LA BATALLA ENTRE EL ALMA Y EL ESPÍRITU | WATCHMAN NEE
The Battle Between Soul and Spirit
Understanding the Inner Conflict
- Many believers experience a contradiction between knowing the truth and living it out. They claim Christ lives in them, yet their emotions and actions are often governed by deeper, more human instincts.
- This internal struggle is not about external forces but rather a conflict between the soul and spirit, where the soul (mind, will, emotions) was meant to serve the spirit but has taken control since the fall.
The Nature of Spiritual Frustration
- The root of spiritual frustration lies in living from the soul instead of the spirit. Even sincere efforts can lead to defeat if they stem from emotional or intellectual sources rather than spiritual life.
- Apostle Paul expresses this struggle in Romans 7:24, highlighting that even a regenerated person can face conflict between fleshly desires and spiritual law.
Distinguishing Between Soul and Spirit
- Many believers confuse their feelings and decisions as purely spiritual when much originates from the soul. This confusion leads to an emotionally charged Christianity lacking true spiritual essence.
- True manifestation of spiritual life occurs when one's soul is broken, allowing Christ to govern internally rather than merely improving human qualities. This process often involves suffering and trials designed for growth.
The Role of God's Word
- Hebrews 4:12 emphasizes that only God's word can discern between soul and spirit, providing clarity on thoughts and intentions at a deep level beyond mere teachings or doctrines.
- Emotional responses may appear pious but lack transformation; genuine spirituality requires alignment with God’s spirit rather than relying on natural abilities or intellect alone.
The Challenge of Living Spiritually
- Believers must learn to yield their souls to allow the spirit's governance; this involves discipline against impulsive decisions driven by emotions or intellect without divine guidance.
- Spiritual maturity comes through surrendering daily to God’s leading instead of relying on personal strength or understanding; this is essential for authentic Christian living amidst challenges faced along the journey.
The Spiritual Journey of Self-Denial
The Essence of Living in Christ
- The concept of self-denial is crucial for allowing the life of Christ to manifest within us, as expressed by Apostle Paul in Galatians 2:20.
- The struggle against the self persists; the soul resists losing its voice and authority, leading to divine circumstances that challenge it.
- This spiritual journey involves a daily crucifixion of the soul, not through physical means but through spiritual discipline that strengthens the spirit.
Renewal Through Inner Communion
- As stated in 2 Corinthians 4:16, while our outer selves may deteriorate, our inner selves are renewed daily through communion with Christ's life.
- True faith grows when human logic fails; living in the spirit is practical and requires choices like silence over noise and love over defense.
Transformation of Prayer Life
- A shift occurs in how we pray; instead of seeking relief or blessings, we seek transformation and alignment with God's will.
- Romans 8:26 highlights that the Spirit intercedes for us beyond our understanding, emphasizing a deeper spiritual yearning rather than emotional pleas.
Understanding Spiritual Dryness
- Many believers misinterpret spiritual dryness as abandonment from God; however, it often signifies an invitation to deeper surrender and growth.
- The Holy Spirit's role extends beyond comfort; it aims to conform us to Christ’s image and develop character rather than merely provide power or gifts.
Embracing True Freedom
- Genuine freedom comes from yielding to the Spirit's governance rather than following impulsive emotions or human reasoning (2 Corinthians 3:17).
- Living in the spirit does not eliminate our souls but aligns them under Christ’s lordship, transforming thoughts and emotions into obedience.
The Process of Spiritual Growth
- Spiritual maturity is gradual; it requires time for God to reveal our true selves while deepening our relationship with Him.
- Watchman Nee emphasized experiencing a spiritual cross where one's soul is exposed and strengthened by the Spirit’s work within.
Distinguishing Between Soul and Spirit Actions
- Believers can perform actions for God without being led by His Spirit; only what originates from the spirit yields eternal value (John 3:6).
- This distinction challenges believers to examine their motivations behind service—ensuring they stem from genuine spiritual inspiration rather than mere human effort.
The Role of the Spirit and Soul in Spiritual Life
Understanding the Source of Actions
- The essence of actions is crucial; if they stem from the soul, they lack eternal value. True worth comes from being birthed by the spirit.
- The soul tends to rush into action while the spirit seeks obedience, emphasizing a life led by discernment and dependence on spiritual guidance.
Living in the Spirit
- A life governed by Christ manifests through quietness and depth rather than impulsive emotions or logical reasoning.
- God desires complete sanctification, which involves restoring internal order where the spirit governs the soul, leading to a holistic transformation.
Daily Dependence on the Spirit
- Believers must learn to live according to another's life—relying on spiritual guidance over emotional responses or intellectual arguments.
- This journey requires self-denial not just from sin but also from natural inclinations that can obstruct spiritual growth.
The Process of Transformation
- God's intense dealings with our souls often leave us feeling empty but lead us to discover His life within our spirits.
- In moments of surrender when emotions fail, Christ reveals Himself as sufficient—the hope of glory residing within us.
Dying to Self for Spiritual Growth
- For Christ's fullness in our lives, we must decrease; this does not mean losing identity but relinquishing control of our souls.
- True spirituality is about living as surrendered children who walk and minister in the spirit rather than merely obeying out of fear.
The Cross Before Life
- Salvation introduces believers into a new life that flows from Christ, overcoming natural tendencies without seeking validation from reason or emotion.
- To express this divine life fully, we must bring our souls under submission—not suppressing them but aligning their purpose with serving the spirit.
Embracing Painful Yet Glorious Processes
- Many desire more of the Spirit without accepting personal sacrifice; true revelation comes through brokenness and denial of self.
- As Paul noted, experiencing Jesus' death allows for His life to manifest within us—no resurrection without crucifixion.
The Centrality of Christ in Our Lives
- God’s training focuses on allowing our spirits to govern rather than strengthening our souls; it’s about becoming channels for spiritual flow instead of barriers.
- When Christ occupies centrality in our lives permanently, confusion dissipates. A spiritually governed existence yields edification and eternal fruit.
Living in the Spirit: A Call to Obedience
The Nature of Spiritual Work
- True spiritual work is characterized by obedience and humility, often unnoticed by others. It is valued in heaven as it stems from the spirit.
- The essence of faith is not measured by emotional experiences but by the depth of one's spiritual life and governance by the Holy Spirit.
Practical Steps to Living in the Spirit
- Living in the spirit involves practical actions such as pausing when tempted to rush, remaining silent when emotions urge us to speak, and humbling ourselves instead of justifying our feelings.
- Colossians 3:15 emphasizes that God's peace should govern our hearts, serving as an internal authority guiding our decisions.
Sensitivity to the Spirit
- Developing spiritual sensitivity requires divine interaction rather than human training; each act of obedience sharpens our ability to hear God's voice.
- Believers who have experienced deep brokenness often exhibit a unique strength and gentleness because they rely on their spirit rather than their soul.
The Normal Christian Life
- According to Romans 8:14, being led by the Spirit defines true sonship; this life is about guidance and dependence rather than mere activity or position.
- Authentic Christian living arises from communion with God rather than emotional enthusiasm or intellectual reasoning.
The Deception of Soul-Centered Faith
- Many Christians fall into a trap where their faith relies on emotions and intellect without genuine communion with the Holy Spirit, leading to fruitlessness.
- God calls His people back from religious soulishness towards a deeper, quieter relationship with Him that values surrender over control.
Humility and Dependence in Spiritual Living
- Living in the spirit means embracing humility and dependency on Christ while crucifying desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:24).
- This path may be narrow and lonely but leads to profound glory as it transforms both actions and inner essence.
Seeking True Maturity
- To live spiritually means recognizing we are not protagonists in our stories; only through surrender can we find true maturity guided by God's spirit.
- While the soul seeks immediate results and recognition, living spiritually focuses on pleasing God quietly through obedience.
The Daily Battle for Spiritual Living
- The struggle between self-driven living versus living through another's life (the Holy Spirit) defines daily challenges for believers.
- Victory comes not through forceful will but through surrendering oneself before God’s light which reveals true intentions (Hebrews 4:13).
This structured summary encapsulates key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.