Lesson 15 Money Crisis

Personal Finance Bible study

圣经学习之个人理财

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Introduction

引言

Money, like many necessities of life, can be both a blessing and a curse. “Money,” as they say, “is what makes the world go around.” But it’s also a root cause of much heartache and pain in our world, which has become affected by greed. Our study will explore money from a biblical perspective.

金钱，和很多生活必需品一样，既可以成为祝福也可以成为咒诅。“金钱”正如人们所说，“促使世界运转。”但在我们这个已经受到贪婪影响的世界，金钱也是许多令人心痛和苦楚的根源。我们的学习将从圣经的角度来探讨金钱问题。

Money is a blessing from God

金钱是神的祝福

· God blessed Job with great wealth after Job was tested.

· 上帝在约伯被魔鬼试探后赐给他大量财富。

· The patriarch Abraham had so much wealth that the land could not support him and his nephew any longer so they had to part ways.

· 族长亚伯拉罕拥有如此多的财富以致土地无法再容下他和他的侄子 ,因此他们不得不分开。

· King David was extremely wealthy, as was his son Solomon. The Bible teaches us that God gave Solomon his wealth and Solomon didn’t even ask God for wealth.

· 大卫王和他的儿子所罗门都极其富有。圣经告诉我们神赐给所罗门财富，而所罗门甚至都没有向神祈求财富。

Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the Lord brings wealth.

箴言10:22 耶和华所赐的福使人富足 , 并不加上忧虑 .

Other passages in Proverbs about connecting work with wealth…

箴言中有关联系勤劳和富足的其他章节…

“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty” （14:23）。

“诸般勤劳都有益处 ; 嘴上多言乃致穷乏 .” （14:23）

“Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in the summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son” （10:4,5）。

· “手懒的 , 要受贫穷 ; 手勤的 , 却要富足 .5夏天聚敛的 , 是智慧之子 ; 收割时沉睡的 , 是贻羞之子 .” （10:4,5）。

“Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing” （20:4）。

“懒惰人因冬寒不肯耕种 , 到收割的时候 , 他必讨饭而无所得 .”（20:4）。

“The cravings of sluggards will be the death of them, because their hands refuse to work” （21:25）。

“懒惰人的心愿将他杀害 , 因为他手不肯做工 .” （21:25）。

“I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest–and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man” （24:30-34）。

· “我经过懒惰人的田地、无知人的葡萄园 , 31荆棘长满了地皮 , 刺草遮盖了田面 , 石墙也坍塌了 .32我看见就留心思想 ; 我看着就领了训诲 .33再睡片时 , 打盹片时 , 抱着手躺卧片时 ,34你的贫穷就必如强盗速来 , 你的缺乏彷佛拿兵器的人来到 .”

· The Bible endorses hard work for profit and it also endorses the idea that a person ought to invest his/her money for the future. Read the following…

圣经赞同勤劳致富，而且也赞同一个人应该为未来而投资的观点。阅读以下经文…

Luke 19:11-23 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was

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going to appear at once. 12 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.‘14 ”But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.‘15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to

whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. 16 ”The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ 17 “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ 18 ”The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’ 19 “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’ 20 ”Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21 I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’

路加福音19:11-23 众人正在听见这些话的时候 , 耶稣因为将近耶路撒冷 , 又因他们以为神的国快要显出来 , 就另设一个比喻 , 说 : 12有一个贵胄往远方去 , 要得国回来 , 13便叫了他的十个仆人来 , 交给他们十锭（锭 : 原文作弥拿约银十两）银子 , 说 : 你们去作生意 , 直等我回来 . 14他本国的人却恨他 , 打发使者随後去 , 说 : 我们不愿意这个人作我们的王 . 15他既得国回来 , 就吩咐叫那领银子的仆人来 , 要知道他们做生意赚了多少 . 16头一个上来 , 说 : 主阿 , 你的一锭银子已经赚了十锭 . 17主人说 : 好 ! 良善的仆人 , 你既在最小的事上有忠心 , 可以有权柄管十座城 . 18第二个来 , 说 : 主阿 ! 你的一锭银子 , 已经赚了五锭 . 19主人说 : 你也可以管五座城 . 20又有一个来说 : 主阿 , 看哪 , 你的一锭银子在这里 , 我把他包在手巾里存着 . 21我原是怕你 , 因为你是严厉的人 ; 没有放下的 , 还要去拿 ; 没有种下的 , 还要去收 . 22主人对他说 : 你这恶仆 , 我要凭你的口定你的罪 . 你既知道我是严厉的人 , 没有放下的 , 还要去拿 , 没有种下的 , 还要去收 , 23为甚麽不把我的银子交给银行 , 等我来的时候 , 连本带利都可以要回来呢 ?

What made the first two servants ”wise“ and ”faithful“?

是什么使前两个仆人”聪明“和”忠诚“?

Why was the 3rd servant considered ”lazy“ and ”wicked?“

为什么第三个仆人被认为是”懒惰的“和”恶劣的“?

Jesus took a practical application of wise money management and applied it spiritually to his church. What’s the spiritual point that he is making? Finish the statement: ”Just as a wise man invests the financial gifts that he has received, so…“

耶稣实际应用了聪明理财的比喻，并把它应用于教会的属灵意义上。他所表达的属灵的观点是什么？完成这个表述：”正如一个聪明人用他所得到的钱财进行投资，因此…“

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Money can assist in the spread of the gospel

金钱可以帮助传福音事工

The Jewish people took 10 percent off the top of their earnings to further God’s Kingdom in the Old Testament. We should also give to the church to send out missionaries, train teachers and oversee the work of the church.

在旧约中，犹太子民拿出自己收入中最好的10% 来建造神的国。我们也应该给教会奉献，用以差派传教士，

培训教师和管理教会事工。

Malachi 3:7-12 Ever since the time of your forefathers 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 to return?’ 8 ”Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ ”In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. 10 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 you will not have room enough for it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,“ says the Lord Almighty. 12 ”Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,“ says the Lord Almighty.

玛拉基书3:7-12万军之耶和华说 : 从你们列祖的日子以来 , 你们常常偏离我的典章而不遵守 . 现在你们要转向我 , 我就转向你们 . 你们却问说 : 我们如何才是转向呢 ? 8人岂可夺取神之物呢 ? 你们竟夺取我的供物 . 你们却说 : 我们在何事上夺取你的供物呢 ? 就是你们在当纳的十分之一和当献的供物上 . 9因你们通国的人都夺取我的供物 , 咒诅就临到你们身上 . 10万军之耶和华说 : 你们要将当纳的十分之一全然送入仓库 , 使我家有粮 , 以此试试我 , 是否为你们敞开天上的窗户 , 倾福与你们 , 甚至无处可容 . 11万军之耶和华说 : 我必为你们斥责蝗虫（原文是吞噬者） , 不容他毁坏你们的土产 . 你们田间的葡萄树在未熟之先也不掉果子 . 12万军之耶和华说 : 万国必称你们为有福的 , 因你们的地必成为喜乐之地 .

How had Israel ”robbed“ God?

以色列如何”夺取“神之物？

God promises to ”open the floodgates of heaven“ for his people. What is the basis of God for this particular promise?

神应许为他的子民”敞开天上的窗户“.对这个特别的应许，神要依据什么？

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2 Corinthians 9:7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

哥林多后书9:7各人要随本心所酌定的 , 不要作难 , 不要勉强 , 因为捐得乐意的人是神所喜爱的 .

What similar problems of the heart exist between the offerings of Old Testament believers and New Testament believers?

旧约的信徒和新约的信徒在奉献方面，他们内心存在什么相似的问题？

Money supports the work of ministry

金钱可以支持教会事工

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Numbers 18:21 I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the Tent of Meeting.

民数记18:21 凡以色列中出产的十分之一 , 我已赐给利未的子孙为业 ; 因他们所办的是会幕的事 , 所以赐给他们为酬他们的劳 .

1 Corinthians 9:13-14 Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

哥林多前书9:13-14你们岂不知为圣事劳碌的就吃殿中的物麽 ? 伺候祭坛的就分领坛上的物麽 ? 14主也是这样命定 , 叫传福音的靠着福音养生 .

What similarities exist between the operation of the Old Testament Church and the New Testament Church?

旧约教会与新约教会的运作上存在着什么相似之处？

What differences are there between the support of the Old Testament church leaders and the New Testament church leaders?

对旧约教会领袖的供养和对新约教会领袖的供养有什么区别？

A Model for Christian Giving

关于基督徒奉献的范例

1 Corinthians 16:1,2 Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

哥林多前书16:1,2论到为圣徒捐钱 , 我从前怎样吩咐加拉太的众教会 , 你们也当怎样行 . 2每逢七日的第一日 , 各人要照自己的进项抽出来留着 , 免得我来的时候现凑 .

What significance is there that Paul is encouraging the Christians at Corinth to give their offerings the same way he instructed the Galatian Christians to give （”Do what I told the Galatian churches to do“）？

保罗鼓励哥林多信徒按照他吩咐加拉太信徒那样去奉献（我从前怎样吩咐加拉太的众教会 , 你们也当怎样行 ,）这样做有什么重要性？

The four P’s to Christian giving …

对基督徒奉献的四个P’s…

Significance of 第一天的重要性…

first day…

Giving is a priority for the Christian because God made us his first priority when he sent us a Savior. It’s intentionally planned based on Biblical guidance, and not merely an after thought.

奉献对于基督徒是首要的，因为当神为我们差派一位救主时，他把我们作为他的首要。这是基于圣经的指导而精心策划的，不仅仅是一个随意的想法。

Significance of 每周的重要性…

every week…

Giving is predictable for the Christian because it will reflect a consistent pattern relative to the gifts each one has received.

奉献对基督徒来说是可预测的，因为它将反映与每个人所领受的恩赐相一致的奉献方式。

Significance of 每个人的重要性…

each one of you…

Giving is personal for the Christian because it’s an act of worship for every baptized child of God.

奉献对基督徒来说是个人的，因为它是神每个受洗的孩子的一种敬拜行为。

Significance of 与其收入一致的重要性…

in keeping with his income…

Giving is proportionate for the Christian because the amount is based on the percentage of what one receives.

对基督徒来说奉献额是成比例的，因为数额是根据信徒收入的百分比计算的。

Money can provide for families

金钱能供养家庭

1 Timothy 5:8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

提摩太前书5:8人若不看顾亲属 , 就是背了真道 , 比不信的人还不好 , 不看顾自己家里的人 , 更是如此 .

Why does the apostle Paul say that a Christian is worse than an unbeliever if he does not provide financial assistance to a relative that may be in need?

为什么使徒保罗说如果基督徒没有给需要帮助的亲属提供经济援助的话，他比不信的人还不好？

· The Bible expects Christians to help out their own families. Once we’ve done that, we can worry about helping others out as well.

· 圣经希望基督徒帮助他们的家人。一旦我们这样做后，我们也可以考虑帮助其他人。

Money can help the poor

金钱能够帮助穷人

Luke 3:10,11 ”What should we do then?“ the crowd asked. 11 John answered, ”The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.“

路加3:10,11众人问他说 : 这样 , 我们当作甚麽呢 ? 11约翰回答说 : 有两件衣裳的 , 就分给那没有的 ; 有食物的 , 也当这样行 .

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Money Crisis

金钱危机

Mark 7:21-23 For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.’”

马可7:21-23因为从里面 , 就是从人心里 , 发出恶念、苟合、 22偷盗、凶杀、奸淫、贪婪、邪恶、诡诈、淫荡、嫉妒、谤 ? 、骄傲、狂妄 . 23这一切的恶都是从里面出来 , 且能污秽人 .

Where do all money problems begin?

所有的金钱问题源自何处？

· Greed, like all other sins, is first a heart problem. Sadly, all humans are prone to greed because sin infects every area of our lives, including the area of generosity. We can see this inherent trait in the youngest of children to the oldest of adults. And the only remedy for a greedy heart is an open and honest admission to God that our hearts are at times selfish and greedy. After the admission of guilt is acknowledged, God would have us look to his grace in Jesus so that we might see in his blood the remission of the sin of greed. Then, and then only, can our hearts change from stingy hearts to generous hearts. Read the following…

· 贪婪，像所有其他的罪一样，首先是内心的问题。不幸的是，因为罪影响了我们生活的每个领域，包括在慷慨施舍方面，所以所有人都有贪婪的倾向。我们从最小的孩子身上到最年长的成人身上可以看到这种本性。医治一颗贪婪的心的唯一方法是对神坦白承认我们的心有时自私和贪婪。在神接受我们的认罪后，他使我们仰望籍着耶稣给我们的恩典，因此我们可以看见他的宝血赦免了我们贪婪的罪。然后，只有这样，我们吝啬的心才能变成慷慨的心。阅读以下经文…

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1 John 1:8-10 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

约翰一书1:8-10我们若说自己无罪 , 便是自欺 , 真理不在我们心里了 . 9我们若认自己的罪 , 神是信实的 , 是公义的 , 必要赦免我们的罪 , 洗净我们一切的不义 . 10我们若说自己没有犯过罪 , 便是以神为说谎的 , 他的道也不在我们心里了 .

What is God’s promise to the penitent sinner?

神对悔过的罪人的应许是什么？

2 Corinthians 8:7-9 But just as you excel in everything —in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

哥林多后书8:7-9你们既然在信心、口才、知识、热心 , 和待我们的爱心上 , 都格外显出满足来 , 就当在这慈惠的事上也格外显出满足来 . 8我说这话 , 不是吩咐你们 , 乃是藉着别人的热心试验你们爱心的实在 . 9你们知道我们主耶稣基督的恩典 : 他本来富足 , 却为你们成了贫穷 , 叫你们因他的贫穷 , 可以成为富足 .

How does a person “excel in the grace of giving”?

一个人怎样“在这慈惠的事上也格外显出满足来”?

How does verse 9 teach us the proper motivation to Christian giving?

第九节怎样教导我们基督徒奉献的正确动机？

In order for our giving to be prioritized, predictable, personal, & proportionate we have to allow the Scriptures to guide our giving and not the pattern of the world. Read the following…

为了我们的奉献能达到首要性，可预测性，个人性 ,成比例，我们要让圣经来指导我们奉献而不是按照世俗的式样。阅读以下经文…

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Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.

罗马书12:2不要效法这个世界 , 只要心意更新而变化 , 叫你们察验何为神的善良、纯全、可喜悦的旨意 .

Since all people are born inherently and intrinsically evil, then how often will the Christian need to “renew his mind”?

既然所有人天性邪恶，那么基督徒多长时间需要“更新他们的思想”?

How do we “renew our mind”?

我们怎样“更新我们的思想”?

God can replace greed with contentment

神能用满足代替贪婪

Psalm 119:32 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.

诗篇119:32 你开广我心的时候 , 我就往你命令的道上直奔 .

What is the Psalmist asking in this prayer?

诗篇作者在这个祷告中求告什么？

1 Timothy 6:7-10 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

提摩太前书6:7-10因为我们没有带甚麽到世上来 , 也不能带甚麽去 . 8只要有衣有食 , 就当知足 . 9但那些想要发财的人 , 就陷在迷惑、落在网罗和许多无知有害的私欲里 , 叫人沉在败坏和灭亡中 . 10贪财是万恶之根 . 有人贪恋钱财 , 就被引诱离了真道 , 用许多愁苦把自己刺透了

How will our attitude towards money be directly related to our giving towards God? （Think of the 4 “P’s” to giving）

我们对金钱的态度如何直接关系到我们对神的奉献？（考虑对于奉献的4个“P’s”）

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

希伯来书13:5你们存心不可贪爱钱财 , 要以自己所有的为足 ; 因为主曾说 : 我总不撇下你 , 也不丢弃你 .

How does lack of contentment correspond to a distrust in the promise of God which states: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”?

神的应许是：“我总不撇下你 , 也不丢弃你 .” 为什么不知足对应于不相信神的应许？

Philippians 4:10-13 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

腓立比书4:10-13我靠主大大的喜乐 , 因为你们思念我的心如今又发生 ; 你们向来就思念我 , 只是没得机会 . 11我并不是因缺乏说这话 ; 我无论在甚麽景况都可以知足 , 这是我已经学会了 . 12我知道怎样处卑贱 , 也知道怎样处丰富 ; 或饱足 , 或饥饿 ; 或有馀 , 或缺乏 , 随事随在 , 我都得了秘诀 . 13我靠着那加给我力量的 , 凡事都能做 .

· Circumstances in life rapidly change; financial wealth typically doesn’t occur over night, however, when the Christian learns the Christian art of contentment in both circumstances （want or plenty）， his return of thanksgiving to God might be more some years than others, but only due to the changes in his/her life. For instance raising a family verses children gone from the house or someone who just begins their career verses someone who has been working for several years. Christians who learn to give when their poor are more apt to give their possessions away when they are rich.

· 人一生中环境迅速改变；通常财富不会一夜之间产生。然而，当基督徒学习了在两种状况下（缺乏或富足）基督教的知足常乐之道，他对神感恩的奉献可能在某些年里比其他年要多，但只是由于他/她生活中的变化。比如说供养整个家庭和儿女已长大成人离开家之间的变化，或者一个人刚开始工作和他已经工作了几年之间的变化。在贫困时就学会奉献的基督徒在富裕起来后更愿意奉献自己的财物。

Giving is fun and giving is contagious

奉献是快乐的，奉献是有感染力的

Acts 2:44-47 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

使徒行传2:44-47信的人都在一处 , 凡物公用 ; 45并且卖了田产 , 家业 , 照各人所需用的分给各人 . 46他们天天同心合意恒切的在殿里 , 且在家中擘饼 , 存着欢喜、诚实的心用饭 , 47赞美神 , 得众民的喜爱 . 主将得救的人天天加给他们 .

What do you suppose “everything in common” means?

你认为“凡物公用”是什么意思？

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

歌罗西书3:15 又要叫基督的平安在你们心里作主 ; 你们也为此蒙召 , 归为一体 ; 且要存感谢的心 .

Why is the command to “be thankful” directly connected to the phrase, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts”?

为什么“要存感谢的心”这一命令直接和“要叫基督的平安在你们心里作主”这节经文相关连。

· It pleased God to send his Son; it pleased Jesus to bear the cross to reconcile us with his Father. Likewise, it pleases God’s children who have been bought by the blood of the Redeemer to express their thanksgiving to God with acts of kindness and generosity based on the biblical context of prioritized gifts; predictable gifts; personal gifts; and proportionate gifts.

· 差派爱子是神所喜悦的；背负十字架从而使我们与神和好是耶稣所喜悦的。同样，被耶稣基督的宝血赎回的神的儿女乐意基于圣经经文对于首要的奉献；可预测的奉献；个人的奉献；和按比例的奉献的教导 ,以善良和慷慨的行动向神表达感谢。

最后更新于 2013年6月27日星期四 15:59