Note: These are the notes I wrote down as I read through this book. Sometimes the notes are a word-for-word transcription from the book. Other times it’s my paraphrase of what was written. These notes are not intended to fully explain what Watchman Nee wrote. If something is confusing or requires more clarity, you can reference this book for more information.
Spirit
It’s vital we know that we have a spirit, for all communication of God occurs there.
If we don’t discern our own spirit, we will be ignorant of how to commune with God, for He only speaks to our spirits.
If we don’t know this, we easily substitute the thoughts or emotions of the soul for the leading of the spirit.
Verses About Our Spirits
1 Corinthians 2:11 – the spirit of man in him.
1 Corinthians 5:4 – my spirit.
Romans 8:16 – our spirit.
1 Corinthians 14:14 – my spirit.
1 Corinthians 14:32 – spirits of prophets.
Proverbs 25:28 – his own spirit.
Hebrews 12:23 – the spirits of just men.
Zechariah 12:1 – the Lord formed man’s spirit.
Three Main Functions of the Human Spirit
The spirit is not the same as the soul. Nor is it the same as the Holy Spirit.
Three main functions of the human spirit are: conscience; intuition; and communion.
1. Conscience
Discerns right and wrong. Not by the mind’s knowledge but by direct judgment.
Reasoning can easily interfere with the judgment of our conscience.
The conscience is independent and direct. It does not bend to outside opinions.
2. Intuition
The part of our spirit that senses.
Diametrically different from physical sense and soulical sense.
A direct sensing independent of any outside influence.
It’s a knowing that comes without help from the mind, will, or emotions; that comes intuitively.
We really know through our intuition. Our mind merely helps us to understand.
The revelations of God and all the movements of the Holy Spirit are known by our intuition.
3. Communion
The part of our spirit that worships and communes with God who is Spirit.
God can’t be apprehended by our thoughts, feelings, or intentions. He can only be known directly in our spirits.
Our worship of God and His communication to us is directly in our spirits.
These Three Functions Work Together
These three elements are deeply interrelated and function coordinately.
Conscience judges by intuition.
Communion or worship flows out of the intuitive knowledge of God.
