======================================================================== THE PRACTICAL WAY OF VICTORY. by Watchman Nee ======================================================================== Summary: To maintain victory, Christians must walk in simplicity of faith, purity of thought, care in speech, and forgiveness, while avoiding pride and giving no place to the devil. Topics: "Spiritual Warfare", "Faith and Purity" Scripture References: Matthew 5:37, 2 Corinthians 2:11, 2 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 4:27, 1 Timothy 3:6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Watchman Nee emphasizes the importance of maintaining simplicity of faith and purity of thought towards Christ to avoid being beguiled, as Paul warned the Corinthians. He highlights the necessity of careful speech and the act of forgiveness to prevent giving Satan an advantage in our lives. Nee points out that even innocent believers can fall prey to the enemy if they allow pride or unforgiveness to take root. He stresses that Christians must remain vigilant and not give any ground to the devil, as he has certain rights over those who do. The sermon serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face and the need for constant awareness and adherence to God's principles. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Now as to the practical outworkings of this position. First of all there must be simplicity of faith in Christ and purity of thought toward Him. Paul said, "I fear lest as the serpent beguiled Eve, your MIND should be corrupted from the simplicity of faith that is in Christ." Paul would hardly be afraid of what could not take place, or be anxious about the impossible. So you cannot say it is "not possible" for a Christian to be beguiled. Eve was innocent, yet she was beguiled; and the knowledge of this fact led Paul to be anxious about this for the Corinthians. We must walk in simplicity of faith and purity of thought, as those who are delivered, and translated, and raised together with Christ. Next, there is the need of care in speech (Matt. v. 37) and after that forgiveness--"lest Satan should get an advantage" (2 Cor. ii, 11). The unforgiving spirit always gives Satan an advantage. Paul appears to have been keenly on the alert against the Adversary, taking care that he did not gain any advantage in his actions. In 1 Tim. iii, 6, we read, "Not a novice, lest being puffed up he fall into the judgment of the devil." Apparently the devil has a right to judge any who are "puffed" up. The Apostle is speaking about a Christian--albeit a young one--and of the possibility of this believer falling under the "judgment of the devil" directly he gives him ground. The enemy seems to have certain rights which even God respects, and that right includes the power to "judge," or have some power over any believer who gives him occasion. What force this gives to Ephes. iv, 27, "GIVE NO PLACE to the devil!" In all these passages you have warnings to the children of God. ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/watchman-nee/the-practical-way-of-victory/ ========================================================================