双语灵修（葛培理牧师）：5月2日 有信有行

5月2日

有信有行

“这样，信心若没有行为就是死的。”

雅各书2:17

自圣经时代以来，人们就在争论关于信心与行为的教义。到底哪一个在前面？哪一个对神更重要？

耶稣没有要求我们在信心和行为之间做选择。圣经告诉我们，没有信心的行为对神来说毫无意义，因为我们不能靠自己的努力进入天国。那些试图证明自己良善的人，常常会说他们按时纳税、从不欺骗人、忠于配偶、热心慈善公益。但是神很清楚地告诉我们，这些自以为义的行为如同肮脏的抹布，我们所做的都不可能达到神的标准。

然而，一旦我们得救之后，神期望我们事实上是命令我们，不只是听道，而且要行道。当我们在基督里的时候，我们的行为成为基督事工的延伸。实际上，行为本身不是目的，而是彰显神的爱。是的，我们要切实地去帮助那些有实际需要的人，神的爱才能显明出来。这样，人们才会明白为何神要差遣爱子耶稣来到我们中间。

行为永远不能取代信心和传扬福音，行为是信心的自然延伸。耶稣说：“你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父。”（马太福音5:16）

今日祷告：

天父，愿祢的圣灵充满我们，使我们有能力去做你交给的工作。帮助我们对您的引导保持灵敏，让我们随时知道您要我们做的事。带领我们，主啊，我们就会跟随；奉耶稣的名，阿门。

May 2

FAITH AND WORKS

Faith without works is dead.James 2:17

Since biblical times,men and women have argued about the doctrines of faith and works.Which should come first?Which carries the most weight with God?

Jesus Christ did not offer us a choice of faith or works.The Scripture teaches that works without faith have no meaning to God,because we cannot work our way to heaven.Those who seek to testify of what they think is their goodness often talk about paying their taxes on time,never defrauding anyone,being faithful to their spouse,and giving to charity.But God is clear that our righteousness is like a filthy rag.There is nothing we can do to measure up to God’s standard.

Once we are saved,however,God expects us-in fact He commands us-to not be hearers of the Word only,but doers as well.Works,when we are in Christ,are an extension of Christ’s ministry.In fact,works are not ends in themselves,but they demonstrate God’s love.No,God’s love is demonstrated by attending to the man’s physical needs and helping him out the ditch.This is how people learn that the Father has sent the Son.

Works must never replace faith and the sharing of the Gospel,but they are a natural extension of faith.Jesus said,“Let your light so shine before men,that they may see your good works,and glorify your Father which is in heaven”(Matthew 5:16).

Pray for the Day:

Father,fill us with Your Holy Spirit,that we would be empowered to do the works that You have given us to do.And help us to be sensitive to Your leading,so that we can hear from You what You want us to do.Lead us,Lord,and we will follow;in Jesus’Name,Amen.