Soul Training: Day 4-9 of 40

DAY 4-7: Read Chapter 12, “The Cross and the Soul Life” found in Watchman Nee’s The Normal Christian Life, Mark 14:32-41, and Thoughts on Soul and Spirit.

The Human Soul according to Watchman Nee:

“Now we know the course that Adam chose. Standing between the two trees, he yielded to Satan and took of the fruit of the tree of knowledge. This determined the lines of his development. From then on he could command a knowledge; he “knew.” But—and here we come to the point—the fruit of the tree of knowledge made the first man over-developed in his soul. The emotion was touched, because the fruit was pleasant to the eyes, making him “desire”: the mind with its reasoning power was developed, for he was “made wise”: and the will was strengthened, so that in future he could always decide which way he could go.”

The words soul and spirit are often used interchangeably. In these next few days, I want you to consider if there is a difference between the two? If there is a difference, what is it? Journal thoughts on the matter.

There is a passage in scripture where it is interpreted that Jesus uses the word soul and spirit in the same situation—praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. Read Mark 14:32-41 and meditate on verses 34 and 38.

DAY 8

Read Ephesians 6:10-20

Consider

·      To wrestle, we must put on the full armor of God. Without the full armor, there will be gaps; there will be exposed areas of our mind, body, soul, and heart. Exposed parts get injured; distracted. We put on the full armor so that we can stand.

·      Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. This battle isn’t about just people not getting along at some point in history.

·      This struggle – the battle: the rulers, the authorities, the powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

·      Since this is our struggle, we can only combat it with spiritual ammunition and weapons.  All other modes of attack are null and void – ineffective. Perhaps they quell some aspects of the struggle for a few moments, but the attacks come back.  The flesh and blood attack method cannot totally extinguish the flames of the evil forces.

DAY 9

Read Ephesians 6:10-consider the foundation of this endeavor and in whose power and strength you will rely on to wrestle the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly realms.