Year: 2023

15/06/2023

引言：

其实，明白神对人的心意非常重要。唯有如此，我们才懂得走在神的心意当中，也活出讨神喜悦的生命。

一、有真理，有热心（v1-4）

没有真理的宗教热忱不但不能叫人蒙神悦纳，反而会把人拦阻在神的恩典之外。热心并救恩的心意必须与真理配合；否则热心只会带来祸害。保罗说犹太人是有热心的，但因为不信基督，因此把热心放在错误的事上，即遵守律法。

然而，律法的道路是透过信耶稣后才达到目的。律法没有拯救的能力，而耶稣基督却是唯一的出路。因此，我们有热心，也要有真理。

二、口里认，心里信（v5-11）

「信」不只是在心里信，还要是一种有足够的勇气在人前承认的信心，才是真正的信。基督已经藉着成为肉身和复活使我们得救，我们所须作的，就是回应并接受这救恩的礼物。因此，我们就要口里承认，并心里相信耶稣是主。

三、救恩门，为众开（v12-13）

神的救恩之门向犹太人和外邦人都同样敞开，凡凭信心支取的人都可得着救恩。神没有偏待犹太人，也没有偏待外邦人。

如今，神同样没有偏待任何人。世人在神面前既都是罪人，并没有分别，这样我们可以藉信心在神前蒙恩，也没有分别。

四、报福音，传喜信（v14-18）

保罗带出早就有「报福音、传喜信」的人把福音带给犹太人，所以他们不能找借口说，他们没有听到福音而不信主。他们实际的问题是，他们听见了，但不愿意相信，也不领受。

今天，世上也有许多人并不是没有听过福音，但他们不愿意相信。然而，既是如此，神还是盼望我们成为，「报福音，传喜信」的人。

总结：神呼召，盼归回（v19-21）

神向那愚昧无知的外邦人是主动施恩，向那悖逆顶撞的以色列人以慈爱召唤。即使那些我们觉得叛逆硬心的人，神都是伸手呼唤他们。所以，我们只管放胆去传和讲，因为神的爱已为每一个人预备了！

愿我们都成为一个奉差遣、传福音、报喜信的人！

Romans 10: Understanding God’s will for man
GK611 Morning Devotion
14/06/2023
Speaker: Ps Stella Ling

Introduction:

In fact, it is very important to understand God’s will for people. Only then will we know how to walk in God’s will and live a life that is pleasing to God.

1. Truth and Zeal (v1-4)

Religious zeal without truth does not make people pleasing to God, but can keep them out of God’s grace. Zeal and a saving heart must be matched with truth; otherwise zeal will only bring misfortune. Paul says that the Jews were zealous, but because they did not believe in Christ, they set their zeal on the wrong thing, namely, keeping the law.

However, the way of the law is only achieved through faith in Jesus. The law has no power to save, but Jesus Christ is the only way out. Therefore, we must have zeal as well as truth.

2. Confessing with the mouth and believing in the heart (v5-11)

“Faith” is not just believing in the heart, but also a faith that has enough courage to confess before men to be true faith. Christ has saved us through his incarnation and resurrection, and all we have to do is to respond to and accept this gift of salvation. Therefore, we must confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord.

3. The door of salvation, open for all (v12-13)

The door of God’s salvation is open to both Jews and Gentiles alike, and salvation is available to all who have faith to pay for it. God is not partial to the Jews or to the Gentiles.

Today, God does not show partiality to anyone. As all men are sinners before God, there is no distinction, so that we may receive grace through faith before God, and there is no distinction.

4. The gospel and the glad tidings (v14-18)

Paul brings out the fact that there were already those who “reported the gospel and preached the glad tidings” to bring the gospel to the Jews, so that they could not make the excuse that they had not heard the gospel and did not believe in the Lord. Their real problem was that they had heard it, but were not willing to believe it or receive it.

Today, too, there are many people in the world who have not failed to hear the gospel, but they are unwilling to believe it. However, as it is, God still expects us to be people who “proclaim the gospel and spread the glad tidings”.

Conclusion: God calls, expects to return (v19-21)

God is actively gracious to the foolish and ignorant Gentiles and lovingly calls out to the rebellious and argumentative Israelites. Even those whom we feel are rebellious and hard-hearted, God is reaching out to call them. So let us only be bold to preach and speak, for God’s love is prepared for everyone!

May we all be a people who are sent, who preach the gospel and who proclaim the glad tidings!

14/06/2023

引言：游戏规则在于游戏的创办人

一、不在于肉体与行为（V1-5）

1.为同胞的不信忧伤（V1-3）

保罗迫切火热地向着他的同胞─以色列人传福音，甚至牺牲自己也愿意。今天求神帮助我们，让我们更要向自己同胞传福音。不但如此，我们也可以为还未信主的犹太人代求，甚至愿意把福音带回到耶路撒冷。

2.以色列原初的地位（V4-5）

以色列民比外邦人经历更多神的恩典，甚至离神很靠近，按肉体说，耶稣也是从他们而出。
这些都是以色列人所抓紧的事，他们认为救主和应许都属于他们，当救主降临，他们都必能得着祝福。然而这些都不能使以色列人得救，因为这都是肉体、行为、律法。

二、不是在于人的意思（V6-13）

1.神儿女在于神应许（V6-9）

神的应许是从祂的拣选而来。以撒的出生是神的应许，惟有在神应许下生的才称为祂的儿女。人不能靠自己的行为，只能凭着神应许作神的儿女。

2.神待人在于祂旨意（V10-13）

神拣选人的旨意，不在乎人的行为，乃在乎神自己。一切大权都在神的手中，祂要怜悯谁就怜悯谁。

三、不在于世界的公平（V14-29）

1.只在乎神的怜悯 （V14-18）

若按着公平、公义，没有人配得神的拣选，因此神只好以怜悯和恩典来对待人，而神这样作，乃是超越过公平和公义的。

2.只在乎神的主权（V19-29）

窑匠与泥的比喻：泥土不能向窑匠说什么，也不能夸耀自己什么，卑贱的器皿也不能向窑匠抗议什么，因为一切都是按照窑匠的心意。人应当追求明白神作事的法则，但没有权利要求神解释祂的作为。

四、不是在于律法的义（V30-33）

1.因信而得义（V30-31）

以色列人不信耶稣是基督，不信福音，就不能因信称义，因为他们只靠行为称义。人若没有圣灵的帮助，没有因信称义的生命，只靠自己努力行律法，永远都不能得救

2.凭着信心求（V32-33）

我们信基督，基督便能救我们脱离律法和死的律，白白地称义，一切都是从信心而来。

总结：

神的拣选不在乎人的肉体与地位，乃在乎神的应许；不在乎世界所定的公平，乃在乎神的怜悯、拣选、和主权；不在乎追求律法的义，乃在乎因信而得的义。

求主帮助我们不再凭肉体和行为追求义，帮助我们凭着信心，更深信靠神；求主帮助我们以信心、恩典、怜悯待人，让神的恩典、怜悯在我们中间彼此建立，叫神的爱能大大彰显。

Romans 9: All Promises are with God
GK611 Morning Devotion
14/06/2023
Speaker: Co-worker Asher Chang

Introduction:

The rules of the game lie with the founder of the game.

1. Not in the flesh and deeds (V1-5)

(1) Grieving over the unbelief of his countrymen (v1-3)

Paul was so eager and passionate to preach the gospel to his fellow countrymen, the Israelites, that he was willing to sacrifice himself. Ask God to help us today to reach out even more to our own countrymen. Not only that, but we can also intercede for the unbelieved Jews, and even be willing to bring the gospel back to Jerusalem.

(2) The original status of Israel (V4-5)

The people of Israel experienced more of God’s grace than the Gentiles, and were even close to God, and from them Jesus came, according to the flesh. These were the things that Israel clung to, thinking that the Saviour and the promises belonged to them, and that they would all be blessed when the Saviour came. Yet none of these could save Israel, for they were all flesh, works, and law.

2. Not in the will of man (V6-13)

(1) God’s children are in God’s promises (V6-9)

God’s promises come from His election. The birth of Isaac was God’s promise, and only those born under God’s promise are called His children. Man cannot be a child of God by his own works, but only by the promise of God.

(2) God treats people according to His will (V10-13)

God’s will in choosing people does not concern man’s works, but God Himself. All power is in God’s hands, and He will have mercy on whomever He wills.

3. Not in the justice of the world (V14-29)

(1) It is only about God’s mercy (V14-18)

No one is worthy of God’s election if it is fair and just, so God has to deal with people with mercy and grace, and God does this beyond fairness and justice.

(2) Only God’s sovereignty matters (V19-29)

The parable of the potter and the clay: the clay cannot say anything to the potter, nor can it boast about itself, nor can the lowly vessel protest to the potter, for everything is according to the potter’s mind. Man should seek to understand the laws of God’s works, but has no right to ask God to explain His works.

4. Not in the righteousness of law (V30-33)

(1) Righteousness by faith (V30-31)

The Israelites, who did not believe in Jesus as the Christ or in the gospel, could not be justified by faith, for they were justified by works alone. Without the help of the Holy Spirit and without the life of justification by faith, a man can never be saved by his own efforts to walk in the law.

(2) Asking by faith (V32-33)

We believe in Christ, and he saves us from the law and the law of death, and freely justifies us as righteous and all comes from faith.

Conclusion:

God’s election lies not in man’s flesh and position, but lies in God’s promises; not for the justice of the world, but for God’s mercy, election, and sovereignty; not for the pursuit of the righteousness of the law, but for the righteousness that comes through faith.

Pray that we might cease to seek righteousness in the flesh and in works, and that we might trust God more by faith; that we might treat others with faith, grace and mercy, that God’s grace and mercy might be established among us, and that God’s love might be greatly manifested!

13/06/2023

引言：

保罗劝勉信徒并不是脱离了患难逼迫才算得胜，而是靠着爱我们的主，在这一切的事上，已经得胜有余了（V37）。因为主已经得胜了一切！所以，我们能够‘靠着主一切得胜有余’！

一、在基督里 (V1-4)

1.不再被定罪

主耶稣不定我们罪，反而道成肉身，成为赎罪祭。主耶稣使我们在罪和肉体面前反败为胜!

2.生命得释放

在基督里的人是一个得到释放的人。这个‘释放’是神的儿子耶稣基督在肉身时为人成就的。所以，基督徒都是已经被释放、得自由的人，可以在基督里从新再来！

二、在圣灵里 (V5-17)

1.生命和平安 (V5-8)

保罗把人分成了：‘随从肉体的人’和‘随从圣灵的人’，并指出选择体贴肉体的人因活在罪性和私欲，便与神为敌，结局就是死亡。如今主耶稣来为人代死和复活，给人另外一条生路，选择跟从圣灵的人因讨神喜欢，就得到‘生命和平安’。

2.全新的关系 (V9-17)

人有圣灵内住在里面，这人是属基督的。成为基督徒以后就是从原来属‘罪’的家庭进入了属‘神’的家庭，与神有了全新的关系，可以坦然无惧的称呼神是‘阿爸﹗父！’，还可以享受神儿女一切的权利，和神同得荣耀。

三、在盼望里 (V18-30)

1.将来有荣耀 (V18-23)

人活在肉体中会受苦，但想到将来的荣耀，就因有盼望不介意了。这荣耀的盼望就是，身体完全得赎，将来复活后得到全新不朽坏的身体。

2.盼望未见的 (V24-25)

人因为所盼望的还未能见到，因此就忍耐地继续等候着。这未见的盼望使我们有动力去克服肉体的种种软弱。

3.有圣灵帮助 (V26-30)

等候是最难的功课，但属神的人有圣灵的帮助。神不会让我们单独面对苦难，圣灵就会为我们代求，使万事都互相效力，叫遵行祂旨意的人都得益处。

四、在神爱里 (V31-39)

1.无人能控告 (V31-34)

当一个人因为耶稣基督的舍命代死而被神‘称义’以后，再也没有人能够控告他定他的罪。任何仇敌的控告都不能再有作用。主必用祂的手和代求托住我们，使我们不至摇动。

2.不能被隔绝 (V35-39)
保罗肯定的说，无论在什么环境和情况之下，都不能叫我们与神的爱隔绝。我们虽会遭遇各种苦难，只要知道靠着爱我们的主，在一切的事上已经得胜有余了，一个在爱里的人，就没有惧怕了。

总结：

靠主争战虽必胜，但时间未到战事仍然持续，我们仍然会受到敌人的攻击、会受伤无奈。但我们已不像以前一样：是必败的俘虏。我们现在可以靠着圣灵应战并得胜一切！

Romans 8 More than a conqueror through the Lord
GK611 Morning Devotion
13/6/2023
The Morning Devotion Speakers: Ps. Daniel

Introduction:

Paul exhorted believers not to be considered victorious when they escaped tribulation and persecution, but to be more than conquerors in all these things through the Lord who loves us (V37). Because the Lord has overcome everything! Therefore, we can be “more than conquerors through the Lord”!

I. In Christ (V1-4)

1. No longer convicted

The Lord Jesus did not condemn us but became flesh and became a sin offering. The Lord Jesus has turned our defeat into victory in the face of sin and flesh!

2. Life is released

A person in Christ is a released person. This “release” was accomplished by God’s son, Jesus Christ, in the flesh. Therefore, Christians are all people who have been released and set free, and they can start anew in Christ!

II. In the Holy Spirit (V5-17)

1. Life and Peace (V5-8)

Paul divided people into: “those who walk after the flesh” and “those who walk after the Spirit”, and pointed out that those who choose to be carnally minded live in sin and lust, and thus become enemies of God, and the end result is death. Now the Lord Jesus came to die and resurrect for people to give people another way of life. Those who choose to follow the Holy Spirit will gain “life and peace” because they please God.

2. Brand new relationship (V9-17)

A person who has the Holy Spirit indwelling him belongs to Christ. After becoming a Christian, one has entered a family of “God” from a family of “sin” and has a brand-new relationship with God and can call God “Abba Father! without fear, and enjoy all the rights of God’s children, and be glorified with God.

III. In hope (V18-30)

1. There will be glory in the future (V18-23)

People will suffer while living in the flesh, but when they think about the glory in the future, they don’t mind because they have hope. The hope of glory is the full redemption of the body, and the future resurrection with a new, incorruptible body.

2. Hope for the unseen (V24-25)

People continue to wait patiently because what we hope for has not yet been seen. This unseen hope motivates us to overcome the weaknesses of the flesh.

3. With the help of the Holy Spirit (V26-30)

Waiting is the hardest lesson, but a man of God has the help of the Holy Spirit. God will not allow us to face suffering alone, the Holy Spirit will intercede for us, making all things work together for the benefit of all who do His will.

IV. In the love of God (V31-39)

1. No one can accuse (V31-34)

When a person is “justified” by God because of Jesus Christ’s death, no one can accuse him or condemn him. Any accusation of the enemy can no longer be effective. The Lord will uphold us by His hand and intercession, that we shall not be shaken.

2. Cannot be isolated (V35-39)

Paul affirmed that no matter what conditions and circumstances we are in, we cannot be separated from the love of God. Although we may encounter all kinds of tribulations, as long as we know that we are more than conquerors in all things through the Lord who loves us, a person in love will have no fear.

Conclusion：

Although relying on the Lord to win the battle, the battle will continue before the time comes, and we will still be attacked by the enemy, injured and helpless. But we are not what we used to be: defeated captives. We can now fight and overcome all battles by the Holy Spirit!

09/06/2023

引言：

人人都向往和平，但是世上偏偏充满许多战斗。而且最糟糕的是发生内战，自己人打自己人，家园就没有安宁。但是，今天的经文给我们看到，内战就发生在人的内心里。

一、在律法里的‘死人’（罗7:1-6）

这里说到律法管辖人是在人还活着的时候；论到亚当的后代，犹太人被称为懂律法的人，外邦人也是有良知的人，这是非之心就是人心中的‘律法’。但是因着有了神的律法诫命，人就发现自己原来都偏离了神的标准，这就显出个人的罪行。保罗以婚约为例说明这事。但如今属耶稣基督的人有了不一样的生命；我们信靠耶稣，是与主同死同复活。就律法而言自己是已经死了，所以不受律法的约束。

如今是一个复活的新人，目的是要为神结果子，既是在基督的复活生命中过不一样的人生。在律法里的死人，变成了在基督里的活人。活人要活出结果子的新生命！不受律法定罪的同时却是活出神的律法、活出基督更高的律法。从不为恶所胜到以善胜恶！从以牙还牙到爱你的仇敌。这都是在基督里的新生命、新生活。

二、诫命凸显人的罪性（罗7:7-13）

神的律法标准凸显了人里面本来就存在的罪性！
律法说了什么？就显出了人性中软弱的罪性。正如十诫所指明的当行与不可行的大原则的时候，人本性中的贪婪、欲望、悖逆、不孝、虚假就一一显露出来。这么一来正要显明人真的需要福音、需要主耶稣基督的赦罪与拯救。

例如：光越强就越能照出某物件的肮脏！是光让那东西变肮脏吗？当然不是，但是越光越显出那东西真的很肮脏。

三、生命里的两个律（罗7:14-25）

以上经文指出人里面有两种律，这‘律’到底是什么？这字在希腊原文可翻译成律法，是指对是非对错的一般准则、定规。也是指神的诫命、更是指圣经神的标准。当人按着神的形象样式被造时，人的里面也就具备这样的准则。不从信仰的字眼来说就是人的良知。但是自从亚当犯罪之后，人的良知就注入了悖逆、不听从、不顺服和逆性的表现。所以人的内心就产生内战！

1.肉体罪恶的律

罪恶的倾向、悖逆的表现、自私、自我、自大、自卑、自怜、自孽、扭曲等负面和恶性破坏性的倾向。而神的诫命、律法、真理，其实是把人性中的罪性大大的显明出来。因此，这是一种死亡的律，走向沉沦的罪恶本性。

2.属神行善的律

但是按照神的形象与样式，人的心之深处其实是有灵性的。当人作恶犯罪时，内心会产生自我谴责与不安。而当人认识耶稣基督，领受福音、得着圣灵之后，更是敏感于继续作恶犯罪的行为，因为除了良心的责备之外，更是有圣灵的感动和责备。因此，内心极渴望行善做好的推动力都是很真实的。这么一来，里面出现争战的现象就显得很真实。

3.靠主得胜的律

最后一节经文说：‘感谢神，借着我们的主耶稣基督就能脱离了。’这里是指脱离这样的内心争战。这句话说起来很简单，但是作为基督徒的我们都有过挣扎对吗？基督徒不都是已信靠基督吗？但是依然有体贴肉体私欲的考验不是吗？

到底什么是靠基督得胜？这是一个结合理性与灵性的经验。思想上明白自己是属基督的，自己定意站在基督里，不要去体贴肉体的勾引，当下超自然能力所带给自己的得胜是很真实而有力的。相反的，人如果在心思上努力去抵挡肉体的欲望，试图去对抗诱惑，斗争总有松懈下来的时候，软弱跌倒变成一个迟早会发生的事，只是时间问题。关键焦点是专注基督。

总结：注目看耶稣

这是一场没完没了的争战！得胜就是信靠基督，我们一生的努力就是信靠基督；一心专注耶稣基督，注目看耶稣。

Romans 7 [The inner battle of the two laws]
GK611 Morning Devotion
9/6/2023
The Morning Devotion Speakers: Rev. David Tan

Introduction
Everyone wants peace, but the world is full of many battles. And the worst thing is a civil war, when one’s own people fight against one’s own people, there will be no peace in the homeland. However, today’s scriptures show us that civil wars take place in our own hearts.

1. The “dead” in the law (Romans 7:1-6)

It is mentioned here that the law governs people while they are still alive; when it comes to the descendants of Adam, the Jews are called people who understand the law, and the Gentiles are also people with a conscience. But because of God’s laws and commandments, people find that they have deviated from God’s standards, and this reveals their personal sins. Paul illustrates this with the example of marriage. But now those who belong to Jesus Christ have a different life; when we trust in Jesus, we die and resurrect together with the Lord. As far as the law is concerned, he is already dead, so he is not bound by the law.

Now a resurrected new man, the purpose is to bear fruit for God, that is, to live a different life in the resurrection life of Christ. The dead in the law became the living in Christ. The living will live out a new life that bears fruit! While not being condemned by the law, it is living out the law of God and the higher law of Christ. From not being overcome by evil to overcoming evil with good! From a tooth for a tooth to loving your enemies. It is all new life, new life in Christ.

2.The commandments highlight man’s sinful nature (Romans 7:7-13)

God’s standards of law highlights the sinful nature inherented in man!
What does the law say? It reveals the weakness and sinfulness of human nature. Just as the ten commandments indicate the principles of what should be done and what should not be done, the greed, desire, disobedience, unfilial, and hypocrisy in human nature will be revealed one by one. This is to show that people really need the gospel and the forgiveness and salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ.

For example: the stronger the light, the dirtier the object can be revealed! Is light making that thing dirty? Of course not, but the more light there is, the more it reveals the dirtiness of the object.

3. Two laws in life (Romans 7:14-25)

The above scriptures point out that there are two kinds of laws within man. What exactly are these “laws”? This word can be translated into ruling in the original Greek language, which refers to the general rules and regulations of right and wrong. It also refers to the commandments of God, and even more so, the standard of God in the Bible. When man was created in the image and likeness of God, he also possessed such a criterion within him. Not in terms of faith, it is man’s conscience. But since Adam sinned, man’s conscience has been infused with rebellion, disobedience and defiance. So, people have civil wars in their hearts!

(1) The law of the sin of the flesh

Sinful inclinations, manifestations of rebellion, selfishness, ego, arrogance, inferiority, self-pity, self-blame, distortion, etc. negative and malignant destructive tendencies. But God’s commandments, laws, and truths actually greatly reveal the sinful nature of human nature. Therefore, it is a law of death, a sinful nature that leads to its perdition.

(2) The divine law of good works

But according to the image and likeness of God, the depths of the human heart are actually spiritual. When people do evil and commit crimes, they will feel self-condemnation and anxiety in their hearts. And when people know Jesus Christ, receive the gospel, and receive the Holy Spirit, they are more sensitive to continue to commit evil and sinful behaviours, because in addition to the condemnation of the conscience, they are also moved and reprimanded by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the inner drive to do good is real. In this way, the phenomenon of the battle within is also real.

(3) The law of victory by the Lord

The last verse says: ‘I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!’ Here it means getting out of such an inner battle. It sounds so simple to say, but as Christians we all have struggles, right? Haven’t all Christians put their trust in Christ? But there is still the test of caring about selfish desires, isn’t it?

What exactly is victory by Christ? It is an experience that combines logic and spirituality. In our minds, we understand that we belong to Christ, determined to stand in Christ, and do not care about the temptation of our flesh. The victory brought to us by supernatural power is very real and powerful. On the contrary, if a person is mentally trying to resist the desires of the flesh and try to resist temptation, the struggle will always slack off, and weakness and fall will happen sooner or later, it is only a matter of time. The key focus is on Christ.

Conclusion: Gaze at Jesus

This is an endless battle! Victory is trusting in Christ, our life’s work is trusting in Christ; a single-minded focus on Jesus Christ, gaze at Jesus.

08/06/2023

引言：生命模型

月底因为有儿童日营，想说教孩子做糕点或寿司。所以那天就上网看看。才发现今天市面上有很多糕点模型工具，这些模型工具不但使到烘培糕点变得轻松，就连年幼小孩都可以参与，并做出有许多有精美花纹，不同色彩的糕点。

神对人被救赎的计划，并不停留在使人罪得赦免，免于永死。和因信称义一样，基督徒的成圣，也是神整个救恩计划的一部分。而为了确保我们在成圣的过程中能活出基督耶稣的义，活出圣洁的新生命，圣灵借着使徒保罗，在罗马书第6章中赐给我们一个属基督的完美 “生命模型”。只要我们愿意按着这模型而活，就必能被打造成一个个得胜罪恶、并拥有精美花纹，不同色彩，散发出基督香气的生命。这生命模型就是与基督同死同活。

一、与主联合的新生命（v1-14）

昨天5: 20-21说到恩典是大过审判，并且罪在哪里显多，恩典就更显多了。使徒保罗早就预料有人会曲解和混乱他所教导‘因信称义’的真理。认为既然恩典增多可以遮盖罪，那岂不应该多犯罪，让神的恩典更多的显明出来？但是耶稣基督献上生命救赎我们，真的是为了让我们毫无畏惧的继续犯罪吗？

使徒保罗今天在第6章一开始，就以“断乎不可”！很严厉的回应那些以轻率态度来对待罪的人。保罗说，一个在罪上死了的人，不可能仍继续活在罪中。

V3-5保罗继续指出我们能够拥有与主联合的新生命，是透过以下的2个途径：

1.借洗礼向罪死（v3-7）

首先，保罗说基督徒借着洗礼归入耶稣的死。浸礼并不是只是一个礼仪或形式。而是旧生命与基督同死、同埋葬。因旧我与基督同钉十架，就不再做罪的奴仆。与主联合的生命，在个人的生活形态、一举一动都有能力可以做出与没信主前截然不同的选择。

2.借复活向神活（v8-11）

主耶稣一次献上，除去世人所有的罪，并胜过死亡的毒勾，复活后永远向神活着。使徒保罗说我们若与主同死、同埋葬，就一定要相信我们也必与主一同复活。向神活的生命，不但对主的事有‘反应’和‘回应’，更是在成圣的道路上，会竭力追求活出与基督同死同活的圣洁生命。

二、不献肢体给罪作王（v12-14）

使徒保罗接着又说，一个向罪死、向神活的生命是不将肢体献给罪作不义的器具，也不容死在我们这必死身上作王。但为什么很多神的儿女，却常常将肢体给罪做不义的器具？首先，是因为我们没有看自己是死的。所以，还是习惯性地顺从身子的私欲，害怕拒绝罪会使我们受亏损，所以容罪在生命中来作王。其次，不相信自己在神里面是活的。不信任神，所以不敢把自己放在神的手中而靠自己。

求神帮助我们，将我们的眼、耳、口、手、脚，以及聪明、智慧、才干等，都献给神，作为义的器具，完全归给神使用。

三、献上自己作神奴仆（v15-18）

1.顺从义作神奴仆（v15-18）

神救赎我们向罪死、好让我们能顺从义，成为义的器具。也许我们会认为成为义的器具是不犯罪和活出圣洁的生命。不错。但是这段经文让我们更深的明白神的心意。器具摆在那里面不拿来用，不管他的价格多贵，还是没有价值，因为无法发生它原本的功用。奴仆是要来服事主人的。神要我们成为义的器具，是要献上自己，全心全意的来服事神和成为多人的帮助。

2. 成为圣洁得永生（v19-23）
罪与恩典，两者带来的‘果子’与‘结局’是决然不同的。得‘羞耻’还是‘成圣’的果子？‘死亡’还是‘永生’的结局？全赖于我们如何作选择。

总结：选择摆上、带下荣耀

今年神给GK的主题是选择摆上、带下荣耀。世人辛辛苦苦地服事罪这个主人，结果这主人必要以死作为报酬，叫人不能逃脱灭亡的结局。而神白白的恩赐却让我们得着与基督同死同活的新生命，叫我们不但有能力选择不犯罪，更能拥有向神活的生命去影响其他人。让我们都选择将自己的生命，像奴仆一样的摆上，成为义的器具，带下神的荣耀。

Romans 6: Dying and Living with Christ
GK611 Morning Devotion
08/06/2023
Speaker: Ps Deborah Tan

Introduction: The model of life

As there will be a children’s day camp at the end of the month, I wanted to talk about teaching the children to make pastries or sushi. So I went online that day to have a look. Not only do they make it easy to bake pastries, but even young children can participate and make pastries with many beautiful patterns and colours.

God’s plan for man’s salvation does not stop at the forgiveness of sins and freedom from eternal death. Like justification by faith, Christian sanctification is part of God’s whole plan of salvation. And to ensure that in our sanctification we live out the righteousness of Christ Jesus and live a new life of holiness, the Holy Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, gives us a perfect “model of life” that is of Christ in Romans 6. If we are willing to live according to this model, we will be made into a life that is victorious over sin and has a fine pattern, different colours and gives off the fragrance of Christ. This model of life is to die and live with Christ.

1．A new life of unity with the Lord (v1-14)

Yesterday 5: 20-21 speaks of grace is greater than judgment, and that where sin abounds, grace abounds more. The Apostle Paul had long anticipated that some would misinterpret and confuse the truth of what he taught about ‘justification by faith’. Thinking that since the increase of grace would cover sin, should not more sin be committed so that the grace of God might be revealed more often? But did Jesus Christ really give his life to redeem us so that we might continue to sin without fear?

The Apostle Paul begins today in chapter 6 with “Certainly not! A very stern response to those who approach sin with a frivolous attitude. Paul says that it is impossible for a person who is dead to sin to continue to live in sin.

V3-5 Paul goes on to state that we can have a new life of union with the Lord through 2 ways:

(1) Death to sin through baptism (v3-7)

First of all, Paul says that Christians come to the death of Jesus through baptism. Baptism is not just a rite or a formality. Rather, the old life dies and is buried with Christ. By being crucified with Christ, the old self ceases to be a slave to sin. A life united to the Lord has the power to make very different choices in the its personal lifestyle and in its every action than it would have done before conversion.

(2) Living to God through the resurrection (v8-11)

The Lord Jesus was offered once to take away all the sins of the world and overcome the poisonous hook of death, and was raised to live to God forever. The Apostle Paul says that if we died and were buried with the Lord, we must believe that we will also resurrect with Him. A life lives to God will not only ‘react’ and ‘respond’ to the things of the Lord, but will also strive to live a holy life in the way of sanctification, dying and living with Christ.

2. Not offering members to sin and reign (v12-14)

The Apostle Paul goes on to say that a life that is dead to sin and alive to God does not offer its members to sin as instruments of iniquity, nor does it allow death to reign in our mortal body. But why do so many of God’s children often give their members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness? First, because we do not see ourselves as dead. Therefore, we still habitually submit to the selfish desires of the body, fearing that rejecting sin will cause us to suffer, and so allow sin to reign in our lives. Secondly, not believing that we are alive in God. Not trusting God, we are afraid to put ourselves in His hands and rely on ourselves.

Ask God to help us to offer our eyes, ears, mouth, hands and feet, as well as our intelligence, wisdom and talents to God, as instruments of righteousness, to be fully given to Him for His use.

3. Offering ourselves as God’s slaves (v15-18)

(1) Submitting to righteousness as God’s slaves (v15-18)

God redeemed us to die to sin so that we could obey righteousness and become instruments of righteousness. Perhaps we think of becoming instruments of righteousness as not sinning and living a holy life. That’s true. But this passage gives us a deeper understanding of the heart of God. An instrument that is not used is still worthless, no matter how expensive it is, because it cannot be used for its original purpose. A slave is meant to serve his master. God wants us to become instruments of righteousness by offering ourselves to serve God and to be a help to many with all our heart and soul.

(2) Becoming holy to eternal life (v19-23)

The ‘fruit’ and ‘end’ of sin and grace are distinctly different. Is it the fruit of ‘shame’ or ‘sanctification’? The end of ‘death’ or ‘eternal life’? It is up to us to make the choice.

Conclusion: Let His glory come upon us

God’s theme for this year’s GK is let His glory come upon us. The world works so hard to serve the master of sin that the master must be paid by death, so that no one can escape the end of perdition. Instead, God’s free gift gives us new life with Christ in death and life, so that we not only have the ability to choose not to sin, but also to have a life lives to God to influence others. Let us all choose to offer up our lives as slaves to become instruments of righteousness and bring down the glory of God.

07/06/2023

引言：信任与关系相连

你越信任一个人，就与他的关系越好；你越相信神，就与神的关系越好。在鱼菜共生的系统里，我们常要清洗水泵，以便水可以泵上供给所有的蔬菜。一旦这水泵塞住了，所有的菜都会开始因着失去水分而枯萎。今天如果我们没有和神接上，最后我们的生命也同样会走入枯萎的光景。

一、只要相信、好处连连

1.与神恢复关系 （V1）

相信耶稣，就是相信祂就是道路、真理、生命。我们可以借着祂到天父那里去。因着相信耶稣，我们就得以与神和好。如果我们没有与神和好，我们就是神的敌人，就是与神为敌，这比一切都可怕。

2.站在神恩典中 （V2a）

我们因着信，借着耶稣基督，可以进入恩典中。当我们淡然承认我们的软弱，向神认罪，神就来补我们的不足，这就是恩典，是我们不配得的，神却白白地赐给我们，使我们永远站在祂施恩给我们的位置上，让我们常常经历神的恩典。

3.患难中有盼望 （V2b-5）

当我们走过从“患难”、“忍耐”、“老练”到“盼望”的恩典历程时，就会明白神的眼目一直在“患难”的环境中看顾我们，我们与神和好，以神为乐，神就帮助我们。当我们越多有经历，就越看到神的荣耀。

4.免去神的忿怒 （V6-9）

靠着耶稣的宝血，我们的生命得以洗净，得以称义。称义的生命可以免去神的忿怒就是免去末日审判时的刑罚。因为耶稣基督就是神的儿子，为我们的罪献上了自己的生命。

5.从万难中得救 （V10）

因着主耶稣基督，无论在任何的困局、病痛中，我们的灵、魂、体都会因着祂得救。因为我们与神和好、与神连接，我们的心思意念和情绪，都有神的恩典和帮助，我们是得救的。

6.可以以神为乐 （V11）

“以神为乐”是救恩的最高处、恩典的最深处，神人同行同住，彼此享受，互为满足，直到永远。就是因为有神，无论什么时候，都可以欢欢喜喜、常常感恩。

二、只要相信，得着永生

1.人本来就犯了罪 (V12-14)

“一人”指亚当，每个人都遗传了祖宗亚当的罪性，就是爱体贴肉体、不能顺服、甚至与神为敌。罪的工价乃是死，所以全人类都伏在罪与死的权势之下。

2.信耶稣就得重生 (V15-21)

相信耶稣的人都可以免去神的忿怒、得着重生的生命。这是因为耶稣一人为我们而死，除去亚当所犯的一切罪。我们要用信心得着这生命，这是因信称义的果效，并且这是神的恩赐和恩典。

总结：只要相信，就与神有好关系，心就充满能力，神迹就不断发生！

Romans 5: With faith comes eternal life
GK611 Morning Devotion
07/06/2023
The Morning Devotion Speakers: Co- worker Asher Chang

Introduction：Trust and relationships are connected

The more you trust a person, the better your relationship with them; the more you trust God, the better your relationship with Him. In an aquaponics system, we often have to clean the pump so that water can be pumped up to supply all the vegetables. Once this pump gets clogged, all the vegetables will begin to wither from the loss of water. If we are not connected to God today, we will end up in the same withered state in our lives.

1. If you believe, there are many benefits

(1) Restoration of relationship with God (V1)

To believe in Jesus is to believe that He is the way, the truth, and the life. We can go to the Father through Him. By believing in Jesus, we are reconciled to God. If we are not reconciled to God, we are the enemy of God, that is, we are enemies of God, which is more terrible than anything else.

(2) Standing in the grace of God (V2a)

By faith, we have access to grace through Jesus Christ. When we bashfully confess our weaknesses and sins to God, God comes to make up for our shortcomings. This is grace, which we do not deserve, but which God freely gives to us, so that we will always stand in the place where He gives us grace, and so that we will always experience God’s grace.

(3) Hope in tribulation (V2b-5)

As we walk through the journey of grace from tribulation， perseverance, character; and hope., we will understand that God’s eyes have been watching us in the circumstances of “trouble”, and that God helps us when we are reconciled to Him and take pleasure in Him. The more we experience, the more we see the glory of God.

(4) Freedom from the wrath of God (V6-9)

By the blood of Jesus, our lives are cleansed and justified. The justified life is free from the wrath of God, which means free from the punishment at the last judgment. For Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who gave up his life for our sins.

(5) Salvation from all tribulations (V10)

Through the Lord Jesus Christ, no matter in any distress, sickness or disease, our spirit, soul and body will be saved through Him. Because we are reconciled to God and connected to Him, we are saved by His grace and helped by Him in our mind, thoughts and emotions.

(6) Rejoice in God (V11)

“Rejoice in God” is the highest part of salvation, the deepest part of grace, where God and man live together, enjoying each other and satisfying each other for eternity. It is because of God that whenever we can rejoice and give thanks always.

2. If you believe, you will have eternal life

(1) Man is sinful by nature (V12-14)

The “one man” refers to Adam, and every man inherits the sinful nature of his ancestor Adam, that is, the love of the flesh, the disobedience, and even enmity against God. The wages of sin is death, so all mankind is under the power of sin and death.

(2) Believe in Jesus and you will be born again (V15-21)

Whoever believes in Jesus is freed from the wrath of God and receives the life of regeneration. This is because Jesus alone died for us, taking away all the sins of Adam. We are to receive this life by faith, which is the fruit of justification by faith, and which is the gift and grace of God.

In Conclusion: If you believe, you have a good relationship with God, your heart will be full of power, and miracles will continue to happen!

06/06/2023

引言：

保罗在这章经文从旧约圣经里引用确实的例证，支持他说的‘因信称义’的真理。

一、亚伯拉罕因信称义（V1-16）

1. 因信称义非因行为（V1-8）

保罗在这里引用创世记15:6‘亚伯兰信耶和华，耶和华就以此为他的义。’证明亚伯拉罕是因信称义。保罗又引用犹太人敬重的大卫王写的诗句，称那在行为以外，蒙神算为义的人是有福的。大卫曾经体验神的赦罪，所以知道被神算为义人是很大的福气，也绝对不是他所配得的。亚伯拉罕和大卫，都是因为神的恩典使他们因信称义，而不是因为他们的行为完全得称义。

靠行为就难免自夸，自夸就会骄傲，骄傲就会惹神忿怒！

2. 因信称义非因割礼（V9-12）

保罗在这里引证亚伯拉罕称义是在割礼之前。那么亚伯拉罕的称义就不是因割礼，乃是因信。割礼只是一个记号和印证而已。

受割礼不受割礼都无关紧要，要紧的就是作新造的人（加6:15）。只要效法亚伯拉罕的信心去行，我们都可以因信被神称义。

3. 因信称义非因律法（V13-16）

保罗继续用亚伯拉罕做例子，强调神给亚伯拉罕的应许会实现，是因为亚伯拉罕相信神而得的义，不是因为他遵行了律法。保罗再次提醒信徒，律法的功用不是让人称义，而是用来让人看见自己在哪里做错了而知罪，知道我们的亏欠会惹动神的愤怒。

律法只会显明人的过犯，却无法使人免于再犯错！所以人根本不可能靠守律法去承受应许，只有靠信才能得神恩典，承受神的应许。

二、亚伯拉罕称义的‘信’（V17-22）

1. 相信无所不能的神（V17）

亚伯拉罕所信的神，是叫死人复活使无变有的神。这是指亚伯拉罕献以撒说的，他能够毫不犹疑地把儿子以撒献在坛上，举刀要杀他，是因为他信神是使死人复活，使无变有的神。他的儿子纵然死了，神也能使他复活！纵然是烧成灰烬了，神也能使无变有！

2. 心不疑惑坚持地信（V18-22）

亚伯拉罕的信心是在无可指望时，还是‘不软弱不疑惑’。因为他的信心是不看眼前的困难，是建立在满心相信神的应许。最终他的信使他：被算为义、作多国的父、承受应许之地！

当我们有亚伯拉罕这种坚信到底定的信心，在无可指望的时候也会因信仍有指望，在等候神的时候信心也不软弱不疑惑！

总结：凡信神的都将算为义（V23-25）

亚伯拉罕的信心是基督徒信心的榜样，凡相信主耶稣从死里复活的都将因信被算为义！所以我们都能因信称义，但这个信心需要持续保持，坚信到底，以至我们的信心也能成为别人的美好榜样！

Romans 4 An Example of Justified by Faith
GK611 Morning Devotion
06/06/2023
The Morning Devotion Speakers: Ps. Daniel

Introduction：

In this chapter, Paul quoted concrete examples from the Old Testament to support his truth of “Justified by Faith”.

1. Abraham was justified by faith (V1-16)

(1) Justified by faith and not by works (V1-8)

Here Paul quotes Genesis 15:6 ‘Abraham believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness’ proving that Abraham was justified by faith. Paul also quoted a verse written by the respected King David of the Jews, saying that blessed are those who are counted righteous by God apart from works. David had experienced God’s forgiveness of sins, so he knew that being counted righteous by God was a great blessing, and it was definitely not what he deserved. Both Abraham and David were justified by faith by the grace of God, not by their works.

If you rely on works, you will inevitably boast; if you boast, you will be proud, and if you are proud, you will provoke God to wrath!

(2) Justified by faith and not by circumcision (V9-12)

Here Paul cites that Abraham was justified before his circumcision. Then Abraham’s righteousness was not by circumcision, but by faith. Circumcision was just a sign and a seal.

It doesn’t matter whether you are circumcised or not, what matters is to be a new creation (Galatians 6:15). As long as we follow the example of Abraham’s faith, we can all be justified by God by faith.

(3) Justified by faith and not by law (V13-16)

Paul continues to use Abraham as an example, emphasising that God’s promise to Abraham will be fulfilled because Abraham believed in God by faith, not because he obeyed the law. Paul reminded believers again that the function of the law is not to justify people but to allow people to see where they have done wrong and to convict them, knowing that our indebtedness will arouse God’s wrath.

The law only reveals people’s mistakes, but it cannot prevent people from making mistakes again! Therefore, it is absolutely impossible for people to inherit the promises by keeping the law. Only by faith can they obtain God’s grace and inherit God’s promises.

2. The “faith” of Abraham’s righteousness (V17-22)

(1) Believe in an omnipotent God (V17)

Abraham believed in the God who raises the dead and turns nothing into something. This refers to Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac. He was able to sacrifice his son Isaac on the altar without hesitation and raised his sword to kill him because he believed that God is the God who resurrects the dead and turns nothing into life. Even if his son died, God could raise him up! Even if it is burned to ashes, God can turn nothing into something!

(2) Believe persistently without doubts (V18-22)

Abraham’s faith “did not waver” when he was hopeless. Because his faith does not look at the difficulties in front of him but is based on believing in God’s promises with all his heart. In the end, his faith made him: righteous, father of many nations, and heir to the promised land!

When we have the unwavering faith of Abraham, we will have hope through faith when there is no hope, and our faith will not waver when we wait on God!

Conclusion: Everyone who believes in God will be counted as righteous (V23-25)

Abraham’s faith is a model of the Christian faith. Anyone who believes in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus from the dead will be counted as righteous by faith! Therefore, we can all be justified by faith, but this faith needs to be maintained continuously and firmly believed to the end so that our faith can also become a good example for others!