One of the most mysterious and essential truths of the Christian life is the difference between what originates in us and what originates in God, the dividing of Soul and Spirit. So much of our energy—even in ministry, prayer, and devotion—can come from our own soul: our will, our feelings, our thoughts.
But Scripture calls us to live by the Spirit, not by the self. In Hebrews 4:12, we are told that God’s Word is able to reveal the hidden line between the two, offering a clarity we cannot find on our own. Watchman Nee offers deep insight into this truth, helping us understand what it means to live not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord.
The Dividing of Soul and Spirit
As we reflect on this, consider the piercing nature of God’s Word in the verse below:
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit…” (Hebrews 4:12)
Here is what Watchman Nee has to say about this scripture:
What is soulish? Soulish is that which is done by oneself. And what is spiritual? It is that which is done by God. And these two are radically different. A person can do something without any need for waiting upon God and trusting in Him. Such action is fleshly and it is soulish. But if a person cannot speak before God speaks, cannot move except God moves first; if he must look to God, wait and depend on Him—then that person and that action is spiritual. Let us thus ask ourselves if all we do is in the Holy Spirit?
Soul and Spirit
The ancient words captured in the Book of Hebrews still carry fresh power. They speak to a distinction so subtle it often escapes us—yet one that is vital for the Christian walk. The dividing of soul and spirit is not just theological language. It is the daily work of the Holy Spirit in those who seek to follow God not by their own efforts, but by His leading.
According to Watchman Nee, the “soulish” man lives by his own strength, preferences, and emotions. The “spiritual” man, by contrast, waits on God. He acts only when prompted by the Spirit, even when it costs him. This is not about inactivity—it is about alignment. God is looking for people who won’t move ahead of Him or lag behind.
Soul: The Self in Action
Much of what we call faith, ministry, or even love, can be done from the soul. It may look impressive and even bear results. But it is not necessarily born of the Spirit. Soulishness is subtle—it shows up in good intentions that never bowed in prayer. It surfaces when we speak wise-sounding words that never passed through the fire of God’s counsel.
The soul is not evil in itself. It is our mind, our will, our emotions. But it was never meant to lead. When we operate in the soul—without dependence on God—we become like King Saul, offering sacrifices without waiting for Samuel. We mean well. But we miss the mark.
Only the Word of God, alive and sharp, can reveal the true source of our actions. It discerns the fine line between our own energy and God’s prompting. It brings about the dividing of soul and spirit.
Spirit: The God-Directed Life
Spiritual life begins where self-effort ends. This doesn’t mean passivity—it means surrender. To live by the spirit is not to become lifeless, but to become God-led. A spiritual person does not rush. He waits and listens. He often appears slow in a world addicted to results. But his words have weight, and his steps bear eternal fruit.
Watchman Nee writes, “If a person cannot speak before God speaks, cannot move except God moves first… that person and that action is spiritual.”
This is deeply countercultural. Our world honors the driven, the assertive, the independent. But heaven honors the dependent—the one who lives not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit.
This is the call of every believer: to grow in the Spirit until even the most spiritual-looking actions are laid bare by the dividing of soul and spirit.
Pierced and Known
Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that God’s Word not only comforts, it cuts. It doesn’t wound to destroy, but to purify. In its light, we see where we’ve relied on personality instead of prayer, instinct instead of intercession. The dividing of soul and spirit is not condemnation—it is invitation.
It invites us to a deeper walk with Jesus, one where we are led, not driven; where we wait more than we strategize; where silence can be more powerful than speech.
So let us ask: Is my life directed by the Spirit of God? Or do I still trust more in my own voice than in His? May we allow the living Word to examine us and divide what is soulish from what is spiritual. In that division, we find clarity. In that surrender, we find God.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, You see what no one else sees. You know when my actions are driven by my own strength rather than Your Spirit. I ask You now to search me and divide what is soulish from what is spiritual. Let Your Word pierce through the noise of my thoughts, my emotions, and my will. Teach me to wait on You, to listen for Your voice, and to walk only in step with Your Spirit. May all I do be done from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Question:
Where in your life are you tempted to act from your own strength instead of waiting for God to move—and what might it look like to surrender that area to Him today?
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Focus Keyphrase: The Dividing of Soul and Spirit
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