BOOK REVIEW SERIES: PART 2 OF 3

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)

In Volume Two of his magnum opus known as The Spiritual Man, Chinese Christian evangelist, author, and martyr Watchman Nee lays out for us the foundational points of spiritual life and what it looks like to “walk after the Spirit,” exhorting us to test the spirits, and to weigh everything we sense in spirit, soul, and body against the teachings of the Bible. 

“The Holy Spirit,” he says, “never moves the prophets of old to write in one way and then move us today in another way.” (The Dangers of Spiritual Life p. 141). Nee’s descriptions help believers understand the operation of the spirit. “Nothing is more vital to the Christian life than to walk daily after the spirit… This is a moment by moment affair from which there can be no relaxing.” (The Dangers of Spiritual Life, p. 129). Nee also describes the absolute necessity of a believer to maintain a “responsible spirit,” and a spirit of “resistance” against enemy attacks.

Basing his teaching on the necessity of revelation through the Holy Spirit – which must coincide and harmonize with the revelation of the Holy Spirit in Scripture – and the dispersal of God’s light and truth into the believers spirit by way of the Holy Spirit, Nee describes the necessity of a well-developed intuition in order to walk steadily after the spirit without any interference from the outside. He points out the necessity of maintaining the right condition in our spirits, as well as “a positive forward-propelling heart.”

But how do we do this? We must first distinguish between the “spiritual” and the “soulical” parts of our being, and then learn to apply the laws of the spirit. “When thinking,” Nee says in his book, “[believers] should recognize the source of their thought; in feeling, they should detect the direction from which such feeling comes; and in working, they should be clear as to what strength they use. Only thus can they follow the spirit.” (The Dangers of Spiritual Life, p. 131).

Nee explains the harmful effects of indulging self-consciousness. It is “most harmful,” he explains, “since it causes us to focus upon ourselves and thereby enhance the growth of the self life… Harmful self-examination revolves around one’s own success or defeat, stimulating attitudes of self-pride or self-pity. Profitable analysis searches only the source of one’s thought, feeling or desire. God wishes us to be delivered from self-consciousness, but at the same time He certainly does not intend for us to live on earth as people without intelligent awareness.” (The Dangers of Spiritual Life, p. 131). “What every truly born-again person should rely on for living is the life of the spirit. If we are willing to be taught, we shall know what is our spiritual sense.” (p. 132). 

In Volume 2 of The Spiritual Man – which we will explore here in Part 2 of this Book Review Series – Nee gives readers detailed analysis’ to questions such as:

• What are the definitions and functions unique to Intuition, Communion, and Conscience?
• In walking after the Spirit, what is “the way of the cross”?
• What are “The Laws of the Spirit,” and how can believers apply them?
• Why is it so essential that believers rely with utter dependance upon the Holy Spirit in understanding spiritual truth in the Scriptures?
• Must the believer “experience everything” for himself, or can he “bypass part of the pathway” to holiness – does a bit of knowledge “insure” us against defeat – or is it faithfulness to the Lord alone that can help us “avoid many unnecessary defeats”?
• In understanding The Laws of the Spirit, what are the marks of “Weights on the Spirit,” “Blockage of the Spirit,” “Poisoning of the Spirit,” “Sinking of the Spirit,” “Burdens of the Spirit,” “Ebbing of the Spirit,” “Irresponsibility of the Spirit,” and what are the steps believers can take to immediately deal with them, and claim victory and embrace the freedom and sweetness of a light, airy spirit that accompanies the strengthening of the Holy Spirit within them?
• Why is defeat inevitable whenever a believer fails to guard his spirit?
• What are the Principles of the Mind Aiding the Spirit, how do Mind and Spirit cooperate, and how can “praying with the mind” while engaging in spiritual warfare actually activate the spirit?
• How can the mind become the “nurse of the weak spirit,” and why should the motive of mental work be to serve the spirit?
• What is the function of Emotion – and is there a difference between Emotion and Inspiration?
• What are the beautiful marks that accompany “A Contrite Spirit,” a “Broken Spirit,” “An Afflicted Spirit,” “A Lowly Spirit,” those who are “Poor in Spirit,” “A Gentle Spirit,” “A Fervent Spirit,” “A Cool Spirit,” “A Joyful Spirit,” “A Spirit of Power,” “A Quiet Spirit,” “Newness of Spirit,” “A Holy Spirit,” “A Strong Spirit,” “A Spirit of Grace and Rapture” – and how can we pray in the spirit with understanding in order to receive such unspeakable gifts from the Lord Jesus?

In Part Four and Five of Volume II, Nee delves into such topics as The Holy Spirit and the Believer’s Spirit, Prayer and Warfare, Intuition, Communion with the Lord, and the workings and function of man’s Conscience, its impact on man’s spiritual life, and how to distinguish the voice of conscience apart from the voice of Satan—the accuser. 

In his Analysis of the Spirit, Nee says, “We ought to understand that numerous outer failures stem from the failure of the inner spirit… What the Lord is especially concerned with in the Christian is not his outer man, the soul, but his inner man, the spirit. No matter how highly developed our outer man may be, if this inner component of ours is abnormal, our whole walk shall go askew… A hard and haughty spirit always impedes the way of obedience. But when the cross is working deeply a believer comes to know himself. He realizes how undependable are his ideas, feelings and desires… except we sense our helplessness we shall never trust in God… God needs a lowly man to express His virtue. How can a proud man hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and then cooperate with God?” (p. 172, 174-175 The Normalcy of the Spirit).

In teaching on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Nee points out: “Broadly speaking, a Christian who has not yet experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit is rather vague about the reality of the spiritual realm. He is like the servant of Elisha whose eyes were closed to that sphere. He may receive instructions from the Bible, yet his understanding is confined to the mind because he still lacks revelation in his spirit.” (p. 55 Prayer and Warfare). Nee’s explanation harmonizes with the words of Christ in John 3:3, 5-6: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God… Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” 

In evaluating the normalcy of the spirit, Nee points out the necessity of maintaining a contrite and broken spirit before the Lord (Psalm 51:16-17 and Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2) as well as cultivating a lowly, poor, and gentle spirit before men, and a fervent, joyful, holy, and strong spirit in performing the work of God. Nee points out that in life, communication, and service, “The Holy Spirit alone can grant us the strength required by the inner man.”

Nee paints for us a clear picture of what it means to walk after the Spirit and how to follow the laws of the Spirit. He not only gives a helpful description of The Principles of the Mind Aiding the Spirit in spiritual warfare but also delivers a detailed Analysis of the Soul—Emotion. 

Nee warns believers to beware of emotion counterfeiting the moving of the Holy Spirit, and exhorts them to a careful understanding in order to distinguish between the two, for, he explains, “Not emotion but communion with the Lord in the spirit is what is valuable before God.” (p. 133). He examines the life of Paul, quoting Galatians 1:16-17: “God ‘was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles,’ (and) ‘I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus.” (p. 134). Paul cared not what men would think or say of him. He was content and confident to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in his intuition, rather than trusting in human reason, argument, mind, or intellect.

Nee exhorts Christians to be vigilant against enemy attacks: “An emotional Christian,” he says, “is easily defeated in conflict with Satan. Spiritual warfare… demands an attitude of total death to feeling and an absolute trust in God.” (p. 253). In describing the stance believers must assume against the attacks of Satan, Nee asks: “In view of the significance of our spirit, which is the site of communion between the Holy Spirit and the saints, should we marvel if Satan is most unwilling to let us know the functions of the spirit for fear we may follow it?… he [the devil] musters his whole force to attack the believer’s spirit.” (p. 136). But how shall the believer resist such attacks? “To examine and test our walk is a very important element in following the spirit. Believers… must examine carefully all thoughts, feelings, etc., which come to them in order to discern whether these arise from God or from themselves.” It is necessary also that believers recognize the accusations of Satan, for he [Satan] “is alert to the fact that the children of God can make no progress spiritually unless they have a heart full of confidence.” (p. 138). He exhorts us to understand “real conviction,” aside from the myriad accusations construed by the enemy to handicap believers and keep them in bondage or fill them with “a false peace.” Real conviction comes from the Holy Spirit and “leads us to holiness.” But the motive of Satan is merely “to make Christians suffer.” In resisting false accusations, it is absolutely essential that the believer declare out loud the victorious name of the Lord Jesus and plead the precious cleansing of the blood of the Lamb. “We must realize most assuredly that the Holy Spirit never reproves further if the sin is cleansed by the precious blood and forsaken.” (p. 140)

“How necessary,” says Nee, “that the mind be kept in its normal state. Just as the movements of the spirit have their laws, so the activity of the mind is governed by its particular laws. The mind that can work freely is one which is light and lively. If it be expanded too far, like overstretching a bow, it shall sacrifice its effectiveness to work. The enemy well knows how we need our mind to attend the spirit so that we may walk by the spirit. Thus he frequently induces us to overuse it that it may be rendered unfit to function normally and hence by powerless to reinforce the spirit in time of weakness… To walk after the spirit a believer must inhibit his mind from revolving endlessly… The mind needs to be kept in a steady and secure state.” (p 171 The Principles of Mind Aiding the Spirit).

While dissecting key areas of weakness in human nature relating to Emotion, Affection, and Desire, Nee shows us the difference between living The Life of Feeling vs. The Life of Faith, and offers clear, Scripturally-sound advice that will equip believers to wage the war against sin and the flesh, and to seek the power of God in ultimately uniting our wills with His in order to live in perfect freedom as we desire what He desires and live the life of righteousness, peace, and joy promised to all those in the kingdom of God. “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17) 

In Nee’s description of “Affection” he poignantly states: “Yielding one’s affection to the Lord may be viewed by the Christian to be a most difficult task, yet the Lord is concerned with one’s affection more than with any other matter.” God asks “for first place in our affection.” (p. 202 Affection). It is as Jesus instructs us in Matthew 22:37; “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Nee also points that the “acid test” of our affection is whether or not our beloved ones have been laid down upon the altar. “This is the Christian’s way to spiritual power. And shortly after the sacrifice is laid on the altar—nay, after the last sacrifice is duly placed thereon—fire will come down from heaven. Without the altar, there can be no heavenly fire. How, then, will one ever have the power of the Holy Spirit if he does not take up his cross and offer everyone whom he loves to the Lord?… Brethren, neither our mental understanding of the cross nor our endless talk about it will give us the power of the Holy Spirit; only our laying everything on the altar will… All human affection is empty; the love of God alone is able to fully satisfy one’s desire. The moment a Christian seeks a love outside God his spiritual life immediately falls. We can only live by the love of God.” (p. 203-205 Affection). This teaching echos the passage in Colossians 3:1-5: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscenece, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” 

Consequently, along with Nee, let us ask ourselves: Do we really possess “a perfect heart for the Lord?” Do we “accept His control” in our lives? Ah, surely—when we have passed through the fire, we will surely discover that “no longer is self mixed in with [our] love: all is for God and all is in God.” (p. 206).

Nee gives us a contrasting picture of the Life of Feeling as opposed to the Life of Faith. He says that “A Christian should recognize that “feeling” is exclusively a part of the soul. When he lives by sensation, no matter what the kind, he is being soulish.” We are cautioned against living in such a state – for feelings are changeable as the wind. Whether we “feel” a sense of love and affection, and are alive to the “delicate sweetness of the Lord’s love,” or are experiencing instead deep barrenness and desolation, wondering if such a condition will continue forever, still the Lord is there. (p. 224 – 229). As Christians, we may characterize our walk “as full of ups and downs,” believing that if our “inward sensation is marked by dryness and pain” we “must be at [our] spiritual worst,” and that we are “spiritual so long as the warm fire of love is burning in [our] heart.” But such a conclusion is inaccurate. We must recognize why, and understand that God “has a number of aims He wishes to fulfill” through such an experience. First, God wishes to “show how gracious and loving He is,” and so grants us joy. But He does not want us to love Him merely when we feel like doing so. Second, “God deals with our lives in this fashion in order to help us understand ourselves. We realize that the hardest lesson to learn is that of knowing oneself—to appreciate how corrupt, empty, sinful, and void of good one is.” Such an experience must “evoke humility” in the child of God. God also aims “to help His children overcome their environment” train our will, and “guide the Christian onto a higher level of existence… If his spirit can press on with the assistance of his will, the Christian, by disregarding his emotion, can then see that he has made real progress in his walk.” Let us then yield our “organ of volition to the Lord” and “comprehend” the meaning of such experiences, then bravely “press forward in accordance with God’s will…and resist our living by feeling.” Nee affirms that, “Anyone who walks by blissful emotions is usually weak in his will.” (p. 230-235)

And then, in all this, we ask – Where is the source of joy and rest? Nee exhorts us to be honest, and to stand on the opinion of the will, rather than on the opinion of feelings; he describes the vital element of joining our wills to God’s: “[Man’s] will reflects his real opinion whereas his feeling is only activated by outside stimulus… Except he neither feels a bit of joy nor is stimulated by some wonderful feeling and yet decides to do God’s will can the Christian’s obedience be counted truly valuable, because it flows from his honest heart and expresses his respect for God and disregard of self… If one is willing, however dry he may feel, to be faithful to God even to death, his spiritual course becomes the noblest. When our choices and decisions are yielded to God we may safely say we have yielded to God and no longer act as our own sovereign… We accordingly can judge one’s spirituality by looking into his will.” (p. 248-249 The Life of Faith). 

Let us understand the duty of man: “While a Christian is governed by feeling he invariably will neglect his duty towards others. This is because he makes himself the centre and is consequently unfit to care for the needs of others. For a Christian to fulfill his duty it requires faith and will.” (p. 250 The Life of Faith). In pursing the work of God, Nee says: “To deny the life of emotion and live by faith completely is one of the basic requirements for serving God.” (p. 251) “When a believer has experienced the practical treatment of the cross he finally arrives at a pure life. All is for God and in God, and God is in all as well. Nothing is unto self. Even the tiniest desire for pleasing one’s self is crucified. Self-love has been consigned to death. The present aim of existence becomes single: to do the will of God: so long as He is pleased, nothing else really counts: to obey Him becomes the sole objective of life… His soulish life has been terminated and the Lord has granted him a pure, restful, true and believing spiritual life. While it is God Who does destroy him, it equally is God Who builds him up. That which is soulish has been destroyed but that which is spiritual has been established.” (The Life of Faith p. 256). 

Let us bow ourselves before our Maker, and remember the words of Job: 

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” (Job 13:15)

_____________

Have you read The Spiritual Man? Are you facing a spiritual battle in your life right now? Are you seeking to grow in your knowledge of God’s Word and your understanding of spiritual warfare? Are you—or someone you know—seeking deliverance from evil spirits? Do you long for freedom? 

If your answer is Yes, then I highly recommend that you read this book. You can purchase The Spiritual Man HERE: Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

OTHER RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:

YouTube: “The Release of the Spirit: The Importance of Brokenness” by Watchman Nee

YouTube: “The Normal Christian Life: The Reckoning of Faith” by Watchman Nee

END OF BOOK REVIEW SERIES: Part 2 of 3 for The Spiritual Man. STAY-TUNED FOR PART 3 OF 3.

Photo courtesy: Wikipedia – “Salvator rosa, san giorgio e il drago” by Salvator Rosa (1615 –1673)