Love Not the World by Watchman Nee

Love Not the World Reviews

• 
  Haymanot

  This book is based on a series of lessons Watchman Nee gave on the subject of the Christian and the world system from 1938-1941.
  
  Nee points out that it is easy for the Christian to look at such world entities as night clubs as things that are of the world, but he points out that such entities as education, commerce, and science are also part of this same world system. Since we must touch these three things as part of our daily living, unlike the night clubs, then what is a Christian to do? Nee points out that we must walk amongst these things without letting them capture our hearts. Ultimately, when we touch the things of the world, Nee states that the question we must ask ourselves always is: "How is this thing affecting my relationship with the Father?"
  
  Nee states that our deliverance from the world begins, not with our giving up this or that but with our seeing, as with God's eyes, that this is a world under sentence of death. He points out that if you knew a certain bank or school was to soon be closed, you wouldn't go and deposit more money into that bank or, if you were in a teacher in the condemned school, you might go on working in the school but you wouldn't bother with building up a future for yourself there. Thus, we may likewise say of the world that it is under a decree of closure, and not put our hopes there.
  
  "Children of God," Paul calls us, "in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world" (Phil. 2:15). Nee points out that God has deliberately placed us in the world to show it up for what it is. We are to expose the world system to the divine light, for all men to see the world's God-defying rebelliousness on the one hand and its hollowness and emptiness on the other.
  
  My favorite chapter is on "Mutual Refreshing". Here Nee quotes John 13:14-17: "Ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should also do as I have done to you.... If ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them". Nee points out that in the Christian life, to stumble and fall and then to flounder in the dust that is the world is sin which calls for repentance and needs God's forgiveness. However, walking through the world, no matter who we are or how careful we may be, it is inevitable that our feet will collect the dust of the world. Of course if we do not touch the earth at all, we certainly pick up nothing, but to achieve this we should have to be carried around by someone else who collects this same dust. It is at this point that we need to be refreshed by other Christians through fellowship and prayer - to have the dust wiped from our feet.
  
  This book is very good, and will probably require repeated readings to really "get" everything Nee is saying. It is the best book I've found that is dedicated to clarifying what the Christian's attitude and relationship to the world system in which we live should be
• 
  Susan

  Classic Watchman Nee. He had me spinning at the beginning, but it really packed a punch by the end. I've been mulling it over ever since.
• 
  Caleb Todd

  "Love Not the World" was collected from a series of sermons given by Nee To-Sheng (Watchman Nee) between 1938-1941. Reading his comparatively more eastern perspective on Biblical truth and the nature of the world as Satan's kingdom was fresh and challenging.
  
  My experience of this book was that both the introduction and conclusion of the text-long argument carried heavier personal interpretation from the author than the middle body of the book. I had a hard time weighing Nee's claims in the bookends about the purpose and function of believers in targeting principalities and powers above the pursuit of people. However, in the middle chapters I absolutely loved and gobbled up every page referring to the truth of the believer's identity in the midst of the world (kosmos).
  
  Overall, this work challenged me to take a severe look at the different ways in which I touch the world every day and how natural human life on its own leads me away from God's heart. I rate this book with a 3/5 stars because I'm torn about several points the author makes. All the same, I cannot deny the benefit and blessing that this work has been to me as I have wrestled through topics that are often left untouched in the Western Evangelical conversation.
• 
  Erik

  Short but deep read about Spiritual dangers in our dealings with the World ( I.e. World system) in our daily walk as Christians. Thoroughly supported by many scripture references. Watchman Née is one of my favorite ministers of Gods Word -highly recommended. 10th book read of Frank Violas top 100.
• 
  Maui Rochell

  This book was gifted to me by my partner as his christmas gift and I finished reading it today. It was truly an eye-opener as to what matters the most, not the earthly and wordly things but things from above.
  
  We must be aware and discerning of what we are consuming and diving into because it can lead to idolatry and neglect of our main purpose.
  
  Thank you, Lord. 🙏🥺
• 
  Andrew Klob

  Excellent book! As is the case with almost all of Nee’s books, I’m always challenged by them and grow more and more in my love for the Lord. This book was a great exploration of how a Christian is able to live in the world, but not become like the world. Always grateful for solid Keswick/Exchange Life authors like Watchman Nee!! Highly recommend this book!
• 
  Reggie Byrum

  Typical Nee, Very Challenging
  
  You cannot possibly grasp all of the rich content of this book in one reading. I’ve just finished and I plan to go back and re-read again and again. This book reveals just how soulish and carnal we are as Christians. The words cut deep. It compels you to do some serious introspection and surely repentance will follow.
• 
  Derek

  Watchman Nee was a black/white thinker - so he's very prone to taking ideas too far... at times dangerously close to heresy. Having said that, eat the fish and throw out the bones. I benefited from reading this book, despite disagreeing strongly with some of it.
• 
  Jaime

  This scholarly book is quite topical today. This biblical scholar and preacher tackles several profound spiritual issues in this shorter book which is a collection of several lectures and messages. Sin and man's human nature are the first topic which the author sees a spiritual battle. This issue sets up the rest of the book. In turn, the author focuses on the entanglements and temptations which the Christian must grapple with in his/her walk with Christ. It is clear that the believer lives in the world but must not compromise or be in agreement with the with the fallen and its worldly traps. Sin is the chasm which separates man from God. The author offers an explanation of building a 'bridge' between sinful man and the Lord. The Lord explains that has provided a way to battle sin. It is only through having a profound and true relationship with the Lord can one come out of this worldly existence with heaven guaranteed. The author also states that only by being in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit can one battle the evil attacks of Satan. The key is to be profoundly repentant and love not this world.
• 
  Christabelle

  Some of this was so good and others of it was hard to grapple with. Definitely worth a read, though.
• 
  Kathleen L. Maher

  Nee, a 20th century Chinese martyr and theologian defines "the World", or in the Greek, "the cosmos". Fascinating discussions on self-actualization through schooling and medicine--arenas that most Christians find noble venues for self-promotion. Nee urges the believer to disentangle from the cosmos in all of its various forms--the world system as opposed to God's kingdom. We cannot live out of the world, but we do not have to live according to the world's practices. As only one tested and refined in the fires of persecution can, he lays out the high standard without compromise, and provides grace to achieve it.
• 
  Jim

  I minister to a lot of people in the world, and when I say the world I mean in a system of thinking contrary to God/Jesus. So at times I feel almost the stench of more than the smell of smoke. Yet, I care about people and I love Jesus and want them to know Him.
  
  This book will give you a clear view of the world and what it means to "love not the world". It will also keep you alert to the world around us.
  
  I found this a great and liberating book when ministering to those who do not know Jesus. I feel like I minister to those in this world with my eyes open to what is going on around me.
  
  Got you a little curious, good get the book! Read it at least a couple times.
• 
  Kyle Barton

  A classic, this book presents a poignant consideration of the New Testament’s usage of the term “the world” (Gr., kosmos). It has almost a devotional quality to it and would be perfect for a small group topical study. It is a series of talks and is fitting therefore to be talked about. It is learned yet non-academic in style. Don’t let it’s easy-going style obscure the depths of experience it opens up. It is packed with revelation. If you haven’t read Watchman Nee before, this is a perfect one to start with.
• 
  Geoff

  Watchman Nee, the classic Christian writer questions the Christian relationship with "the world". Essentially he treats all of life on earth as if it is naturally evil and something to be ambivalent towards. He doesn't share much about the practical steps for how to implement his solution. As I understand it, his solution could be re-worded as: "Be present in the world but with much fear and trembling lest you fall."
  For me this was a little bit discouraging to read.
• 
  Jonathan Roberts

  Simply amazing. This is my first exposure to Watchman Nee, and I was quite simply blown away! This book hit me at a time that the Lord was teaching me from His word many of the same things, but Nee's book put them in a different light that helped me see it even more clearly. This book is thoroughly scriptural and very accessible. At a little over one hundred pages many of you could read this in one sitting. Highest recommendation
• 
  Tara

  Wow, there is so much contained in this book. I defiantly will be re-reading this one. Nee has a way of unpacking the Bible in such a clear concise way, which on one hand make him very engaging and easy to read. However to fully appreciate all his has to say, it needs to be re-read slowly probably a few times!
• 
  Asha Francis

  A clear and very hard-hitting look on how the Christian is not of this world and so should endeavor to operate accordingly. I like that this book challenged some of my long head beliefs and I gave me a new perspective on how to live a God-centered life in a world that is decidedly Self-centered.
  
  This is a book I would recommend to any Christian who truly want to be salt and light.
• 
  Dr. Paul T. Blake

  Great read on how to get out of the world system - isn't that what we all want anyway? Watchman Nee is very matter of fact, but that helps nail home his message to quit messing around with your life in a broken system.
• 
  Nicole Savage

  i'm getting ready to re-read this, excellent book
• 
  Eric

  This is one of the most powerfully challenging books I've read regarding our life as Christians in this world. If you read this book, it will change the way you view your life.
• 
  April

  This book is full of the truth of living in the world, but not being one with the world. The Lord can use this to convict - if one's heart is open.
• 
  Joshua Hansen

  One of the most incredible books I have ever read.
• 
  Moraima Monasterio

  este libro lo recomiendo ampliamente, a todo que quiera seguir a Cristo, debe ser leído 4 veces al año
• 
  Audrey

  I was in college when I read this. I remember that it was kindof hard to read at that time, but it was good. I should read it again.
• 
  Cass Daprosa

  how can i read this? i really dont know how. i can only read the description. can somebody help me please? -_-