We pick the book club back up with Part II (“Looking Within”) of The Spirit-Filled Life by Dr. Charles Stanley. Tatum recaps the biblical foundation of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling (for all believers at salvation) versus His influencing (our moment-by-moment leading). Building on the recent Internal Harmony series, she explains that walking by the Spirit is not distant, rule-based “directions,” but a close, personal leading—a lifestyle of sensitivity, dependence, and cooperation. You’ll learn why the Spirit’s primary goal is to form Christ-likeness, how to fight the “battle before the battle” in your mind, and why Scripture is the Holy Spirit’s weapon of choice (the sword of the Spirit) for dismantling lies, speculations, and flesh-driven desires. Tatum shares practical examples from entrepreneurship and life, showing how obedience positions us to avoid unnecessary suffering and walk into God’s wise, timely provision. Grab your copy: https://amzn.to/4mSGGTN

Key Takeaways

• Indwelt & Led: All believers receive the Holy Spirit at salvation; the ongoing call is to be led by Him (Gal. 5:16, 18, 25).
• Rhythm > Routine: Don’t confine God to a devotional “director’s chair.” Cultivate a moment-by-moment rhythm with Him.
• Holiness is the Goal: The Spirit’s primary work is Christ-likeness, not quick answers about jobs, money, or moves.
• Battle Before the Battle: Win the mental war first—guard thoughts, take them captive, and preoccupy your mind with truth.
• Scripture = Sword: Use specific verses to confront specific lies; memorize and speak them out loud.
• Focus Forms Direction: “What we focus on, we drift toward.” Set your mind on the Spirit to avoid fulfilling the flesh.

Scripture References

• Galatians 5:16, 18, 25 — Walk/keep in step with the Spirit
• Ephesians 5:18 — Filled with the Spirit
• 1 Corinthians 12:13 — One Spirit, one body
• 1 John 4:13 — Assurance by His Spirit
• Romans 6:11–14 — Dead to sin, alive to God
• Romans 12:2 — Renew your mind
• Colossians 3:2 — Set your mind on things above
• Philippians 4:8 — Think on what is true
• 2 Corinthians 10:5 — Take thoughts captive
• 1 Peter 1:13; 3:9; 4:19 — Sober-minded, repay evil with blessing, entrust to a faithful Creator
• Ephesians 6:17 — The word as the sword of the Spirit

Practical Homework

1. List Your Speculations & Struggles: Recurring daydreams, fantasies, mental loops.
2. Find Targeted Verses: Use a study Bible/concordance to match each area with Scripture.
3. Memorize & Speak Aloud: Put verses on cards, phone lock screen, mirror, or desk. Say them out loud daily.
4. Accountability: Share your list with a trusted friend and review weekly.
5. Pray for Sensitivity: Ask the Holy Spirit to flag thoughts not in harmony with truth.

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