Bible study:Exodus 17:8-16
How long after you became a Christian, did you discover you still had problems and temptations? Was it a shock to you to find you had an enemy, Satan? The people of Israel had to learn this truth, too.
Israel had left Egypt about a month before this story took place. Now suddenly they discovered that not all their enemies were left behind in Egypt. Here is one who opposed them in the very road God had planned they should take.
Notice the points in the story:
- ConflictThe Amalekites were descended from Esau. They were tribes people who controlled that area. At first they attacked only stragglers (see Deuteronomy 25:17-18). Now they opened attacked the whole nation.
Amalek tried to stop God's people going on their way. In this, Amalek represents the flesh, our old sinful nature which tries to stop God's people going on their way. In this, Amalek represents the flesh, our old sinful nature which tries to stop us going on with God. - IntercessionHow was Amalek to be met and conquered? By claiming God's power over the enemy. Moses held up the rod, symbol of God's power and presence, and without doubt, he was praying at the same time. This is what Christ is doing for us now. It is his present ministry for us (Hebrews 7:25).
But Moses was only human and he soon became tired (v.12). He needed someone like Aaron and Hur to stand along-side him. We can be greatly helped day by day those who stand with us in daily prayer for us. - VictoryIsrael was victorious that day. Later they tried to flight Amalek in their own strength and were defeated. God's strength is given in answer to believing prayer. Only as we stand in this strength can we even win against our enemies today. Dare we begin to really learn that truth?
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读经：出埃及记十七章8至16节
你成了基督徒之后的多久，才发现自己仍会遇上各色各样的问题和试探？当你知道有一个敌人──撒但──在往后的日子，将会不断伺机来攻击你，你是否感到很震惊？昔日的以色列人同样要经历一个过程，才逐渐领悟这个真理。
今天读到的片段，是在以色列人离开埃及大约一个月后发生。他们此刻才突然发觉，他们的敌人原来不单是只最初追赶他们的埃及人；在神带领他们途经的路上，他们还会遇到其他的敌人。
请留意事件的重点：争战 亚玛力人是以扫的后裔。他们的部族一直占领和管辖那个地区。他们最初只会袭击一些流兵散将（参申二十五17-18），但如今，他们却公然攻击一个国家。
亚玛力人要阻挡神的百姓前进。在属灵的?畴里，亚玛力人代表了我们肉体中的罪性，它总是要想尽办法来阻挡我们与神同行。
祷告 以色列人凭着什么来与敌人争战，并将他们打败呢？他们乃是倚靠神的能力。当摩西拿着神的杖举手，就代表着神的能力与他们同在。摩西当然是在众民与敌争战的当儿，不住地向神祈求，求神帮助他们得胜。如今在天上的基督，也做着相同的工作：他正不断为在地上争战的信徒向神代求（参来七25）。
然而，摩西始终是人，他举手不久便感到疲惫难支（12节）。他要亚伦和户珥站在他两旁托住他的双手。同样地，我们也极之需要其他信徒站在我们身旁，不住地用祷告来托住我们。
- 胜利 以色列人终获全胜。可是，他们后来却仗倚自己的力量来与亚玛力人争战，结果大败。我们只有凭着信心的祷告，才能得着神所赐的力量。而且，我们亦只有靠着神的能力，才可以胜过我们的敌人。我们愿意学习这真理，懂得在祷告中支取神的能力，来应付生活中的大小争战吗？
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