| Title | : | Spiritual Authority |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0935008357 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780935008357 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 191 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 1972 |
Spiritual Authority Reviews
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I don't know whether to re-read this book and truly receive what was offered or to put it down in favor of the nearest feel-good Christian book. It was not a pleasurable experience reading this book as I was continually convicted. I argued with the author and God throughout, but I can say this book opened my eyes in areas I knew not that they were closed. Don't read this book for a pick-me-up, but only if you're ready for a challenge to go deeper with God. I'm glad I read it, probably will re-read it or at least review it. Even after I've put it down, it continues to speak to me, challenge me, convict me.
My 5 stars are for a deep, clear message that stirred my soul, not for an enjoyable, uplifting read. I do, however, believe that in time I will be able to see this book as uplifting, but right now it's a much-needed nuisance. -
A great explanation of spiritual authority, both directly from God and indirectly through the people He places over us. It's basically impossible not to feel convicted about something while you read Watchman Nee. He's not afraid to call you out.
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I think that this is a subject to many Christians ignore. We want to hear about why we can do what we want, not about who we should obey. Nee reminds us of what is important and who we are to serve.
While the language of the books was a bit archaic, I easily read it. My big issue was with this book was the author tried so hard to make his point, that sometimes he twisted scripture to do it. While there is plenty of biblical basis for what he was saying, he went a little overboard trying to prove it. There were also a couple of minor points that he made that I felt were not backed-up in scripture.
Overall, I felt the book was good book. It is a subject that I think more christians need to be reminded of, including me. -
A classic work with basic principles that all Christian's should learn and apply in their day to day living. This book, like each one of his books, communicates key principles on a basic level so anyone can grasp wisdom and understanding.
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Amazing - how to grow in spiritual authority by finding it, and submitting to it, in every situation of life.
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You can not be in authority unless you can be under authority. This book gives much to consider, so spiritually rich. A must read for all Christian leaders.
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I thank God for his writing: I picked this up to learn about his life --- [Watchman Nee became a Christian in mainland China in 1920 at the age of seventeen and began writing in the same year. Throughout the nearly thirty years of his ministry, Watchman Nee was clearly manifested as a unique gift from the Lord to His Body for His move in this age. In 1952 he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972. His words remain an abundant source of spiritual revelation and supply to Christians throughout the world.]
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This book has radically helped me to define my worldview. Rebellion is such a problem with me, but this book tenderly exposed the issue and how the cross deals with it so severely. I'm so grateful for it!
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The power of real prayer, the understanding who we are in Christ, and the action of perseverance!
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When talking about obedience, one can easily fall into the trap of legalism. This book avoids that.
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I decided to read this book amid the questions that many Christians are facing in 2020. How do we honor civil authority and their COVID-19 restrictions while first honoring God?
Nee asserts that we naturally push against authority. We always have. Satan did. Rebellion is the primary sin. Submission to God’s authority is vital for the Christian, and though none of us question that, we sometimes forget that all authority (civil, church, family) is given by God (Romans 13:1).
Of course, authority can and often does abuse people, whether it be “top-down” church leaders or unjust dictators. In our positions of authority, we should be careful not to use this teaching as a club with which to beat our sheep into submission. That’s not at all insinuated here, but the Biblical teaching could be misconstrued that way.
However, no matter the level of righteousness or goodwill of the authority over us, honor and obedience should always be our response (unless obeying would directly cause us to sin). We should all err on the side of contemplative submission as opposed to reactionary rebellion.
The author is not afraid to make sweeping statements, several of which I question. Reading this book will help you consider your relationship with authority and remember that practicing humility and submission would serve us all well, especially during the confusion of this pandemic. -
The authority of God is absolute. As a created being, my role is obedience. Instead of living in the freedom of obedience with God, humanity chose to live in rebellion, usurping God's authority and separating us from His presence forever.
The connection Nee makes to Jesus' obedience as a human to our own rebellious condition is stark and has changed the way I think about my own obedience to the will of God. All authority is God's to give and he does so only to the obedient. Nee's use of history from the Bible elaborates and demonstrates how obedience is not only a good quality, but essential if we want to be in service to the Kingdom. -
The premises of this book are 1) when given spiritual authority in the Church, be obedient to God and 2) being obedient to the spiritual authorities in your church is the same as obedience to Christ.
I read this book at a time when there was upheaval in my local church. I'm glad I'd come as far as I had in my walk with Christ or I may have been seriously wounded over what was happening. Because Watchman Nee understood obedience and humility, he taught me a few things. I learned more about my own attitudes toward my brothers and sisters in Christ. I was instructed to obey (not 'follow') the authorities in my church. In this difficult time, I learned to weep for those things which make God weep; this upheaval was breaking God's heart. I was also able to see how the enemy had gotten a toehold and began tearing at the fabric of our community and unity.
Obedience can be difficult when we only see the authorities in our lives as mere men and women. To see things biblically is quite a different matter. This is why, as Mr. Nee explains, we must "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
A masterfully thought-out work which was, not only full of lessons or me at a time when I needed to be more aware, but a pleasant surprise to my often wandering soul. -
This book wasn't what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised. Admittedly, my mind often wondered while reading and I would have to go back and re-read a lot. It wasn't because the material was too complex, but maybe just not engrossing. That said, i still loved it, and would highly recommend it. It was filled with so much humility and foundational Christian principles. It wasn't about our authority in Christ, but God's authority and how we need to submit to his established authority.
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There was some great insight into the subject of spiritual authority as revealed by the Bible. However there were some confusing claims about the ideas of reason and thought being tied to rebellion that I felt were not soundly defended. Overall I felt the book had a good grasp on capturing a right perspective of authority and submission.
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took me almost a year to finally get through until I trapped myself on a trip with only this book and no other. good info, though, and good because of the lack of emphasis on authority in the current cultural context.
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Probably the best in the category !! Brilliant work, makes you think!
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Great book, a lot of great truths in it. It was a little hard for me to get through, but I did enjoy it.
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Great read for leaders/believers! Good addition to personal library.
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it was enlightening. all the complaints leveled against are not valid.
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Definitely one of my favorite books ever.
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Very deep book on an important topic. This is a book that should be carefully read by every Christian in the Western World.
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excellent
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Loved it. It was the spirtual alignment that I needed.
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I wasn't really sure what to expect when I picked up this book. I'd heard of Watchman Nee, but I'd never read his works and I didn't know what approach he would take towards spiritual authority in this book.
I thought this book might be about authority in prayer. I was a bit surprised to discover this book is really about earthly authority/leaders -- how should Christians respond to those in authority, who does God put in authority, what qualifies someone to be in authority, what can people in authority expect their lives to be like.
Despite my surprise, the book was fascinating and I learned a ton (I only read a few pages a day to give myself time to meditate on what I'd learned). There were some parts that gave me problems (I never really grasped the concepts so I kept going), but overall I feel like I have a deeper, more biblical understanding of authority/leadership.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone curious about the church structure or leadership among/with Christians. -
This book is a must for understanding spiritual authority and how to operate under it and in the place of authority. Watchman Nee uses Jesus' example and the basis of structure put in place from God to teach true, Biblical submission to authority. I have heard of some people having a hard time digesting this book, but spiritual authority is vital to the kingdom. Proper spiritual authority from mature leaders who do not use these principles to abuse others, but rather understand the weight of being in a place of Godly authority over His children, is where those who follow can flourish and mature to be Godly leaders themselves.
