Normal Christian Life Study 1

These studies are based on the book “The Normal Christian Life” by Watchman Nee.
You can download it from Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
Even if you don’t do these studies, I highly recommend reading this book.
His insight and application of the book of Romans, could change your life.

Any page numbers referenced in the studies are as per the downloadable PDF version.

And finally, many of these questions seem to have a simple literal answer extracted directly from the book.
But the intention that that simple answer will trigger discussions amongst your group for clarification or understanding as you go along. The book text is your starting point for each answer, and you should feel free to include what it triggered in your own mind, and your own heart as you read it.

Lesson 1

Read and study the prefaces and chapter 1.
Seek the TRUTH, not just the answers to the questions

1.   What is the recommended approach to this book?

On none of the subjects dealt with is it to be regarded as exhaustive. It should be approached prayerfully—not as a treatise, but as a living message to the heart.

2.   In brief, what is God’s normal for a Christian?

I live no longer, but Christ lives His life in me.

How close to “normal” do you think you’re living? Can you name someone who looks to you like they’re doing that?
Have you thought about asking them how and why they do?

3.   What is God’s only answer to every human need?

His Son, Jesus Christ.

What other solutions do we try?

4.   By what two substitutions does God undertake for us?

In all His dealings with us He works by taking us out of the way and substituting Christ in our place. The Son of God died instead of us for our forgiveness: He lives instead of us for our deliverance. So we can speak of two substitutions—a Substitute on the Cross who secures our forgiveness and a Substitute within who secures our victory.

5.   In what one and only way will God answer all our questions?

God will answer all our questions in one way only, namely, by showing us more of His Son

But then we have to apply that answer? Or is it automatic?

6.   Explain the distinction between the plural word “sins” and the singular word “sin” in the two parts of Romans 1:1-5:11, 5:12-8:39

It is because in the first section it is a question of the sins I have committed before God, which are many and can be enumerated, whereas in the second it is a question of sin as a principle working in me. No matter how many sins I commit, it is always the one sin principle that leads to them.

7.   When a person has received forgiveness of sins, what new discovery does he make?

when once I have received forgiveness of sins I make a new discovery, namely, the discovery of sin, and I realize not only that I have committed sins before God but that there is something wrong within.

Do you feel that? Are you aware of it in your life? Are you the only one?

8.   Distinguish between the need for forgiveness and the need for deliverance.

I may seek and receive forgiveness, but then I sin once more. So life goes on in a vicious circle of sinning and being forgiven and then sinning again. I appreciate the blessed fact of God’s forgiveness, but I want something more than that: I want deliverance. I need forgiveness for what I have done, but I need also deliverance from what I am.

9.   How are we to distinguish between the blood and the cross?

We shall see that the Blood deals with what we have done, whereas the Cross deals with what we are. The Blood disposes of our sins, while the Cross strikes at the root of our capacity for sin.

Have you thought of this before? How the two are different?
How does this relate to the sacrifices of the old testament Law?

10. What three witnesses tell a man he has sinned?

God, guilt, Satan

11. In what three ways do the Scriptures show the blood to operate effectually?

Godward, manward and Satanward

12. When only does an individual come to realize how precious the blood is to him?

We must have a basic knowledge of the fact of the death of the Lord Jesus as our Substitute upon the Cross, and a clear apprehension of the efficacy of His Blood for our sins

Do you understand? Do you get that he has solved two problems for you?

13. How does the Old Testament “Day of Atonement” show that the blood is primarily for God?

It was a transaction between the high priest and God in the Sanctuary, away from the eyes of the men who were to benefit by it. The Lord required that. The Blood is therefore in the first place for Him.

How does that have anything to do with you, and your sins?
How does the blood on the cross compare to the blood of the passover lamb?

14. How does the blood of Christ avail toward God?

God is the One who demands that the Blood be presented, in order to satisfy His own righteousness, and it is He who says: ‘When I see the blood’, I will pass over you.’

15. Why can we rest assured that our sin debt has been paid?

If God can accept the Blood as a payment for our sins and as the price of our redemption, then we can rest assured that the debt has been paid. If God is satisfied with the Blood, then the Blood must be acceptable.

How many of your past, and future, sins were paid for by the blood of Yeshua?
How much guilt do you need to still have now then?

16. Why is it in error to say that the blood of Christ cleanses our hearts?

It cleans our conscience, but we need a new heart, not a cleaned heart

17. How is the conscience cleared and the sense of guilt removed?

there was something intervening between myself and God, as a result of which I had an evil conscience whenever I sought to approach Him. It was constantly reminding me of the barrier that stood between myself and Him. But now, through the operation of the precious Blood, something new has been effected before God which has removed that barrier, and God has made that fact known to me in His Word.

How is your conscience?
Can you imagine being charged of a crime, and the stress of a potential prison sentence. And then hearing the judge say, “Not Guilty”.
This is what God has done, he has looked at your sins, cleansed by the blood, and declared, “Not Guilty”.


18. What is meant by seeking the way into the presence of God by the blood?

I mean simply that I recognize my sins, that I confess that I have need of cleansing and of atonement, and that I come to God on the basis of the finished work of the Lord Jesus. I approach God through His merit alone, and never on the basis of my attainment; never, for example, on the ground that I have been extra kind or patient today, or that I have done something for the Lord this morning. I have to come by way of the Blood every time.

This is such an easy trap to fall into. Thinking that you have to, or have, earn your way into God’s presence by being good.
Even on your best day ever you had no right to enter his presence, and if you had, he would have had to kill you.

19. Describe how it is possible to try to base a clear conscience on one’s own attainments.

I may be mistaken, but I feel very strongly that some of us are thinking in terms such as these: ‘Today I have been a little more careful; today I have been doing a little better; this morning I have been reading the Word of God in a warmer way, so today I can pray better!’ Or again, ‘Today I have had a little difficulty with the family; I began the day feeling very gloomy and moody; I am not feeling too bright now; it seems that there must be something wrong; therefore I cannot approach God.’

Do you think your prayer has more chance of success if you’ve been well behaved and read the Bible today?
Do you think it has less chance of success if you’ve been sinning badly all morning?

20. Why is it possible always to have boldness in your approach to God?

your approach based on something far more secure, namely, the fact that the Blood has been shed, and that God looks on that Blood and is satisfied

So, regardless of your behaviour, is your prayer heard? Are its chances of being answered affected?

21. What two expedients are worthless in trying to make ourselves stronger or holier?

No trying to feel bad and doing penance will help us to be even a little holier.

22. How does the blood operate against Satan?

Blood removes that barrier and restores man to God and God to man. Man is in favour now, and because God is on his side he can face Satan without fear.

Are you afraid of Satan? Do you need to be?

23. What Scriptural answer is giver to the temptation of thinking that there are sins which are almost not forgivable?

”The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from every sin”

Have you done any sin you thought was unforgivable?
Has anyone else? Is there anyone too far gone, too evil, that their sins can’t all be forgiven by the blood of Yeshua?

24. Why does Satan have no ground of accusation against the child of God?

God, seeing all our sins in the light, has forgive them on the basis of the Blood

25. Why do we so readily accept the accusation of Satan?

our temptation is to look within and in self-defense to try to find in ourselves, in our feelings or our behavior, some ground for believing that Satan is wrong. Alternatively we are tempted to admit our helplessness and, going to the other extreme, to yield to depression and despair.
we are still hoping to have some righteousness of our own

Why is that wrong thinking?

26. What must we be careful to do in answering Satan?

We have to recognize that it is God alone that can answer the accuser, and that in the precious Blood He has already done so.

27. What alone can silence the charges of Satan against us?

Our salvation lies in looking away to the Lord Jesus and in seeing that the Blood of the Lamb has met the whole situation created by our sins and has answered it.

How is this study going to change your life, the way you behave, the way you pray, the way you feel about yourself?


	Normal Christian Life Study 1
READING Galatians 2 Romans 3 Romans 5 Romans 6 Leviticus 16 Ephesians 2 Hebrews 10 knowing that it wasn’t with mortal things, (silver or gold), that you were ransomed back from the futile way of life which was handed down to you, but by the precious blood of the Anointed, (as a flawless and spotless lamb)	These studies are based on the book “The Normal Christian Life” by Watchman Nee. You can download it from Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Even if you don’t do these studies, I highly recommend reading this book. His insight and application of the book of Romans, could change your life. Any page numbers referenced in the studies are as per the downloadable PDF version. And finally, many of these questions seem to have a simple literal answer extracted directly from the book. But the intention that that simple answer will trigger discussions amongst your group for clarification or understanding as you go along. The book text is your starting point for each answer, and you should feel free to include what it triggered in your own mind, and your own heart as you read it. Lesson 1 Read and study the prefaces and chapter 1. Seek the TRUTH, not just the answers to the questions 1. What is the recommended approach to this book? On none of the subjects dealt with is it to be regarded as exhaustive. It should be approached prayerfully—not as a treatise, but as a living message to the heart. 2. In brief, what is God’s normal for a Christian? I live no longer, but Christ lives His life in me. How close to “normal” do you think you’re living? Can you name someone who looks to you like they’re doing that? Have you thought about asking them how and why they do? 3. What is God’s only answer to every human need? His Son, Jesus Christ. What other solutions do we try? 4. By what two substitutions does God undertake for us? In all His dealings with us He works by taking us out of the way and substituting Christ in our place. The Son of God died instead of us for our forgiveness: He lives instead of us for our deliverance. So we can speak of two substitutions—a Substitute on the Cross who secures our forgiveness and a Substitute within who secures our victory. 5. In what one and only way will God answer all our questions? God will answer all our questions in one way only, namely, by showing us more of His Son But then we have to apply that answer? Or is it automatic? 6. Explain the distinction between the plural word “sins” and the singular word “sin” in the two parts of Romans 1:1-5:11, 5:12-8:39 It is because in the first section it is a question of the sins I have committed before God, which are many and can be enumerated, whereas in the second it is a question of sin as a principle working in me. No matter how many sins I commit, it is always the one sin principle that leads to them. 7. When a person has received forgiveness of sins, what new discovery does he make? when once I have received forgiveness of sins I make a new discovery, namely, the discovery of sin, and I realize not only that I have committed sins before God but that there is something wrong within. Do you feel that? Are you aware of it in your life? Are you the only one? 8. Distinguish between the need for forgiveness and the need for deliverance. I may seek and receive forgiveness, but then I sin once more. So life goes on in a vicious circle of sinning and being forgiven and then sinning again. I appreciate the blessed fact of God’s forgiveness, but I want something more than that: I want deliverance. I need forgiveness for what I have done, but I need also deliverance from what I am. 9. How are we to distinguish between the blood and the cross? We shall see that the Blood deals with what we have done, whereas the Cross deals with what we are. The Blood disposes of our sins, while the Cross strikes at the root of our capacity for sin. Have you thought of this before? How the two are different? How does this relate to the sacrifices of the old testament Law? 10. What three witnesses tell a man he has sinned? God, guilt, Satan 11. In what three ways do the Scriptures show the blood to operate effectually? Godward, manward and Satanward 12. When only does an individual come to realize how precious the blood is to him? We must have a basic knowledge of the fact of the death of the Lord Jesus as our Substitute upon the Cross, and a clear apprehension of the efficacy of His Blood for our sins Do you understand? Do you get that he has solved two problems for you? 13. How does the Old Testament “Day of Atonement” show that the blood is primarily for God? It was a transaction between the high priest and God in the Sanctuary, away from the eyes of the men who were to benefit by it. The Lord required that. The Blood is therefore in the first place for Him. How does that have anything to do with you, and your sins? How does the blood on the cross compare to the blood of the passover lamb? 14. How does the blood of Christ avail toward God? God is the One who demands that the Blood be presented, in order to satisfy His own righteousness, and it is He who says: ‘When I see the blood’, I will pass over you.’ 15. Why can we rest assured that our sin debt has been paid? If God can accept the Blood as a payment for our sins and as the price of our redemption, then we can rest assured that the debt has been paid. If God is satisfied with the Blood, then the Blood must be acceptable. How many of your past, and future, sins were paid for by the blood of Yeshua? How much guilt do you need to still have now then? 16. Why is it in error to say that the blood of Christ cleanses our hearts? It cleans our conscience, but we need a new heart, not a cleaned heart 17. How is the conscience cleared and the sense of guilt removed? there was something intervening between myself and God, as a result of which I had an evil conscience whenever I sought to approach Him. It was constantly reminding me of the barrier that stood between myself and Him. But now, through the operation of the precious Blood, something new has been effected before God which has removed that barrier, and God has made that fact known to me in His Word. How is your conscience? Can you imagine being charged of a crime, and the stress of a potential prison sentence. And then hearing the judge say, “Not Guilty”. This is what God has done, he has looked at your sins, cleansed by the blood, and declared, “Not Guilty”. 18. What is meant by seeking the way into the presence of God by the blood? I mean simply that I recognize my sins, that I confess that I have need of cleansing and of atonement, and that I come to God on the basis of the finished work of the Lord Jesus. I approach God through His merit alone, and never on the basis of my attainment; never, for example, on the ground that I have been extra kind or patient today, or that I have done something for the Lord this morning. I have to come by way of the Blood every time. This is such an easy trap to fall into. Thinking that you have to, or have, earn your way into God’s presence by being good. Even on your best day ever you had no right to enter his presence, and if you had, he would have had to kill you. 19. Describe how it is possible to try to base a clear conscience on one’s own attainments. I may be mistaken, but I feel very strongly that some of us are thinking in terms such as these: ‘Today I have been a little more careful; today I have been doing a little better; this morning I have been reading the Word of God in a warmer way, so today I can pray better!’ Or again, ‘Today I have had a little difficulty with the family; I began the day feeling very gloomy and moody; I am not feeling too bright now; it seems that there must be something wrong; therefore I cannot approach God.’ Do you think your prayer has more chance of success if you’ve been well behaved and read the Bible today? Do you think it has less chance of success if you’ve been sinning badly all morning? 20. Why is it possible always to have boldness in your approach to God? your approach based on something far more secure, namely, the fact that the Blood has been shed, and that God looks on that Blood and is satisfied So, regardless of your behaviour, is your prayer heard? Are its chances of being answered affected? 21. What two expedients are worthless in trying to make ourselves stronger or holier? No trying to feel bad and doing penance will help us to be even a little holier. 22. How does the blood operate against Satan? Blood removes that barrier and restores man to God and God to man. Man is in favour now, and because God is on his side he can face Satan without fear. Are you afraid of Satan? Do you need to be? 23. What Scriptural answer is giver to the temptation of thinking that there are sins which are almost not forgivable? ”The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from every sin” Have you done any sin you thought was unforgivable? Has anyone else? Is there anyone too far gone, too evil, that their sins can’t all be forgiven by the blood of Yeshua? 24. Why does Satan have no ground of accusation against the child of God? God, seeing all our sins in the light, has forgive them on the basis of the Blood 25. Why do we so readily accept the accusation of Satan? our temptation is to look within and in self-defense to try to find in ourselves, in our feelings or our behavior, some ground for believing that Satan is wrong. Alternatively we are tempted to admit our helplessness and, going to the other extreme, to yield to depression and despair. we are still hoping to have some righteousness of our own Why is that wrong thinking? 26. What must we be careful to do in answering Satan? We have to recognize that it is God alone that can answer the accuser, and that in the precious Blood He has already done so. 27. What alone can silence the charges of Satan against us? Our salvation lies in looking away to the Lord Jesus and in seeing that the Blood of the Lamb has met the whole situation created by our sins and has answered it. How is this study going to change your life, the way you behave, the way you pray, the way you feel about yourself?