No longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother

Philemon 8:8-25

Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.

A very different Onesimus is returning from the one who ran away, and Paul appeals to {hilemon to treat this slave as a brother in Christ - as if he were the apostle himself! 

Philemon is under considerable pressure to do as he asks: Paul points out in verse 8 that he could have dictated where his duty lay, but he prefers to make a request on the basis of love. His description of himself as an old man, a prisoner, tugs at the heartstrings. He is, in effect, asking Philemon to give Onesimus his freedom and send him back, in part for services Paul rendered to Philemon. Paul rendered to Philemon. Paul uses the conventions of the day: a gift given requires a gift in return. Hence his appeal: Philemon owned his Christin life to Paul. There is added pressure from the fact that this letter is to be read to the church in his house. But Paul is confident Philmon will comply and 'set his mind at rest'. Everything is couched in terms of praise and encouragement.

This letter provides the clearest evidence of how Paul would deal e=with slavery within the community of Christ. It is not acceptable - and he intends the Christian community to be an example of what the world should be like. Although Paul does not specifically address slavery as an institution, his requirement lays a depth charge beneath it.

Why?

Treat others with love no matter who he is, Christian do everything with love and joy.

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1. 8-9 憑著愛心來請求：保羅絕對是有權柄的，反而以愛心來請求。完全符合神的做法。神不是用權柄，而用愛，使撒旦無語可說。我們希望自己有權柄，遇見有權柄的人卻想反對有權柄的人。

2.10-17 請求的理由：綑鎖中得救的使徒。如今與你我都有益處。以前沒有益處。如今不是掛名的基督徒。3.是我心上的人： 有深厚情誼  4.基於公義的原則，不善自做決定。5.按照非利門的好處。得到一個屬靈的家人。屬靈的原則，都是先放才得到。願意先放手，可以永遠得著。

3. 18-19  請求的代價：願意賠償非利門的損失。非利門也欠保羅的教導，不要以為都是別人虧欠於我，我們也虧欠人。我們要彼此相愛。彼此虧欠

4.20-21 也就是這次算幫我的忙。相信你所做的超過我所請求的。

保羅看每個人像家人，超越資歷、超越身分, 超越年紀。在愛中，沒有誰對不起誰，只有互為虧欠。

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How?

Respect everyone with love and joy and righteousness. God is good!

Philemon: Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus

Philemon 1:1-7

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker.

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

This is a personal letter from Paul to Philemon, one of his converts and a good friend.

Philemon was a man of some standing. A group of local Christians regularly met in his home at Colossae. One of his slaves, Onesimus had deprived his master of his service by running away to the big city where he could easily escape detection. There he somehow came into contact with the imprisoned apostle, and through him became a Christian.

Why?

Paul called himself a prisoner of Christ Jesus, for Paul has devoted himself to Jesus Chris for the mission to preach the gospel to gentiles. It was persecuted by Jews.

Philemon is a good Christian, 1. love for all holy people, and has faith in the Lord Jesus. 2. Giving love to others with joy and encouragement 3. Refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people.

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問安：1-3寫給誰的信

這裏保羅沒有提到使徒的身份，沒有以使徒身分、權柄來要求。卻以請求的方式來求。非利門是保羅帶出來時，希望非利門是甘心情願的答應。提到其他人及教會，應該是哥羅西教會。因此耶穌來不是改變人的制度，而讓教會知道如何來處理，是私人的也是教會的公開信。聖經當中的主僕關係，甚至已經是家人的關係了。

4-7:為非利門禱告

知道非利門是一個怎樣的人，有信心的人，對眾聖徒也有信心。對主是依靠的信，對弟兄姊妹是放心、信任的信。與人同有的信心（partnership with us in the faith），信心的交通，信心的團契。

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How?

Learn from Paul, devotion to Jesus Christ,  a prisoner of CHrist Jesus. Jesus Christ is my all in all.

非拉鐵非的啟示

啟示3：7—13。    高敏智牧師。  臺南聖教會

我必快來，你要持收你所有的，免得人奪去你的冠冕。3：11

1.我要使他們來，

2.我必在普天下人受試煉的時候

3.我又要將我神的名和耶路撒冷的名

1.討論內在的公式：和世界還是神和好

2.面對外在的公式：是微小還是偉大

  微小的變偉大

  敵人強大卻將消弭殆盡。你的杖你的竿

留意冠冕的位置…將你的燈臺從原處挪去

3.要小心：

否則會變成世界型的教會

老底嘉教會，舒服，內外溫度一樣，好相處。只要有繳錢就平安了。

生命必須要加熱。溫水的教會

買火煉的金子，叫你富足的

買白衣穿上，叫你赤身的羞恥不露出來

買眼藥擦你眼睛，使你能看見

Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.

Galatians 6:1-18

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

For each one should carry their own load.  Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.

From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

The Christian community cares and shares. Those who stumble are set right. Burdens are shared. People harvest exactly what they sow in life; a harvest of death on the on hand and eternal life on the other. So we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith.

At this point, Paul takes the pen from his secretary to write the last lines himself. For him, there is only one thing worth glorying in; the power of the cross of Christ to re-create and transform human lives. Like the brand burned onto a slave, the scars Paul bears form his work for Chris to show to whom he belongs.

Why?

We should love our brothers and sisters when they caught in a sin, gently speaking to them.

Paul bears the make of Jesus Christ means he lives out the symbol of Jesus Christ. This is our target in our life.

Circumcision is meaningless to all Christian, but live out the new creation life of Jesus Chris.

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自由是隨著聖靈而行。不是行律法的表面，而是行出律法的真理-愛人如己。

1.對軟弱者應溫柔挽回：用愛心相互服事，我們也有可能軟弱。軟弱不是輕聲，而是以對方立場來想，不是用自己的角度看事情。

2.常常謙卑反省：無有還以為自己有。看見別人犯罪要成為自己的提醒。特別是我們按時聚會、讀經、禱告、按時奉獻，很容易以為自己很屬靈了。當自己有可誇之處，也不對人說

3.慷慨分享： 面對有需要的人。與一切有需要的人分享神的心意。神給我們豐盛就是要我們去分享，不是為自己。

4.我們要誇的是耶穌基督：不是希圖外貌的人只有表面工夫，另外一種是成為新造的人，因聖靈有外在的行為表現。

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How?

Follow the Spirit and live out the life of new creation through Jesus Christ.

Serve one another humbly in love, love your neighbor as yourself

Galatians 5:13-26

 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Christians are not to be subject to the law but led by God's Spirit. When the life-giving Spirit of God is in charge, human lives yield a rich harvest of love, joy, peace... - qualities as unlike what 'natural' human nature produces as can be.

Why?

We are free from the sins and laws, but we can't use our freedom to indulge the flesh. but serve one another humbly in love.

We are led by the Spirit, so we do not belong to this world, and we belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

How?

May my mind, my heart, and my desire belong to Jesus Christ.

I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view

Galatians 5:7-12

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty.  Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

Paul is so intended by those who have unsettled his young converts that he could wish they would go all the way and emasculate way themselves!

Why?

Paul encouraged people of Galatians, they were running a good race and has confidence in the Lord that they take no other view.

Paul did not preach the circumcision, if he did so, why he was being persecuted? For he preaches the truth so Jewish were against him.

How?

It is not easy to keep the truth in this world, but God is with us. I am not afraid, the Lord is my strength and my way.

The Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope

Galatians 5:1-6

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

If you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.

Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

Freedom is precious - much too precious to throw away. The issue is not so much circumcision as what it stands for. 

Why?

Circumcise or not circumcise is not relate to Jesus Christ but it is the regulation of the Law. Christians are free for Jesus and have released us from the burden of sins and the Law. This is the grace of the Lord, we should keep this faith and obey God's word, for we are the heir of the Lord through faith in Christ.

How?

For the faith in Christ, we are righteousness for which we hope.

We are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman

Galatians 4:21-31

For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise.

“Be glad, barren woman, you who never bore a child; shout for joy and cry aloud, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband. Isaiah 54:1

Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise. At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now. But what does Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”[ Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.

These under the law are like the son Abraham had by his slave=woman, Hagar. But Christians are freeborn - heirs, like Isaac, to all God's promises.

Why?

Son of the promise is born from Spirit, sons of the flesh are born from the salve, the law.

We are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman, for we are born through the faith, the promise of the Lord.

Children of Abraham is a very good example to explain how we are the heir of the promise.

How?

How great the son of promise, it is the grace of the Lord prepared it before our born to this world.

What happened to make them change?

Galatians 4:8-20

But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?

I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you.

Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.  Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?

Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them.  It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

What happened to make them change?

Why?

Paul showed his emotion to please them return back to the truth.

Zealous is good, but the focus has to be right. Treat others with love and zealous is good, but someone treated them zealous is turn them away from the truth. Paul felt sad for them.

Paul hope could be with them and change his tone gentle. But for the truth, Paul has to say this word.

People may be turning away from the Lord for they have some idea we have to do something.

How?

Keep focus our eyes on Jesus Christ, God is my way, my hope, and my fortress. God's promise never fails.

The Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”

Galatians 4:1-7

What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

The Galatians had responded eagerly to Paul's preaching.

Why?

All of us like sons of host, when we are underage, we are no different from a slave. Slave of the Law.

When the time is up, God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from slave and become his heir. And send the Holy Spirit in our hearts, we call out 'Abba, Father'.

Abba: Aramaic for Father

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奴僕與孩子的分別

兒子和奴僕在小時候是沒有分別的。但是僕人無論如何努力，還是奴僕。兒子是時間到了就可以承受產業的。承受產業不是因為學習、管教，均與行為無關，與努力無關。因為有兒子的身分。行為主義是沒有用的，最多得到主人的稱讚而已。

客觀的事實：耶穌生在律法之下，耶穌基督進入監牢，將我們帶出來。

神差遣聖靈進入我們的心，我們就會稱呼神為我們爸爸，這是主觀的經歷。

靠著神成為後伺。不是透過努力。父親本來就愛他，因為神自己的兒女。

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How?

Thank the Lord, for Jesus Chris, we may call the Lord, Abba, Father. My relationship is changed from the slave of the Law into the heir of the Lord.

Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come.

Galatians 3:15-29

What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise.  For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator.

Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

The Law was like a childminder until the promise made to Abraham was fulfilled in the coming of Christ. Now, by faith in him, we are all God's children - regardless of race or status or sex.

Why?

The law is late 430 years, so the law is not under the promise through faith.

Why was the law given? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. This seed is not seed, who is Jesus Christ.

If we belong to Christ, then we are Abraham's hair according to the promise.

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1.得產業因為神的應許：應許在先律法在後。後來的律法也不能廢去應許。

2.律法的功用： 叫人知道人是罪人。律法將人都關在監牢裏。人不可能遵行律法。律法好像我們的師傅，指引我們走正確的路，到耶穌面前

3.我們都是因為信承受產業。不分是什麼人在耶穌基督裏得恩典。所以沒有人可以誇口。看到別人比自己強，很會禱告，這些都不要自卑，這些都因為信。神看我們都一樣。因為我們都是披戴基督。我們在耶穌基督裏互為肢體，都是一。

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How?

The promise through the faith is higher than the Law, through Jesus Christ our sins may erase.

By faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit

Galatians 3:6-14

Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”

So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” 

He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

God accepted Abraham's sons and heirs - because they share his faith. God accepted centuries before the law was given through Moses. SO how can the law win people free pardon?

Why?

We received the grace and salvation through faith and by faith and grown in faith. 

All of the Christian is an heir of Abraham by faith. Before the law was given, Abraham was righteous for the faith to God.

So Gentile could be free from sins is through faith.

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得著福音是因為信。

亞伯拉罕因為信所以神算他為義。亞伯拉罕不是因為行律法，算為他的義，而是因為信。所以以信為本的，就是亞伯拉罕的子孫。

萬國要因你得福，就是因為信，沒有血緣的關係。保羅強調血統上不見得是亞伯拉罕的子孫。

行律法只有零分和一百分。只有聖潔和不聖潔。人要如何從被咒詛 ，只有透過耶穌基督，得到亞伯拉罕的福。外邦人也因信耶穌基督而得到應許的聖靈。

我們只能說不斷的感恩，存感恩的心，回報基督。

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How?

Jesus Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. How great grace is to us.

After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?

Galatians 3:1-5

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.  I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? 

Anyone willing to exchange Christian freedom for the Jewish law, says Paul, is a fool. These Jewish Christians talk about making the Gentiles sons of Abraham through the rite of circumcision. But Gentile Christians are already Abraham's sons and heirs - because they share his faith.

Why?

We have salvation through faith and experienced the work of Spirit, why should we exchange the freedom of Christian to exchange the Jewish law?

When I experienced the work of the Holy Spirit I won't forget the living Lord and Jesus Christ.

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領受聖靈的經歷來思想。

1.人自以為很聰明，其實是無知。

    人可以不用這麼辛苦，卻是自討苦吃。我要更努力些，不放心百分之百的信靠主。

2.活畫：靠聖靈入門，也是靠聖靈成全。靠聖靈開始，生活就是奉獻，生活就是獻祭。如果基督徒獻祭怎能保留。這些讓人有壓力，因為我們難做得到。人在不知不覺中就靠自己，靠肉體成全，很辛苦，所以白白的受苦。我們應該要靠聖靈。我們常認為屬靈長輩很偉大，但是我們沒有辦法。不要靠自己的努力，要靠聖靈來完成。

3. 劇團有個贊助者，支付全部費用。又如婚姻中，丈夫已經支付一切所需的。神的恩典白白的給我們，不是因為我們做了什麼，這是百分之百的夠用恩典。倚靠我們的父母親：上帝。

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How?

Worship the Lord and honor his holy name for my God is a living God.

Put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law

Galatians 2:1-21

I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. 

On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised.

“We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!

Paul's next visit to Jerusalem is either that of Acts 11:30. He has a private meeting to discuss his 'gospel for the Gentiles'. Paul did not want to have his work invalidated, and he was afraid that his ministry might be hindered or even disapproved of by the Jerusalem leaders. But they fully endorse what God is so clearly doing through Paul.

But at Antioch Peter, for fear of the strict party men sent by James, went back on his former approval of a law-free gospel for the Gentiles. And others - even Barnabas, Paul's former partner in mission - followed his example. Because of the Jewish food laws, they would not eat with Gentiles. Paul had this out with Peter, in public.

Having once grained freedom through faith in Chris, how could they rebuild the system of law they had torn done. The Christian life is to be lived just as it began - by faith.

Why?

Our life in Christ is put our faith in Christ instead of by the works of the laws.

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保羅是奉啟示去和使徒們，說明他的事奉。沒有為了得人的喜歡。人卻一直在找缺點，見縫插針。指出提多沒有受割禮。服事主因為我知道神愛我。與有名望的人不是為了鍍金，這次見面彼此認識，尊重。

維持福音的純正比維持關係更重要。彼得在與外邦人吃飯的事，影響福音的純正。

我們很容易以弟兄姐妹是否常來聚會，來判定愛主的心較多，以懂聖經多少來判斷生命。我們不可能行律法稱義，所以不能走回頭路。活著榮耀神因為我與基督同釘十字架。人不知不覺很容易走回頭路 。

How?

Appreciated Paul's work and the Lord, so gospel could be preached to the world.

The gospel is received by revelation from Jesus Christ

Galatians 1:11-24

The gospel is received by revelation from Jesus Christ, it is not from man nor was taught.

Paul did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.

Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 

Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me.

What Paul teaches is simply what Christ himself revealed to him. There was no greater devotee of the traditions of Jewish religion than Paul, before his experience of Jesus on the Damascus road.

His brief authbu=iography underlines the fact that his authority comes from God. It does not need authorization- though he was fully acquainted with the leaders of the Jerusalem church who presumably approved his God-given message ( as they later also fully endorsed a law-free gospel for the Gentiles.)

Why?

Paul received the gospel directly by revelation from Jesus Chris. He has not met apostles before. So Paul preach the gospel is not from man or from someone taught him.

Paul's experienced and what he did approve his gospel is from Jesus Christ.

保羅所傳的不是出於人，而是直接從神領受的，所以沒有和屬血氣的任何人商量。而是蒙啟示後三年有去見彼得。保羅生命的改變，就是神在他身上的工作與見證。如果有人以猶太教傳統來挑戰他，他在傳統裏已經是最高點的人。但是如今他所傳揚的不再是過去所學的，而是從真神所啟示的。這才是真道。我們傳福音同樣要照著領受的經歷的神來傳講，不可添加絲毫自己的想法。by Peter

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保羅比同輩的人更長進，更熱心舊猶太教。保羅這麼大的轉變是因為神啟示他。極力在外邦人中傳福音。他原來是為傳統熱心，不是為神熱心。

我的堅持，我以為對的，是否堅持的是傳統?要有轉變，是要神的啟示。以前逼迫教會，現在熱心教會。否則我們會替自己的想法，找聖經的證據。聽道合我心意的我喜歡。

保羅沒有和教會商量，因為他知道這是神的啟示。教會怎麼會接受他?是否會懷疑他?也可能不受教會接受。我們的自信心從那裏來?如果沒有人說好，我們能自我肯定嗎？因為我們神的呼召， 肯定。我們無須人的認證。

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How?

Gospel is good news to everyone who received Jesus Christ as his Lord and without any man's method but the faith.

Glatians: Their is no other gospel

Galatians 1:01-10

Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! 

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Paul's urgency is clear from the start. The abrupt assertion of authority and lack of any word of praise are most unlike him. He gets straight to the point: there is only one 'gospel of Christ'. May those who say otherwise be damned! He is not saying this to curry favor with people his gospel may have been seen by the Judaizers as a soft option compared with keeping the law. The only approval he cares about is God's.

Why?

Paul is an apostle, it is not sent by any man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father. So he suffers for the Lord. And Paul worried Christian so quickly be attracted by other gospel which is based on human desires.

A false gospel does not reject the Lord but beginning from confusing our gospel of Christ.

Paul emphasized that his preach gospel is not pleased with the people, but to honor to the name of the Lord.

Rescue us from the present evil age, the only way is to follow the way of Jesus Christ.

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因為當時有猶太人也有外邦人信耶穌，猶太人認為都要受割禮，這個違反福音真諦，保羅為了糾正這個觀念。

保羅成為使徒，不是透過人，也不是來自於人。猶太信徒因為有受割禮，自認為高人一等。這不是信仰的真理，保羅不是藉著任何人，有背景的人推薦他的。我們的正當性，不是因為那個牧師或是教會的關係。

我們去神學院，好像也會要求教會的推薦，但是這個只是從不同觀點來檢視。

如果有人因為信耶穌還不能得救，還要靠一點努力才得救，這不是福音。沒有別的福音。

不是看講員說的多好，不要因為是誰推薦的，若和保羅說的不一樣，都是可咒詛的。通常帶領我們信主的，帶領我們長大的人，我們就很難去分辨。如果不是我們喜歡的，我們就會百般挑剔。這都不對。

我們來事奉，來教會，要討誰的喜悅?不是討人的喜悅。事關真理，是否得救的問題，不可顧情面，都要拒絕。即使是天使也一樣。有時候我們為了給人留面子，反而是移動劣幣逐良幣。愛是有真理，否則那不是愛，是給魔鬼留地步。

別的福音，別的教導，就是要加一點東西，分階級，身份。這樣違反教會的合一。在主面前我們每一個人都一樣。無論所講的不是真理，無論頭銜、名份、是否我們尊敬的人，都要拒絕。

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How?

Jesus Christ gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age.

Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims

Woe to the city of blood,  full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims! 

All because of the wanton lust of a prostitute, alluring, the mistress of groceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft.

All who see you will flee from you and say,  Nineveh is in ruins—who will mourn for her?’ Where can I find anyone to comfort you?”

All your fortresses are like fig trees with their first ripe fruit; when they are shaken, the figs fall into the mouth of the eater.

There the fire will consume you; the sword will cut you down— they will devour you like a swarm of locusts.

You have increased the number of your merchants till they are more numerous than the stars in the sky, but like locusts they strip the land and then fly away

Nothing can heal you; your wound is fatal. All who hear the news about you clap their hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty?

Nahum pictures the city as a prostitute, enticing the nations into submission. Now she will receive a prostitute's punishment. She will share the terrible fate she inflicted in the Egyptian city of Thebes. The treasures of centuries had been accumulated. The Assyrians took the city with fire and slaughter and plundered all its wealth. Though the nation is as great as a swarm of locusts they will vanish like a swarm that has flown. The final verses are addressed to the emperor. All is now lost forever.

For all its might, Nineveh fell quickly into ruin after the Babylonians took it, leaving no trace but a mound which is known today as Tell Juyjujik, 'the mound of many sheep'.

Why?

Assia was full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims so the Lord destroy this nation fully with pity.

Even they had so many merchants till they are more numerous, but it was gone and fly away soon like locust strip the land.

The destination is defined by the Lord, no one can change it.

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進一步說出亞述的罪，仍然想做困獸之鬥，最後仍然敗亡。

尼尼微是流入血的城，對待俘虜非常不人道，殘忍。對謊話欺騙，用物質力量誘惑別國。

與神為敵的結局，只剩下羞恥，無人與他為伍。如以美色吸引人，背後是醜陋的。

人所以是人因為有神的形象與榮耀，至少還有一點天良。與神為敵，只留下羞恥、醜陋。

埃及的尼羅河上埃及，在蘇丹附近，首都挪亞們在當時算是強國，富庶。結果下場悽慘。你們有比挪亞們強嗎？防禦愈多，害自己愈多。為自己做愈多，其實害到自己更多。表面上是告訴尼尼微，其實是告訴猶大，也是告訴現在的基督徒。用人的方法來醫治這個國家，表面上似乎很好，結果防禦事工做愈好，對敵人更有利。人如果離開神，表面似乎強大，醫治傷痕，只有倚靠神，透過耶穌基督的救恩，才能得醫治。

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How?

What is my purpose in my life, it is honor the name of the Lord, all I have are the grace of the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord!

賞賜是耶和華，收取也是耶和華

賞賜是耶和華，收取也是耶和華。我還要爭什麼？

看到阿摩司書，那鴻書，神的審判臨到時，有誰能夠逃脫？神要的是行公義，好憐憫，若非如此，一切的奢華，財產瞬間化為烏有。人能依靠什麼呢？唯有耶和華是我的依靠。

6／14 高牧師講道畢士大池是恩典之地，卻充滿爭奪算計。人生病，多有罪，但是重點不是犯了什麼罪，而是我們是否遇見耶穌，若遇見了，我們反應又是如何？

昨天家中鐵門壞了，從修理到換新的，費用從1千，4千，2萬三到約五～六萬元。加上週三牙齒花費2萬5千。房貸清償罰款25萬元。看似賣房有收入，減輕負擔了。支出也大福增加。我能掌握什麼？Nothing。我能抓住什麼？沒有！主日詩歌指出我一切所需在於你，耶穌，主日結尾唱新耶路撒冷，擦去一切眼淚，不再有死亡，不再有悲傷，悲哀。這就是我的理想國度。我願放下一切，讓主掌權。我只要耶穌，只要神同在。大半輩子為生活忙，為省錢刻苦耐勞，我能抓到什麼？得到什麼？Nothing。我願將自己交託給神！神是我的倚靠與幫助，我還懼怕誰呢？這些數字不再有意義。我今天從事的工作，是否可以榮耀神的名，是否為神而做?

畢士大池奇遇記

約翰5：1-9。   高敏智牧師。 臺南聖教會。2020／6／14

1.畢士大池(恩典之家？)…卻充滿衝突

2.一個傳說(天使動水)…引來爭端

3.一個吩咐（38年的綑綁）…起來行走

4.一個警告（不要再犯罪了）…恐怕更厲害

5.一個確據（我父做事直到如今）…我也做事

主題：遇見耶穌，遇見之後你如何反應，還是匆匆走了！

強頭香，去有名的廟，教堂，很靈呦！

重點是有無遇見耶穌，不在乎是否犯罪？

你已經痊癒了，不要再犯罪，恐怕你遭遇的更加厲害。

西羅亞池的醫治是要在他身上顯出神的作為來。

你要遇見耶穌嗎？

It is decreed that Nineveh be exiled and carried away

Nahum 2:01-13

The Lord will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste and have ruined their vines.

It is decreed that Nineveh be exiled and carried away. Her female slaves moan like doves and beat on their breasts. Nineveh is like a pool whose water is draining away. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one turns back.

“I am against you,” declares the Lord Almighty. “I will burn up your chariots in smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions. I will leave you no prey on the earth. The voices of your messengers will no longer be heard.”

The prophet's description uses every resource os sound and vision: we can see and hear, almost smell, the onslaught. Once, God had used the armies of Assyria to punish his people. Now the forces attacking Nineveh are his instruments. Blood and thunder: plunder and desolation; the den of the Assyrian lion is no more. Nahum's scenes are vivid to the eye and to the imagination - even to the walling slave-girls.

Why?

Assyria is a tool of the Lord to punish Nineveh, those who were proud of his property and rich will become a desolation. 

Nahum describes the situation of Nineveh is vivid and like the real war field.

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尼尼微是亞述的首都。

巴比倫軍隊耀耀慾試，對比亞述軍隊的慌亂。此時北國已經不存在了。神為以色列伸冤。兩個外邦強國的戰爭與神的選民有關。

尼尼微被擄掠的過程。

平日以為有價值的財寶，災難時成為累贅。為誰辛苦為誰忙？

原來不可一世的獅子，小獅子可到處走，無人敢惹，如尼尼微人，如今在哪裡，所有東西都被拿走。

我們不是不努力，要知道我們為誰而做，只有為主做的才能常存。

How?

Be aware on the day of the Lord, this world will be destroyed and any evil and sin in this world will be erased like a flood, it is a terrible day. God is the sovereign Lord forever.

Nahum:1 The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.

Nahum 1:01-15

The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.

The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.

Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him.

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness

From you, Nineveh, has one come forth who plots evil against the Lord and devises wicked plans.

The Lord has given a command concerning you, Nineveh: “You will have no descendants to bear your name. I will destroy the images and idols that are in the temple of your gods. I will prepare your grave, for you are vile.”

Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed

Nahum starts, not with Niveneh, but with God; his power, his anger, his goodness. God says that the days of Assyria, whose armies destroyed Israel and threatened Jerusalem itself less than a century before, are now numbered. Verses 2-8 are an alphabet psalm, either the prophet's own composition or perhaps an existing poem he turned to his purpose. Every phrase speak s God's power, over the earth, seas rivers, mountains. Bashan's rich pasture and forest turn brown at his presence as if stricken by drought. The hills melt. God is his people's powerful protector; his coming spells death to their enemies.

Why?

God is jealous and avenging God, for God is righteousness and full of love. God's wrath like fire and destroy anything before Him.

God is good, God is a refuge in times of trouble. God cares for those who trust in him.

Nineveh for his evil against the Lord so the Lord will destroy this city and nation. God will destroy all the idols and their gods.

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透過警告尼尼微，向猶大說話。

神的屬性，1.神是忌邪的神，神與人之間不允許一點間隙，即邪惡，不忠。神有豐富情感的，懷怒有情感的。我對愈在乎，我一定會感覺不平安的。還是我們沒感覺。

2. 神不輕易發怒，不以有罪的為無罪的。表達神的公義。神不是伴君如伴虎的王。

神發怒，審判迅速來到。審判的目的讓我們以為可靠的成為不可靠。我們靠經濟實力，國防力，財富，有礦產的土地？唯有耶和華是我們的倚靠。

尼尼微雖然人數眾多也要被剪除，毫無用處。

尼尼微靠假神，靠拜拜。

靠主的人，神要使惡人無法通過他們。

只有神是我們的依靠與幫助。

How?

Do I have any idols in my heart? God's way is my way, may my heart and my mind be with the Lord in my life.