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  'WHO HATH NOT LIFTED UP HIS SOUL TO VANITY.'
  by Watchman Nee
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Summary: The soul's seat of self-love and pride must be overcome through
walking in the light and having fellowship with the saints.

Topics: "Fellowship", "Pride"
Scripture References: Psalm 24:4, Luke 18:11-12, Romans 3:23, Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 4:32, Hebrews 10:25, James 4:6, 1 John 1:7-9

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DESCRIPTION
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Watchman Nee emphasizes the dangers of self-love and pride within the
soul, which can lead to isolation and a judgmental attitude towards
others. He warns that even the most spiritual individuals can fall into
the trap of religious pride, distancing themselves from true fellowship
with the saints. By walking in the light of God, believers can
experience genuine fellowship and cleansing through the blood of Jesus.
Nee highlights the importance of acknowledging our sins and the
necessity of confession, as no one in the presence of God can claim to
be without sin. Ultimately, true faith and fellowship arise from
recognizing our need for cleansing and embracing our identity as saved
sinners.

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CONTENT
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The soul is the seat of self-love--pride--the "I" in us that wants to be
seen and known and heard; also, the religious pride that says in effect
"I thank God that I am not as other men are." This religious pride
creeps into the most spiritual souls and they are defiled.

It manifests itself in an attitude of isolation from others, in a
censorious spirit that seeks to put others right and in sitting in
judgment on the saints.

But if these souls learn to walk in the light, as He is in the light,
they will have fellowship one with another, that is, with all the
saints, and the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse them from all sin.

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves" (I John i. 8); a
disposition of self-justification condemns us.

"If we confess our sins" is an acknowledgement of our inherent
sinnership and of our need of cleansing.

No one who is living consciously in the presence of God will say "I have
not sinned," but the expression of a saved sinner before Him is "I
confess my sins."

Then faith in the blood is the plea, and fellowship with the saints the
result...

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/watchman-nee/who-hath-not-lifted-up-his-soul-to-vanity/
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