The Release of the Spirit • 2 (Before and After Brokenness)

In Chapter One, Watchman Nee introduced the idea that the outer person (soul) must be broken to allow the inner person (spirit) to fully engage Christ. In Chapter Two he informs us, The breaking of the outward [person] is the basic experience of all who serve God. This must be accomplished before He can use us in an effectual way. (19) While temporary successes may be achieved through the flesh (synonymous with the soul—as opposed to the spirit—in Nee’s context), sooner or later one must confess that only the Spirit can evoke real life change in us or those around us. (20)

We may reach out to God through our thoughts or emotions, but when we stop concentrating, or when emotion subsides, God’s presence is lost. God is spirit, and only spirit communes with spirit. The remedy is the breaking of the outward person. Nee cites the life of Brother Lawrence, a 17th century Carmelite Monastery kitchen worker who, because his outer person was broken, communed with God as well in the clatter of the kitchen as in his prayer closet. (25)

With the soul unbroken, we may feel it necessary to get away from other people and the distractions of daily living to commune with God. The problem is not the people or the distractions, but unbrokenness. (25f.) Rather than having to reconnect with God after every digression, we too can experience God’s presence both in running an errand and in private devotion, (26) changing a flat tire or singing a song of praise.

Nee utilizes the designators single or dual person. If the outer person is unbroken, the spirit and soul are entangled (single) so that both must be aimed either at daily tasks or communion with God. Once the two are separated (dual) by the breaking of the outer person, the soul can be engaged in work while the spirit is fully engaged in Christ. (28)

Only in the last paragraph of the chapter does Nee make it clear he is speaking about a two-fold work of God: the breaking of the outward [person] and the dividing of spirit and soul. (29) For the second he sites Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit… This thought on dividing the outer person from the inner person is developed further in Chapter Seven.

Can you share examples of your breakthrough from limited success through the flesh to effecting real life change through the Spirit? Have you experienced the untangling of spirit and soul allowing for unbroken communion with God? Share with us.