Presentation By: John Overton

September, 2012

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Sit Walk Stand by Watchman Nee

Preface and Introduction: I read Watchman Nee's little book simply entitled Sit Walk Stand many years ago. My grandson, Samuel, checked out a copy from my personal library and after reading and returning it asked if I had read it. I told him that I had but really could not recall what the message was. He suggested that I might want to re-read it. Well, I have re-read it about four times and became so impressed that I decided to prepare a PowerPoint presentation for Pastors and Christian Leaders. The following illustrations are the PowerPoint slides and my accompanying comments:

Nee preached from Paul's letter to the Ephesians this inspiring book which opens our eyes to the central issues of our faith. It describes the process of Christian living and maturity in three words:

SIT - Our position in Christ

Walk - Our life in the world

Stand - Our attitude toward the Enemy

These three key words clearly show us the way to victory in this life - and for eternity.

Most Pastors and church leaders are inclined to busy themselves with ministry. If tasks are not being accomplished, too often the pastor will step in to keep things going. Thus, Sitting is the

hardest part of successful ministry. Time just is not available to Sit, rest, wait. Yet we are told in Ephesians 2:6-9 that we have been raised up with Christ and made to SIT with Him.

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Jesus came to save the world and start the Church in three years. Yet He considered it absolutely necessary to set aside time to commune with the Father before embarking on His daily tasks.

Nee tells us that we make the mistake of

trying to "cover all the bases" of church work (Walking) before we Sit with Christ. Though we have the divine plan clearly explained in scripture,

we tend to rush about doing the best we can with the foolish notion that God must be pleased with our efforts.

Until we get the divine order of Sitting before trying to Walk, we will be frustrated and

consequently be the wrong witness to others about what our life in Christ should be. Reversal of this order frequently results in burn-out and drop-out.

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Paul was instructing the Ephesians that the Walk (work) was to be like the way their Christian life began. We can do nothing apart from Christ John15:5.

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Every day must be initiated with Sitting, resting, waiting, listening to His voice. Mentally observe the ordinance of the Supper with Christ before walking through the tasks of the day.

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The Cross is now empty because the work that Jesus came to earth to accomplish has been totally Finished!

Jesus did everything needed to send the wonderful gospel to all of the world. Our part in His plan is to Trust and Obey Him (remember and practice that old hymn.)

To Walk (work) effectively in ministry must follow Sitting (resting, waiting, listening.) By daily Sitting with Jesus, we become empowered by the Spirit to carry out our calling. Just as we have trusted Jesus for the forgiveness of our sin and freeing us from the

power of sin, we must trust Him with the Commission to be His witnesses and make disciples. He has promised to never leave us.

We are expected to Walk (work) but not in our own strength. Apart from Christ, we are not strong enough and our adversary will defeat us!

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The job of winning the world to Christ is overwhelming and many give up even trying. Pastors and church leaders are special ones that have been set apart to accomplish what seems to be the impossible. Yet we are called to be a team player with Christ in winning the world.

Our God is a God of diversity and variety. We are all different in personality and we have been gifted differently. Our responsibility is to determine what our spiritual gift is and use it. Only then will

successful ministry be realized.

Jesus said, "I will build My Church." (Matthew 16:18) and He has commissioned us to go and make disciples, teaching them all that He has taught us. (Matthew 28:18-20.) Too frequently, we tend to reverse these responsibilities by trying to build the church ourselves and not making disciples.

God only made one Tim Tebow, one

Apostle Paul, one Watchman Nee, and one Billy Graham. He purposely made you the way you are and He has a divine purpose for you. Please Sit with Him to determine your daily purpose then go do it.

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We have a very limited time to carry out our assignments so we need to use our time wisely.

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We have a powerful but defeated adversary. He is clever and very deceiving. We have been provided everything we need to live a victorious life but we must practice daily suiting up for our assignments.

The Apostle Paul was chained to a Roman soldier when he wrote his letter to the Ephesian church. He was very familiar with the uniform the Roman soldiers wore into battle. These soldiers were apparently always dressed in their armor whether in battle of not. They

were always ready for battle.

Paul identified six parts of armor and identified them with the elements of our spiritual preparation necessary for warfare. From the top down, One must be born-again and wear the 1) helmet of salvation. 2) The breastplate of righteousness will be in place after abiding with Christ, acknowledging your position with Him in the heavenlies, 3) the shoes represent a

willingness to go with the gospel of peace, 4) the belt of truth holds the armor in place. 5) The shield of lifestyle faith precedes you and is most visible to a watching world and 6) the sword of the

Spirit (Word of God) is used to authenticate or verify your words.

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Watchman Nee (1903-1972) was a noted Chinese Bible teacher and Christian leader. Nee became a Christian in mainland China in 1920 at the age of seventeen and began writing in the

same year. He began his preaching ministry while still a university student. From 1923 to 1950 Nee founded 200 churches. Starting as small groups meeting in rented houses, these self-supporting congregations became strong spiritually and grew rapidly, continuing to develop after China's Cultural Revolution. Nee was arrested in 1952 and found guilty of false charges; he was imprisoned until his death in 1972

Nee concentrated on deepening spiritual life through intensive training in the Word of God. his rich spoken ministry influenced many lives. His literature ministry has

preserved a large number of his sermons, resulting in the publication of over 50 books in English alone, and through these printed pages Nee's impact continue to be felt.

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