The Spiritual Man: Volume 1

The Collected Works of Watchman Nee #12

by Watchman Nee

The ordinary concept of the constitution of human beings is dualistic-soul and body. According to this concept soul is the invisible inner spiritual part, while body is the visible outer corporal part. Though there is some truth to this, it is nevertheless inaccurate. Such an opinion comes from fallen man, not from God; apart from God's revelation, no concept is dependable. That the body is man's outward sheath is undoubtedly correct, but the Bible never confuses spirit and soul as though they are the same. Not only are they different in terms; their very natures differ from each other. The Word of God does not divide man into the two parts of soul and body. It treats man, rather, as tripartite-spirit, soul and body.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Spirituality

164 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2013

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

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume One focuses on breaking down the soul and spirit. The author supports his findings though primarily scripture. I found it easier to listen to the book than to read it. I highly recommend listening to the book. Even though the book is detailed, the author repeats the main point throughout each section/chapter.

[Jordan Swezey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revelation knowledge that Watchman Nee shares with readers. Understanding the differences in detail between spirit, soul, and body. For those who are truly seeking, not 'wanting to seek.'

[Esther Hong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative...intense...intricate...


In the degree that we look off unto Him to that degree are we delivered from self. (Second preface - pg. 18)

The fall of man — 1 Tim 2:14; Gen 3:12, 13. (pg. 47)

The flesh and salvation — Gal 5:24 (sin of flesh); Gal 5:17 (self of flesh).
"To wholly conquer sin the believer needs but a moment; to deny the self he needs an entire lifetime. Only on the cross did Jesus bear our sins; yet throughout His life the Lord denied Himself. The same must be true of us." (pg. 78-79)

The cross and the soul — "...the higher our knowledge and the more profound our experience, the more hidden shall be our soul life, and the harder, consequently, to detect and eject." (pg. 184)
"The deeper the Word of God penetrates (Heb 4:12), the deeper works the cross and the further the Holy Spirit completes the union of the life of our spirit with the Lord Jesus." (pg. 186)

Spiritual believers and the soul — "Our natural life is a formidable obstacle to spiritual life. Never satisfied with God alone, it invariably adds something extra to God." (pg. 194)
"The first and original sin of man was to seek what is good, wise and intellectual according to his own idea." (pg. 201)
"...gaze upon our Lord Jesus Who 'endured the cross, despising the shame'" (Heb 12:2-3). (pg. 207)
"Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!" (Psa 103:1) (pg. 207)

[Tapji Fwangwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

the spiritual life doesn't just stop at freedom from sin only, it proceeds even upto our legitimate human natural being.

[Biniam Berhane · Rating 5 out of 5]

i want to know about spritual life

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be Challenged

This book took me a while to pick up as I was not ready to read it. It is a book of challenge and adventure in the Christian's spiritual growth. It brings a deepen understanding of growing ever closer to the life Christ sacrificed to give us and the intimacy God seeks with us.

[Dani Barbosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“O Homem Espiritual” é o único livro que o irmão Watchman Nee escreveu a próprio punho. Dividido em três partes, ele escreve sobre os três elementos do ser do homem: corpo, alma e espírito - de uma maneira bastante reveladora. Além disso, há três volumes do livro. Se esse primeiro já é surpreendente, não posso esperar muito tempo para ler os outros volumes

“Que todo o meu ser bendiga o Senhor”

[She · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to the authors view of supernatural vs spiritual helped to further understand the role of the soul and impacts of the spirit of a man/woman. This resource is very insightful and backed by scripture.

[Reese Walling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible and convicting to the uttermost. For any seeking to know the way to spirituality and living a life in the Lord, this book can afford you tremendous help.

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most books are rated related to their usefulness and contributions to my research.
Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
Read for personal research
- found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.

[M.]

Yo poseo la version del 1989.