Books
罗马书生命读经 · 第25篇

在实行身体生活上的变化（一）

Transformation in practicing the body life (1)
1在本篇信息中，我们来到罗马书里最实际的一段，关于变化的一段。（十二1～十五13。）变化是为著生活的实行。如我们所看见的，圣别是为著生命的过程。从我们得称义那天起，我们就有分于这生命的过程。这生命的过程要圣别我们，至终荣化我们。生活的实行与生命的过程多少有点不同。为著生活的实行，我们需要变化，因为在我们天然的生命里，我们绝不能有正确生活的实行。没有甚么天然的事物对生活的实行是有用的。天然的元素必须变化成为属灵和圣别的元素。因此，为著生活实行的缘故，我们需要彻底的变化。不但如此，圣经启示生活的实行主要是与召会，与身体生活有关。地方召会生活是今天神在地上实行的国。许多所谓属灵的基督徒的确爱主，并照著罗马六章和八章追求生命的长大。然而，在八章之后，甚至在十一章之后，还有另一段，指明即使我们达到了八章里所启示的标准，我们仍有所缺，因为我们没有召会生活。圣别、得荣、和模成的属灵经历，不是为著这些经历本身而存在。圣别不是为著圣别，模成也不是为著模成；这些经历都是为著召会生活。我们将会看见，在八章及十一章以后，保罗劝我们将身体献上，当作活祭。这献上的目的不是要我们更属灵，乃是要我们实行身体生活。
1In this message we come to the most practical section in the book of Romans, the section on transformation (12:1-15:13). Transformation is for life practice. As we have seen, sanctification is for the life process. Since the day we were justified we have been participating in this process of life. This life process will sanctify us and eventually glorify us. The life practice is somewhat different from the life process. For the practice of life we need transformation, for we can never have the proper practice of life in our natural life. Nothing natural is useful for the life practice. The natural element must be transformed into an element that is spiritual and holy. Hence, for the sake of the life practice we need a thorough transformation. Furthermore, the Holy Word reveals that the practice of life is mainly with the church, with the Body life. The local church life is the practical kingdom of God on earth today. Many so-called spiritual Christians truly love the Lord and pursue the growth of life according to Romans 6 and 8. However, after Romans 8 and even after Romans 11 there is another section, indicating that even if we have attained the standard revealed in Romans 8 we still are lacking because we do not have the church life. The spiritual experiences of sanctification, glorification, and conformation do not exist for themselves. Sanctification is not for sanctification, and conformation is not for conformation. Both of these experiences are for the church life. As we shall see, after chapters eight and eleven Paul begs us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. The purpose of this presentation is not for us to be more spiritual, but for us to practice the Body life
2许多寻求的基督徒不喜欢谈论召会生活。他们似乎是说，『只要我们属灵、圣别、并在生命里长大，一切就都好了。有一天主自然而然会将我们建造在一起。』我要很强的说，他们的罗马书只有八章，只有半卷；他们似乎没有领悟罗马书有十六章。但在罗马书里有完整的五章讲到召会的事。生命不是为著生命；生命是为著身体，生命是为著召会。我们必须儆醒，因为我们甚至能被最好的事物遮蔽。赞美主，罗马书里有关于召会生活的五章圣经。关于称义、圣别、和得荣的题材，加起来共有五章半，但召会生活本身就占有五章。
2Many seeking Christians do not like to talk about the church life. They seem to say, “As long as we are spiritual and sanctified and are growing in life, everything is fine. The Lord will build us together one day spontaneously.” I would say strongly that their book of Romans has only eight chapters, only half of the book. They do not seem to realize that Romans has sixteen chapters. But in the book of Romans we have five complete chapters that dwell on the matter of the church. Life is not for life—life is for the Body. Life is for the church. We have to be alert, for we can be veiled even by the best things. Praise the Lord that in Romans we have five chapters on the church life. The material on justification, sanctification, and glorification together equals five and a half chapters, but the church life itself occupies five chapters.
3我愿指出召会是保罗在罗马书里的结语。我们听人说话，总是等候他的结语；而罗马书里的结语与召会有关。所以，你若停在八章，就会失去许多，使你自己与保罗论述的结语隔绝。我们必须一路往前到保罗的结语。保罗为甚么写罗马书？他不是仅仅为著称义、圣别、甚或为著得荣而写。保罗写罗马书，最终并终极的目的是为著召会生活。罗马书的终极完成乃是召会。赞美主，保罗在召会的事上十分刚强且丰富，他用五章圣经强调这事。他用五章圣经美妙的说到召会生活。在罗马书里保罗不是以道理的方式，乃是以经历并实行的方式陈明召会生活。我们来到罗马十五至十六章，就会看见保罗以经历和实行的方式，而非以道理的方式陈明众召会。
3I wish to point out that the church is Paul’s final word in the book of Romans. When we listen to someone speak we always wait for his concluding word, and the concluding word in the book of Romans concerns the church. Therefore, if you stop at chapter eight you will miss a great deal, separating yourself from the final word of Paul’s discourse. We must proceed all the way to Paul’s conclusion. Why did Paul write the book of Romans? He did not write merely for justification, sanctification, or even for glorification. Romans was written ultimately and consummately for the church life. The consummation of the book of Romans is the church. Praise the Lord that Paul was so strong and rich in the matter of the church that he took five chapters to emphasize it. He took five chapters to cover the church life in a wonderful way. In Romans Paul does not present the church life in a doctrinal way, but in a very experiential and practical way. As we come to Romans 15 and 16, we shall see that Paul describes and presents the churches in the way of experience and practice, not in the way of doctrine
4你若没有探入罗马十二至十六章的深处，就会认为这五章仅仅是满了关于基督徒之行为的劝勉和教导。你若这样以为，就证明你在领会这段圣经上，仍持守天然的观念。我们不该照著我们天然的观念领会圣经。大多数的基督教教师说，罗马十二至十六章乃是描述信徒的行为。他们说我们得救以后，需要表现美好的基督徒行为。我必须承认，二十多年前，我带领大约一千人彻底查读罗马书时，仍固守这天然的观念。在那次的查读里我也说，罗马十二至十六章乃是描述信徒的行为。直到最近几年，我一再研读罗马书以后，就对自己说，『人哪，你在领会圣别、神圣的启示上是何等天然。』表面上罗马书后五章描述基督徒的行为。然而，信徒行为主要的项目，主要的方面是甚么？乃是召会生活。召会生活，身体生活，是基督徒行为主要的结构。信徒得救以后，他的行为主要与召会生活有关。你领悟我们的召会生活是我们生活的百分之九十么？我们甚至造了一个新辞－『过召会』（churching）。我们天天过召会。我们是过召会的人。我能向你见证，我日以继夜的过召会。我们花许多时间、金钱和精力，使我们持续不断的过召会。我们不在意时间、代价或精力；我们只在意召会。我们时时过召会。使徒保罗写罗马书时，就持守过召会这观念。他不是只在意所谓的行为；他主要的关切乃是召会生活。我们需要在召会生活里，实行五至八章关于圣别的一段中所揭示，经过过程的生命；为此我们需要变化。所以，生命里的变化是为著生活的实行，而生活的实行主要是在召会生活里进行。
4If you fail to probe into the depths of Romans 12 through 16 you will consider these five chapters merely to be chapters filled with exhortations and teachings concerning the behavior of Christians. If you think this way, it proves that you still hold a natural concept in understanding this portion of the Bible. We should not understand the Holy Word according to our natural concept. Most of the Christian teachers say that Romans 12 through 16 describes the behavior of believers. They say that after we are saved we need to exhibit good Christian behavior. I must admit that when I conducted a thorough study of Romans more than twenty years ago with almost a thousand people I still clung to this natural concept. In that study I also said that Romans 12 through 16 depicts the behavior of believers. It was not until recent years that, after studying Romans again and again, I said to myself, “Man, how natural you were in understanding the holy, divine revelation.” Apparently the last five chapters of Romans describe the behavior of Christians. However, what is the main item, the main aspect, of a believer’s behavior? It is the church life. The church life, the Body life, is the main structure of a Christian’s behavior. After he has been saved a believer’s behavior is primarily concerned with the church life. Do you realize that our church life is ninety percent of our living? We have even coined a new word—“churching.” Day after day we are churching. We are churching people. I can testify to you that I am churching day and night. We spend a great deal of time, money, and energy that we may continue churching. We do not care for time, the cost, or the energy—we only care for the church. We are churching all the time. The Apostle Paul held this concept of churching when he wrote the book of Romans. He did not care only for so-called behavior; his main concern was the church life. We need to practice the processed life, which is unfolded in the section on sanctification in chapters five through eight, in the church life, and for this we need transformation. Therefore, the transformation in life is for the practice of life, and the practice of life is conducted mainly in the church life.
5想想罗马十二至十六章的内容。毫无疑问，十二章的中心是身体生活。从十四章开头至十五章前半，有很长的一段论到接纳圣徒的事；接纳圣徒也是为著召会生活。不但如此，十五至十六章是召会生活实行的记载；这不是在诸天之上召会的生活，乃是在地上各地方召会的生活。在这两段之间有十三章。我对十三章感到困扰，觉得很难断定牠到底属于十二章里所陈明身体生活的实行，或是独立的说到服从、爱、和属灵的争战这三项？甚至写到这里，我也不很确定十三章的地位。牠也许可视为关于过正常生活这分段的一部分。若是这样，十二至十六章就有关于变化的三项，这三项都属于召会生活：第一，身体生活的实行；第二，圣徒的接纳；第三，福音的终极完成，就是众地方召会。因此，关于变化这段的每一方面，都与身体生活有关。你的日常生活是甚么？正确的说，你的日常生活是你召会生活的一部分。你若没有日常生活，就无法有真正的召会生活；你的日常生活是为著召会生活。所以，基于这领会，我宁愿说十三章是十二章的继续，是关于为著召会生活之基督徒正常生活这分段的一部分。
5Consider the contents of Romans 12 through 16. Undoubtedly the focus of Romans 12 is the Body life. From the beginning of chapter fourteen through the first part of chapter fifteen we have a long portion dealing with the matter of receiving the saints. The receiving of the saints is also for the church life. Furthermore, chapters fifteen and sixteen are a practical record of the church life, not of a church in the heavens, but of churches in localities on the earth. Between these two portions we have chapter thirteen. I have been bothered about chapter thirteen, finding it difficult to determine whether it belongs to the practice of the Body life presented in chapter twelve or whether it should stand alone with the three items of submission, love, and spiritual warfare. Even at this writing I am not very certain about the position of Romans 13. It may be considered as a part of the subsection on the living of a normal life. If so, then Romans 12 through 16 will have three items related to transformation, and all of these items belong to the church life: firstly, the practice of the Body life; secondly, the receiving of the saints; and thirdly, the ultimate consummation of the gospel, that is, the local churches. Hence, every aspect of the section on transformation is related to the Body life. What is your daily life? Properly speaking, your daily life is a part of your church life. If you had no daily life, you could not have the genuine church life. Your daily life is for the church life. Therefore, based upon this understanding, I prefer to say that chapter thirteen is a continuation of chapter twelve and is a part of the subsection concerning the normal life of Christians for the church life
壹 为著身体生活的变化
I. TRANSFORMATION FOR THE BODY LIFE a transformation
一变化
6在我们来看十二章一至二节以前，我要给变化下定义。变化是很好的辞。在希腊文里，这辞包括改变的意思，就是有所改变。因此，钦定英文译本将林后三章十八节的这辞译为『改变』，而不是译为『变化』。然而，钦定英文译本将罗马十二章二节同样的希腊字译为『变化』。将这希腊文译为『改变』非常不充分。变化不仅仅指改变；牠的意思是一种物质在性质和形状上都改变。在英文里，变化这辞的意思也是在性质和形状上改变。这种改变是新陈代谢的改变。这不只是外面的改变，乃是在内里构成和外在形状上的改变。这改变藉著新陈代谢的过程而发生。在新陈代谢的过程里，满了维生素的生机元素进到我们这人里面，并在我们生机的生命里产生化学的改变。这化学反应将我们这人的构成从一种形状改变为另一种。这就是变化。假定人的脸色很苍白，别人要改变他没有血色的脸色，就给他的皮肤涂上一些颜色。毫无疑问，这产生外面的改变，但这不是生机的改变，生命的改变。人的脸色怎能真实的红润？乃是藉著每天将健康的食物，带著必需的生机元素，吸收到他的身体里。因为你的身体是活的生机体，生机的实质一进入其中，藉著新陈代谢的过程，就生机的形成化学的化合物。渐渐的，这内里的过程就会改变你的脸色。这改变不是外面的；这是来自里面的改变，由新陈代谢之过程所产生的改变。照著圣经，这新陈代谢的改变称为变化。在变化的过程中，当基督的生命加到我们这人里面。祂那生机且满了『维生素』的生命，渗透我们这人时，属灵、化学的化合物就形成。这就在性质和形状上改变我们的构成。这就是变化。这不是外面的改正或外在的调整；这完全是在我们生机元素里内里新陈代谢的改变，是在生命里并凭著生命，由主灵所施行的改变。（林后三18。）在变化的过程中，神圣的元素作到我们里面。我们研读罗马十二至十六章，若记住这种对变化的正确领会，就会领悟这段话与我们天然观念所引导我们相信的全然不同。
6Before we consider 12:1-2 I want to give a definition of transformation. Transformation is a good word. In Greek this word includes the meaning of change, to have a change. Thus, the King James Version rendered this word in 2 Corinthians 3:18 as “changed” instead of “transformed.” However, the King James Version translated the same Greek word as “transformed” in Romans 12:2. To render the Greek as “changed” is very inadequate. Transformation does not merely denote a change; it means that a substance is changed both in nature and in form. In English the words transformed or transformation also mean a change in both nature and form. This type of change is a metabolic change. It is not just an outward change, but a change in inward constitution as well as in external form. This change occurs by the process of metabolism. In the process of metabolism an organic element filled with vitamins comes into our being and produces a chemical change in our organic life. This chemical reaction changes the constitution of our being from one form into another. This is transformation. Suppose that a person has a very pale complexion and that someone else, wishing to change his colorless complexion, applies some coloring to his skin. This, no doubt, produces an outward change, but it is not an organic change, a change in life. How then can a person truly have a colorful face? By daily absorbing into his body healthy food with the necessary organic elements. Because your body is a living organism, when an organic substance enters into it a chemical compound is formed organically by the process of metabolism. Gradually this inward process will change the coloration of your face. This change is not outward; it is a change from within, a change resulting from the process of metabolism. According to the Bible, this metabolic change is termed transformation. In the process of transformation the life of Christ is added to our being. When His life, which is organic and filled with vitamins, permeates our being, a spiritual, chemical compound is formed. This changes our constitution both in nature and in form. This is transformation. It is not outward correction or external adjustment. It is absolutely an inward metabolic change in our organic element, a change in life and with life by the Lord Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18). In the process of transformation the divine element is wrought into us. If we keep in mind this proper understanding of transformation as we approach Romans 12 through 16, we shall realize that this portion of the Word is altogether different from what our natural concept would lead us to believe it is.
7在罗马八章末了，生命的过程达到完成。在一章我们是罪人，卑贱、鄙陋、且满了邪恶。然而，经过数章，来到八章末了，我们已圣别并模成神的儿子。何等不同！在八章末了，我们成了神模成的众子，是祂所爱的众子，直到永远。因此，罗马书前八章揭示生命的过程，这过程一路将我们从罪人带到神的众子。然后在九至十一章，保罗给我们关于神的拣选、神的经纶、和我们的定命的启示。在那段里，保罗帮助我们领悟，神如何拣选我们，将我们作成器皿盛装祂，要用基督一切的丰富充满我们，并确立了关于人得救之先后次序的经纶。说了这些事以后，保罗就豫备说到生活的实行。在罗马十二章开头，保罗豫备好要告诉我们，如何将我们已在其中，并正在其中经过过程的生命实行出来。这经过过程之生命的实行，就是召会生活。
7At the end of Romans 8 the life process reaches its completion. In chapter one we were sinners, mean, vile, and filled with evil. However, after passing through several chapters and coming to the end of Romans 8, we have been sanctified and conformed as sons of God. What a difference! At the end of Romans 8 we have become conformed sons of God, sons beloved of Him forever. Thus, the first eight chapters of Romans unfold the life process which brings us all the way from sinners to sons of God. Then in Romans 9 through 11 Paul affords us a revelation of God’ss election, God’secon o my, and our destiny. In that portion Paul helps us realize how God selected us, made us as vessels to contain Him, intends to fill us with all the riches of Christ, and has established an economy regarding the order in which men will be saved. After speaking of these things Paul is ready to speak about the practice of life. At the beginning of Romans 12, Paul is prepared to tell us how to practice the very life in which we have been and are being processed. The practice of this processed life is the church life
二 身体生活
B. The Body Life
1 召会生活的实行
1. The Practicality of the Church Life
8我们已经指出，罗马十二章的中心是身体生活。身体生活是召会生活的实行。没有身体生活，召会生活只是名词。召会生活在身体生活的实行中才得以实化，成为实际的。今天基督徒的确有『召会』这名词，但缺少身体生活。就身体生活而论，许多基督徒在经历中非常欠缺。因此，需要有身体生活真正的恢复，使主今天在地上能实际的建造祂的召会。这是我们对身体生活这样有负担的原因。
8We have already pointed out that the focus of Romans 12 is the Body life. The Body life is the practicality of the church life. Without the Body life, the church life is only a term. The church life is realized, becomes real, in the practice of the Body life. Christians today do have the term “church,” but lack the Body life. As far as the Body life is concerned, there is a void in the experience of many Christians. Thus, there is the need for the real recovery of the Body life that the Lord may have His church built on the earth today in a practical way. This is the reason that we are so burdened for the Body life
2 团体生活
2. A Corporate Life
9身体生活是团体生活。我们看看我们物质的身体，就能领悟这点。我们物质的身体是由许多肢体组成的团体实体。所有的肢体都有其在身体中的生命和功用。任何肢体若与身体分开或分离，就失去其生命和功用。身体上没有一个肢体能向身体独立或成为单独的。我们必须领悟，我们这些身体的肢体，没有一个能成为完整的实体。我们每个人不过是身体上的肢体。为著生命和功用，我们需要留在身体里。许多基督徒没有生命的丰富，一点也不能尽功用，就是因为他们与身体分离。罗马十二章启示身体生活实行的重要。这章给我们看见，我们在一个身体里互相作肢体。我们虽多，却是一个身体，一个实体。在身体里我们能尽功用，并且团体的彰显基督。
9The Body life is a corporate life. We can realize this by looking at our physical body. Our physical body is a corporate entity composed of many members. All the members have their life and function in the body. If any member becomes separate or detached from the body, it loses its life and function. No member of the body can be independent of the body or become individualistic. We must realize that none of us as members of the Body can be a complete entity. Every one of us is simply a member of the Body. We need to remain in the Body for life and function. So many Christians do not have the riches of life and are unable to function at all simply because they are detached from the Body. Romans 12 reveals the importance of the practice of the Body life. It shows us that we are members one of another in one Body. We, being many, are one Body, one entity. In the Body we can function and express Christ in a corporate way.
10今天很少基督徒看见团体生活，或愿意注意这生活，这是可悲的事。大多数寻求的基督徒专注于罗马八章，追求生命之灵的经历。但他们没有领悟，八章的经历乃是为著十二章的团体生活。神的目标是叫我们过身体生活，就是团体生活。祂的救赎、称义、和圣别是为著这目标。我们若不注意身体生活，必定会偏离神的目标。蒙救赎、得称义、被圣别、并模成基督，都是叫我们有正确的团体生活。我们不该停留于罗马八章里圣别和模成的经历。我们需要看见，在那灵里圣别和模成的经历，是要带我们往前到罗马十二章，使我们实行团体生活。仅仅个人圣别或单独属灵，不是神圣别和属灵的路。真正的圣别和属灵乃是为著身体生活。我们确信在这末后的日子，主在祂的恢复里，已从罗马八章往前到十二章。今天主恢复的中心，不是个人的圣别或属灵，乃是团体的身体生活，召会生活。愿主怜悯我们，使我们看见这点，并藉著在生命之灵里圣别的经历实行这点。
10It is a sad thing that today very few Christians have seen the corporate life or are willing to pay attention to it. Most of the seeking Christians devote their full attention to Romans 8, pursuing the experiences of the Spirit of life. But they do not realize that the experiences of Romans 8 are for the corporate life in Romans 12. God’s goal is for us to live a Body life, which is a corporate life. His redemption, justification, and sanctification are for this goal. If we do not pay our attention to the Body life, we shall surely miss God’s goal. To be redeemed, to be justified, to be sanctified, and to be conformed to Christ —all are for us to have the proper corporate life. We should not stop with the experiences of sanctification and conformation in Romans 8. We need to see that the experiences of sanctification and conformation in the Spirit are meant to bring us forward to Romans 12 that we may practice the corporate life. Simply to be sanctified individually or to be spiritual in an individualistic way is not God’sway of sanctification and spirituality. Genuine sanctification and spirituality are for the Body life. We do believe that in these last days the Lord, in His recovery, has moved from Romans 8 to Romans 12. The focus of the Lord’s recovery today is not sanctification or spirituality in an individualistic way, but the Body life, the church life, in a corporate way. May the Lord have mercy upon us that we may see this and practice it by the experiences of sanctification in the Spirit of life.
贰 藉著献上身体
II. BY THE PRESENTING OF OUR BODIES
一 使徒的恳求
A. The Begging of the Apostle
11罗马十二章一节说，『所以弟兄们，我藉著神的怜恤劝你们〔或，恳求你们〕，将身体献上，当作圣别并讨神喜悦的活祭，这是你们合理的事奉。』保罗在此以恳求的方式说话，启示出他所要嘱咐我们之事的重要。这揭示神的愿望和目的。历世历代以来，神有特别的愿望－为基督得著身体。因此，使徒说，『所以弟兄们，我藉著神的怜恤劝你们。』请注意，这里的怜恤原文不是单数，乃是复数。在九章十五节我们看过，怜恤比怜悯更丰富、更深。神对我们不只有一种怜恤，乃有多种怜恤。祂在拣选我们的事上怜恤了我们；祂在呼召我们、拯救我们、并将我们带到祂生命里的事上怜恤了我们。如前几章所显示的，祂已往对我们曾有许多的怜恤。使徒保罗藉著神的这些怜恤劝我们，将身体献给神。我们若领悟神的怜恤，并受感动，就会作使徒劝我们作的。
11Romans 12:1 says, “I beg you therefore, brothers, through the compassions of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, well-pleasing to God, which is your most reasonable service.” In 12:1 Paul speaks in a begging way, revealing the importance of the matter concerning which he is about to charge us. It unveils God’s desire and purpose. For centuries and ages God has had a particular desire—to have a body for Christ. Hence, the Apostle said, “I beg you therefore, brothers, through the compassions of God.” Notice that it is not “compassion” in singular, but “compassions” in plural. In 9:15 we have seen that compassion is richer and deeper than mercy. God not only has one kind of compassion, but many kinds of compassion upon us. He has had compassion on us in selecting us. He has had compassion on us in calling us, in saving us, and in bringing us into His life. As the previous chapters show, He has had many compassions on us in the past. It was through these compassions of God that the Apostle Paul begged us to present our bodies to God. If we realize the compassions of God and are moved by them, we shall do what the Apostle begged us to do.
二 将身体献上当作祭
B. Presenting Our Bodies as a Sacrifice
1 许多身体，一个祭
1. Many Bodies, One Sacrifice
12在十二章一节保罗也劝我们将身体献上，当作『活祭』。在六章十三、十九节，他鼓励我们献上身体的肢体作兵器以争战，并作奴仆以事奉，因为六章是争战和事奉的事。然而，在召会生活里是祭的问题，是将我们自己献给神作祂满足的问题。召会生活整体说来乃是一个祭，作神的满足。虽然有许多身体献上，却是一个祭。为甚么有许多身体，却只有一个祭？因为许多肢体是一个身体，许多信徒是一个召会。保罗为甚么用『活』字？因为他将这祭与旧约的祭比较。旧约时代所献的祭都是杀死的，但召会不是杀死的祭，乃是满了基督作生命的活祭。在八章我们看见信徒被基督这赐生命的灵充满。他们来到十二章将自己当作祭献给神时，乃是被生命之灵充满的活祭。
12In verse 1 Paul also begs us to present our bodies “a living sacrifice.” In 6:13, 19 he encouraged us to present the members of our bodies as weapons for fighting and as servants for serving because Romans 6 is a matter of warfare and service. However, in the church life it is a question of sacrifice, of offering ourselves to God for His satisfaction. The church life as a whole is an offering for the satisfaction of God. Although many bodies are presented, the sacrifice is one. Why are there many bodies but only one sacrifice? Because the many members are one Body and the many believers are one church. Why does Paul use the word “living”? Because he compares this sacrifice with the sacrifices of the Old Testament. The sacrifices offered in Old Testament days were all slain, but the church is not a slain offering; it is a living offering full of Christ as life. In chapter eight we see that the believers are filled with Christ as the life-giving Spirit. When they come to chapter twelve to offer themselves as a sacrifice to God, they are a living offering filled with the Spirit of life
13不但如此，祭是圣别的，意思是与凡俗的事物分开，并且有神的性情。我们的神是圣别的；祂与所有其他事物完全不同，并且分别出来。祂这圣别的性情已作到基督身体的肢体里。所以基督的身体是圣别、独一的，与俱乐部、基督教青年会、和各种社团组织都不同。基督的身体是圣别的，没有甚么凡俗的事物能被带进其中。因此，这奉献是惟一讨神喜悦并为著基督身体的。为著身体生活的实行，这奉献是需要的。我们需要为著基督的身体献上我们的身体。
13Furthermore, the sacrifice is holy, meaning that it is separate from common things and that it possesses God’s nature. Our God is holy. He is absolutely different and separate from all other things. This holy nature of His has been wrought into the members of the Body. So the Body is holy and unique. It is different from a club, the YMCA, and every kind of social organization. The Body is holy, and nothing common can be brought into it. Thus, this offering is the only thing that is well-pleasing to God and is for the Body of Christ. For the practice of the Body life this offering is needed. We need to offer our bodies for the Body of Christ.
2 合理的祭司事奉
2. A Priestly Service Which Is Most Reasonable
14将我们自己献给神当作活祭，是我们合理的事奉。以上所题的『献』和『祭』指明，『合理的事奉』是祭司的事奉。我们若有清明的心思，我们若要成为合理、公平、合逻辑的，我们的确必须有召会生活。不喜欢召会生活的人是最愚昧的人。实行召会生活以外的任何事都是愚昧的，但为著召会生活放下一切却是合逻辑、合理的。没有甚么比过召会更合理。在属世的东西或消遣上花两元是愚昧的，但在召会生活上花两百万元是合理的。倘若我有一百条性命，我愿全数为著召会生活献上。然而，我甚至不愿将我生命的最小部分献给属世的事物，因为那样作是愚昧的。将我们自己献给召会生活，是何等合理的事奉！我能见证，我在主的工作里四十多年了，我一点也不后悔。每当我想到召会，我就兴奋。每次我想到召会生活，想到我为著召会生活的职事，我就在诸天之上。这是何等合理的事奉！保罗开始说到召会生活，就恳求信徒将身体献上，因为就著人说，没有甚么比我们的身体更真实、更实际。你的身体若不在召会生活里，请不要说你自己多么为著召会生活。在已往的年间，许多人曾对我说，『弟兄，我与你站在一起。因为我事业的负担很重，我无法在召会生活里，但我与你所作的是一。』也有的人曾说，『我太累了，不能参加聚会。你去聚会，我留在家里，为你祷告。我身体无法去聚会，因为我很累，但我的心和灵会与你同在那里。』这些话说来很好听，却是欺骗。我们必须领悟，我们是在我们的身体里。我们的身体在那里，我们就在那里。假定所有的圣徒都说他们太累，不能参加聚会。聚会将会如何？因此，保罗恳求弟兄们将身体献上。你若对主的定旨认真，就需要将身体献上。
14To offer ourselves to God as a living sacrifice is our most reasonable service. The words “present” and “sacrifice” mentioned above indicate that the “reasonable service” is a priestly service. If we have a sober mind and if we intend to be reasonable, fair, and logical, then we certainly must have the church life. People who do not like to have the church life are the most foolish of people. To practice anything other than the church life is foolish, but to give up everything for the church life is logical and reasonable. Nothing is more reasonable than churching. To spend two dollars on a worldly item or amusement is foolish, but to spend two million dollars on the church life is reasonable. If I had a hundred lives, I would give them all for the church life. However, I would not give even the smallest fraction of my life to the worldly things, for to do that would be stupid. What a reasonable service it is to give ourselves to the church life! I can testify that I have been in the Lord’s work for more than forty years and that I do not have the slightest regret about it. Whenever I think about the church I am excited. Every time I think about the church life and about my ministry for the church life I am in the heavens. What a reasonable service it is! When Paul began to speak about the church life, he implored the believers to present their bodies because as human beings nothing is more real and practical than our body. If your body is not in the church life, please do not say how much you yourself are for the church life. In the past years many people have said to me, “Brother, I stand with you. Because the burden of my business is so heavy I cannot be in the church life, but I am one with what you are doing.” Others have said, “I’mt o o tired to attend the meeting. You go to the meeting and I’ll stay home and pray for you. I can’t go to the meeting physically because I’m so tired, but my heart and spirit will be there with you.” These words sound pleasant but they are a deceit. We must realize that we are in our bodies. Where our bodies are, we are. Suppose that all the saints should say that they are too tired to attend the meeting. What would happen to the meeting? Thus, Paul begged the brothers to present their bodies. If you mean business for the Lord’s purpose, you need to present your body.
15你来聚会，即使大部分的时间在睡觉，也是好的。来聚会睡觉比根本不来好。你也许参加聚会，除了最后几分钟以外，都在睡觉；但可能就在最后五分钟，你会受感动，并得著很大的帮助。我很清楚好些例子，就是有这事发生。让我告诉你发生在我家乡山东省的一个事例。我同一位在我手下学习如何服事主的赵姓年轻弟兄，访问某个召会。在这小召会里领头弟兄的妻子非常爱主，她每天服事我们三餐。她作完了一切事，就很疲累。然而，她还是禁不住来参加聚会。有一天，她来了，并且坐在前排。那天晚上，赵弟兄应邀在聚会中说话。他说话的时候，这位姊妹睡著了。这位年轻弟兄释放信息时，非常忍耐。然而，在信息快要结束时，他无法再约束自己，就转向这位姊妹说，『你若继续睡觉，我就要把你踢出去！』他这样作，我非常担心。会后我告诉他，绝不要再那样作。我们回到这位姊妹的家被接待时，我觉得很羞愧。然而，这位姊妹愉快的欢迎我们。这位姊妹来聚会，几乎睡了整个聚会，但在最后几分钟，她得著了帮助。我们需要亲身来聚会。不要说你的灵在召会里，身体却不在。你需要将身体献上。
15It is good for you to come to the meeting even if you sleep through most of it. It is better to come to a meeting and sleep than not to come at all. You may attend a meeting and sleep through it all except for the last few minutes. Perhaps during the last five minutes you will be inspired and receive a great help. I am familiar with a number of cases in which this has happened. Let me tell you of one that occurred in my home province of Shantung. I was visiting a certain church with a young apprentice, a brother who was under my hand learning how to serve the Lord. His name was Chao. The wife of the leading brother in this little church loved the Lord very much and she served us food three times a day. As a result of all her work she was tired out. However, she could not stop attending the meetings. One day in particular she came and sat in the front row. Brother Chao was asked to speak a word in the meeting that night. While he was speaking, the sister fell asleep. During his message the young brother was very patient. Nevertheless, near the end of his message, unable to restrain himself any longer, he turned to the sister and said, “If you keep on sleeping, I’ll kick you out!” When he did this I was very worried. After the meeting I told him never to do that again. I felt ashamed as we returned to the sister’sho use for hospitality. However, the sister greeted us cheerfully. This sister came to the meeting and slept almost the entire meeting, but during the last few minutes she received help. We need to come to the meetings bodily. Do not say that you will be in the church spiritually but not bodily. You need to present your body
参 藉著更新心思
III. BY THE RENEWING OF OUR MIND
一 不要模倣这世代
A. Do Not Be Conformed to This Age
16罗马十二章二节说，『不要模倣这世代，反要藉著心思的更新而变化，叫你们验证何为神那美好、可喜悦、并纯全的旨意。』保罗告诉我们『不要模倣这世代』。我们不该被这世代模塑成形。这世代是甚么？世代是现今、实际的世界生活，是反对并代替召会生活的。整个世界是撒但的系统，就是被撒但构成的系统。世界，原文是，科斯模斯，指组织，系统。撒但把每个人和属人生活的每一项都系统化了。这世界的系统由许多世代组成。正如宇宙召会由许多地方召会组成，照样，世界由许多世代组成。每个地方召会是宇宙召会的一部分，每个世代是世界的一部分。每个世代有其当时的时尚。英文的『摩登』『modern』，相当于希腊文的『世代』。『不要模倣这世代』，原文可译为『不要摩登』。因此，摩登的意思就是模倣现今的世代。既然世代是现今、实际的世界生活，是世界系统的一部分，你就无法在世界里而不在一个世代里。你无法接触世界，除非你接触一个世代。所以，你要弃绝世界，就必须弃绝世代。
16Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, that you may prove by testing what the will of God is, that which is good and well-pleasing and perfect.” Paul tells us not to be “conformed to this age.” We should not be molded by this age. What is this age? The age is the present, practical world life, which is the opposition to and substitute of the church life. The entire world is a Satanic system, a system constituted by Satan. The Greek word for world, cosmos, denotes an organization, a system. Satan has systematized cosmos every person and every item of human life. This world system is composed of many ages. Just as the universal church is composed of many local churches, so the world is composed of many ages. Every local church is a part of the universal church, and every age is a part of the world. Each age has its modern fashion. The English word “modern” is an equivalent of the Greek word rendered “age.” The Greek words translated as “Do not be conformed to this age” may be translated as, “Do not be modernized.” Hence, to be modernized means to be fashioned, conformed according to the present age. Since an age, being the present, practical world life, is a part of the world system, you cannot be in the world without being in one of the ages. You cannot touch the world unless you touch one of the ages. Therefore, in order to forsake the world you must also forsake the age.
17世界系统之世代的改变，可由女子发型的改变来说明。六十年前，尤其在西方世界，一般女子将头发梳成高塔，越高越好。我很知道这事，因为西方女子购买的发网，是从我小时候所住的华北出口的。后来订单忽然开始指定小发网，我希奇改变的原因。后来，我知道世代改变了，摩登的样式转换了。每个世代都有其时髦和样式。六十年前，西方女子将头发梳成高塔；后来短发又普遍流行。近年来，年轻人采纳这世代所谓『嬉皮式』的发型；年轻男孩若把头发留长，就证明他很摩登。世界反对召会，历世代反对众召会。我们若认真要有召会生活，就必须丢弃世代。既然现今的世代反对召会生活，我们就无法跟随世代，并照著这世代被模成，而仍能真正经历身体生活。被摩登世代占有的人也许参加主日聚会，但他无法实行召会生活。我们若要有身体生活，就是召会生活的实行，我们就不可跟随这世代，也不可模倣这世代。这就是保罗告诉我们不要模倣这世代的原因。
17The changes in the age of the world system can be illustrated by the changes in ladies’ hairdos. Sixty years ago, especially in the Western world, it was common for women to arrange their hair into a high tower, the higher the better. I became familiar with this because the Western ladies purchased hairnets that were imported from North China where I lived as a boy. Suddenly the orders began to specify small hairnets. I wondered about the reason for the change. Eventually I learned that the age had changed and that the modern style had altered. Each age has its fashion and style. Sixty years ago the Western ladies fashioned their hair into a high tower. Later short hair became common, and the so-called “bobbed hair” became popular. In recent years the young people have adopted the so-called “hippie type” hairdo of this age. If a young man allows his hair to grow long, it proves that he has been modernized. The world opposes the church, and the ages oppose the churches. If we mean business to have the church life, we must give up the age. Since the present age opposes the church life, we cannot follow the age and be fashioned according to it and still truly experience the Body life. A person who is possessed by the modern age may attend the Sunday meetings, but he cannot practice the church life. If we want the Body life, the practice of the church life, we must not follow this age nor be conformed to it. This is the reason that Paul told us not to be conformed to this age
二 藉著心思的更新而变化
B. Be Transformed by the Renewing of the Mind
18我们不该模倣世代，反要藉著心思的更新而变化。（弗四23，多三5。）模倣世代，意思是在外面采纳摩登的样式；变化却是让生机的元素作到我们这人里面，使里面产生新陈代谢的改变。我们需要藉著心思的更新而变化。罗马十二章的心思与七章和八章的心思都不同。在七章，心思是单独的，独立行动的。在八章，心思是倚靠的，是置于灵的。然而，我不信八章的心思得了变化或更新。仅仅将心思置于灵是不彀的。心思不但该倚靠，也该更新。十二章二节告诉我们，我们需要更新的心思。心思更新不是单单藉著外面的教训，乃是藉著基督的元素加进来。主耶稣将祂自己从我们的灵扩展到我们的心思，我们的心思就会得著更新。藉著我们心思的更新，我们的魂就新陈代谢的改变。这样我们就在魂里经历变化；这对召会生活是必需的。我们若要实行召会生活，就需要藉著心思的更新，在魂里经历这样的变化。
18We should not be conformed to the age, but transformed by the renewing of our mind (Eph. 4:23; Titus 3:5). To be conformed to the age means to adopt the modern fashions outwardly; to be transformed is to have an organic element wrought into our being to produce a metabolic change inwardly. We need to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. The mind in Romans 12 is different from the mind both in Romans 7 and Romans 8. In Romans 7 the mind was alone, acting independently. In Romans 8 the mind was dependent, being set on the spirit. However, I doubt that the mind in Romans 8 has been transformed or renewed. Simply to set our mind on the spirit is inadequate. The mind should not only be dependent, but also renewed. Romans 12:2 tells us that we need a renewed mind. The mind is renewed not only by outward teachings, but by the element of Christ being added to it. When the Lord Jesus spreads Himself from our spirit into our mind, our mind will be renewed. By the renewing of our mind our soul is metabolically changed. In this way we experience transformation in our soul, a necessity for the church life. If we intend to practice the church life, we need to experience such a transformation in our soul by the renewing of our mind.
三 验证神的旨意
C. To Test and Prove the Will of God
19我们需要心思的更新和魂的变化，叫我们『验证何为神那美好、可喜悦、并纯全的旨意』。神的旨意是甚么？神的旨意是要有身体生活，召会生活。不要将十二章二节所题神的旨意应用到你个人的人生景况，应用到婚姻、职业、或住屋的事。有些人祷告：『主阿，我要买新房子。你的旨意如何？该有几间卧房？该有几间浴室？我该付多少钱？主，我要知道你的旨意。』忘掉这样的祷告，因你越这样祷告并寻求主的旨意，你就越发觉自己在黑暗中，在祂的旨意之外。十二章二节所说的旨意，乃是要有召会生活。你所买的房子，你所有的工作，你结婚的对象，都应当在于召会生活。甚至你所穿的衣服，也应当在于召会生活。你若与召会生活是对的，就会知道你必须作甚么。一切必须为著召会生活，因为过召会生活是神惟一的旨意。这是美好、可喜悦、并纯全的，并且这是为著身体生活。献上我们的身体，变化我们的魂，并更新我们的心思，都是为著身体生活。
19We need the renewal of our mind and the transformation of our soul that we “may prove by testing what the will of God is, that which is good and well-pleasing and perfect.” What is the will of God? The will of God is to have the Body life, the church life. Do not apply the mention of the will of God in 12:2 to your personal human situation, to the matters of marriage, employment, or housing. Some people pray, “O Lord, I am going to buy a new house. What is Your will? How many bedrooms and bathrooms should it have? How much should I pay for it? Lord, I want to know Your will.” Forget about praying in this manner, for the more you pray and seek the Lord’s will in this way, the more you will find yourself in darkness and out of His will. The will mentioned in 12:2 is to have the church life. The house that you purchase, the job that you have, and the person that you marry should all depend on the church life. Even the clothes that you wear should depend on the church life. If you are right with the church life, you will know what you must do. Everything must be for the church life, for to have the church life is the unique will of God. This is good, well-pleasing, and perfect. And this is for the Body life. The presenting of our bodies, the transforming of our souls, and the renewing of our minds are all for the Body life