My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus

 Philippians 4:10-23

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Verses 10-20 The apostle's appreciation of the church's gifts. From the very first they have supported him, with a generosity that extends to all in need. At real cost, they have given themselves and all they possess. No wonder Paul loves these Christians: a group of faithful, loyal, thoughtful, generous, outgoing men and women.

Why?

Paul has learned to be content whatever the circumstances, so am I should be content whatever the circumstances. Because I can do all this through Him who gives me strength like Paul. No only the gospel but also my life every day.

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. I am not doing things by my wisdom or strength, but through Jesus Chris, for I am in Him and He is my strength, and way and my life.

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腓利比書是喜樂的書信表達保羅與這個教會的關係密切，勉勵他們，他們之間有深厚的情誼。牧者最在乎的除了神的榮耀外，是教會與他有相同的看見，與入同行、同受患難。一同受苦、一同歡樂的工作。因此保羅心中大大喜樂！有人了解你，贊同你，並且支持你，這是最受安慰的，奉獻多少反而不重要。一般朋友、同事間也是如此。保羅在乎的是教會是否有結出生命的果子、福音的果子。

與宣教士有同樣的心，同樣的負擔！

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How?

To our God and Father be glory forever and ever!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God

Philippians 4:1-9

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Two women, Euodia and Syntyche have quarreled. Since Paul deals with this in a public letter, it seems to have been more than a private squabble. It suggests they were two of the church's leaders.

Rejoice, rejoice! The advice comes from a man in chains, facing death; a man who has been stoned and heated and hounded by the mob. Yet experiences that leave others sour and bitter leave Paul overflowing with joy! How does he do it? The key lies in verses 6-7: Paul knows how to off-load all his cares - and to fill his mind with good and positive things. He has also learned the secret of contentment, whatever his circumstances, 12: nothing is beyond him, in Christ's strength.

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面對這些假的教導能夠分辨，我們不是求什麼獎賞，乃是弟兄姊妹生命成長就特安慰。

同心：第一章提到結黨紛爭，此二人在福音上與他同心，不知為何不合，雖然熱心，通常教會中會有不合發生就是很熱心的人。都說不是為自己，都是為教會，為了神，通常只是看法不同，與真理沒有關係，是否願意為了主、為了教會放下自己的看法，自己的己見。他們名字都在生命冊上，神都看重，為什麼我們還要彼此輕看對方呢?

把一切禱告放託給主，主不會馬上做什麼，但是主所賜平安，會使我們不再堅持己見！這一切從我們自己做起！

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Why?

Paul teaches Phillipians and us how to face troubles and fear. By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And God of peace will be with us.

Think the good things whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable. The peace of God, transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. How great our Lord, Jesus Christ.

How?

Rejoice in Jesus Christ and all good things around our friends, men, and women! The God of peace will be with me!

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead

Philippians 3:12-21

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

They are in fact altering the whole basis of salvation, making git 'by faith and ...', instead of 'by faith only': hence Paul's anger.

Their god is their stomach: appetite; whatever they want; reveling in things they should be ashamed of.

Why?

No one like Paul can say following my example, just as you have us as a model. For Paul has devoted all his life as God's missionary.

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead is our life goal either. Do our best to gain the glory of the Lord.

Our goal is not our stomach, even we will need food, but more important is do the right things, for we are the sons of the Lord and rescued from sins by Jesus Christ.

我們已經得救，但是還要追求生命成長，當耶穌再來時一同得榮耀！

神得回我們這孩子，達到神希望我達到的目標，讓我們成為神要我們成為的樣子！

忘記背後努力向前是追求的方法。標竿就是神要我們成熟的樣子！我們做過的要忘記，繼續前進！

以為完全的人，就是那裏受割禮，守節期，獻祭、飲食的條例等成果來誇口！他們不是在服事神，是滿足自己的私慾，即肚腹！拿早晨讀經，參加聚會、參加福音隊，領人信主、奉獻等來誇口。這些都不夠！只有繼續追求。

另外一種是反正我已經得救了，其他做不做也無所謂。好像一個出生的小孩，不吃奶，是否能夠活下去呢！

How?

We are citizenship in heaven, let us live up to what we have already attained.

The righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith

Philippians 3:1-11

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! 

Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Paul is about to round off his letter when fresh and alarming news compels him to take up his pen again. He does not mind repeating former advice, as a safeguard. They must beware of those 'dogs' ) a term of abuse used by Jews about Gentiles) the Judaizers - that group of Jewish Christians who followed Paul everywhere, insisting that Gentile converts must ve circumcised and keep the law.

Why?

Rejoice in the Lord instead of rejoicing in this world. We are easy to rejoice in property or healthy or for fun.

Whatever we gains can't compare with the loss in Christ. So trust in Jesus Christ and let our righteousness is through faith in Christ. Not because of what I have done but because of who He is, not because of who I am but because He has done.

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除了外在的敵人，還有內部的挑戰，防備犬類，狂妄如狗，誇口行割禮，只有外表的割禮。保羅自己很有條件來誇口，但是他卻不因此誇口。他是血統純正，第八天受割禮，家世純正，父母也是嚴謹守律法的。保羅原來可以來誇口的，卻因為認識基督而不再值得一提，因為若是靠此都是生命成長的障礙。有這些並不是不好，但是並不用來誇口或是高人一等的原因，稱義不是靠這些，反而是因信神而來的義。這個義才能得到生命，與基督同死同復活。

教會裏只有以耶穌為至寶多少的差別，沒有身份的差別！

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How?

We are resurrection by the faith in Christ, not because of what I have done, What I am doing now because Jesus has loved me .

For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ

Philippian 2:19-30

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.

But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 

Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

Epaphroditus, The Philippians had sent him to help Paul. In sending him home. Paul is anxious to make it clear he has not fallen down on his job. Far from it.

Why?

Timothy is followed Paul like his son, he show genuine concern for their welfare. Paul send him to Philippoan as if Paul came to them.

Epaphroditus is a co-worker and fellow soldier who take care of Paul's need and almost died for the work of Christ, they are good servants of the Lord. 

Everyone looks for their own interests, so am I. May the Holy Spirit help me know that we are living for Jesus Christ.

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意念相同，愛心相同，有一樣的心思，有一樣的意念：只要存心謙卑，各人看別人比自己強，

常說我不是為自己，其實就是以自己為強。因此看別人比自己強是重點。如耶穌寧可卑微、順服天父的旨意。教會常常為小事紛爭，批評別人，不會社會爭，反而在教會爭。

教會合一是保羅，也是上帝所喜悅的。提摩太與以巴弗提是榜樣！來勉勵腓利比教會。

提摩太與保羅有同樣心思、意念，對腓利比教會的認識，關懷的心是一樣。

以巴弗提順服以至於死，盡心盡力，至死忠心，他願意走這一趟就是極危險的旅程，而且服事的對象是囚犯、或是被軟禁的人。所做的已經超過一個僕人該做的。

願我們像提摩太與以巴弗提一樣服事神與耶穌基督。

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How?

Gospel is teamwork with the Lord, for we are rescued by Jesus, so we work together and be a messenger of Jesus. 

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus

Philipians 2:1-18

Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Anything less is unworthy of the One whose life on earth is the supreme example of humility. It is because Jesus gave up all that was his by right - even his life- that God has given him the highest place of all is probably a quotation from an early hymn in praise of Christ - most modern versions recognize this by setting the text as verse. So his followers need to 'work out their salvation, by living our the new life God has given them.

Why?

Do not complain or grumble, for be a Christain should have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, live out the life of Christ, be humble and faithful to Christ.

Jesus is the Lord, and he did the sample in front of us. We should focus on Him and honor his name. Have a good relationship with everyone.

How?

It is hard to make it,but with the grace of the Lord and the help of the Holy Spirit, we can make it!

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ

 Philippians 1:19-30

 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Paul speaks of the past, present, and future, weighing the alternative of life and death. Living or dying. Christ is everything to Paul, and he is hard put to choose. Only the need of the Philippian Christians tips the balance in favor of life.

Why?

Paul has devoted his life to Christ, no matter life or death, he is for Christ. To honor the name of Christ.

Because of the faith so there is joy. Whatever happens, conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. This is our goal in life. So let us stand firm in the one Spirit striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.

How?

Yes, I am not only to believe in Him but also suffer for Him.

Your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight

 Philippians 1:1-18

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

There are several reasons for writing. Paul wanted to explain why he was sending Epaphroditus back. He wanted to thank the Philippians for their gift also to make sure they did not send another one, creating a cycle of gift and return-gift according to the conventions of the day. He had news for them. And what he had heard about them made him long to encourage and advise. Further news reached I'm while he was writing that made it imperative to add a word of warning.

Paul's prayers are full of life, joy, and thankfulness. He longs for them to enjoy progressively richer and deeper spiritual knowledge which will mold their lives to God's pattern.

Why?

I thank my God every time I remember you. And what people will remember me? Good or bad or others? It is important to be a Christian.

Be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ. This is the target in our life!

Paul is concerned the gospel could be preached, no matter what motives are. 

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腓利比是保羅進入歐洲的第一個城市！保羅在此不久，僅帶領兩家人信主，呂底亞及獄卒家人，自此福音傳開了，以後建立教會。腓利比教會同心合意興旺福音的教會。一個傳福音的教會！這個成熟的教會，就會繼續增長。這是神在其中工作。我深信那在你們心裡動了善工的，必成全這工：神的工作不會只做一半！

你們都與我一同得恩：為主付代價，奉獻、即使在綑鎖中仍然是恩典！

分別是非（喜愛那美好的事）：

保羅更在意的是福音傳開了。保羅被囚反而使教會更努力傳福音。傳基督為何出於妒忌?看到保羅的教會興旺，以致大家競爭，不甘落後的傳福音。保羅心裏難過的是教會為增長的榮景而難過，神也用人的私心使福音廣傳。我們傳福音是為了自己的成就，還是為了主，討主喜悅！

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How?

May the Holy Spirit help me let my love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.

Surely the day is coming

 Malachi 3:13-4:6

Yet you ask, ‘What have we said against you?’ You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly, evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.’

“On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him.  And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty.

“See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”

There are still some who encourage one another in the love of the Lord, and he knows and honors them.

The day is surely coming, like so many prophets have foretold when God will even things our once and for all. For some, the fierce brilliance of that day will burn like fire. But those who honor God will rejoice in its healing rays.

Why?

People see the outside feature, but the Lord sees the heart! The offering is outside the ceremony, but how about the heart? Do we really honor the name of the Lord and fear the Lord.

Surely the day is coming! God is announced, In that day the evildoers will be shame and be ashes under the sole of righteousness men's feet. The righteous and evil men will be distinguished.

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1. 人用話來頂撞神v13-16：人做很多惡，自己卻不知道，以為自己的判斷都對！人看見惡人亨通時，憤恨不平。在神所定的日子，意思是人的時間是很短暫的。好像人工作到下個月才領薪水，剛到公司時，到了月底以為自己白做工了。

2. 4v:1-3 神何等看重敬畏祂的人所說的話。神對敬畏他的任一個人也不會忘記！幾十年在神眼中只是一瞬間。

3. v4-6 神是公義的，神還是差遣先知去告訴人，怕人忘記，呼籲人，趕快回轉。還說神是殘忍嗎？我們說執行死刑的人殘忍，但是怎麼不看，之前他是如何殘忍傷害人。

這個以利亞就是施洗約翰！願我們從神的眼光，從更長的眼光來看事情。

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How?

Bear in mind and fear the Lord, the day surely coming!

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house

Marachi 2:17-3:12

 You have wearied the Lord with your words.

By saying, “All who do evil are good in the eyes of the Lord, and he is pleased with them” or “Where is the God of justice?”

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.

But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. 

“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.

But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ 

“In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

God's people can always look around and see godless men and women flourishing. It seems unfair. But in the final winding-up of thins justice and right will prevail. The Lord is coming,, first to purify, and then to judge. First, a herald-messenger will come to prepare the way. Then a messenger will come who is the Lord himself.

God does not change. Nor, sadly, do his people. They have been fickle from first to last. God gives them all they have, yet they rob him even of his legal dues. Anything given to God is only a small return on all that people owe him. To hold back from giving, through self-interest, is to deprive themselves of all the good things God would otherwise give them.

Why?

Return to the Lord, and the Lord will return to us.

Bringing the whole tithe into God's storehouse is our duty to show we fear the Lord and obey his command. It is the action to reflect our faith in the Lord.

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人看到這個世代的天災人禍，多有人問神在那裏?

1. 神差遣使者來預備道路：神忽然出現沒有人可以擔當的起，預備道路，所以預先告訴人預備

2. 主會突然出現：誰能夠擔當的起?

3.有個立約的使者會來，你們仰慕的，即施洗約翰，及耶穌的出現。

神一出現是要煉淨人，潔淨人。

當我們指責別人不公不義時，我們自己站立的住嗎？神不是不執行公義，而是給我們機會悔改。悔改的行動就是從奉獻十分之一做起。呼籲人要轉向神！人一直以為自己做的很好，反而問神我該如何轉向?神不是那麼愛人的收穫，可是教導人一條蒙福的道路，這是豐收的途徑。繼續奪取神的供物，神就會毀壞人的土產，叫人白忙一場。人抓的愈緊，收獲愈少。十分之一不是得救的條件，卻是蒙福的道路。人不能說一面愛主，卻又奪取神的貢物。

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How?

All I have is the grace of the Lord, so fear the Lord and give the tithe to the Lord is our duty, and God's mercy and grace are higher than others. 

Breaking Covenant Through Divorce

 Malachi 2:10-16

Judah has been unfaithful. A detestable thing has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem: Judah has desecrated the sanctuary the Lord loves by marrying women who worship a foreign god. As for the man who does this, whoever he may be, may the Lord remove him from the tents of Jacob—even though he brings an offering to the Lord Almighty.

Another thing you do: You flood the Lord’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer looks with favor on your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.

Has not the one God made you? . And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.

The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,”[e] says the Lord Almighty.

Indifference towards God is soon reflected in callousness towards one another. The older men are cruelly discarding their aging wives for these attractive young foreigners. God cares about these things. He hates to see the promise to be faithfully broken: divorce is cruel. These older women are cast aside with no means of support and no one to protect them.

Why?

God made one woman for Adam, so as to us give us one wife. So we should love the wife of our youth. It is the covenant between us and has witnessed of the Lord.

So to be a minister of a church or servant of the Lord, be faithful to his wife is the rule has to follow.

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1.與外邦女子結婚：以前先祖娶外邦女子為妻，然而拉合、摩西妻子、路得都是放棄自己的信仰而轉向耶和華。他們是娶外邦神的女子，根本就是事奉外邦神的女子。以致以色列人放棄自己的信仰。

2.以詭詐待年幼時娶的妻：休妻和強暴待妻的是神所厭惡的。想用休妻來使外遇合法化！忠於婚約的父母才能給孩子安全感！婚姻要成為見證，使兒女有榜樣！

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How?

Obey God's command and love my wife and my family.

The priest walk with me in peace and uprightness and turned many from sin

 Marachi 2:1-9

“And now, you priests, this warning is for you. If you do not listen, and if you do not resolve to honor my name,” says the Lord Almighty, “I will send a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not resolved to honor me.

My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness and turned many from sin.

For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth.

God instructed the descendants of Levi- those set apart especially to serve him - to teach his people the truth about him, to tell them what is right, and by their own lives to set an example. But instead of turning people away from wrong, they lead them into it. The priests have broken their covenant promise to God.

Why?

The priests or the ministry in this day are the messengers of the Lord. The mission is to walk in the way of peace and uprighteousness and turn many from sin.

Priest court to preserve knowledge because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty. This is a great position from the Lord.

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不盡祭司的職責：尊貴的地位成為祭司是天生的、神給的，只要健康就可以成為祭司，完全不是他們努力得來的福份！舊約雖然指責祭司，今天也是在提醒基督徒，一日不親近神面目可憎，言語乏味！我們原來的樣式就像是臉抹糞！

在教導上失職的祭司：真實的律法如v6，講的話，行事為人的律法，讓人看到的律法。教導不是只帶查經班，而是行出來。我們在人面前，就是代表神的形象！

真實的律法在他口中，他嘴裡沒有不義的話。他以平安和正直與我同行。

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How?

I am the messenger of the Lord to deliver the good news and reverence the Holy Name of the Lord!

Malachi; My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets

Malachi 1:1-14

“I have loved you,” says the Lord. “But you ask, ‘How have you loved us?’

But this is what the Lord Almighty says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Wicked Land, a people always under the wrath of the Lord. You will see it with your own eyes and say, ‘Great is the Lord—even beyond the borders of Israel!’

“A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the Lord Almighty.

But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you? By saying that the Lord’s table is contemptible. When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the Lord Almighty.

Now plead with God to be gracious to us. With such offerings from your hands, will he accept you?”—says the Lord Almighty.

My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord Almighty.

Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king,” says the Lord Almighty, “and my name is to be feared among the nations.

Malachi's starting point is God's love. His people, struggling with economic hardship and persistent sniping from the opposition, cannot see much evidence of it. In answer, they are told to look at their brother-nation Edom- overrun like themselves by Babylon, but not restored. Israel enjoys a unique Father-child sense of their Lord. But not even the priests have honored him. The rule for the sacrifices is 'the very best for God', not poor sick beasts the owner is glad to get rid of. Offerings like this belittle the greatness of God and all that his people owe to him. It would be better to close the Temple and stop the sacrifices altogether than show such contempt.

Why?

Same as us now worship the Lord in the church, if we worship without fear heart and mind to honor God's name. It is better don't go to the church.

God needs our worship with all my heart, all my mind, and all my strength. To honor the Holy Name of the Lord.

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以色列對神的愛無感：通常別人對我們的好，容易忘記，別人對我們的壞就記得了。所以一直覺得別人對不起我。我們對別人好也記得。

以色列人對神藐視也無感：把神當作垃圾桶，獻給波斯帝國的省長可以嗎？人只是想交差了事！不如把聖殿關起來。連外邦人都會拿潔淨的東西來獻給神，更何況是神的選民。祭司把服事當作苦差事，做的心不甘！祭司一年只要工作半個月，其他時間帶領同胞讀經。

神要把恩典給我們，我們都嫌麻煩！求主幫助我們認清自己的處境！凡事謝恩！

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How?

Does everything I am doing is to honor the name of the Lord? 

Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah

 Ruth 4:1-22

Meanwhile Boaz went up to the town gate and sat down there just as the guardian-redeemer he had mentioned came along. Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down.

At this, the guardian-redeemer said, “Then I cannot redeem it because I might endanger my own estate. You redeem it yourself. I cannot do it.”

So the guardian-redeemer said to Boaz, “Buy it yourself.” And he removed his sandal.

Then the elders and all the people at the gate said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the family of Israel. May you have standing in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. Through the offspring the Lord gives you by this young woman, may your family be like that of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah.”

Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

The city gate was the place for important assembly. It was also the place where legal business could be publicly transacted, as here. Ten 'elders' made up a proper court which could decide leal matters.

In addition to his obligation to raise an heir to carry on the dead man's name, the next of kin also had to buy his land, to keep it in the family. Boaz discusses the land first, then the widow. The kinsman would have bought the land to add to his own inheritance. But when he hears it will in fact go to Ruth and her son, and that he will have Ruth to provide for, he declares himself unable to purchase.

This is a real happy-ever-after ending to the story which began so bleakly. Boaz fulfills his own prayer. The good wishes of the elders are realized. God rewards Ruth with the gift of a husband and a son. And Naomi finds solace for her grief in this grandson. 

Why?

The Lord reward Ruth with her faithfulness and her mercy to take care of her mother-in-law. Her good deed and faith with the love of the Lord. She became one member of the inheritance of David.

How great is the Lord Almighty!

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為路得的丈夫馬侖得後代及產業。以色列眾人及長老為他們的祝福，後來果然實現了。

波阿斯做這些事，要花極大的代價。但是他卻甘心樂意，延續了以利米勒的血脈。也除去了路得沒有兒子的羞恥。波阿斯好像預表耶穌所要做的：除去人的羞恥，留下後代，得回產業。從波阿斯所得的新生命，名叫俄備得，僕人的含義，目的是要服事人。大衛是國王，也是服事百姓！成為神的僕人，去服事人，學習耶穌的榜樣! 成為眾人的僕人。

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How?

Everything happens to good to those who trust in the Lord and obey his command. I don't worry any challenges and problems happened. For the Lord is with me!

All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.

Ruth 3:1-18

One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home[a] for you, where you will be well provided for. Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”

In the middle of the night something startled the man; he turned—and there was a woman lying at his feet! “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.”

And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I.  Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.

Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.”

Under the Levirate law, when a man died childlessly his brother was bound to raise an heir to him by the widow. This law extended to the next king, hence Naomi's plan. Ruth, by her action in verse 7 was claiming this right. It is complicated by the fact that Boaz is not in face Elimelech's closest kinsman, but he promises to take up her case.

Why?

The right of a widow under Levirate law needs Ruth to remind Boaz because Boaz is not the closest related to them. But Boaz promised to do it. Boaz asked Ruth to wait.

How?

A wonderful thing will happen for the Lord and the right man shows the love and obligation among them. May I could be the right man in my generation. 

He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead

 Ruth 2:18-23

Her mother-in-law asked her, “Where did you glean today? Where did you work? Blessed be the man who took notice of you!” Then Ruth told her mother-in-law about the one at whose place she had been working. “The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz,” she said.

“The Lord bless him!” Naomi said to her daughter-in-law. “He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead.” She added, “That man is our close relative; he is one of our guardian-redeemers.

Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, “It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with the women who work for him, because in someone else’s field you might be harmed.” So Ruth stayed close to the women of Boaz to glean until the barley and wheat harvests were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.

From April to June, through first the barley then the wheat harvest, Ruth gathers the grain she needs to make bread.

An Ephah of barley was a large container holding about 22 liters. Ruth had gleaned about 10kg/a half cwt of barley by her own hard work and Boaz's generosity.

Why?

Going out for Ruth was an unknown place and be dangerous to her. But the Lord blesses her and led her the right way to the field of Boaz.

Trust in the Lord and God will bless us walking on the right way and meet the right man.

How?

Bring my matter to the Lord and obey God's word in my life! God is my king and my shepherd and my wisdom!

May the Lord repay you for what you have done

 Ruth 2:1-17

Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.

Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, “The Lord be with you!” 

Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, “Who does that young woman belong to?”

So Boaz said to Ruth, “My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field and don’t go away from here. Stay here with the women who work for me. Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the women. I have told the men not to lay a hand on you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled.”

Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

There were not many ways for widows to earn a living, and Ruth and Naomi were poor. But the law laid down that the gleanings of the harvest must be left for the needy. By 'chance' in the common open field, Ruth gleans in the part belonging to Boaz, Elimelech's kingsman. His kindness goes far beyond the law's demands. 

Why?

It is the mercy of the Lord who asked Moses made this law that the harvester have to lay down the gleanings of the harvest must be left for the needy.

It is so good chance that Ruth came to the field of Boaz to put up the leftover grain. We will say it is lucky, but all of these are the arrangement of the Lord, like take a lot!

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路得的信心，及神對路得的回應！

路得在第一章說出信心的宣告或是信仰告白，有了信仰告白而且有實際行動。

憑著信心出去拾取麥穗，雖然律法有規定，但是一般田地主人通常不願意其他人來撿。去那裏?人家是否願給她撿?是否會被排擠，又是外地來的。

凡信祂的人必不羞愧，應驗在路得身上，神為路得開路。看似恰巧，其實是神的安排。

波阿斯是大財主，不但不欺壓人，反而敬畏神、恩待僕人。他向他的僕人問安。波阿斯慷慨且謙卑，他知道這些都是神的恩典。他甚至於多走二里路。甚至從綑中抽出來放在地上給路得撿。路得跟本不好意思去綑中的麥子。波阿斯不僅對路得，也很照顧他的僕人，供應僕人們生活的需要。路得可以喝僕人打的水。僕人們不會爭，不會強，自然也不會排擠其他人。

拾麥穗更是讓人撿的有面子。這是聖經中唯一一個以撿拾麥穗為背景的故事。撿拾麥穗的律法為路得開路。這件事竟然與彌賽亞的出生有密切相關。

神所定的計劃、律法等都是與救恩有關係。萬事互相效力，為了預備救恩。

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How?

A good woman met a right man in this world, this is the grace of the Lord! Praise to the Lord!

Your people will be my people and your God my God

Ruth 1:14-22

At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her.

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem.

“Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”

So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.

But Ruth will not leave Naomi to a lonely old age. Her choice is Naomi's people and, significantly, Nomi's God. The barley harvest is looking good, but they have no fields to reap.

Why?

Ruth chose to accompany Naomi, for she is old, Ruth does not leave her a longly old age.

Ruth not only chose to serve her mother-in-law but also serve the God of Israel and his people! She shows her persistent go with Naomi.

It is the time of barley harvest, but they have no field.

Ruth has the heart and mind to suffer the difficult life in a stranger land, Bethlehem.

How?

Ruth make the right decision, even she did not know what will be, more important is she chose God of Isreal as her Lord. Her name was listed in the Bible and memorized forever!