimes that means leaving the comfort of religious respectability. Sometimes it means standing apart from the values of the surrounding culture. Sometimes it means accepting misunderstanding or reproach because we belong to Christ.

The Christian life is ultimately about going to Jesus, wherever obedience to Him leads.

(2) Bear the Reproach He Endured

Hebrews does not hide the cost of discipleship: “Let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.” Jesus was rejected, mocked, condemned, and crucified. His followers should not be surprised when faithfulness to Him carries a cost.

But notice the focus: we do not bear reproach merely for the sake of suffering. We bear it because we are going to Christ. Our motivation is not pride, argument, or a desire to appear different. It is love and allegiance to Jesus.

The question for us is therefore: Am I willing to remain faithful to Christ when obedience is uncomfortable, unpopular, or costly? The cross reminds us that Christ has already gone before us.

(3) Come Into the City — Seek the City That Is to Come

Verse 14 gives us the second movement: “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” There is a beautiful tension in these verses.

• Go outside the camp.
• Seek the city that is to come.

We leave one place because we are looking toward another. The Christian does not ultimately belong to the present world. We live here, work here, serve here, love our families here, and faithfully fulfill our earthly responsibilities—but we know that this world is not our permanent home.

Our destination is the city that is to come: the eternal dwelling of God's people with Him. This changes how we live today. When earthly approval is lost, we remember that our citizenship is greater than human recognition. When earthly possessions disappoint us, we remember that we are seeking an eternal inheritance.

We note in verse 23 that “Timothy has been released”. He too faced challenges in ministry. When suffering comes, we remember that our present circumstances are not the final chapter.

(4) Outside the Camp, Toward the City

These two commands belong together.

• “Go to him outside the camp.”
• “Seek the city that is to come.”

The Christian life involves both departure and destination. We depart from dependence upon earthly acceptance and go to Christ. We turn away from treating this present world as our permanent home and set our hope upon God's coming city. And notice that our eyes are not ultimately fixed on what we leave behind. They are fixed on Christ.

We do not go outside the camp simply to be outside the camp. We go outside the camp because Jesus is there. And we do not seek the coming city merely because it is a better place. We seek it because God Himself is there.

(5) A Call to Faith Today

Hebrews 13:13–14 invites us to examine our hearts.

• Where am I tempted to choose comfort over faithfulness?
• Whose approval matters most to me?
• Have I become too attached to things that cannot last?
• Am I willing to follow Christ when obedience carries a cost?
• Is my hope anchored in the present world, or in the city that is to come?

The gospel gives us courage because Jesus has already gone outside the gate for us. He suffered. He shed His blood. He sanctified His people. And now He calls us: “Come to Me.” So let us go to Him. Let us bear His reproach. Let us loosen our grip on this passing world. And let us lift our eyes toward the city that is to come.

Prayer

Heavenly Father. Thank You for Jesus Christ, who suffered outside the gate and shed His own blood to sanctify us. Forgive us when we value the approval and comforts of this present world more than faithfulness to Christ. Give us courage to follow Jesus even when obedience is costly. Help us willingly bear reproach for His name without bitterness, pride, or fear. Teach us to remember that we have no lasting city here. Fix our hearts upon the city that is to come and upon the eternal hope we have in Christ. May our lives show that Jesus is our treasure, our refuge, and our true home. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

QT 01/11/2026 星期日 希伯来书 13 走出营外——进入城中
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/Heb/13/

要进入神的圣所，我们必须先走出营外——走向耶稣。《希伯来书》第13章呼召我们离开旧营的安逸，跟随基督走出城门，并担当祂所受的羞辱。因为营外正是我们寻见耶稣之处——而在耶稣里面，便是通往圣城的道路。

经文聚焦：《希伯来书》13:11–14
“ 那些祭牲的血，由大祭司带进圣所作赎罪祭，祭牲的身体却要在营外焚烧。12 所以耶稣也是这样在城门外受苦，为的是要借着自己的血使人民成圣。13那么，让我们也出到营外到他那里去，担当他的凌辱。14 因为在这里我们没有长存的城，我们却是寻求那将要来的城。

(1) 走出营外——跟随基督

《希伯来书》的作者向我们描绘了一幅引人深思的画面。在旧约时代，某些赎罪祭的牲畜尸体会被带到营外，在那里焚烧。耶稣同样在耶路撒冷城门外受苦。

这并非偶然，也非失败。基督甘愿走出城外，承受羞辱与苦难，“为的是要借着自己的血使人民成圣”。因此，福音的呼召不仅仅是“信耶稣，安于现状”，而是：“让我们到祂那里去。”

跟随耶稣意味着愿意舍弃一切与我们对祂的忠诚相冲突的事物。有时这意味着离开宗教体面的舒适圈；有时意味着与周围文化的价值观保持距离；有时则意味着因为我们属于基督，而甘愿承受误解或责难。

基督徒的生活归根结底就是归向耶稣，无论顺服祂会将我们引向何方。

(2) 承受祂所受的羞辱

《希伯来书》并未隐瞒作门徒所要付出的代价：“那么，让我们也出到营外到他那里去，担当他的凌辱。”耶稣曾被弃绝、被嘲弄、被定罪，并被钉在十字架上。祂的追随者不应惊讶于对祂的忠心会带来代价。

但请注意重点：我们承受羞辱并非仅仅为了受苦。我们之所以承受，是因为我们正走向基督。我们的动机不是骄傲、争辩，也不是为了显得与众不同，而是出于对耶稣的爱与忠诚。

因此，我们需要自问：当顺服带来不适、不受欢迎或代价高昂时，我是否仍愿意对基督保持忠心？十字架提醒我们，基督早已为我们开路。

(3) 进入城中——寻求那将来的城

第14节向我们揭示了第二步：“因为在这里我们没有长存的城，我们却是寻求那将要来的城。”这些经文中蕴含着一种美好的张力。

• 走出营外。
• 寻求那将来的城。

我们离开一处，是因为我们正仰望另一处。基督徒最终并不属于现今的世界。我们生活在此，工作在此，服侍在此，在此爱我们的家人，并忠心地履行我们在世上的责任——但我们知道，这个世界并非我们永久的家。

我们的归宿是那将要来临的城：神子民与神同在的永恒居所。这改变了我们今日的生活方式。当失去世人的认可时，我们要记住，我们的公民身份远比人的认可更为崇高。当世上的财物让我们失望时，我们要记住，我们所寻求的是永恒的基业。

我们在第23节中注意到“提摩太已经获释”。他在事工中也曾面临挑战。当苦难来临时，我们要记住，我们目前的处境并非最终的结局。

(4) 出营外，朝向那城

这两条命令是相辅相成的。

• “到营外去见他。”
• “寻求那将来的城。”

基督徒的生活既涉及出发，也涉及目的地。我们离开对世人接纳的依赖，转向基督。我们不再将现今的世界视为永久的家园，而是将盼望寄托在神那将来的城上。请注意，我们的目光最终并非定睛在所离弃的事物上，而是定睛在基督身上。

我们走出营外，并非仅仅为了身处营外；我们走出营外，是因为耶稣在那里。我们寻求那将来的城，也并非仅仅因为那里是更美好的地方。我们寻求它，是因为神自己就在那里。

(5) 今日对信心的呼召

《希伯来书》13:13–14 邀请我们省察自己的内心。

• 在哪些方面，我容易因追求安逸而牺牲忠心？
• 谁的认可对我来说最重要？
• 我是否过于执着于那些无法长存的事物？
• 当顺服需要付出代价时，我是否愿意跟随基督？
• 我的盼望是系在现今的世界，还是系在那将来的城里？

福音赐给我们勇气，因为耶稣已经为我们走出了城门。祂受了苦，流了血，使祂的子民成圣。如今，祂呼召我们：“到我这里来。”所以，让我们到祂那里去。让我们担当祂的羞辱。让我们松开对这转瞬即逝的世界紧握的双手，并将目光投向那将来的城。

祷告

天父，感谢祢赐下耶稣基督，祂在城门外受苦，并倾流自己的宝血来圣洁我们。当我们更看重今世的认可与安逸，胜过对基督的忠心时，求祢赦免我们。求祢赐给我们勇气，即使顺服要付出代价，也要跟随耶稣。帮助我们甘心为祂的名承受羞辱，不带苦毒、骄傲或惧怕。教导我们记住，我们在这世上没有永存的城。使我们的心定睛于那将来的城，以及我们在基督里所拥有的永恒盼望。愿我们的生命彰显出耶稣是我们的珍宝、我们的避难所，也是我们真正的家。奉耶稣基督的名祈求，阿们。

QT 30/10/2026 Fri. The Battle of the Loves: Self, Money, Pleasure & God

What happens when “me, my money, and my pleasure” become the centre of our lives? 2 Timothy 3 warns us that this is the spirit of the last days. But here’s the good news: the gospel calls us from self-centredness to Christ-centredness. So, how do we do “Gospel Alive” in such a world?

How to do “Gospel Alive” in the Environment of the Terrible Triplet of the Last Days?

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1–5 (ESV)

Paul warns Timothy that “in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” He then describes a culture marked by misplaced loves:

(1) Narcissism — “lovers of self”. Self-love and self-care have their proper place. But narcissism turns the self into the centre of life—my needs, my image, my desires, my recognition—often at the expense of God and others.

(2) Materialism — “lovers of money”. Money is a useful servant but a destructive master. When money becomes an object of love, our identity and security can gradually become tied to what we possess rather than to God.

(3) Hedonism — “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God”. Pleasure itself is not evil. God gives good gifts for our enjoyment. The problem comes when pleasure becomes the supreme pursuit—when comfort, entertainment, gratification, and personal happiness take priority over loving and obeying God.

The Central Thread: Self-Centredness. What connects these three is disordered love.

• “Lovers of self” — I am the centre.
• “Lovers of money” — What I have is the source of my security.
• “Lovers of pleasure” — What makes me feel good is my highest priority.

The above three life-styles are in error. The gospel calls us away from the self as the centre and back to Christ as the centre. Jesus does not merely tell us to think less about ourselves; He gives us a new object of love. We are to love God and others because Christ first loved us.

“For the love of Christ controls us…” — 2 Corinthians 5:14 (ESV)

So the question for the Christian living in the “last days” is not simply, “How do I avoid becoming like the world?” It is: “What does a Christ-centred life look like in a self-centred world?”

How Do We “Gospel Alive”?

(1) Instead of loving self → love Christ and serve others. Our identity is not built on self-promotion but received from Christ. We become free to serve rather than constantly seeking recognition.

(2) Instead of loving money → trust God and practise generosity. Money ceases to be our master. We hold possessions with open hands and use what God gives us for His purposes and the good of others.

(3) Instead of loving pleasure → pursue holiness and delight in God. Christianity is not anti-joy. Rather, it redirects our deepest desire toward God, whose presence and purposes provide a deeper joy than temporary gratification.

A Gospel-Shaped Contrast:

Self-centred life Christ-centred life
Lovers of self        Lovers of God and others
Lovers of money Trusting and generous
Lovers of pleasure Finding joy in God
“What can I get?” “How can I serve?”
Self at the centre  Christ at the centre

The answer to the terrible triplet is therefore not merely better behaviour. It is a transformed heart with a reordered love. The gospel announces that Christ gave Himself for us. And when Christ becomes the centre, the direction of our lives changes:

• From self → to Christ.
• From getting → to giving.
• From consuming → to serving.
• From temporal pleasures → to eternal treasure.

Reflection

Ask yourself:

• Self: Where am I most tempted to make life about me?
• Money: Where does my sense of security depend more on money than on God?
• Pleasure: What pleasures compete with my love for God?
• Christ: What would it look like this week for Christ—not myself—to be at the centre?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, in a world that tells us to put ourselves first, turn our hearts back to You. Deliver us from loving self, money, and pleasure more than we love You. Make Christ the centre of our lives, and help us to live out the gospel with humility, generosity, and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

QT 30/10/2026 星期五 《爱的较量：自我、金钱、享乐与上帝》

当“我、我的钱和我的享乐”成为我们生活的中心时，会发生什么？《提摩太后书》第3章警告我们，这就是末世的灵。但好消息是：福音呼召我们从以自我为中心转向以基督为中心。那么，在这样的世界里，我们该如何践行“活出的福音”呢？

在末世“可怕的三重威胁”的环境中，如何践行“活出的福音”？

经文：提摩太后书 3:1–5
保罗警告提摩太说：“末世必有危险的日子来到。”随后，他描述了一种以错置的爱为特征的文化：

(1) 自恋——“爱自己的人”。自爱与自我关怀本有其应有的位置。但自恋却将自我变成了生活的中心——我的需求、我的形象、我的欲望、我的认可——往往是以牺牲上帝和他人为代价的。

(2) 物质主义——“贪爱钱财的人”。金钱是得力的仆人，却是毁灭性的主人。当金钱成为爱的对象时，我们的身份认同和安全感便会逐渐与所拥有的物质挂钩，而非与神挂钩。

(3) 享乐主义——“贪爱宴乐，不爱神”。享乐本身并非邪恶。上帝赐下美好的礼物供我们享用。问题在于当享乐成为至高追求时——当舒适、娱乐、满足和个人幸福优先于爱上帝和顺服上帝时。

核心主题：以自我为中心。将这三者联系在一起的是紊乱的爱。

• “爱自己的人”——我是中心。
• “爱钱的人”——我拥有的东西是我安全感的来源。
• “享乐主义者”——让我感到愉悦的事物是我的最高优先级。

以上这三种生活方式都是错误的。福音呼召我们不再以自我为中心，而是回归以基督为中心。耶稣不仅告诉我们要少想自己；祂更赐给我们一个新的爱的对象。我们要爱神和爱人，因为基督先爱了我们。

“原来基督的爱催逼着我们……”——《哥林多后书》5:14

因此，对于生活在“末世”的基督徒而言，问题不仅仅在于“我该如何避免变得像这个世界一样？”，而是：“在一个以自我为中心的世界里，以基督为中心的生活该是什么样子？”

我们如何“活现福音”？

(1) 不过度爱自己 → 爱基督并服侍他人。我们的身份并非建立在自我标榜之上，而是从基督那里领受的。我们得以自由地服侍，而非不断寻求认可。

(2) 不贪爱钱财 → 信靠神并实践慷慨。钱财不再是我们的主人。我们以敞开的手掌持守财物，并将神所赐的一切用于祂的旨意和别人的益处。

(3) 不再贪图享乐 → 追求圣洁，以神为乐。基督教并非反对喜乐，而是将我们最深的渴望转向神——祂的同在与旨意所带来的喜乐，远比暂时的满足更深。

以福音为基准的对比：

以自我为中心的生活     以基督为中心的生活
爱自己的人      爱上帝和他人的人
爱钱财的人      信靠上帝且慷慨大方的人
追求享乐的人      在上帝里找到喜乐的人
“我能得到什么？”      “我该如何服侍？”
以自我为中心      以基督为中心

因此，应对这可怕的三重困境的答案，不仅仅是改善行为。而是内心得到更新，爱的次序被重新调整。福音宣告：基督为我们舍己。当基督成为中心时，我们生命的方向便随之改变：

• 从自我 → 转向基督。
• 从索取 → 转向给予。
• 从消费 → 转向服侍。
• 从暂时的享乐 → 转向永恒的珍宝。

反思

问问自己：

• 自我：在哪些方面，我最容易被诱惑，把生活变成以自我为中心？
• 金钱：在哪些方面，我的安全感更多地依赖金钱，而不是依赖上帝？
• 享乐：哪些享乐与我对上帝的爱相冲突？
• 基督：这一周，让基督——而不是我自己——成为生活的中心，会是什么样子？

祷告

天父，在这个告诉我们要以自我为先的世界里，求祢将我们的心转回祢那里。求祢拯救我们，使我们不再比爱祢更爱自己、金钱和享乐。求祢让基督成为我们生命的中心，并帮助我们以谦卑、慷慨和爱心活出福音。奉耶稣的名祷告，阿们。

QT 29/10/2026 Thu Hebrews 12 Don’t Go Back: From Sinai to Zion
READ https://www.esv.org/Hebrews+12/

What if going back to the Old Covenant means walking away from something far greater? Hebrews 12 says you haven’t come to Sinai—you’ve come to Zion, to Jesus, the Mediator of a New Covenant. So why must we choose NOT to go back? Let’s find out.

Hebrews 12 is especially important for understanding why the Christian reader is warned not to turn back from the new covenant to the old covenant order. The chapter does not denigrate what God gave Israel; rather, it argues that the old covenant was preparatory and anticipatory, whereas believers in Christ have now come to the reality to which it pointed.

(1) The whole argument begins with perseverance in Christ — vv. 1–3

The opening command is: “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus” The direction is forward, not backward. Jesus is described as the “founder and perfecter of our faith.” He endured the cross and now sits at God's right hand. Therefore, when Christians experience suffering, opposition, or discipline, they are to consider Christ rather than abandon their faith.

This is significant for the covenant question: Christ is the destination toward which the previous revelation was moving. To abandon Christ in order to return to the earlier covenant arrangement would be to reverse the direction of the race.

(2) God's discipline is evidence of sonship — vv. 4–11

The writer then uses Proverbs 3 to explain suffering and discipline. God's discipline:

• demonstrates His fatherly relationship with His people;
• is intended “for our good”;
• aims at holiness;
• ultimately produces “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”

Notice the contrast in vv. 9–10. Earthly fathers disciplined their children according to what seemed best to them, but God disciplines His children “that we may share his holiness.” So the Christian is not supposed to interpret suffering as evidence that God has abandoned the new-covenant relationship. Instead, suffering is part of being trained as God's children.

That matters because returning to an older religious arrangement could appear attractive when following Christ becomes difficult. Hebrews says, essentially: don't interpret hardship as a reason to abandon Christ. Endure God's fatherly training.

(3) The Christian community has to move toward holiness, not backward — vv. 12–17

The practical consequences follow: “lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees” and: “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” The issue is therefore not merely which religious system do I belong to? The Christian life involves actually being transformed into holiness.

The warning about Esau is particularly relevant: “who sold his birthright for a single meal.” Esau exchanged something of enormous covenantal value for an immediate, temporary benefit. The writer uses him as a warning against trading an eternal inheritance for immediate relief.

That provides an important principle concerning reverting to the old covenant: even if returning to a familiar religious system seems attractive under pressure, the believer must not exchange the greater reality found in Christ for something belonging to the earlier stage of God's redemptive plan.

(4) The decisive contrast: Sinai versus Zion — vv. 18–24

This is the heart of the chapter. The writer deliberately contrasts two mountains.

Mount Sinai: Verses 18–21 describe:

• something that could be physically touched;
• blazing fire;
• darkness and gloom;
• tempest;
• trumpet;
• terrifying divine speech;
• restrictions concerning the mountain;
• Moses trembling with fear.

This evokes the giving of the Law at Sinai in Exodus 19–20.

Mount Zion: Then comes the dramatic transition: “But you have come to Mount Zion”  What have Christians come to?

• the city of the living God
• the heavenly Jerusalem
• innumerable angels
• the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven
• God, the judge of all
• the spirits of the righteous made perfect
  *Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant
  *the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel

The writer's argument is extraordinarily clear. The Christian has not merely moved from one religious institution to another. He has moved from Sinai to heavenly Zion, from the old covenant's earthly manifestation to the heavenly reality established through Christ.

(5) The new covenant has a “better” sacrifice — v. 24

The final comparison in this section is between two kinds of blood: “the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” This connects with the larger argument of Hebrews. Christ's blood does what the old covenant sacrifices could not ultimately accomplish: it provides the basis for definitive access to God and purification of the conscience.

The point isn't that the Old Testament sacrifices were meaningless. They were God-given symbols and shadows pointing toward Christ. But once the reality has arrived, returning to the shadow as though the reality had not come would be a serious regression. Hebrews 10 makes this same principle explicit: the repeated sacrifices of the old system could not finally accomplish what Christ's once-for-all sacrifice accomplished.

(6) Refusing Christ is therefore much more serious — vv. 25–27

Verse 25 gives the warning: “See that you do not refuse him who is speaking.” The argument is from lesser to greater. If Israel's refusal to heed God's revelation at Sinai brought consequences, how much more serious is it to reject God's revelation through Christ?

(7) The Christian has received an “unshakable kingdom” — vv. 28–29

The conclusion is: “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken”.  The word “therefore”** is important. Because the Christian has come to Zion, to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the heavenly kingdom, the appropriate response is:

• gratitude;
• acceptable worship;
• reverence;
• awe;
• perseverance.

The final statement is sobering: “our God is a consuming fire.” The God of the new covenant is not a different God from the God revealed at Sinai. His holiness and judgment remain. What has changed is the covenantal access and mediation through which believers approach Him.

Prayer

Father, thank You for bringing us to Zion through Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant. Keep our hearts from turning back, strengthen us to endure, and teach us to walk in holiness, faith, and obedience. Help us hold firmly to Your unshakable kingdom and worship You with reverence and gratitude. In Jesus’ name, amen.

QT 29/10/2026 星期四 希伯来书 12 不要回头：从西奈到锡安
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/Heb/12/

如果回到旧约意味着放弃更伟大的恩典，会怎样？《希伯来书》第12章说，你们并非来到西奈山——而是来到锡安，来到耶稣那里，祂是新约的中保。那么，我们为何必须选择“不要回头”呢？让我们一起来探讨。

《希伯来书》第12章对于理解为何要警告基督徒读者不要从新约倒退回旧约秩序，具有特别重要的意义。本章并非贬低神赐给以色列的恩典；相反，它论证说旧约是预备性的、预示性的，而信靠基督的信徒如今已经进入了旧约所指向的现实。

(1) 整个论述始于在基督里的忍耐——第1–3节

开篇的命令是：“以坚忍的心奔跑那摆在我们面前的赛程；专一注视耶稣” ，方向是向前，而非向后。耶稣被描述为“我们信心的创始者和完成者”。他忍受了十字架的苦难，如今坐在神的右边。因此，当基督徒经历苦难、反对或管教时，应当仰望基督，而不是放弃信仰。

这对盟约问题具有重要意义：基督正是先前启示所指向的终点。为了回归先前的盟约安排而背弃基督，无异于逆转赛程的方向。

(2) 神的管教是儿子的明证——第4–11节

随后，作者援引《箴言》第3章来阐释苦难与管教。神的管教：

• 彰显了祂与祂子民之间父子般的关系；
• 旨在“为我们的益处”；
• 以成圣为目标；
• 最终结出“公义和平的果子”。

请注意第9–10节中的对比。世上的父亲是根据自己认为最好的方式管教儿女，但上帝管教祂的儿女，是为了“使我们能分享祂的圣洁”。因此，基督徒不应将苦难视为上帝已放弃新约关系的证据。相反，苦难是作为上帝儿女受教导的一部分。

这一点至关重要，因为当跟随基督变得艰难时，回归旧有的宗教安排可能会显得颇具吸引力。《希伯来书》的核心信息是：不要将苦难视为背弃基督的理由。要忍耐上帝父般的管教。

(3) 基督徒群体必须朝着圣洁前进，而非倒退——第12–17节

由此衍生出实际的行动准则：“你们要把下垂的手和发软的腿挺直起来”，以及： “你们要竭力寻求与众人和睦，并且要竭力追求圣洁。如果没有圣洁，谁也不能见主。”因此，问题不仅仅在于我属于哪个宗教体系？基督徒的生活实际上涉及被改变成圣洁。

关于以扫的警告尤为切中要害：“为了一点点食物，竟把自己长子的名分出卖了”。以扫用一件具有巨大盟约价值的东西，换取了眼前的、暂时的利益。作者以他为例，告诫人们不要用永恒的产业去换取眼前的解脱。

这为回归旧约提供了一个重要原则：即使在压力之下，回归熟悉的宗教体系看似颇具吸引力，信徒也不可将基督里更伟大的真实，换取属于神救赎计划早期阶段的事物。

(4) 决定性的对比：西奈山与锡安山——第18–24节

这是本章的核心。作者刻意将两座山进行对比。

西奈山：第18–21节描述了：

• 可以实际触摸的事物；
• 熊熊烈火；
• 黑暗与阴霾；
• 狂风暴雨；
• 号角声；
• 令人恐惧的神圣言语；
• 关于那座山的限制；
• 摩西因恐惧而战栗。

这让人联想到《出埃及记》19–20章中在西奈山颁布律法的情景。

锡安山：随后是一个戏剧性的转折：“但你们已经来到锡安山。”基督徒来到的是哪里呢？

• 永生神的城
• 天上的耶路撒冷
• 无数的天使
• 那些名字记在天上长子名册上的会众
• 审判万有的神
• 那些被成全的义人的灵
• 耶稣，新约的中保
• 那被洒出的血，它所传讲的话比亚伯的血更美

作者的论点极其清晰。基督徒并非仅仅是从一个宗教机构转移到另一个宗教机构。他是从西奈山移到了天上的锡安，是从旧约在世上的体现，移到了借着基督所建立的天上真实。

(5) 新约有“更美”的祭物——第24节

本节的最后一个对比是关于两种血的：“有新约的中保耶稣，还有他所洒的血。这血所传的信息比亚伯的血所传的更美。” 这与《希伯来书》的整体论点相呼应。基督的血做到了旧约祭物最终无法成就的事：它为确切地亲近神和良心的洁净提供了根基。

重点并非在于旧约的祭物毫无意义。它们是神所赐的象征和预表，指向基督。但一旦实体已经到来，若仍像实体未曾降临一般回归到预表之中，便是严重的倒退。《希伯来书》第10章明确阐述了这一原则：旧制度中反复献上的祭物，终究无法成就基督那一次而永远的牺牲所成就的事。

(6) 因此，拒绝基督的后果要严重得多——第25–27节

第25节发出警告：“你们要谨慎，不要弃绝那位说话的。”这一论证是从轻到重的推论。如果以色列人拒绝听从神在西奈山上的启示都要招致后果，那么拒绝神借着基督所赐的启示，其后果岂不更严重吗？

(7) 基督徒已领受了“不能震动的国度”——第28–29节

结论是：“因此，我们既然领受了不能震动的国，就应该感恩”。“因此”一词至关重要。正因为基督徒已经来到锡安，来到新约的中保耶稣那里，并进入天国，所以应有的回应是：

• 感恩；
• 蒙悦纳的敬拜；
• 敬畏；
• 惊叹；
• 坚忍。

最后一句发人深省：“因为我们的　神是烈火。”新约的神与西奈山上所启示的神并无二致。祂的圣洁与审判依然存在。改变的是信徒借以亲近祂的约的途径与中保。

祷告

天父，感谢祢借着新约的中保耶稣，将我们带到锡安。求祢保守我们的心不致回转，赐我们力量忍耐到底，并教导我们活出圣洁、信心与顺服的生命。求祢帮助我们坚定持守祢那坚不可摧的国度，并以敬畏和感恩的心敬拜祢。奉耶稣的名祷告，阿们。

QT 28/10/2026 Wed Hebrews 11 Faith That Moves You Forward
READ https://www.esv.org/Hebrews+11/

What do you do when you can’t see the answer, the way forward, or what God is doing? Hebrews 11 says, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for.” You may not see it yet—but you can still trust the One who does. Let’s discover what it means to truly walk by faith.

Hebrews 11 brings us to one of the clearest descriptions of biblical faith. Faith is not wishful thinking or believing something simply because we want it to be true. Biblical faith rests confidently in God Himself and His promises, even when we cannot yet see the outcome.

(1) Faith trusts what God has promised

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1

Faith looks beyond what our eyes can see. We cannot see God physically. We cannot yet see the fulfillment of every promise. We cannot see heaven, the resurrection, or everything God is doing in our lives. Yet faith says: “God has spoken, therefore I can trust Him.”

Faith does not require us to know everything. It requires us to trust the One who does.

(2) Faith begins with God

Hebrews 11:6 says: “Whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists…”

Before faith is about receiving something from God, it is about trusting God Himself. Our faith is not ultimately in circumstances, feelings, people, or even our ability to understand God's plan.

Our faith is in the character of God. When circumstances change, God does not. When feelings fluctuate, God remains faithful. When the future is unclear, God still knows the way.

(3) Faith believes that God rewards those who seek Him

Hebrews continues: “and that he rewards those who seek him.”

This does not mean that faith is a formula for getting everything we want. God's reward may not look like earthly comfort, wealth, success, or an easy life. Hebrews 11 itself shows believers who endured suffering and hardship while remaining faithful. The greatest reward is God Himself.

Faith says: “Even when I don't understand what You are doing, Father, I will continue to seek You because I know You are good.”

(4) Faith is demonstrated through obedience

Hebrews 11 will go on to describe Noah, Abraham, Moses, and many others. They did not merely say they believed God. Their faith moved them to obey Him.

Noah built. Abraham went. Moses chose. Others endured. Faith becomes visible through the way we live. We don't obey God in order to earn His love. We obey because we trust the God who has already shown His love and faithfulness.

(5) What does this mean for us today?

Perhaps you are praying about something you cannot see yet. Perhaps you're waiting for an answer. Perhaps the road ahead feels uncertain. Hebrews 11 reminds us: You don't need to see the whole path to take the next step with God.

Faith does not say, “I know exactly what will happen.” Faith says: “I know who holds my future.” So keep praying. Keep seeking. Keep obeying. Keep trusting. Your circumstances may be unseen to you, but they are never unseen by God.

Prayer

Heavenly Father. Help me to trust You even when I cannot see what lies ahead. Strengthen my faith and teach me to believe Your promises. When I am afraid or uncertain, remind me that You are faithful and that You are always worthy of my trust. Help me seek You wholeheartedly and walk by faith, not by sight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

QT 28/10/2026 星期三 希伯来书 11  推动你前进的信心
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/Heb/11/

当你看不见答案、前方的道路，或是神正在做什么时，你会怎么做？《希伯来书》第11章说：“信就是所望之事的实底。”你或许还看不见——但你依然可以信靠那位看得见的主。让我们一同探索，何为真正凭着信心而行。

《希伯来书》第11章为我们提供了对圣经中“信心”最清晰的描述之一。信心并非一厢情愿，也不是仅仅因为我们希望某事为真就相信它。圣经中的信心是坚定地仰赖神自己和祂的应许，即使我们尚无法预见结果。

(1) 信心信靠神所应许的

“信就是对所盼望的事的把握，是还没有看见的事的明证。”——《希伯来书》11:1

信心超越我们肉眼所能看见的范围。我们无法亲眼看见神的形像；我们还无法看见每一项应许的实现；我们也无法看见天堂、复活，或是神在我们生命中所做的一切。然而，信心宣告：“神已经说了，所以我可以信靠祂。”

信心并不要求我们知道一切，而是要求我们信靠那位全知者。

(2) 信心始于神

《希伯来书》11:6 说：“没有信，就不能得到　神的喜悦；因为来到　神面前的人，必须信　神存在，并且信他会赏赐那些寻求他的人。”

信心首先不是为了从上帝那里得到什么，而是为了信靠上帝自己。我们的信心最终并非建立在环境、感受、他人，甚至我们理解上帝计划的能力之上。

我们的信心是建立在上帝的品格之上的。当环境改变时，神依然不变；当感受起伏时，神依然信实；当未来不明朗时，神依然知道前方的道路。

(3) 信心相信神必赏赐那些寻求祂的人

《希伯来书》接着说：“并且信他会赏赐那些寻求他的人。”

这并不意味着信心是获得我们所欲一切的公式。神的赏赐可能并不像世上的安逸、财富、成功或轻松的生活那样。《希伯来书》第11章本身就记载了那些在苦难和艰辛中仍持守信心的信徒。最大的赏赐就是神自己。

信心说：“父啊，即使我不明白祢在做什么，我仍会继续寻求祢，因为我知道祢是良善的。”

(4) 信心通过顺服得以彰显

《希伯来书》第11章接下来将描述挪亚、亚伯拉罕、摩西以及许多其他人。他们并非仅仅口头说相信神，而是凭着信心去顺服祂。

挪亚建造方舟，亚伯拉罕动身前往，摩西作出抉择，其他人则忍耐到底。信心通过我们的生活方式得以彰显。我们顺服神并非为了赢得祂的爱，而是因为我们信靠那位早已显明祂的爱与信实的上帝。

(5) 这对今天的我们意味着什么？

也许你正在为某件目前还看不见的事情祷告。也许你在等待一个答案。也许前方的道路让你感到迷茫。《希伯来书》第11章提醒我们：你不必看清整条路，也能与神一同迈出下一步。

信心不会说：“我确切知道将来会发生什么。”信心会说：“我知道是谁掌管着我的未来。”所以，继续祷告吧。继续寻求吧。继续顺服吧。继续信靠吧。你的处境或许在你眼中看不见，但在神眼中却从未隐没。

祷告

天父，求祢帮助我，即使看不见前方的道路，也能信靠祢。求祢坚固我的信心，教导我信靠祢的应许。当我感到恐惧或迷茫时，求祢提醒我：祢是信实的，祢永远配得我的信靠。求祢帮助我全心寻求祢，凭着信心而行，不凭眼见。奉耶稣的名祷告，阿们。

QT 26/10/2026 Mon Hebrews 9 Once for All: The Blood That Secures Redemption
READ https://www.esv.org/Hebrews+9/

Are you carrying guilt from your past? Hebrews 9 gives us incredible hope: Jesus didn’t come to make us try harder—He came to cleanse us completely. His blood secured eternal redemption.

Key Verse — Hebrews 9:12 (ESV)
“He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.”

Hebrews 9 contrasts the earthly worship system of the Old Covenant with the greater work accomplished by Jesus Christ. The priests repeatedly entered the earthly sanctuary, offering sacrifices that could not finally remove sin. But Christ entered the true heavenly sanctuary once for all, offering not the blood of an animal but His own blood.

His sacrifice accomplished what the old sacrifices could only point toward: eternal redemption and cleansing of the conscience.

Hebrews 9:14 says: “how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”

The gospel is therefore not merely that Jesus forgives particular sins. Through His finished sacrifice, He cleanses sinners so that they can come before God and serve the living God.

Reflection

We often carry the burden of trying to make ourselves acceptable to God. We may try to compensate for our failures through religious activity, good works, self-discipline, or promises to do better. Yet Hebrews 9 reminds us that our deepest problem cannot be solved by our own efforts. Only Christ can cleanse the conscience.

The sacrifices of the Old Covenant had to be repeated because they pointed beyond themselves. Jesus' sacrifice is fundamentally different. He does not need to offer Himself repeatedly. He offered Himself once.

That means the Christian's hope rests not in the strength of our repentance, the perfection of our obedience, or the consistency of our spiritual life. Our hope rests in the completed work of Christ.

This does not make obedience unnecessary. Rather, Christ's sacrifice changes the reason we obey. We do not serve God in order to purchase forgiveness. We serve Him because, through Christ, we have received redemption.

Hebrews 9:28 gives us another precious promise: “so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”

The Jesus who came to bear sin is also the Jesus who will come again. Therefore, the believer can live today with both confidence and expectation: confidence because Christ's sacrifice is sufficient, and expectation because Christ will return.

Application

Ask yourself:

• Am I trusting Christ's finished sacrifice, or am I still trying to earn God's acceptance?
• What guilt am I carrying that I need to bring honestly before Christ?
• Does my understanding of God's grace lead me to serve Him with gratitude?
• Am I living with anticipation of Christ's return?

Today, rest in this truth: Jesus has done what you could never do for yourself. His sacrifice is sufficient. His redemption is eternal. His blood cleanses. His return is certain.

Prayer

Heavenly Father. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to offer Himself once for all for the forgiveness of sins. I confess that I often try to rely on my own efforts instead of resting in Your grace. Thank You that Christ's sacrifice is sufficient and that I do not have to earn the redemption He has secured. Cleanse my conscience from dead works. Help me turn away from self-reliance and serve You with a grateful heart. When I am burdened by guilt, remind me of the finished work of Christ. When I become discouraged, remind me that He will come again. Help me live faithfully as I wait for Him. In Jesus' name, amen.

QT 26/10/2026 星期一 希伯来书 9 一次而永远：确保救赎的宝血
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/Heb/9/

你是否还背负着过去的罪疚感？《希伯来书》第9章给了我们难以置信的盼望：耶稣的到来并非要我们更加努力——祂是来彻底洁净我们的。祂的宝血确保了永恒的救赎。

关键经文 — 《希伯来书》9:12
“他不是用山羊和牛犊的血，而是用自己的血，只一次进了至圣所，就得到了永远的救赎。”

《希伯来书》第9章将旧约中地上的敬拜体系与耶稣基督所成就的更伟大的工作进行了对比。祭司们反复进入地上的圣所，献上那些终究无法除掉罪的祭物。但基督一次而永远地进入了真正的天上圣所，献上的不是动物的血，而是祂自己的血。

祂的牺牲成就了旧时祭物只能预表的：永恒的救赎和良心的洁净。

《希伯来书》9:14说：“何况基督的血呢？他借着永远的灵，把自己无瑕无疵的献给　神，他的血不是更能洁净我们的良心脱离死行，使我们可以事奉永活的　神吗？”

因此，福音不仅仅是耶稣赦免特定的罪。通过祂已成全的牺牲，祂洁净了罪人，使他们能够来到神面前，并侍奉那活着的上帝。

反思

我们常常背负着一种负担，试图让自己被上帝接纳。我们可能会通过宗教活动、善行、自律，或是承诺做得更好，来弥补自己的过失。然而，《希伯来书》第九章提醒我们，我们最深层的问题无法靠自己的努力解决。唯有基督才能洁净我们的良心。

旧约的祭物必须反复献上，因为它们指向的是更深层的事物。耶稣的牺牲则截然不同。祂无需反复献上自己，祂只献上了一次。

这意味着，基督徒的盼望并不在于我们悔改的力度、顺服的完美程度，或是属灵生活的恒久性。我们的盼望在于基督已经成就的工作。

这并非意味着顺服已无必要。相反，基督的牺牲改变了我们顺服的动机。我们事奉神并非为了换取赦免，而是因为借着基督，我们已经蒙了救赎。

《希伯来书》9章28节给了我们另一项宝贵的应许：“照样，基督为了担当许多人的罪，也曾经一次把自己献上；将来他还要再一次显现，不是为担当罪，而是要向那些热切期待他的人成全救恩。”

那位来担当罪孽的耶稣，也是那位将要再来的耶稣。因此，信徒今天可以既满怀信心又满怀盼望地生活：满怀信心，是因为基督的牺牲已经足够；满怀盼望，是因为基督必将再来。

应用

请自问：

• 我是否信靠基督已成就的牺牲，还是仍在试图靠自己的努力来赢得神的接纳？
• 我心中背负着怎样的内疚，需要诚实地带到基督面前？
• 我对神恩典的理解，是否促使我怀着感恩的心来事奉祂？
• 我是否怀着对基督再来的期待而活？

今天，请安息在这真理中：耶稣已经成就了你自己永远无法做到的事。祂的牺牲是完全的。祂的救赎是永恒的。祂的宝血能洁净我们。祂的再来是确定的。

祷告

天父。感谢祢差遣祢的儿子耶稣基督，为赦免罪孽一次献上自己。我承认，我常常试图依靠自己的努力，而不是安息在祢的恩典中。感谢祢，基督的牺牲是完全的，我不必靠自己的努力去换取祂已为我们赢得的救赎。求祢洁净我的良心，使我脱离无益的善行。求祢帮助我弃绝自力更生，以感恩的心事奉祢。当我被内疚感压得喘不过气时，求祢提醒我基督那已成全的工作；当我灰心丧气时，求祢提醒我祂必再来。求祢帮助我在等候祂的日子里忠心生活。奉耶稣的名祷告，阿们。

QT 27/10/2026 Tue Hebrews 10 Don’t Shrink Back—Hold Fast to Christ!
READ https://www.esv.org/Hebrews+10/

Don’t go back when Christ has opened the way forward! Hebrews 10 calls us to draw near, hold fast, encourage one another, and persevere in faith. Whatever you’re facing—don’t shrink back!

Hebrews 10 is a powerful call to persevere in Christ. The chapter moves from the sufficiency of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice to the believer’s response: come boldly, draw near, hold fast, encourage one another, and do not shrink back.

Key Verse — Hebrews 10:39 (ESV)
“But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.”

Hebrews 10 continues the great theme of the book: Christ is better.

The Old Covenant sacrifices were shadows pointing toward something greater. They could not finally take away sins. But Jesus offered Himself once for all. His sacrifice is complete, sufficient, and effective.

Because Christ has accomplished what the old system could never accomplish, the believer is not called to go backward. We are called to move forward in faith.

Hebrews 10:19–22 says that because of Jesus' blood, we can enter God's presence with confidence and draw near to Him with a true heart. What an incredible privilege! We don't approach God because we have earned the right to be there. We approach because Jesus has opened the way. How do we avoid shrinking back but move forward?

(1) Do the Will of God

Hebrews 10:9 points us to Christ's obedience: “Behold, I have come to do your will.”

Jesus did not come merely to teach us about God's will. He came to do the Father's will, even when obedience led Him to the cross. As followers of Christ, our response to grace is not passivity but obedience. We don't obey God to earn salvation. We obey because we have been saved by Christ.

(2) Enter God's Presence with Confidence

Hebrews 10:19 says: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus…”

Under the old covenant, access to the holy presence of God was restricted. But through Christ, the barrier has been opened. The Christian can pray, worship, confess, and draw near to God with confidence—not because we are worthy in ourselves, but because Jesus is our perfect High Priest. When you feel unworthy to approach God, remember: your access is based on Christ's worthiness, not yours.

(3) Draw Near with a True Heart

Hebrews 10:22 says: “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…”

God does not merely want outward religious activity. He desires hearts that genuinely trust Him. We can come honestly—with our fears, failures, questions, burdens, and weaknesses. The invitation is not “make yourself perfect, then come.” It is “come to God through Christ.”

(4) Hold Fast to Your Hope

Hebrews 10:23 says: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”

Notice where our confidence rests: “He who promised is faithful.” Our hope does not ultimately depend upon how strong our faith feels today. It depends upon the faithfulness of the One in whom we have placed our faith. There may be seasons when circumstances shake us. There may be prayers that seem unanswered and trials that seem overwhelming. But God's faithfulness has not changed. Hold fast.

(5) Don't Walk Alone

Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds believers to consider how to encourage one another and not neglect gathering together. Christian faith was never designed to be lived in isolation. We need brothers and sisters who will encourage us when we are discouraged, pray for us when we are weak, correct us when we wander, and remind us of the gospel when we forget.

Sometimes perseverance looks very spiritual. Other times, it looks as simple as showing up, worshiping together, opening God's Word, and encouraging another believer.

Don't Shrink Back

The chapter ends with a sobering but hopeful declaration: “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” — Hebrews 10:39

The Christian life is not a call to return to the shadows. Christ is the reality. Don't go backward when Christ has opened the way forward.

• When you are discouraged—draw near.
• When you are afraid—hold fast.
• When you are weak—gather with God's people.
• When you are tempted to give up—remember Christ's sacrifice.
• When you wonder whether God will keep His promise—remember that He is faithful.

Your confidence is not in your ability to hold everything together. Your confidence is in Jesus Christ, who has already finished the work.

Reflection

Ask yourself today:

• Am I moving forward in Christ, or am I being tempted to go backward?
• Do I approach God with confidence through Christ?
• What is causing me to waver in my hope?
• Who can I encourage in the faith this week?
• What would it look like for me to faithfully persevere today?

Prayer

Heavenly Father. Thank You for Jesus Christ, whose once-for-all sacrifice has opened the way for us to come into Your presence. Help me not to shrink back when life becomes difficult. Give me faith to persevere, courage to hold fast to my confession, and a true heart that continually draws near to You. Help me to do Your will, follow Jesus faithfully, and remain connected to Your people. Use me to encourage others who are struggling in their faith. When I am weak, remind me that You are faithful. When I am discouraged, remind me of Christ's finished work. And when I am tempted to turn back, help me fix my eyes on Jesus and keep moving forward. I choose to trust You, hold fast to hope, and persevere by faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.

QT 27/10/2026 星期二 希伯来书 10 不要退缩——要紧握基督！
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/Heb/10/

当基督为我们开辟了前行的道路，切勿退缩！《希伯来书》第10章呼吁我们亲近基督、紧握基督、彼此鼓励，并在信仰中持守到底。无论你面临什么——都不要退缩！

《希伯来书》第10章是对在基督里持守到底的有力呼召。这一章从基督一次而永远的牺牲的完全性，过渡到信徒的回应：要大胆地前来，亲近神，持守不放，彼此鼓励，并且不要退缩。

关键经文——《希伯来书》10:39
“但我们不是那些后退以致灭亡的人，而是有信心以致保全生命的人。”

《希伯来书》第10章延续了本书的核心主题：基督更美。

旧约的祭物只是指向更美之事的预表。它们终究无法除掉罪。但耶稣一次献上自己，就永远除去了罪。祂的牺牲是完全的、充足的、有效的。

正因基督成就了旧约体系永远无法成就的事，信徒才不被呼召退后。我们被呼召要在信心中向前迈进。

《希伯来书》10:19–22 说，因着耶稣的宝血，我们可以满有信心进入神的同在，并以真诚的心亲近祂。这是何等不可思议的特权！我们亲近神，并非因为我们凭自己的功劳赢得了这个权利，而是因为耶稣为我们开辟了道路。我们该如何避免退缩，而是勇往直前呢？

(1) 遵行神的旨意

《希伯来书》10:9 指向基督的顺服：“接着又说：“看哪！我来了，是要遵行你的旨意。”可见他废除那先前的，为要建立那后来的。”

耶稣的降临，并非仅仅是为了教导我们关于神旨意的事。祂是来遵行天父的旨意的，即使这种顺服最终将祂引向十字架。作为基督的跟随者，我们对恩典的回应不是消极被动，而是顺服。我们顺服神，并非为了赚取救恩。我们顺服，是因为我们已经因基督得救了。

(2) 满怀信心进入神的同在

《希伯来书》10:19说：“所以，弟兄们！我们凭着耶稣的血，可以坦然无惧地进入至圣所。”

在旧约时代，进入神圣洁同在的途径是受限制的。但借着基督，这道阻隔已被打开。基督徒可以满怀信心地祷告、敬拜、认罪，并亲近神——不是因为我们自己配得，而是因为耶稣是我们完全的大祭司。当你觉得自己不配亲近神时，请记住：你得以亲近神是基于基督的配得，而非你自己的配得。

(3) 怀着真诚的心亲近神

《希伯来书》10:22 说：“我们良心的邪恶既然被洒净，身体也用清水洗净了，那么，我们就应该怀着真诚的心和完备的信，进到　神面前”。

神不单单要外在的宗教活动。祂渴望的是真心信靠祂的心。我们可以坦诚地来到祂面前——带着我们的恐惧、失败、疑问、重担和软弱。这邀请并非“先使自己变得完美，然后再来”，而是“借着基督来到神面前”。

(4) 坚守你的盼望

《希伯来书》10章23节说：“又应该坚持我们所宣认的盼望，毫不动摇，因为那应许我们的是信实的。”

请注意我们信心的根基在哪里：“那应许的，是信实的。”我们的盼望最终并不取决于今天我们的信心感觉有多坚定，而是取决于我们所信靠的那一位的信实。或许会有一些时期，环境会动摇我们。有些祷告看似未蒙应允，有些试炼看似难以承受。但神的信实从未改变。要持守到底。

(5) 不要独自前行

《希伯来书》10:24–25提醒信徒要彼此鼓励，不可停止聚会。基督徒的信仰从来就不是为了孤立生活而设计的。我们需要弟兄姊妹：在我们灰心时鼓励我们，在我们软弱时为我们祷告，在我们偏离正道时纠正我们，在我们忘记时提醒我们福音。

有时，坚持看起来非常属灵；有时，它却简单得如同出席聚会、一同敬拜、查考神的话语，以及鼓励另一位信徒。

不要退缩

这一章以一段发人深省却充满希望的宣告结束： “但我们不是那些后退以致灭亡的人，而是有信心以致保全生命的人。”——《希伯来书》10:39

基督徒的生活并非呼召我们退回阴影之中。基督就是现实。当基督已为我们开辟了前路，切勿倒退。

• 当你灰心时——亲近神。
• 当你恐惧时——坚定不移。
• 当你软弱时——与神的子民聚集。
• 当你想要放弃时——记住基督的牺牲。
• 当你怀疑神是否会信守承诺时——记住祂是信实的。

你的信心不在于自己能否把一切都处理得井井有条，而在于耶稣基督——祂已经完成了这项工作。

反思

今天请问问自己：

• 我在基督里是否在向前迈进，还是正被诱惑向后退？
• 我是否借着基督满怀信心地亲近神？
• 是什么导致我的盼望动摇？
• 本周我可以鼓励谁在信仰上坚固？
• 今天，我如何才能忠心地坚持到底？

祷告

天父。感谢祢赐下耶稣基督，祂一次而永远的牺牲为我们开辟了进入祢同在的道路。求祢帮助我在生活艰难时不致退缩。赐给我持守到底的信心、坚守信仰告白的勇气，以及一颗不断亲近祢的真诚之心。求祢帮助我遵行祢的旨意，忠心跟随耶稣，并与祢的子民保持联结。求祢使用我，去鼓励那些在信仰中挣扎的人。当我软弱时，求祢提醒我祢是信实的；当我灰心时，求祢让我记起基督已成全的工作；当我受试探想要回头时，求祢帮助我定睛在耶稣身上，继续向前迈进。我选择信靠祢，持守盼望，凭着信心坚持到底。奉耶稣的名祷告，阿们。

QT 25/10/2026 Sun Hebrews 8 When the Better Way Gets Hard
READ https://www.esv.org/Hebrews+8/

When Christianity gets costly, going back can seem easier. But Hebrews 8 says: don’t trade the reality for the shadow. Don’t abandon the better covenant for the old ways. Christ is better.

Christ is the fulfilment of what the old covenant foreshadowed, and therefore believers are called to persevere in Him even when following the “better covenant” becomes costly.

Reflections:

God, in His wisdom and in His appointed time, has progressively revealed to humanity the greatness of His salvation plan. The first readers of Hebrews had been shown the life, death, sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet they faced a very real temptation: when following Christ became difficult or costly, they might be tempted to return to the familiar “old ways.”

That temptation is not so different from what we face today. When obedience to Christ costs us something—comfort, security, relationships, reputation, or our own plans—we too can be tempted to retreat to what feels familiar.

Scripture Focus: Hebrews 8:5
“They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, ‘See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.’”

Moses and those who served with him carefully constructed the Tabernacle according to the pattern God had given. They worshipped and served God there, and the Tabernacle was real and important. Yet Hebrews tells us that these earthly things were nevertheless “a copy and shadow of the heavenly things.”

The old covenant was pointing beyond itself. The sacrifices, priesthood and Tabernacle were not the final destination of God's salvation plan. They were signs pointing forward to something greater. And that greater reality is found in Christ.

The Better Promises: Hebrews 8:6
“But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.”

There is something profoundly encouraging here: Christ is better. His ministry is better. The covenant He mediates is better. The promises on which that covenant rests are better.

The Christian life, therefore, is not merely about exchanging one set of religious practices for another. In Christ, God has brought His salvation plan to its fulfilment. What was previously pictured in shadows has been revealed in the person and work of Jesus.

Perhaps you have experienced something of these “better” things in Christ. You may have known His forgiveness when you were conscious of your sin, His peace when circumstances were uncertain, His presence when you felt alone, or His grace when you knew that you could not save yourself.

Yet experiencing the goodness of Christ does not mean that following Him will always be easy. Sometimes the better way feels harder. The first readers of Hebrews needed encouragement to persevere rather than turn back. We need that encouragement too. There may be seasons when obedience seems costly, when faithfulness appears to bring more difficulty rather than less, or when returning to our former ways seems attractive.

But Hebrews points us back to Christ. The old covenant was becoming obsolete and was destined to pass away (Hebrews 8:13). Christ, however, is not an obsolete hope. He is the mediator of the better covenant, established on better promises.

So when following Christ becomes difficult, we should not mistake difficulty for evidence that we have chosen the wrong path. Instead, we look again to Jesus. The One who gave Himself for us is the One who calls us to persevere in Him. What God has given us in Christ is not merely a shadow of something better to come. Christ is the fulfilment.

Therefore, let us not turn back when discipleship becomes costly. Let us remember what we have received in Christ, trust the promises of the new covenant, and continue to follow Him. The better covenant has been given to us through the better Mediator, founded upon better promises. Let us therefore persevere in Christ.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Christ, the Mediator of a better covenant founded on better promises. When following You becomes difficult, keep us from turning back to our old ways. Fix our eyes on Jesus, strengthen our faith, and help us persevere in Your grace. May we trust You even when the journey is costly, knowing that what You have given us in Christ is far better. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

QT 25/10/2026 星期日 希伯来书 8 当“更美之道”变得艰难时
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/Heb/8/

当信奉基督教的代价变得高昂时，回头似乎更容易。但《希伯来书》第8章说：不要用真实来换取影子。不要为了旧有的方式而放弃更美的约。基督更美。

基督是旧约所预表之事的成全，因此，即使遵循“更美之约”要付出代价，信徒仍被呼召要持守祂。

反思：

神凭着祂的智慧，在祂所定的时候，逐步向人类显明了祂救赎计划的伟大。《希伯来书》的最初读者已经看到了耶稣基督的一生、死亡、牺牲与复活。然而，他们面临着一个非常真实的诱惑：当跟随基督变得艰难或代价高昂时，他们可能会被诱惑回到熟悉的“旧路”上。

这种诱惑与我们今天面临的并没有太大区别。当顺服基督要我们付出代价——无论是舒适、安全、人际关系、声誉，还是我们自己的计划——我们也会被诱惑退回到那些感觉熟悉的事物中。

经文聚焦：《希伯来书》8:5
这些祭司所供奉的职事，不过是天上的事物的副本和影像，就如摩西将要造会幕的时候，　神曾经警告他说：“你要留心，各样物件，都要照着在山上指示你的样式去作。”

摩西和与他一同服侍的人按照上帝所赐的样式，精心建造了会幕。他们在那里敬拜并侍奉上帝，会幕是真实且重要的。然而，《希伯来书》告诉我们，这些属世的事物终究只是“天上的事物的副本和影像”。

旧约所指向的远不止于它本身。祭祀、祭司职分和会幕都不是神救赎计划的最终归宿。它们只是预表，指向更伟大的事物。而那更伟大的现实，就在基督里。

更美的应许：《希伯来书》8:6
但是现在耶稣得了更尊贵的职分，正好像他是更美的约的中保，这约是凭着更美的应许立的。

这里有一个极具鼓舞意义的真理：基督更美。祂的事奉更美。祂所立的约更美。这约所依据的应许更美。

因此，基督徒的生活绝非仅仅是用一套宗教仪式取代另一套。在基督里，神已将祂的救赎计划带到了圆满的成就。先前在影儿中预表的，如今已在耶稣的位格和工作中显明出来。

也许你已经在基督里体验过这些“更美”的事物。当你意识到自己的罪时，或许曾体会过祂的赦免；当处境不明朗时，或许曾感受过祂的平安；当你感到孤独时，或许曾体会过祂的同在；当你知道自己无法自救时，或许曾领受过祂的恩典。

然而，体验到基督的美善，并不意味着跟随祂总是轻松的。有时，那更美之路反而显得更加艰难。《希伯来书》的最初读者需要鼓励，才能坚持下去，而不是半途而废。我们同样需要这样的鼓励。可能会有这样的时期：顺服似乎代价高昂；忠心似乎带来更多困难而非减少；或者重拾旧习显得颇具吸引力。

但《希伯来书》将我们的目光引回基督。旧约正在过时，注定要废去（希伯来书 8:13）。
然而，基督并非过时的盼望。祂是更美之约的中保，这约是建立在更美的应许之上的。

因此，当跟随基督变得艰难时，我们不应将困难误认为是自己选错了道路的证据。相反，我们应当再次仰望耶稣。那位为我们舍己的主，正是呼召我们在他里面坚持到底的主。神在基督里赐给我们的，不仅仅是未来更美之事的影子。基督就是那应许的实现。

因此，当作门徒的代价变得高昂时，让我们不要退缩。让我们铭记我们在基督里所领受的，信靠新约的应许，并继续跟随祂。这更美的约是借着更美的中保赐给我们的，是建立在更美的应许之上的。因此，让我们在基督里持守到底。

祷告

天父，感谢祢赐给我们基督——这位立于更美应许之上的更美之约的中保。当跟随祢变得艰难时，求祢保守我们不致重蹈覆辙。求祢使我们的目光定睛在耶稣身上，坚固我们的信心，并帮助我们在祢的恩典中持守到底。愿我们即使在付出的代价高昂时，仍信靠祢，因为我们深知，祢在基督里赐给我们的，远比这一切更美。奉耶稣的名祷告，阿们。

QT 23/10/2026 Fri John 15:1–17 Abide or Wither: The Choice That Changes Everything
READ https://www.esv.org/john15:1-17/

What’s the difference between a branch that bears fruit and a branch that withers? It’s not a small difference—it’s the difference between abiding in Christ and walking away from Him. In John 15, Jesus gives us a life-changing command: “Abide in Me.” So, what does it really mean to abide?

John 15:1–17 presents a difference that is not merely nominal or slight. Jesus speaks of two profoundly different conditions: abiding in Him and not abiding in Him.

“Abide in me, and I in you.” — John 15:4

The central question, then, is not simply, “Am I associated with Jesus?” but “Am I abiding in Jesus?”

(1) What does it mean to “abide in me”?

To abide in Christ means to remain, continue, dwell, and depend upon Him. Jesus uses the picture of a vine and its branches. A branch has no independent life-producing power. It bears fruit because it remains connected to the vine. So abiding in Christ involves:

*Remaining in His word— allowing His teaching to shape what we believe and how we live (John 15:7).
*Depending upon Him— recognizing that “apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
*Remaining in His love — not treating Christ's love as merely a past event, but living continually within the relationship He has established with us (John 15:9–10).
*Keeping His commandments — obedience is not presented as an alternative to abiding; Jesus explicitly connects the two: “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love” (v. 10).
*Bearing fruit — a living connection to Christ produces visible spiritual fruit (vv. 5, 8).

Abiding, therefore, is more than occasionally thinking about Jesus, attending church, or identifying oneself as a Christian. It is a continuing relationship of faith, dependence, obedience, and love.

And notice the beautiful purpose Jesus gives in verse 11: “that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” Abiding is not merely about avoiding judgment. It is life with Christ that produces His joy in us.

(2) What does it mean to “not abide in me”?

Jesus gives the contrasting picture in verse 6: “If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers…”

The opposite of abiding is therefore not remaining in Christ. It is separation from the life-giving relationship Jesus describes. The branch may appear outwardly connected for a time, but the decisive issue is whether there is genuine, continuing connection to the vine.

John 15 therefore confronts us with a serious spiritual reality: mere outward association with Christ is not the same thing as abiding in Christ. The passage does not invite us to examine whether we have achieved sinless perfection. Rather, it calls us to ask whether our lives are characterized by continuing dependence upon Christ, obedience to His word, love for Him, and love for His people.

(3) Jesus gives us a practical test: love and obedience

This brings us directly to the Scripture Focus, John 15:10–14. Jesus says: “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love.” — v. 10 Then He immediately identifies the commandment: “that you love one another as I have loved you.” — v. 12

This is crucial.  Abiding in Christ is not an invisible claim that has no practical consequences. The person who abides in Christ increasingly becomes like Christ in the way he treats others.

And what kind of love does Jesus command?

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” — v. 13

Jesus does not merely tell us to feel love. He defines love by self-giving sacrifice. He Himself is the ultimate example. He is about to lay down His life for His people. Therefore, abiding in Christ changes the direction of our lives:

Christ loves us → we abide in His love → we obey Him → we love one another → our lives bear fruit.

If laying down your life is a big jump for you, start with laying down your time, attention and money, the lesser things first, then upgrade later.

(4) Allow The Father To Prune You (15:1–2)

In Jesus’ illustration of the vineyard here, the Father is the Vinedresser (15:1–2). The Father’s role in John 15 is decisive. Like a careful vinedresser, He works to ensure that the vine bears fruit. Are you aware and allowing the Father to do this work in you?

Every fruitless branch is removed, while fruitful branches are pruned so that they can produce even more fruit. The main point is not to explain whether true believers can fall away, but to emphasise the importance of fruitfulness.

Reflection: Is it compulsory or optional that a believer bear fruit?

A vine exists to produce fruit. That’s the whole purpose of a vineyard anyway. There’s no point in having a vineyard where fruitfulness is secondary or optional, isn’t it? In the same way, Christians are called to live fruitful lives. Pruning is necessary because a vine can produce much growth that is unproductive if there is no farmer like the Father, just as young children left to themselves without a guardian is likely to run into problems and danger. Likewise, God sometimes works in our lives to remove what hinders spiritual growth and to make us more fruitful.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being our faithful Vinedresser. Prune away whatever hinders our walk with You, cleanse our hearts, and help us abide in Christ. May our lives bear fruit that glorifies You and blesses others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

QT 23/10/2026 星期五 约翰福音 15:1–17 常在或枯萎：改变一切的选择
阅读 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john 15%3A1-17&version=CNVS

结果子的枝子与枯萎的枝子有什么区别？这绝非微不足道的差异——而是“住在基督里”与“远离基督”之间的本质区别。在《约翰福音》第15章中，耶稣赐给我们一条能改变生命的命令：“你们要住在我的里面。”那么，“住在里面”究竟意味着什么呢？

《约翰福音》15:1–17所呈现的差异，绝非仅仅是名义上的或微不足道的。耶稣谈到了两种截然不同的状态：住在祂里面与不住在祂里面。

“你们要住在我里面，我也就住在你们里面。枝子若不连在葡萄树上，自己就不能结果子；你们若不住在我里面，也是这样。”——《约翰福音》15:4

因此，核心问题不仅仅是“我是否与耶稣有联系？”，而是“我是否住在耶稣里面？”

(1) “住在祂里面”是什么意思？

住在基督里面，意味着留在他里面、持续与他同在、安居于他，并倚靠他。耶稣用葡萄树和枝子的比喻来阐释这一点。枝子本身没有独立的生发能力，它之所以能结果子，是因为它始终与葡萄树相连。因此，住在基督里面包括：

*住在祂的话语中——让祂的教导塑造我们的信仰和生活方式（约翰福音 15:7）。
*倚靠祂——认识到“离开我，你们就不能做什么”（约翰福音 15:5）。
*住在祂的爱里——不要把基督的爱仅仅视为过去的一件事，而是要持续活在祂与我们所建立的关系之中（约翰福音15:9–10）。
*遵守祂的诫命——顺服并非“住在祂里面”的替代方案；耶稣明确将二者联系在一起：“如果你们遵守我的命令，就必定住在我的爱里”（第10节）。
*结出果子——与基督活泼的联结会结出可见的属灵果子（第5、8节）。

因此，“住在主里面”绝不仅仅是偶尔想起耶稣、参加教会聚会，或是自称是基督徒。它是一种由信心、倚靠、顺服和爱所构成的持续关系。

请注意耶稣在第11节所揭示的美好旨意：“我把这些事告诉了你们，好让我的喜乐存在你们心里，并且使你们的喜乐满溢。” 常在主里面，不仅仅是为了避免审判。这是与基督同在的生命，能在我们里面结出祂的喜乐。

(2) “人若不住在我里面”是什么意思？

耶稣在第6节中给出了对比的画面：人若不常在我里面，或者人若不住在我里面就像枝子被丢在外面枯干了。

因此，“不常在我里面”的相反，就是不留在基督里面。它意味着与耶稣所描述的、赋予生命的关系分离。枝子在外表上可能暂时看起来还连着，但关键在于它是否与葡萄树有着真实、持续的联结。

所以，《约翰福音》第15章向我们揭示了一个严峻的属灵现实：仅仅在外表上与基督有联系，并不等同于住在基督里面。这段经文并非要我们检视自己是否已达到无罪的完美境界，而是呼吁我们自问：我们的生活是否以持续倚靠基督、顺服祂的话语、爱祂以及爱祂的子民为特征。

(3) 耶稣给我们一个实际的检验标准：爱与顺服

这直接引出了今天的经文重点——《约翰福音》15:10–14。耶稣说：“如果你们遵守我的命令，就必定住在我的爱里。”——第10节 随后祂立刻指明了这条诫命：“你们要彼此相爱，像我爱你们一样。”——第12节

这一点至关重要。住在基督里面并非一种没有实际后果的虚无主张。住在基督里面的人，在待人接物上会越来越像基督。

那么，耶稣所吩咐的是怎样的爱呢？

“人为朋友舍命，人间的爱没有比这个更大的了。”——第13节

耶稣并非仅仅要求我们“感受”爱。祂将爱定义为自我奉献的牺牲。祂自己就是最完美的榜样。祂即将为祂的子民舍命。因此，住在基督里面会改变我们生命的方向：

基督爱我们 → 我们住在祂的爱里 → 我们顺服祂 → 我们彼此相爱 → 我们的生命结出果子。

如果舍命对你来说是一个巨大的跨越，那就先从奉献你的时间、关注和金钱开始，先从比较小的“舍命”开始做起，以后再逐步提升。

(4) 让天父修剪你（15:1–2）

在耶稣这里所讲的葡萄园比喻中，天父就是那位园丁（15:1–2）。在《约翰福音》第15章中，天父的角色至关重要。如同一位细心的园丁，祂竭力确保葡萄树结出果子。你是否意识到这一点，并允许天父在你身上做这工作？

每一个不结果子的枝子都会被剪去，而结果子的枝子则会被修剪，以便结出更多的果子。重点不在于解释真正的信徒是否会背道，而在于强调结出果子的重要性。

反思：信徒结出果子是必须的，还是可选的？

葡萄树的存在就是为了结果子。这本就是葡萄园的全部目的。如果结果子只是次要的或可有可无的，那拥有葡萄园还有什么意义呢？同样，基督徒被呼召要过结出果子的生活。修剪是必要的，因为如果没有像天父这样的农夫，葡萄树会生长出许多无果的枝条或其他的杂物；正如没有监护人照看的幼童，若任其自由行动，很可能会遇到问题和危险。同样，神有时会在我们生命中动工，除去阻碍属灵成长的障碍，使我们结出更多的果子。

祷告

天父，感谢祢是我们信实的葡萄园看守者。求祢剪除一切阻碍我们与祢同行的事物，洁净我们的心，并帮助我们常在基督里。愿我们的生命结出荣耀祢、祝福他人的果子。奉耶稣的名祷告，阿们。

QT 22/10/2026 Thu Hebrews 7 The Priest Who Never Fails
READ https://www.esv.org/Hebrews+7/

What happens when the people we trust fail to keep their promises? Hebrews 7 points us to someone who never fails—Jesus Christ, our eternal High Priest. Human priests came and went, but Jesus lives forever. And because He lives, your hope is secure! Let’s dive into Hebrews 7.

Hebrews 7 draws our eyes away from the weakness of human priests and toward the perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ. The writer's point is not merely that Jesus is another priest, but that He is a priest of an entirely different and superior order—the order of Melchizedek.

A contract may have many parties, but the value of a promise ultimately depends upon whether the one making it has the authority and ability to fulfill it. Human beings may sincerely promise, yet we are limited, changeable, and imperfect. Even the Levitical priests, though appointed by God, could not bring God's people into the perfection they needed.

Hebrews asks: “Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood... what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek?” (Hebrews 7:11, ESV)

The answer is found in Christ. Jesus does not merely continue the old priesthood. He fulfills and surpasses it. The priests descended from Aaron were mortal and numerous because death prevented them from continuing permanently. Jesus, however, “holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever” (Hebrews 7:24).

This gives tremendous assurance to the believer. Our salvation does not rest upon the strength of our promises to God, but upon the faithfulness of Christ and His finished work for us.

• We fail. Christ does not.
• Our devotion fluctuates. His intercession does not.
• Our obedience is imperfect. His righteousness is perfect.
• Our earthly circumstances change. His priesthood remains forever.

Hebrews therefore concludes: “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25, ESV)

What a comfort! The Christian's hope is not ultimately anchored in how firmly we can hold onto Christ, but in the One who eternally holds His priesthood and continually intercedes for His people.

Reflections:

When you become painfully aware of your own inconsistency, do not measure Christ by your weakness. Look instead to the permanence of His priesthood. The priests of Aaron eventually died. Jesus lives forever. Human promises can fail. God's promise in Christ cannot. Therefore, come to God—not because you have performed perfectly, but because Jesus Christ is the perfect High Priest who brings you near to God.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Jesus, our perfect and eternal High Priest. Help us trust Him completely, draw near to You with confidence, and rest in His unfailing grace. Strengthen our faith and guide us to live for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

QT 22/10/2026 星期四 希伯来书 7 永不失信的大祭司
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/Heb/7/

当我们所信赖的人未能兑现承诺时，会发生什么？《希伯来书》第7章将我们的目光引向一位永不失信者——耶稣基督，我们的永恒大祭司。人间的祭司来来去去，但耶稣却永远活着。正因祂活着，你的盼望才得以稳固！让我们深入研读《希伯来书》第七章。

《希伯来书》第七章将我们的目光从人祭司的软弱上移开，转向耶稣基督那完全无瑕的祭司职分。作者的重点不仅在于耶稣是另一位祭司，更在于祂属于一个截然不同且更崇高的祭司体系——麦基洗德的等次。

一份契约可能涉及多方，但承诺的价值最终取决于承诺者是否具备履行承诺的权柄和能力。人或许会真诚地许诺，但我们终究有限、易变且不完美。即便是利未祭司，尽管由神所立，也无法使神的子民达到他们所需的完全。

《希伯来书》问道：“这样看来，如果借着利未人的祭司制度能达到完全的地步（人民是在这制度下领受律法的），为什么还需要照着麦基洗德的体系，另外兴起一位祭司，而不照着亚伦的体系呢？”《希伯来书》7:11。

答案在于基督。耶稣并非仅仅延续旧约的祭司职分，而是将其成全并超越。亚伦的后裔作为祭司，因死亡的限制而无法永久担任，因此他们既会死亡，人数也众多。然而，耶稣“因为耶稣是永远长存的，就拥有他永不更改的祭司职位”（希伯来书 7:24）。

这给信徒带来了极大的确据。我们的救恩并非建立在我们向神所作承诺的力量之上，而是建立在基督的信实以及祂为我们所成就的救赎大功之上。

• 我们会失败，基督却不会。
• 我们的虔诚时有时无，祂的代求却永不间断。
• 我们的顺服并不完美，祂的公义却是完美的。
• 我们世上的处境会改变，祂的大祭司职分却永存不息。

因此，《希伯来书》总结道：“因此，那些靠着他进到　神面前的人，他都能拯救到底；因为他长远活着，为他们代求。”《希伯来书》7:25

这是何等的安慰！基督徒的盼望最终并非系于我们能多坚定地持守基督，而是系于那位永远持守祂的大祭司职分、并持续为祂的子民代求的那一位。

反思：

当你痛苦地意识到自己的不一致时，不要用自己的软弱来衡量基督。相反，要仰望祂永恒的大祭司职分。亚伦的祭司们终将离世，耶稣却永活不息。人的应许可能会落空，但神在基督里所作的应许绝不会落空。因此，要来到神面前——不是因为你表现得完美无缺，而是因为耶稣基督是那位完美的至高大祭司，祂使你能亲近神。

祷告

天父，感谢祢赐给我们耶稣——我们那完全且永恒的大祭司。求祢帮助我们全然信靠祂，满怀信心亲近祢，并在祂永不改变的恩典中安息。求祢坚固我们的信心，引导我们为祢的荣耀而活。奉耶稣的名祷告，阿们。

QT 21/10/2026 Wed Hebrews 6 Move On, Move Forward, Move Closer!
READ https://www.esv.org/Hebrews+6/

Are you stuck in your faith—or moving forward? Hebrews 6 gives us three powerful commands: grow into maturity, persevere when faith is tested, and draw near to God through Jesus. Don’t stay where you started. Move forward—and anchor your soul in Christ!

In Hebrews 6, the Christian is called not to remain static, but to move toward maturity, persevere in faith, and draw near to God through Christ.

(1) Move on beyond elementary doctrine toward maturity — Hebrews 6:1–3

The opening command is, “Let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity.” The writer is not telling believers to abandon foundational truths. Rather, he is urging them to build upon them.

Christian maturity means moving from merely knowing the foundations of the faith to having those truths shape our lives. Repentance, faith, baptism, resurrection, and judgment are foundational; but the believer is called to grow deeper in the knowledge of Christ and in obedience to Him.

The question for devotion is therefore: Am I still standing at the beginning of the Christian journey, or am I allowing Christ to bring me into spiritual maturity? Growth requires movement. God Himself must enable that growth—“and this we will do if God permits” (6:3).

(2) Move forward in faith, aware of the peril of falling away — Hebrews 6:4–12

This is one of the most solemn passages in Hebrews. The writer warns against apostasy (turning away from the faith you once professed) while simultaneously expressing confidence concerning his readers: “Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things” (6:9).

The warning is therefore not intended merely to terrify the believer. It calls the church to persevering faith. The image of the land receiving rain (6:7–8) is searching: the same rain falls upon the land, but its fruit reveals what the land produces. Likewise, Christian profession must ultimately be accompanied by spiritual fruit.

Yet the passage ends with encouragement. God is not unjust to forget the work and love shown in His name (6:10). The believers are urged to demonstrate “the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope to the end” (6:11).

So the movement is: Do not drift backward → do not become sluggish → imitate those who inherit the promises through faith and patience. The Christian life is a pilgrimage of persevering trust.

(3) Move into the inner place behind the curtain — Hebrews 6:13–20

The climax is wonderfully Christ-centred. The writer points first to God's promise to Abraham. God swore by Himself because there is none greater by whom He could swear. His purpose was to give His people strong encouragement and an “unchangeable character of his purpose” (6:17). Then comes one of the great images of Hebrews:

“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain.”— Hebrews 6:19

Our hope is not anchored merely in circumstances, feelings, or our own ability to persevere. Our hope enters God's presence itself. And why can it enter? Because Jesus has gone there before us: “where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”— Hebrews 6:20

This prepares the reader for the great argument of Hebrews 7. Jesus is the eternal High Priest, and His priesthood is greater than the Levitical priesthood. Abraham himself gave a tenth to Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:1–10), and the significance of Melchizedek will become increasingly clear.

Thus, the Christian's movement ultimately isn't simply toward greater knowledge or greater religious effort. It is toward Christ Himself.

Applications:

• Move on— from foundation toward maturity.
• Move forward— persevere in faith and do not turn back.
• Move within— draw near to God's presence through Jesus, our eternal High Priest.

And there is a beautiful progression: Maturity → Perseverance → Hope → Presence → Christ.

The final destination is not simply “maturity.” It is Jesus in the presence of God, where He has already gone as our forerunner.  Our confidence ultimately rests not in the strength of our grip upon God, but in the certainty of God's promise and the finished priestly work of Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Heavenly Father. Help us to move forward in faith, grow in maturity, and never turn away from You. When we are weak, strengthen us; when we are discouraged, give us hope. Thank You that Jesus is our sure and steadfast anchor. Keep our hearts fixed on Him and draw us closer to Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

QT 21/10/2026 星期三 希伯来书 6  继续前行，不断前进，更亲近神！
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/Heb/6/

你的信仰是停滞不前，还是在不断前进？《希伯来书》第6章给了我们三个有力的命令：成长至成熟，在信心受试炼时持守到底，并通过耶稣亲近神。不要停留在原地。向前迈进——并将你的灵魂锚定在基督里！

在《希伯来书》第六章中，基督徒被呼召的不是停滞不前，而是迈向成熟、在信仰中持守，并借着基督亲近神。

(1) 超越初级教义，迈向成熟——《希伯来书》6:1–3

开篇的命令是：“我们应当离开基督初步的道理，努力进到成熟的地步。” 作者并非要信徒抛弃基础真理，而是敦促他们在这些真理的基础上继续建造。

基督徒的成熟意味着从仅仅了解信仰的基础，到让这些真理塑造我们的生活。悔改、信心、洗礼、复活和审判是基础；但信徒被呼召要在认识基督和顺服祂方面更加深入。

因此，灵修的思考题是：我是否仍停留在基督徒旅程的起点，还是正让基督引领我进入属灵的成熟？成长需要前进。必须是神亲自促成这种成长——“只要　神允许，我们就这样作”（6:3）。

(2) 凭着信心向前迈进，警惕背道之险——《希伯来书》6:4–12

这是《希伯来书》中最庄严的段落之一。作者一方面警告人们不要背道（背离自己曾经所宣认的信仰），另一方面又对读者表达了信心：“虽然我们这样说，但亲爱的弟兄们，我们确信你们的情况会更好”（6:9）。

因此，这番警告并非仅仅为了吓唬信徒，而是呼吁教会持守坚定的信心。关于土地接受雨水滋润的比喻（6:7–8）发人深省：同样的雨水降在土地上，但土地结出的果实却显明了它的产出。同样，基督徒的信仰告白最终必须伴随着属灵的果子。

然而，这段经文以鼓励作结。神绝不会不公义，以至于忘记为祂的名所做的工和所显的爱心（6:10）。信徒被敦促要“同样的热诚，一直到底，使你们的盼望可以完全实现”（6:11）。

因此，其发展脉络是：不要倒退 → 不要懈怠 → 效法那些凭着信心和忍耐承受应许的人。基督徒的生命是一段持守信心的朝圣之旅。

(3) 进入幔子后面的圣所——希伯来书 6:13–20

高潮部分以基督为中心，令人惊叹。作者首先指出了神对亚伯拉罕的应许。神以自己起誓，因为没有比祂更伟大的，祂无法借着谁来起誓。祂的目的，是要给祂的子民极大的鼓励，并显明“他的旨意是不更改的”（6:17）。接着出现《希伯来书》中一个伟大的意象：

“我们有这盼望，就像灵魂的锚，又稳当又坚固，通过幔子直进到里面。”——《希伯来书》6:19

我们的盼望并非仅仅锚定在环境、感受或我们自身的坚持能力上。我们的盼望直达神的同在之中。它为何能进入？因为耶稣已先我们一步进入那里：“耶稣已经为我们作先锋进入了幔子里面；他是照着麦基洗德的体系，成了永远的大祭司。”——《希伯来书》6:20

这为读者理解《希伯来书》第七章的重大论点做好了准备。耶稣是永恒的大祭司，祂的祭司职分远胜于利未人的祭司职分。亚伯拉罕本人曾将十分之一献给麦基洗德《希伯来书》7:1–10），而麦基洗德的重要性将日益显明。

因此，基督徒的成长之路，归根结底并非仅仅是为了获得更深的知识或付出更大的宗教努力，而是为了走近基督自己。

应用：

• 向前迈进——从根基走向成熟。
• 坚定前行——在信仰中持守，不要回头。
• 向内寻求——借着耶稣——我们永恒的大祭司——亲近神的同在。

其中蕴含着一个美好的进程：成熟 → 持守 → 盼望 → 同在 → 基督。

最终的目的地不仅仅是“成熟”。而是耶稣在神的同在之中——祂早已作为我们的先驱前往那里。我们的信心最终并非建立在我们紧握神的力度上，而是建立在神应许的确定性以及耶稣基督已成全的大祭司事工之上。

祷告

天父。求祢帮助我们凭着信心向前迈进，在属灵上日益成熟，永不背离祢。当我们软弱时，求祢加给我们力量；当我们灰心时，求祢赐给我们盼望。感谢祢，耶稣是我们稳固可靠的锚。求祢使我们的心始终定睛在祂身上，并引领我们更亲近祢的同在。奉耶稣的名祷告，阿们。