Seeking to grow in spiritual maturity is a lifelong journey. For over 75 years, Watchman Nee’s profound book The Spiritual Man has guided countless believers desiring to deepen their walk with God. As we explore Nee’s teachings, we discover timeless principles for pursuing Christlikeness and unlocking the fullness of the Spirit.
In a world filled with distractions, developing our inner spiritual life requires intentionally setting aside time for God. Nee reminds us that positioning ourselves before God leads to revelation and transformation. Let us reflect on how applying The Spiritual Man’s wisdom helps us move toward spiritual mastery.
Watchman Nee’s Life and Ministry
Before diving into The Spiritual Man, it is helpful to understand Watchman Nee’s background. Born in 1903 China, Nee experienced a dramatic conversion to Christianity at age 17 after being hospitalized. He began teaching and preaching soon after and became a prominent leader in the Chinese church.
Nee emphasized spiritual growth, cross-carrying discipleship, and the expression of Christ’s love. His writings like The Spiritual Man and Sit, Walk, Stand aim to nurture spiritual life. Nee also stressed the importance of bringing our entire being under the authority of the Holy Spirit.
A key influence on Nee was the writings of Madam Guyon and Jesse Penn-Lewis, who emphasized the difference between soul and spirit and the need to live through the spirit. Their focus on the deeper spiritual life shaped Nee’s thinking and teachings.
Though persecution came from both Communist authorities and denominational churches, Nee continued ministering until his death in 1972. His legacy lives on through his books and the countless lives touched by his teachings on pursuing an intimate relationship with Christ.
Core Concepts Unpacked in The Spiritual Man
Published in 1928, The Spiritual Man unpacks foundational concepts for spiritual development. It provides a framework for understanding the different components of human nature and how we can yield them fully to God’s work in us.
A key theme unpacked is differentiating between soul and spirit. Our regenerated spirit connects with God whereas our unrenewed soul–including intellect, emotions, and will–often wanders astray. Nee emphasizes that we must deny self-life in the soul in order to walk in the spiritual newness provided by Christ.
Nee also highlights how our body, soul, and spirit influence one another. Bringing alignment of all aspects under the control of the spirit allows us to reflect Christ without hindrance. As we decrease in self-reliance, He increases in influence over us.
Additionally, Nee provides in-depth analysis of spiritual warfare. He reveals Satan’s tactics and encourages believers to put on the full armor of God so that sin will not overpower them. Resisting the devil requires sobriety, vigilance, and receiving strength from the Holy Spirit.
Practical Application of Principles Today
While some of Nee’s terminology is antiquated, his insights on pursuing holiness remain timely. What tangible steps can we take to apply The Spiritual Man’s wisdom in our lives today?
First, we must regularly schedule consistent devotional time to set our minds on the Spirit through prayer, Scripture meditation, and listening to God’s voice. Nee emphasizes abiding in God’s presence and allowing Him to illuminate His truth in us. These habits create space for the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and transform us.
Second, we need to frequently assess areas where our unrenewed soul overrides the spirit. Are fleshly desires like comfort, pride, self-exaltation, or self-preservation ruling us? Confessing and repenting of these idolatrous tendencies helps us recalibrate and walk in the freedom Christ provides.
Third, we must safeguard our spiritual life by practicing biblical discernment. Nee discusses how Satan subtly twists truth or deceives through false teachings to misdirect believers. Evaluating influences through the lens of Scripture protects us from deception.
Fourth, understand that spiritual battles are won through surrendered dependence on the Holy Spirit, not self-effort. Leaning fully on the Spirit rather than our own strength equips us to withstand evil.
While spiritual mastery requires the journey of a lifetime, Watchman Nee charts a biblically grounded course for growth in The Spiritual Man. His insights launch us on the path toward deeper communion with God.
By embracing the cross and following Jesus wholeheartedly, we experience Christ’s resurrection power transforming every dimension of our being. Though challenging at times, the journey toward spiritual maturity fills our lives with purpose, meaning, and the joy of the Lord.
Watchman Nee reminds us we were created for intimate fellowship with God. As we honor the Lord with consistent spiritual practices, honest self-reflection, and discerning wisdom, we will walk in newness of life and the richness of the Spirit. Our spirit will rule our soul and body as we submit fully to Christ’s lordship.
Mastering the spiritual life comes not through self-effort but through continually yielding ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s work within us. Spiritual maturity develops as we relinquish control to God’s shaping hands. The Spirit produces His fruit in those who abide in Him.
Though the journey is lifelong, pursuing spiritual mastery with an open and obedient heart brings great reward. Our lives will overflow with the Spirit’s presence when we apply Watchman Nee’s practical wisdom for walking in tandem with Christ. By taking up our cross and following Jesus wholeheartedly, we experience His resurrection power transforming every dimension of our being. The Spirit beckons us onward into deeper waters of love and communion.