呼召
Kia ora Gracecity. Wonder if you’ve ever seen this bumper sticker?
Gracecity的弟兄姐妹好。我想知道你们是否⻅过这种保险杠上的贴条？
Now we probably all agree that really isn’t the best measurement of a life well lived. That’s not really what life is all about. But that begs Q: what is life all about? What is our calling, purpose?
Why are we here?
现在我们可能都同意这并不是衡量⼀个⼈过得好不好的最好标准。这并不是⽣活的全部。但这就引出了问题:⽣命到底是什么?我们的呼召和⽬的是什么?我们为什么在这⾥?
We are in this series called “Resilient,” looking at NT letter called 1 Peter. Last two weeks looked at Our Destiny, future – where are we going? And Identity – Who am I? And when take 1st 2 Q’s, find Peter tells us that children of God, headed for amazing future and hope in new heavens and new earth. But raises this Question dealing with today – what about present. Why am I here, now? What’s calling, purpose?
我们这⼀系列讲道主题是“复原⼒”，我们着眼于新约的书信彼得前书。前两周我们着重了解我们的命运和未来——我们要去哪⾥?我们的身份——我是谁?当拿下前两个问题的时候，发现彼得告诉我们，神的孩⼦们，在新天新地奔向神奇的未来和希望。但也提出这个关于今天的问题-现在怎么样。为什么我现在在这⾥?我的呼召和⽬的是什么?
And that’s what Peter turns to next in letter. Answers’ that Q in next couple of verses, 1 Peter 2:11-12, and then next few paragraphs fleshes out in terms of what might look like diff. areas of life. So let’s look first at how Peter answers that Q in 1 Peter 2:11-12.
这就是彼得在信中接下来要讲的。在接下来的⼏节中回答了那个问题，彼得前书2章11-12节，然后接下来的⼏段，以不同的⽣活领域来具体描述。我们先来看彼得如何在彼得前书2:11-12回答那个问题。
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:11-12
亲爱的，你们是客旅，是寄居的，我劝你们要禁戒⾁体的情欲；这情欲是与灵魂争战的。 你们在外邦⼈中要品⾏端正，好让那些⼈，虽然毁谤你们是作恶的，会因看⻅你们的好⾏为⽽在鉴察的⽇⼦归荣耀给上帝。(彼得前书2:11-12)
Notice how Peter describes his friends reading letter – “foreigners and exiles.” Already called them “exiles” in opening greetings of letter in 1:1. Now adds to that. Talking about that sense they felt being on margins, ostracised for faith in Jesus, beginning to feel persecution and suffering for Jesus’ name.
注意彼得怎样描述读他信的朋友—“你们是客旅的，寄居的。”他在1章1节开篇的时候已经称呼他们为寄居的了。现在⼜在此基础上多加⼀条。他们感觉到⾃⼰在边缘，因信仰耶稣⽽被排斥，开始感到⾃⼰是为耶稣的名⽽被迫害和受苦。
Perhaps you hear those words, “foreigners and exiles,” and react against that. Don’t like idea of being on margins, pushed to side, seen as irrelevant. But wonder if we need to acknowledge that that’s increasingly true in society around us.
也许你听到这些词，“客旅的和寄居者”，并对此作出反应。不喜欢被边缘化，被排擠被视为⽆关紧要的想法。但不知道我们是否需要承认，在我们周围的社会中，这⼀点越来越正确。
In our own day it is becoming increasingly difficult to live as a Christian. It feels more and more that we
are exiles in a world we once called our own. Our culture seems to misunderstand us more and more, and to malign and mock us more and more. Juan Sanchez
在我们这个时代，做⼀个基督徒越来越难了。我们越来越觉得⾃⼰是这个世界的流亡者，这个世界曾经被我们称为⾃⼰的世界。我们的⽂化似乎对我们的误解越来越多，对我们的诽谤和嘲笑越来越多。胡安·桑切斯
So how should we respond to this sense of being ostracised, pushed aside due to faith and beliefs? How live on margins? Some years ago came across this great summary – 4 options:
那么，我们该如何回应这种因信仰⽽被排斥、被排擠的感觉呢?如何在被排斥的状态下⽣活?⼏年前我看到过这样⼀个总结——4种选择:
Fit in / Fight back / Opt out / Stand out
融⼊/反击/选择退出/脱颖⽽出
1. Fit in – means become like the world, adopt values & beliefs of society around us. Lower standards to fit in. But remember words from v.11 – “abstain from sinful desires” (v.11)
1. 融⼊——意味着变得像这个世界⼀样，接受我们周围社会的价值观和信仰。降低标准去适应。但是记住11节说的“禁戒邪情私欲”(11节)
2. Fight back – means attack the world. View society around us as enemy, engage in battle for soul of country, community, society. But notice what Peter said about our battle – “which wage war against your soul” (v.11). Jesus didn’t battle Roman empire; undermined it through character, lifestyle.
2. 反击——意思是攻击世界。视周围的社会为敌⼈，为国家、社区、社会的灵魂⽽战。但请注意彼得所说的关于我们的战⽃——“与灵魂为敌”(11节)。耶稣没有与罗⻢帝国作战;⽽是通过品格和⽣活⽅式来破坏它。
3. Opt out – just withdraw from the world. Leave society do down sewer, and set up own little Xian communities – own schools, own media, own businesses; don’t engage. But what Peter say v.12? “live good lives among the pagans” (v.12)
3.选择退出——退出这个世界。不管社会像下⽔道般污浊，建⽴⾃⼰⼩⼩的基督徒社区——⾃⼰的学校，⾃⼰的媒体，⾃⼰的企业;⽽不参与到社会中。但是在第12节彼得怎么说的？“在外邦⼈中要品⾏端正”(12节)
4. Stand out – live differently in the world, but remain in world, even if on margins, even if hated, misunderstood, persecuted. “That they see your good deeds and glorify God” (v.12)
4. 脱颖⽽出——以不同的⽅式⽣活在这个世界上，但仍然留在这个世界上，即使处于社会的边缘，即使被憎恨、误解、迫害。“叫他们看⻅你们的好⾏为⽽荣耀给上帝”(12节)
That final line – see our good deeds and praise God – probably Peter’s way of summarising what Jesus said in famous Sermon on Mount in Matt 5-7.
最后⼀句——看⻅我们的好⾏为⽽荣耀给上帝——可能是彼得总结耶稣在⻢太福⾳5-7章著名的登⼭宝训中所说的话的⽅式。
You are the salt of the earth…
You are the light of the world…
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16
“你们是地上的盐…
你们是世上的光…
⼈点灯，不放在⽃底下，⽽是放在灯台上，就照亮⼀家的⼈。 你们的光也要这样照在⼈前，叫他们看⻅你们的好⾏为，把荣耀归给你们在天上的⽗。”(⻢太福⾳5:13-16)
This is our calling as followers of Jesus – to not just fit in, or fight back, or opt out – but to stand out, to be different, and allow God to use that difference to draw people to Himself.
这就是我们作为耶稣追随者的呼召——不只是融⼊、反击或选择退出——⽽是要脱颖⽽出，与众不同，让神利⽤这种不同来吸引⼈归向他⾃⼰。
See in v.12 Peter says, “though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds…”
Pastor and author Chuck Swindoll, president of seminary when I studied there, wrote:
看到12节彼得说:“虽然毁谤你们是作恶的，会看⻅你们的好⾏为。(彼得前书2:12)……”
牧师兼作家查克·斯温多尔(Chuck Swindoll)曾在我就读时担任神学院院⻓，他写道:
The most convincing defense (against slander) is the silent integrity of our character. Chuck Swindoll
(对诽谤)最有⼒的防御是保持沉默的正直品格。查克·斯温多尔
So Peter calls us to not fit in, or fight back, or opt out. Instead, called to stand out through character, lifestyle, good deeds, kindness, generosity. And what just done is told us how to live on margins. This is our calling; this is our mission.
所以彼得叫我们不要融⼊，或者反击，或者退出。相反，通过性格、⽣活⽅式、好⾏为、良善、慷慨来脱颖⽽出。⽽所做的这些是告诉我们怎样⽣活在边缘地带。这是我们的呼召;这是我们的使命。
Why am I here? I am here to live a good life for God – secure in my identity in Jesus, sure of my future hope – so that I point people to Jesus. This is Peter’s key idea:
我为什么在这⾥?我在这⾥为神⽽做品⾏端正的⼈——在耶稣⾥的身份中有安全感，对未来的希望有信⼼——这样我就能把⼈们指向耶稣。这是彼得的核⼼观点:
I AM HERE TO BE A SIGNPOST OF GRACE
POINTING PEOPLE TO JESUS
我在这⾥是来做⼀个恩典的路标的
将⼈们引向耶稣
So don’t fight back, attacking people for having different values than you, or society around us.
所以不要反击，攻击那些与你有不同价值观的⼈，或是我们周遭的社会。
Don’t opt out, and just decide to have nothing to do with broken or sinful people – Jesus didn’t do that
不要选择退出，只是决定与破碎或有罪的⼈⽆关-耶稣没有那样做
Don’t fit in, just adopting the values and beliefs of people far from God.
不要融⼊，只是接受远离上帝的⼈的价值观和信仰
Hold on to biblical teaching, love people around you, disagree with grace, and let words, example, character, lifestyle, kindness – point people to Jesus. That’s our calling
坚持圣经的教导，爱你周围的⼈，⽤恩典来表明你不同意世界的做法，⽤⾔语、榜样、性格、⽣活⽅式、良善——将⼈们指向耶稣。这是我们的呼召。
So how do we do that? Well, that’s Peter explains in next 3 paragraphs. Going put very practical, and talk about what needs to look like in real life.
那么我们怎么做呢?彼得在接下来的三段中解释了这⼀点。⾮常实⽤，谈到在现实⽣活中应该是什么样⼦。
So in vv.13-17, tell us what this means in World, particularly with gov’t
所以在13-17节，告诉我们在世界中这意味着什么，尤其对于政府
Then in vv.18-25, explain what meant for slaves in Roman empire, which speaks to Workplace for us
然后在18-25节，解释了作为罗⻢帝国的奴⾪这意味着什么，让我们知道在⼯作岗位如何做
Finally, in 3:1-7, going to talk about Home, focusing on marriage relationship
最后，在3章1-7节，将会谈到家庭，专注在婚姻关系
And the key word at start of each section is word “Submit.” Not a word that we generally like in today’s world. We’re all about standing up for rights; not being used by others; standing our ground. And sometimes that’s right course of action to take. But generally, followers of Jesus called to submit.
每个部分开头的关键词是"顺服"。在当今世界，我们通常不喜欢这个词。我们都在争取权利;不被别⼈使⽤;站在我们的⽴场。有时这是正确的⾏动路线。但总的来说，耶稣的追随者们被呼召要顺服。
Word in Greek language means “to place yourself under” someone else. Means choosing to take lowly position, the place of servant. Word that has connotations of humility.
”submit“这个词在希腊语中的意思是“把⾃⼰放在别⼈之下“。意思是选择低下的位置，仆⼈的位置。是有谦卑含义的词。
Three key things about submission that need to be stressed:
关于服从，有三点需要强调:
1. It’s voluntary. Word means you place yourself under; you choose the lowly position. Not, that you’ve forced to serve someone, or you force someone else to submit. Voluntary action of taking humble, lowly place.
1. 这是⾃愿的。意味着你把⾃⼰放在下⾯;你选择了较低的位置。不是说你被强迫服侍别⼈，或者你强迫别⼈服从。是⾃愿接受卑微、低下的地位。
2. More about attitude than anything else. Impacts actions – what we do – but think Peter is going after attitudes more than anything. more about how we approach life and relationships than whatexactly we might do.
2.态度⽐什么都重要。我们的态度影响我们的⾏为——我们所做的——但我认为彼得追求的是态度，⽽不是其他。更多的是关于我们如何对待⽣活和⼈际关系，⽽不是我们究竟会做什么。
3. Includes all of us. If you are follower of Jesus, you called to humbly serve others; to take the low position; to look out for the needs of other people. And because this attitude is so counter-cultural, key way of pointing people to Jesus in world live in.
3.它包括我们所有⼈。如果你是耶稣的追随者，你被呼召去谦卑地服事别⼈;处于低位，关⼼他⼈的需求。因为这种态度是反主流⽂化的，是指引⼈们认识耶稣的关键⽅式。
So firstly, Peter says we are to be signposts in society, in our world, in relation to gov’t.
所以⾸先，彼得说我们要成为社会的路标，在我们的世界⾥，与政府相关的路标。
Point people to Jesus in the world, as a respectful citizen (2:13-17)
在世界上将⼈引向耶稣，做⼀个尊敬他⼈的公⺠(2:13-17)
Listen to verses 13-15:
请听13-15节:
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 1 Peter 2:13-15
你们为主的缘故要顺服⼈的⼀切制度，或是在上的君王， 或是君王所派惩恶赏善的官员。 因为上帝的旨意原是要你们以⾏善来堵住糊涂⽆知⼈的⼝。 (彼得前书2:13-15)
We’ve just come through really tough couple of years of global pandemic, and feels like in many parts of world, inc. NZ, more division in society than ever. As look forward, facing more pressures economically, with cost of living rises, house prices falling, interest rates rising, fuel costs going nuts….
我们刚刚度过了全球疫情的艰难岁⽉，感觉在世界许多地⽅，在新⻄兰很多公司，社会⽐以往任何时候都更分裂。展望未来，经济上⾯临更多压⼒，⽣活成本上升，房价下跌，利率上升，油价疯狂....
And political discussion and debate in middle of all that, become I think more brutal, more partisan, more hurtful, more angry.
在这中间的政治讨论和辩论，我认为会变得更残酷、更党派化、更伤⼈、更愤怒。
How should we engage in that context? Well, Peter calls us to submit to human authority or government; to place ourselves under our government with humility and respect. That means as we engage in debate and discussion about issues in our country and society, we engage with humility and respect.
我们应该如何参与其中?彼得要求我们服从⼈类权威或政府;以谦卑和尊重的态度把⾃⼰置于政府之下。这意味着，当我们就我们国家和社会的问题进⾏辩论和讨论时，我们要保持谦卑和尊重。
So doesn’t mean just fit in, and yell at everyone who yells at us in capital letters on social media.
所以，这并不是说要随⼤流，去咒骂在社交媒体上⽤⼤写字⺟对我们咒骂的⼈。
We don’t fight back, making personal attacks on political or civic leaders.
我们不会反击，对政治或⺠间领袖进⾏⼈身攻击。
And don’t opt out, and just pull away so that there’s never a Xian voice engaging in civic discussions.
不要选择退出，直接离开，这样就不会有基督徒的声⾳参与公⺠讨论。
It means stand out through attitude, humility, kindness, respect.
它意味着通过态度、谦卑、良善和尊重⽽脱颖⽽出。
That’s how Peter summarises this paragraph:
这就是彼得总结这段话的⽅式
Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor. 1 Peter 2:17
务要尊重众⼈；要敬爱教中的弟兄姊妹；要敬畏上帝；要尊敬君王。(彼得前书2:17)
And by the way, the emperor that Peter was writing about in his letter, was infamous Nero. The emperor who would soon begin persecuting Xians; the guys who threw brothers and sisters to lions; who burned followers of Jesus as living torches in his garden outside Rome. And Peter said, show respect.
顺便说⼀下，彼得在信中提到的君王，就是臭名昭著的尼禄。他是即将开始迫害基督徒的君王;把弟兄姐妹扔给狮⼦的⼈;是在罗⻢郊外的花园⾥把耶稣的追随者当作⽕把焚烧的⼈。彼得说，要尊重他。
So what that means is that regardless of whether you think Jacinda is wonderful, or she’s absolutely horrendous, we are to respect and honour her. That means the way we talk about her to friends, colleagues; the way we express our views on social media; what we choose to share and what don’t.
所以这意味着不管你认为杰⾟达总理是好是坏，我们都要尊重她，尊敬她。这意味着我们和朋友、同事谈论她的⽅式;我们在社交媒体上表达观点的⽅式;我们选择分享什么，不分享什么。
We are to stand out in this divisive, bitter culture as we engage as respectful, submissive citizens.
我们要在这个分裂、痛苦的⽂化中以尊重、顺从的公⺠身份参与进来⽽脱颖⽽出。
Now, does this mean we never oppose government, or disagree with those in power? Not at all? Does mean no place for civil disobedience; that just obey all laws, even if completely immoral? Not at all. When gov’t acts in a way that is contrary to Word of God, our responsibility to say ‘No.’ But even then, with respect, humility, just like Daniel in OT.
这是否意味着我们永远不反对政府，不反对当权者?⼀点都不能?意味着没有⾮暴⼒反抗的地⽅;遵守所有法律，即使完全不道德?⼀点都不能。当政府以⼀种违背上帝话语的⽅式⾏事时，我们有责任说“不”。但即便如此，带着尊重和谦卑，就像旧约中的但以理⼀样。
We have a right – and even actually a responsibility in a democracy – to play our part in the democratic process. That means we vote and engage and talk – and sometimes we protest and make submissions and even stand for positions of government.
在⼀个⺠主国家，我们有权利——甚⾄实际上有责任——在⺠主进程中发ഀ我们的作⽤。这意味着我们投票、参与和讨论——有时我们抗议、提交意⻅，甚⾄代表政府的⽴场。
But it’s about HOW we do all of those things. Submission is primarily our attitude – are lowering ourselves and taking humble place or not. Submission is about our attitude, our demeanour, our words and how respectful we are to others.
但这是关于我们如何做所有这些事情。顺服主要是我们的态度——是否降低⾃⼰，是否谦卑。顺服指的是我们的态度、我们的举⽌、我们的⾔语以及我们对他⼈的尊重程度。
One of hardest places to practice this is social media. Sad thing is, that over the last year or so, ended up snoozing about dozen friends on Facebook because how engaged in debate with people. And wasn’t what they said; how they said it. And tragedy – all of them were followers of Jesus.
最难实践的地⽅之⼀就是社交媒体。可悲的是，在过去的⼀年多⾥，在Facebook上屏蔽了很多朋友，因为⼤家都在争论。不是因为他们说了什么;是因为他们说话的态度⽅式。可悲的是——他们都是耶稣的追随者。
So whatever your views on politics; whichever way you lean and vote; whatever colour you wave at the next election; point people to Jesus in HOW you do that. Be a signpost of grace that stands out.
所以不管你的政治观点是什么;⽆论你倾向或投票与哪⼀边;⽆论你在下次选举中选择什么颜⾊；⽤你做事的⽅式将⼈们引向耶稣。做⼀个脱颖⽽出的恩典的路标
Peter then jumps into another part of life – work or employment.
然后，彼得进⼊了⽣活的另⼀领域——⼯作或就业。
Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 1 Peter 2:18-19
你们作奴仆的，凡事要存敬畏的⼼顺服主⼈；不但顺服善良温和的，就是乖僻的也要顺服。 倘若你们为使良⼼对得起上帝，忍受冤屈的痛苦，这是可赞许的。 (彼得前书2:18-19)
Many people that Peter wrote to were slaves. Slavery was incredibly common – maybe third of people across empire in that place. Also little different to images we may have of slavery in American South.
彼得写信的对象很多都是奴⾪。当时奴⾪制⾮常普遍，⼤概占整个帝国⼈⼝的三分之⼀。这和我们想象中的美国南部的奴⾪制也没什么不同。
Not racially driven; generally economic. Often buy freedom, which early Christians encouraged, often helped. Slaves often incredibly well-trained and skilled – occupations such as doctors, nurses, teachers, writers, editors, accountants, lawyers, salespeople, overseers or managers, secretaries, sea-captains.
Very similar occupations to many of us today.
不是种族驱动的;是普遍的经济。通常可以买到⾃由，这是早期基督徒⿎励的，也有帮助。奴⾪们通常训练有素，技能⾼超——诸如医⽣、护⼠、教师、作家、编辑、会计、律师、销售⼈员、监⼯或经理、秘书、船⻓等职业。
和我们今天很多⼈的职业很相似。
At same time, though, slaves still considered property. Could still beaten, hurt, even abused. Which why early Xians did best to encourage and even purchase freedom. But how should followers of Jesus live who were slaves? Well, Peter answers using same word – submit. Voluntarily place yourself under in humility. Take attitude of humble service.
然⽽，与此同时，奴⾪仍然被认为是财产。仍然会被殴打，伤害，甚⾄虐待。这就是为什么早期的基督徒极⼒⿎励甚⾄购买⾃由的原因。但是，耶稣的追随者作为奴⾪应该如何⽣活呢?彼得⽤同样的词回答，顺服。主动让⾃⼰处于谦卑之下。以谦卑的服务态度。
See, slave could opt out and run away, but against the law and dangerous.
奴⾪可以选择退出并逃跑，但这是违法的，⽽且很危险。
Slave could fight back and beat up or kill owner, but Rome really harsh on that.
奴⾪可以反击，殴打或杀死奴⾪主，但罗⻢对此很严厉。
Could just fit in, and do what other slaves probably did – bare minimum, sloppy work; bad attitude
能够融⼊社会，做其他奴⾪可能做的事情——最少的，草率的⼯作;坏的态度
Or they could stand out, as exemplary examples of hard workers who worked with respect, humility.
或者他们也可以脱颖⽽出，成为在尊重和谦卑中努⼒⼯作的模范。
Now we don’t have slavery in NZ society, although it still exists in frightening degrees around world, and Xians should engage with ministries or organisations working to free people from modern slavery. But we do work in similar occupations in workplaces of all kinds. So Peter would say:
现在新⻄兰社会没有奴⾪制，尽管它在世界各地仍然以可怕的程度存在，基督徒应该与致⼒于将⼈们从现代奴役中解放出来的事⼯或组织接触。但我们确实在各种⼯作场所从事类似的职业。所以彼得会说
Point people to Jesus in the workplace, as a model employee (2:18-25)
在⼯作场所将⼈们引向耶稣，做⼀个模范员⼯(2:18-25)
So does the way you work point people to Jesus?
那么，你的⼯作⽅式是否将⼈们引向耶稣?
Does your attitude in your place help stand apart from others?
你的态度能让你脱颖⽽出吗?
Do you voluntarily place yourself beneath others, and take humble path? Choose to serve others?
你是否⾃愿将⾃⼰置于他⼈之下，并选择谦卑的道路?选择服侍他⼈?
Or do you opt out, and do the bare minimum?
或者你选择退出，只做最低限度的⼯作?
Or do you fight back, and undermine the boss or fellow employee behind back?
或者你会反击，在背后诋毁⽼板或同事吗?
Or do you just fit in, and adopt the same casual don’t-care attitude as others?
或者你只是随⼤流，和别⼈⼀样采取漫不经⼼的态度?
See, invitation of Peter is to walk into work tomorrow with this calling:
看，彼得的邀请是明天带着这样的呼召去⼯作:
I AM HERE TO BE A SIGNPOST OF GRACE
POINTING PEOPLE TO JESUS
我在这⾥是来做⼀个恩典的路标的
将⼈们引向耶稣
Finally, Peter says, point people to Jesus not just in the world as a respectful citizen, and in the workplace
as a model employee, but in the home as a selfless spouse.
最后，彼得说，将⼈们引向耶稣不仅是在世界上做⼀个尊重他⼈的公⺠，在⼯作场所做⼀个模范
员⼯，也要在家⾥做⼀个⽆私的配偶。
Point people to Jesus in the home, as a selfless spouse (3:1-7)
在家⾥做⽆私的配偶，将⼈们引向耶稣(3:1-7)
Look at what he writes in 3:1-4:
看看他在3章1-4节写了什么
Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behaviour of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewellery or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:1-4
同样，你们作妻⼦的，要顺服⾃⼰的丈夫，这样，即使有不信从道理的丈夫，也会因妻⼦的品⾏，并⾮⾔语，⽽感化过来， 因为看⻅了你们敬虔纯洁的品⾏。 你们不要藉外表来妆饰⾃⼰，如编头发，戴⾦饰，穿美丽的⾐裳等， ⽽要有蕴藏在⼈内⼼不衰退的美，以温柔娴静的⼼妆饰⾃⼰；这在上帝⾯前是极宝贵的。 (彼得前书3:1-4)
Now, these verses have sparked huge debate and wrong thinking, and sadly even abuse and misogyny, when shouldn’t. Peter is simply saying the same thing for the third time, about a different sphere of life. We’ve been called to submit as citizens to our gov’t, and engage with honour and respect.
现在，这些经节引发了巨⼤的争论和错误的想法，可悲的是，甚⾄是虐待和厌⼥，当不应该。彼得只是第三次说了同样的话，关于⽣活的另⼀个领域。作为公⺠，我们被要求顺服我们的政府，以荣誉和尊重参与其中。
Been called to submit as employees and workers, attitude of service and humility, hard work.
被呼召以员⼯和⼯⼈的⻆⾊顺服，以服事和谦卑的态度，努⼒⼯作。
Now called to submit in marriage and relationships; voluntarily lower selves in humility and service.
现在被呼召在婚姻和关系中顺服;主动在谦卑和服事中降低⾃⼰。
But this is wives! What about husbands?? Actually, it’s all of us – husbands and wives. Look v.7.
但这是说妻⼦！丈夫呢? ?事实上，是我们所有⼈，丈夫和妻⼦。看第7节。
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3:7
同样，你们作丈夫的，要按情理跟妻⼦共同⽣活，体贴⼥性是⽐较软弱的器⽫；要尊重她，因为她也与你⼀同承受⽣命之恩。这样，你们的祷告就不会受阻碍。(彼得前书3:7)
Notice that opening phrase? “In the same way,” which in context is referencing this continual call to submission. And in patriarchal culture that Peter was writing in, that was revolutionary. Men, husbands, held all the power. Women were treated like chattel, property. But for a wife to be voluntarily humbling herself and serving her husband, and at the same time a believing husband was lowering himself to love and serve his wife – that would have been absolutely mind-blowing in ancient world. And still incredibly incredibly rare and powerful today!
注意到开头的短语了吗?“以同样的⽅式”，在语境中指的是对顺服的持续呼召。在彼得所处的男权⽂化中，这是⾰命性的。男⼈，丈夫，掌握着所有的权⼒。妇⼥被视为动产和财产。但是对于⼀个妻⼦来说，⾃愿地谦卑⾃⼰，服侍她的丈夫，同时⼀个有信仰的丈夫降低⾃⼰的身份去爱和服侍他的妻⼦，这在古代是绝对令⼈兴奋的。直到今天仍然⾮常⾮常罕⻅和有⼒!
And by way, this can be true regardless of your living situation.
So if living at home with parents, you can submit; humble yourself, choose to serve.
In flatting situation, can do same.
顺便说⼀句，不管你的⽣活状况如何，这都是真的。
所以如果你和⽗⺟住在⼀起，你可以顺服;谦卑⾃⼰，选择服侍。
在平常情况下，也可以这样做
See, what Peter trying to show in this part of letter, is this our calling in every sphere and part of life – stand out because of character, kindness, compassion, commitment, integrity – point people to Jesus.
看，彼得在信的这⼀部分想要表明的是，我们在⽣活的每⼀个领域和部分都被呼召——因为品格、良善、怜悯、承诺、正直⽽脱颖⽽出——把⼈们引到耶稣那⾥。
I AM HERE TO BE A SIGNPOST OF GRACE
POINTING PEOPLE TO JESUS
我在这⾥是来做⼀个恩典的路标的
将⼈们引向耶稣
See, this what Peter’s going for – in his world, people looked out for themselves. They were selfish.
看，这就是彼得想要的，在他的世界⾥，⼈们只关⼼⾃⼰。他们是⾃私的。
So when these followers of Jesus who were on margins, and mocked and ridiculed, when they started living these kinds of lives, people took notice.
所以当这些处于边缘的被嘲笑和讥讽的耶稣的追随者，当他们开始过这样的⽣活时，⼈们就会注意到他们。
This was different. These followers weren’t just fitting in and going with crowd.
这是不同的。这些追随者不是选择融⼊，随波逐流。
They weren’t fighting back when maligned or ridiculed; humbly serving their enemies.
当受到诽谤或嘲笑时，他们不会反击;谦卑地服侍敌⼈。
And weren’t opting out and moving away; engaging with others and caring for broken.
也没有选择退出，离开;⽽是与他⼈交往，关⼼受伤的⼈。
And because of that, they stood out; they were signposts of grace, pointing people to Jesus.
正因为如此，他们脱颖⽽出;它们是恩典的路标，指引⼈们⾛向耶稣。
And this is our calling too – as signposts of grace, pointing people to Jesus.
这也是我们的呼召——作为恩典的路标，指引⼈们⾛向耶稣。
So as finish, want ask 2 Q’s:
所以作为结尾，要问两个问题:
1. Is there area / sphere / part of life, not doing great job pointing people to Jesus?
There part of life when tended to fit in rather than be different? Or fight back when should humbly served? Or opted out instead staying engaged? What God whispering to you?
1.在⽣命的某个领域/部分，是否没有很好地指引⼈们⾛向耶稣? ⽣活的某⼀部分你是否倾向于融⼊⽽不是与众不同?或者在应该谦卑服侍的时候选择反击?或者选择退出⽽不是保持参与?上帝在对你窃窃私语什么?
2. Is there part of life doing this well? Can look back over last few days, last week, and think of circumstance where did honour God, lower yourself, point people to Jesus. Thank Him. 这是⽣活的
2.有⽣活的哪⼀部分你做的很好吗?可以回顾过去的⼏天，上个星期，想想你荣耀主，放低⾃⼰，将⼈引向耶稣的情形。感谢他。
And as go into week ahead – social media this afternoon, engaging family tonight, heading workplace tomorrow – take this mindset with you – this image of sign.
接下来的⼀周——今天下午在社交媒体，今晚与家⼈相处，明天领导⼯作——带着这种⼼态——这个路标的形象。
Signposts of grace, pointing people to Jesus.
恩典的路标，指引⼈们⾛向耶稣。
