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Spiritual Authority
The chapters in this volume on the nature of Spiritual Authority are drawn from a series of messages delivered by the great Chinese preacher-teacher, Watchman Nee, during a training period for Christian workers in China in 1948.
191 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1972
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2280 people want to read
About the author
Watchman Nee
594 books629 followersWatchman Nee (Chinese: 倪柝聲; pinyin: Ní Tuòshēng; Foochow Romanized: Ngà̤ Táuk-sĭng; 1903–1972) was a Chinese Christian author and church leader during the early 20th century. He spent the last 20 years of his life in prison and was severely persecuted by the Communists in China. Together with Wangzai, Zhou-An Lee, Shang-Jie Song, and others, Nee founded The Church Assembly Hall, later which would be also known as the "Local churches" (Chinese: 地方教會). or more commonly as (聚會所) meaning "assembly hall"
Born into a Methodist family, Watchman Nee experienced a religious revival, and joined the Church of Heavenly Peace, Fuzhou in 1920 at age 17 and began writing in the same year. In 1921, he met the British missionary M. E. Barber, who was a great influence on him. Through Miss Barber, Nee was introduced to many of the Christian writings which were to have a profound influence on him and his teachings. Nee attended no theological schools or Bible institutes. His knowledge was acquired through studying the Bible and reading various Christian spiritual books. During his 30 years of ministry, beginning in 1922, Nee traveled throughout China planting churches among the rural communities and holding Christian conferences and trainings in Shanghai. In 1952 he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972.
Born into a Methodist family, Watchman Nee experienced a religious revival, and joined the Church of Heavenly Peace, Fuzhou in 1920 at age 17 and began writing in the same year. In 1921, he met the British missionary M. E. Barber, who was a great influence on him. Through Miss Barber, Nee was introduced to many of the Christian writings which were to have a profound influence on him and his teachings. Nee attended no theological schools or Bible institutes. His knowledge was acquired through studying the Bible and reading various Christian spiritual books. During his 30 years of ministry, beginning in 1922, Nee traveled throughout China planting churches among the rural communities and holding Christian conferences and trainings in Shanghai. In 1952 he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
December 2, 2010
I don't know whether to re-read this book and truly receive what was offered or to put it down in favor of the nearest feel-good Christian book. It was not a pleasurable experience reading this book as I was continually convicted. I argued with the author and God throughout, but I can say this book opened my eyes in areas I knew not that they were closed. Don't read this book for a pick-me-up, but only if you're ready for a challenge to go deeper with God. I'm glad I read it, probably will re-read it or at least review it. Even after I've put it down, it continues to speak to me, challenge me, convict me.
My 5 stars are for a deep, clear message that stirred my soul, not for an enjoyable, uplifting read. I do, however, believe that in time I will be able to see this book as uplifting, but right now it's a much-needed nuisance.
My 5 stars are for a deep, clear message that stirred my soul, not for an enjoyable, uplifting read. I do, however, believe that in time I will be able to see this book as uplifting, but right now it's a much-needed nuisance.
September 28, 2008
A great explanation of spiritual authority, both directly from God and indirectly through the people He places over us. It's basically impossible not to feel convicted about something while you read Watchman Nee. He's not afraid to call you out.
May 26, 2010
This book has radically helped me to define my worldview. Rebellion is such a problem with me, but this book tenderly exposed the issue and how the cross deals with it so severely. I'm so grateful for it!
July 20, 2015
I think that this is a subject to many Christians ignore. We want to hear about why we can do what we want, not about who we should obey. Nee reminds us of what is important and who we are to serve.
While the language of the books was a bit archaic, I easily read it. My big issue was with this book was the author tried so hard to make his point, that sometimes he twisted scripture to do it. While there is plenty of biblical basis for what he was saying, he went a little overboard trying to prove it. There were also a couple of minor points that he made that I felt were not backed-up in scripture.
Overall, I felt the book was good book. It is a subject that I think more christians need to be reminded of, including me.
While the language of the books was a bit archaic, I easily read it. My big issue was with this book was the author tried so hard to make his point, that sometimes he twisted scripture to do it. While there is plenty of biblical basis for what he was saying, he went a little overboard trying to prove it. There were also a couple of minor points that he made that I felt were not backed-up in scripture.
Overall, I felt the book was good book. It is a subject that I think more christians need to be reminded of, including me.
June 21, 2012
A classic work with basic principles that all Christian's should learn and apply in their day to day living. This book, like each one of his books, communicates key principles on a basic level so anyone can grasp wisdom and understanding.
September 6, 2008
Amazing - how to grow in spiritual authority by finding it, and submitting to it, in every situation of life.
December 6, 2011
You can not be in authority unless you can be under authority. This book gives much to consider, so spiritually rich. A must read for all Christian leaders.
February 22, 2025
2.5/5
I had read somewhere that this book is a compilation of notes that Nee's followers had taken on his spiritual authority talks, so because of that I'm letting my rating sit on the high side of 2.5.
This book was almost disturbing me for the first 10 or so chapters. The extremity with which the book was written about the necessity of submission and obedience to all authority was having me believe that every aspect of my life was meant to be completely controlled by the leaders around me, and if I disagreed with that in any respect then I would be committing the sin God hates the most and opening up the gates of Sheol in the process.
Thankfully he adds some clarifying paragraphs about 2/3s of the way in, but the suggestions put forth along with the intensity of the writing that discusses how you are essential hating God if you do anything but submit and obey all authority 100% completely (without him stopping to explain what submission and obedience actually look like in practically) had me really spooked at the possible ramifications if I was understanding what he meant correctly (which I kinda wasn't). He lowkey had me beefing with God for a minute there
There are still some decent insights to be gleamed, and I like what he pulls out of Scripture some of the time. At other points his explanations of spiritual authority in the Bible seem like a bit of a stretch, and it's hard to not think it's more of a man-with-a-hammer-seeing-everything-as-nail situation rather than true wisdom and revelation. (Which it very well still could be!)
All in all, Watchman Nee needs to chill out a little bit, and his book would have been a lot more digestible and impactful. He really would have been blessed by a trip to Margaritaville imo
I had read somewhere that this book is a compilation of notes that Nee's followers had taken on his spiritual authority talks, so because of that I'm letting my rating sit on the high side of 2.5.
This book was almost disturbing me for the first 10 or so chapters. The extremity with which the book was written about the necessity of submission and obedience to all authority was having me believe that every aspect of my life was meant to be completely controlled by the leaders around me, and if I disagreed with that in any respect then I would be committing the sin God hates the most and opening up the gates of Sheol in the process.
Thankfully he adds some clarifying paragraphs about 2/3s of the way in, but the suggestions put forth along with the intensity of the writing that discusses how you are essential hating God if you do anything but submit and obey all authority 100% completely (without him stopping to explain what submission and obedience actually look like in practically) had me really spooked at the possible ramifications if I was understanding what he meant correctly (which I kinda wasn't). He lowkey had me beefing with God for a minute there
There are still some decent insights to be gleamed, and I like what he pulls out of Scripture some of the time. At other points his explanations of spiritual authority in the Bible seem like a bit of a stretch, and it's hard to not think it's more of a man-with-a-hammer-seeing-everything-as-nail situation rather than true wisdom and revelation. (Which it very well still could be!)
All in all, Watchman Nee needs to chill out a little bit, and his book would have been a lot more digestible and impactful. He really would have been blessed by a trip to Margaritaville imo
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March 5, 2007I thank God for his writing: I picked this up to learn about his life --- [Watchman Nee became a Christian in mainland China in 1920 at the age of seventeen and began writing in the same year. Throughout the nearly thirty years of his ministry, Watchman Nee was clearly manifested as a unique gift from the Lord to His Body for His move in this age. In 1952 he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972. His words remain an abundant source of spiritual revelation and supply to Christians throughout the world.]
December 14, 2008
I actually listened to the CD version. I found it very challenging. I appreciated the consistent referral to scripture. I have a better understanding of the topic as well as more questions. I am not convinced that the author's interpretation and application are always accurate.
August 20, 2008
The power of real prayer, the understanding who we are in Christ, and the action of perseverance!
October 14, 2011
When talking about obedience, one can easily fall into the trap of legalism. This book avoids that.
August 26, 2020
I decided to read this book amid the questions that many Christians are facing in 2020. How do we honor civil authority and their COVID-19 restrictions while first honoring God?
Nee asserts that we naturally push against authority. We always have. Satan did. Rebellion is the primary sin. Submission to God’s authority is vital for the Christian, and though none of us question that, we sometimes forget that all authority (civil, church, family) is given by God (Romans 13:1).
Of course, authority can and often does abuse people, whether it be “top-down” church leaders or unjust dictators. In our positions of authority, we should be careful not to use this teaching as a club with which to beat our sheep into submission. That’s not at all insinuated here, but the Biblical teaching could be misconstrued that way.
However, no matter the level of righteousness or goodwill of the authority over us, honor and obedience should always be our response (unless obeying would directly cause us to sin). We should all err on the side of contemplative submission as opposed to reactionary rebellion.
The author is not afraid to make sweeping statements, several of which I question. Reading this book will help you consider your relationship with authority and remember that practicing humility and submission would serve us all well, especially during the confusion of this pandemic.
Nee asserts that we naturally push against authority. We always have. Satan did. Rebellion is the primary sin. Submission to God’s authority is vital for the Christian, and though none of us question that, we sometimes forget that all authority (civil, church, family) is given by God (Romans 13:1).
Of course, authority can and often does abuse people, whether it be “top-down” church leaders or unjust dictators. In our positions of authority, we should be careful not to use this teaching as a club with which to beat our sheep into submission. That’s not at all insinuated here, but the Biblical teaching could be misconstrued that way.
However, no matter the level of righteousness or goodwill of the authority over us, honor and obedience should always be our response (unless obeying would directly cause us to sin). We should all err on the side of contemplative submission as opposed to reactionary rebellion.
The author is not afraid to make sweeping statements, several of which I question. Reading this book will help you consider your relationship with authority and remember that practicing humility and submission would serve us all well, especially during the confusion of this pandemic.
June 7, 2025
There we some sections that I thought were mind blowing and others that I felt misrepresented a passage of Scripture. Overall, the book probably could have been half as long and gotten the same message across.
March 3, 2017
The authority of God is absolute. As a created being, my role is obedience. Instead of living in the freedom of obedience with God, humanity chose to live in rebellion, usurping God's authority and separating us from His presence forever.
The connection Nee makes to Jesus' obedience as a human to our own rebellious condition is stark and has changed the way I think about my own obedience to the will of God. All authority is God's to give and he does so only to the obedient. Nee's use of history from the Bible elaborates and demonstrates how obedience is not only a good quality, but essential if we want to be in service to the Kingdom.
The connection Nee makes to Jesus' obedience as a human to our own rebellious condition is stark and has changed the way I think about my own obedience to the will of God. All authority is God's to give and he does so only to the obedient. Nee's use of history from the Bible elaborates and demonstrates how obedience is not only a good quality, but essential if we want to be in service to the Kingdom.
April 22, 2018
The premises of this book are 1) when given spiritual authority in the Church, be obedient to God and 2) being obedient to the spiritual authorities in your church is the same as obedience to Christ.
I read this book at a time when there was upheaval in my local church. I'm glad I'd come as far as I had in my walk with Christ or I may have been seriously wounded over what was happening. Because Watchman Nee understood obedience and humility, he taught me a few things. I learned more about my own attitudes toward my brothers and sisters in Christ. I was instructed to obey (not 'follow') the authorities in my church. In this difficult time, I learned to weep for those things which make God weep; this upheaval was breaking God's heart. I was also able to see how the enemy had gotten a toehold and began tearing at the fabric of our community and unity.
Obedience can be difficult when we only see the authorities in our lives as mere men and women. To see things biblically is quite a different matter. This is why, as Mr. Nee explains, we must "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
A masterfully thought-out work which was, not only full of lessons or me at a time when I needed to be more aware, but a pleasant surprise to my often wandering soul.
I read this book at a time when there was upheaval in my local church. I'm glad I'd come as far as I had in my walk with Christ or I may have been seriously wounded over what was happening. Because Watchman Nee understood obedience and humility, he taught me a few things. I learned more about my own attitudes toward my brothers and sisters in Christ. I was instructed to obey (not 'follow') the authorities in my church. In this difficult time, I learned to weep for those things which make God weep; this upheaval was breaking God's heart. I was also able to see how the enemy had gotten a toehold and began tearing at the fabric of our community and unity.
Obedience can be difficult when we only see the authorities in our lives as mere men and women. To see things biblically is quite a different matter. This is why, as Mr. Nee explains, we must "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
A masterfully thought-out work which was, not only full of lessons or me at a time when I needed to be more aware, but a pleasant surprise to my often wandering soul.
February 21, 2008
This book wasn't what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised. Admittedly, my mind often wondered while reading and I would have to go back and re-read a lot. It wasn't because the material was too complex, but maybe just not engrossing. That said, i still loved it, and would highly recommend it. It was filled with so much humility and foundational Christian principles. It wasn't about our authority in Christ, but God's authority and how we need to submit to his established authority.
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September 24, 2024 A convicting book!
This book has been a very challenging and convicting book for me to read. On almost every page, l felt the Holy Spirit picking my heart and showing me where l have missed God's will concerning how to be under authority and be in authority. I will be reading it again along with the audiobook so that l can make the truths contained therein are apart of who lam so that l may fulfill the calling that God has placed on my life.
This book has been a very challenging and convicting book for me to read. On almost every page, l felt the Holy Spirit picking my heart and showing me where l have missed God's will concerning how to be under authority and be in authority. I will be reading it again along with the audiobook so that l can make the truths contained therein are apart of who lam so that l may fulfill the calling that God has placed on my life.
January 25, 2015
There was some great insight into the subject of spiritual authority as revealed by the Bible. However there were some confusing claims about the ideas of reason and thought being tied to rebellion that I felt were not soundly defended. Overall I felt the book had a good grasp on capturing a right perspective of authority and submission.
July 18, 2010
took me almost a year to finally get through until I trapped myself on a trip with only this book and no other. good info, though, and good because of the lack of emphasis on authority in the current cultural context.
March 6, 2008
Good book. It's not a novel, but it helps you put things into perspective.
January 14, 2012
Probably the best in the category !! Brilliant work, makes you think!
June 11, 2012
Great book, a lot of great truths in it. It was a little hard for me to get through, but I did enjoy it.
March 19, 2012
Great read for leaders/believers! Good addition to personal library.
September 29, 2012
This book helped me to understand my authority in Christ and to lay claim to what He desired to give me from His kingdom. Excellent read!
October 23, 2012
it was enlightening. all the complaints leveled against are not valid.
April 17, 2013
Definitely one of my favorite books ever.
January 10, 2014
Very deep book on an important topic. This is a book that should be carefully read by every Christian in the Western World.
May 14, 2012
Loved it. It was the spirtual alignment that I needed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews