The Spirit of Wisdom & Revelation

by Watchman Nee, Stephen Kaung (Translator)

How absolutely vital it is for Christians to understand and to experience the prayer of "The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him" (Eph. 1.17). It means life or death to our Christian life. There is no way of knowing God and His eternal will except through revelation. Neither is there any means of knowing Christ other than by the revelation of the Holy Spirit. Revelation alone imparts to us spiritual realities.  In this new volume now available in English, Watchman Nee opens up this subject of the spirit of wisdom and revelation by explaining Paul's famous prayer which he offered up on behalf of the Ephesian believers. How necessary it is, the author points out, for us to have the spirit of wisdom and revelation if we are to know God at all. He then proceeds to enlighten us as to some of the spiritual realities which must indeed come through revelation, such as Christ the Rock of the church, Christ the great "I Am," the Christ in glory, together with the four ministers of the New Testament. The author concludes by exhorting the church to work with God in bringing in the kingdom of the heavens. As we are approaching the end of this age, we will come to see that those things which are to be shaken shall be removed and only those things which are not to be shaken shall remain. May we therefore seek for things unshakable which come through the spirit of wisdom and revelation.

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 1980

About the author

Watchman 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.

Reviews

[Karolyn Carcache]

This book easily became one of my top 5 favorites.

It explains the need for believers to pursue a spirit of wisdom and revelation when it comes to knowing God and then it dives deep into several key revelations that we should have as individual believers and as a church as a whole. One of my favorite concepts from the book is the four ministries of the Gospel as depicted in the life of James, Peter, John, and Paul, as well as the call for the church to work with God to bring the kingdom of heaven soon. This book really challenges believers to come to an intimate and personal relationship with God, not just through knowledge, doctrine, or theology, but through a revelation of Jesus, His plan, His purpose, and His power.

“[Ephesians 1] firmly suggests to us that we already have all things and that there is but one thing we lack, which is revelation. If this missing element is present, everything will be fine. Why is it we still have such weakness? Because we do not see. Why is it we are still so useless? Because we do not see. Why is it that when the Lord Jesus was on earth He had such power and yet we are continually powerless? Again, because we do not see. The power which God shows to those who believe is according to that working of the strength of His might which He worked in Christ. It is this power which God gives to us. The only problem lies in the fact that we today do not see as our Lord sees.“

[Todd Coburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great little book filled with insights into Scripture, the workings of God, and living as a Christian.

I am repeatedly amazed at the depth and clarity of many ideas emerging from Watchman Nee's writings.

This little book is filled with such insights, such as, "...the children of God need to be brought by the Lord to the place where feeling cold or warm, flat or stirred, presents no problem because they have known God with a knowledge which is deeper than any feeling.... Such people alone will be used by God."

Another of my favorites in this volume is, "The knowledge of Christ which is produced by man's own cleverness and wisdom is not a rock that can stand firm."

If these Biblical insights are beautiful to you, as they are to me, then this book is for you.

Enjoy.

[Justin Gaynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this today. It was a relatively quick read. I would say the meditation on Peter’s ministry as focused on “The Kingdom of God”, Paul’s ministry as focused on “The Household of God”, and John’s ministry as focused on “The Family of God” was the most revelatory insight in the book for me.

Who was Watchman Nee?

Watchman Nee (1903–1972) was a Chinese Christian teacher and church leader whose writings have shaped generations of believers around the world—especially in the areas of spiritual life, prayer, and the inner work of Christ.

Born in China and converted as a teenager, Nee became known for teaching a deeply experiential Christianity centered on union with Christ, the indwelling life of the Spirit, and the reality of the cross as God’s means of transformation. His best-known works include The Normal Christian Life, Sit, Walk, Stand, and The Spiritual Man.

Nee emphasized the local church, simplicity of faith, and living out the life of Christ rather than merely adhering to religious forms. Though his teachings spread globally, he remained in China after the Communist takeover and was imprisoned for his faith for the final 20 years of his life. He died in prison in 1972.

Watchman Nee’s legacy is that of a pastor-theologian who taught that Christianity is not primarily about self-improvement, but about Christ living His life through us.

[Guy Amerson]

Watchman Nee comes through again! I have been reading and studying Watchman for over fifty years and still he continues to open my mind, challenge my spirit, and reassure my heart. I especially enjoyed the last few chapters where he spoke of the "...four ministers...". What a great revelation from God to see these four men and their ministries as an expression of God's dealing with man! If we as the church could just get our eyes off of ourselves and onto Jesus the Christ our Lord and Maker we too could begin to see as He does. Amen

[Troy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good thoughts, many highly speculative and interpretive such as the idea that working to establish God's Kingdom on earth is more important than saving souls, and that Jesus had a greater impact on demons than he did mankind. While we must live with a heart for and consciousness that God will establish His kingdom here on earth, He doesn't need our help to accomplish it, but we do want to cooperate with Him. Author also promotes unbiblical trinity doctrine. I do not recommend this book.