3 月 13 日 预苦期第一周 星期四
(官佰佺荣誉会督 神恩堂)
经文-罗马书 8：8-13
8 而且属肉体的人不能得神的喜欢。 9 如果神的灵住在你们心里，你们就不属肉体，乃属圣灵了。人若没有基督的灵，就不是属基督的。 10 基督若在你们心里，身体就因罪而死，心灵却因义而活。 11 然而叫耶稣从死里复活者的灵若住在你们心里，那叫基督耶稣从死里复活的，也必借着住在你们心里的圣灵，使你们必死的身体又活过来。12 弟兄们，这样看来，我们并不是欠肉体的债，去顺从肉体活着。 13 你们若顺从肉体活着，必要死；若靠着圣灵治死身体的恶行，必要活着。
经文反思
罗马书 8：8-13 提醒我们靠肉体生活与靠圣灵生活之间的对比。保罗教导我们，按肉体生活的人不能得神的喜悦，而被圣灵引导的人却有生命和平安。预苦期是一个自我省察和灵性更新的季节，这段经文在四旬斋期间尤其有意义。
预苦期要求我们远离肉体的欲望--自私、骄傲和罪恶，拥抱圣灵的生命。通过禁食、祷告和爱的行动，我们向上帝改变的力量敞开自己。保罗向我们保证，如果上帝的灵居住在我们里面，我们就不再被罪捆绑，而是在基督里活了过来。这就是我们的希望：虽然罪会导致死亡，但圣灵会给我们永生。
在预苦期的旅程中，我们要反思是什么控制着我们的生活。我们是被世俗的欲望所驱使，还是屈服于圣灵的指引？这个四旬期为我们提供了一个机会，让我们放下那些使我们与上帝分离的东 西，拥抱耶稣所赐予的新生命。愿我们在圣灵中前行，在基督里找到更新与平安。
祷告
天父，感谢您赐予我们圣灵，使我们脱离罪的权势。当我们走过这个预苦期时，请帮助我们远
离肉体的欲望，走圣灵的道路。加强我们抵御诱惑的能力，用您的恩典更新我们的心灵。
主啊，就像您让耶稣从死里复活一样，请用同样的复活大能充满我们，让我们活在顺从和公义之中。每天改变我们，让我们反映出你的爱和圣洁。奉耶稣的名祷告。阿门。
应用
花时间反思罪在你生命中仍有影响力的地方。求神显明圣灵想要给你带来改变和医治的地方。
承认你的挣扎，将它们交托给神，相信祂的恩典。求主赐给你力量抵挡诱惑，赐给你智慧做出荣耀神的选择。圣灵是我们的引导者和帮助者，使我们有能力行在义中。通过祷告、圣经和顺服，我们可以战胜罪恶的欲望，在基督里成长。依靠神的大能，知道祂是信实的，会完成祂在你里面开始的工作。
13 March 2025 The Thursday in the First Week of Lent
(Bishop Emeritus Rev James Kwang Immanuel Methodist Church)
Scripture: Romans 8:8-13
8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
Reflections on the Scripture
Romans 8:8-13 reminds us of the contrast between living by the flesh and living by the Spirit. Paul teaches that those who live according to the flesh cannot please God, but those who are led by the Spirit have life and peace. This passage is especially meaningful during Lent, a season of self-examination and spiritual renewal.
Lent calls us to turn away from the desires of the flesh—selfishness, pride, and sin—and embrace the life of the Spirit. Through fasting, prayer, and acts of love, we open ourselves to God’s transforming power. Paul assures us that if the Spirit of God dwells in us, we are no longer bound by sin but made alive in Christ. This is the hope we hold onto: though sin leads to death, the Spirit gives us eternal life.
As we journey through Lent, we are invited to reflect on what controls our lives. Are we driven by worldly desires, or are we surrendering to the Spirit’s guidance? This season is an opportunity to let go of the things that separate us from God and embrace the new life that Jesus offers. May we walk in the Spirit, finding renewal and peace in Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit, who gives us life and sets us free from the power of sin. As we journey through this Lenten season, help us turn away from the desires of the flesh and walk in the way of the Spirit. Strengthen us to resist temptation and renew our hearts with Your grace.
Lord, just as You raised Jesus from the dead, fill us with the same resurrection power so that we may live in obedience and righteousness. Transform us each day to reflect Your love and holiness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Application
Take time to reflect on areas where sin still has a hold in your life. Ask God to reveal where the Holy Spirit wants to bring transformation and healing. Acknowledge your struggles and surrender them to Him, trusting in His grace. Pray for strength to resist temptations and the wisdom to make choices that honour God. The Holy Spirit is our guide and helper, empowering us to walk in righteousness. Through prayer, Scripture, and obedience, we can overcome sinful desires and grow in Christlikeness. Rely on God’s power, knowing He is faithful to complete the work He began in you.