Biblical Truth Discovery activities can help readers remember the major teachings of The Pursuit of God by combining keywords, definitions, Scripture, explanation, and application. A word search alone offers limited value. The learning occurs when the discovered word becomes a doorway into biblical truth.
Step 1: Select meaningful keywords
Choose words that represent the chapter’s central teachings, not merely frequent words. Examples include:
- Pursuit
- Surrender
- Veil
- Faith
- Presence
- Word
- Gaze
- Creator
- Meekness
- Worship
Each word should belong clearly to one chapter theme.
Step 2: Find the word
A traditional word search creates attention and repetition. It can be useful for visual learners and as a low-pressure opening activity.
Do not let completion become the goal. Finding the word begins the exercise.
Step 3: Define the word
Ask participants to explain the term in plain language. Compare the definition with the chapter.
For “meekness,” for example, distinguish humility from passivity. For “presence,” distinguish God’s omnipresence from human awareness.
Step 4: Connect Scripture
Assign one passage to each keyword. Read it in context.
- Pursuit — Psalm 63:1–8
- Surrender — Genesis 22:1–18
- Veil/self-life — Galatians 2:20
- Faith — Hebrews 11:1–6
- Presence — Psalm 139:1–12
- Word — 2 Timothy 3:16–17
- Gaze — Hebrews 12:1–3
- Creator — Romans 11:33–36
- Meekness — Matthew 11:28–30
- Worship — 1 Corinthians 10:31
Step 5: Explain the truth
Ask the learner to complete: “This word matters because…” The explanation should include God, the human response, and the chapter’s main point.
Step 6: Identify an application
Every activity should end with one truth to apply. For example:
“Because God is present, I will pause before my three main meetings this week and ask for wisdom and love.”
Step 7: Share the truth
Invite participants to explain one keyword to another person. Teaching strengthens understanding and supports disciple-making.
Activity variations
Scripture matching
Match each keyword to a passage and explain the connection.
Definition cards
Place terms and definitions on separate cards and ask groups to match them.
Chapter sorting
Give ten keywords and ask participants to assign each to a chapter.
Application challenge
Let each person choose a word and create a seven-day practice.
Prayer circle
Use each keyword as the subject of a short sentence prayer.
Use with mixed maturity
Newer believers may need prepared definitions and starter answers. Mature believers can examine theological qualifications and ministry implications.
Avoid replacing the chapter
Activities should supplement the original reading. They are not cliff notes that remove the need to read Tozer or Scripture.
Measuring success
Success is not the number of words found. Ask whether participants can define the term, connect it with Scripture, explain the chapter’s teaching, and identify one act of obedience.
Connection to the annotated edition
The annotated study guide’s Biblical Truth Discovery activities are designed to reinforce chapter themes while moving readers toward meaning and application. Used well, they can support memory, conversation, and multiplication.
Biblical anchors
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 grounds the article’s central question. Read the surrounding paragraph or chapter and note what it reveals about God and the response expected from the believer.
Psalm 119:15-16 adds an important biblical balance. Read the surrounding paragraph or chapter and note what it reveals about God and the response expected from the believer.
Colossians 3:16 shows how the truth becomes lived obedience. Read the surrounding paragraph or chapter and note what it reveals about God and the response expected from the believer.
Questions for further study
-
Which statement in this article most needs to affect your understanding or conduct?
-
How does Deuteronomy 6:6-7 confirm, correct, or deepen the article’s answer?
-
What fear, attachment, distraction, or habit makes a faithful response difficult?
-
How will you use and review this resource rather than merely save it?
-
How could you explain or model this truth to another believer?
Use this resource
-
Schedule it: Choose a date and setting for using the resource described in “Biblical Truth Discovery Activities for The Pursuit of God.”
-
Complete it actively: Write answers, pray, and record one application rather than reading passively.
-
Review it: Share the result with another believer and decide what should continue.
Common mistakes to avoid
-
A resource should lead back to the book and the Bible, not replace them.
-
Do not turn memory, questions, or activities into competition.
-
Review applications so completion does not substitute for transformation.
From personal growth to making disciples
Use the resource with one other person and let each participant explain a truth, choose an action, and review it later. Make the next step simple enough to practice and clear enough to pass on.
Choose the setting
A resource creates value only when it is used. Select a date, identify the people involved, and decide how the result will be reviewed. Connect the activity with Deuteronomy 6:6-7, write one response, and share the outcome with another believer.
Continue with the annotated study guide
The annotated edition gathers chapter summaries, questions, prayer prompts, applications, and Biblical Truth Discovery activities into one guided resource. This article answers one focused question; the complete edition brings all ten chapters into one connected study experience.
The Pursuit of God (Annotated): A Modern Study Guide to A. W. Tozer’s Classic on Abiding in Christ and Making Disciples
