Direct answer: A complete Pursuit of God study guide should help readers understand each chapter, examine related Scripture, reflect honestly, pray, and act. The strongest guide moves in a clear sequence: summary → Scripture → questions → application → accountability.
A Pursuit of God study guide can turn A. W. Tozer’s devotional classic into a structured learning experience for individuals, discipleship partners, small groups, and church classes. The purpose is not to replace the original book or the Bible. It is to help readers slow down, identify the central message, test ideas through Scripture, and respond faithfully.
What should a complete study guide include?
Chapter summary
A concise explanation of the chapter’s central argument and spiritual concern.
Related Scripture
Passages that clarify, support, or correct the ideas being considered.
Understanding questions
Questions that help readers explain what the chapter means.
Personal reflection
Questions that expose desires, fears, habits, distractions, and resistance.
Application
A specific response involving belief, confession, obedience, or service.
Prayer and accountability
A way to bring the lesson before God and review the response later.
Start with a chapter summary
Before answering many questions, write a two- or three-sentence summary. Identify:
- The main truth Tozer emphasizes
- The spiritual problem he confronts
- The response he encourages
A summary should explain the chapter without copying its wording. It helps readers recognize the difference between the main point and memorable illustrations.
Connect every lesson to Scripture
Because The Pursuit of God is a Christian devotional work rather than a verse-by-verse commentary, a study guide should consistently lead readers back to Scripture. Useful passages include Psalm 42, Psalm 63, Matthew 5:6, Matthew 6:19–34, John 15:1–11, Romans 12:1–2, Philippians 3:7–14, Hebrews 11, and James 4:7–10.
Read each passage in context. Ask what it clearly teaches before trying to connect it with Tozer’s point.
Questions for understanding
Use these to understand the chapter
- What is the chapter’s main message?
- What problem or misunderstanding is being addressed?
- What does Tozer say about God?
- What does he say about the human heart?
- Which illustration or argument supports the main point?
- What sentence requires further explanation?
- How would I explain the chapter to someone who has not read it?
Questions for Scripture study
- What does the related passage reveal about God’s character and work?
- What command, promise, warning, or example appears in the text?
- How does the passage point to Christ or dependence on Him?
- Does the biblical context confirm, qualify, or correct my first impression?
- What words or ideas are repeated?
- What response did the original hearers or readers face?
Personal reflection questions
A study guide with questions should not remain only intellectual. Personal reflection asks how truth reaches present life.
- What currently competes with God for my attention?
- Where have I become satisfied with religious routine?
- What am I unwilling to surrender?
- Where does fear control my choices?
- What truth do I know but repeatedly avoid obeying?
- How has this chapter encouraged or corrected me?
- What would greater dependence on Christ look like this week?
What application questions should I ask?
A Pursuit of God Bible study with application questions should help readers move from broad intentions to clear action. Use these categories:
What truth about God do I need to trust?
What sin, attitude, or false belief should I acknowledge?
What outcome, possession, relationship, fear, or plan am I holding too tightly?
What spiritual or relational practice should I start?
What distraction or harmful pattern should I remove?
Who can I encourage or disciple with what I learned?
The final application question
What specific action will I take before the next study because of what Scripture has shown me?
The action should be realistic, measurable, and connected to the lesson. “Pray more” becomes “Pray through Psalm 63 for 15 minutes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.”
Prayer prompts for each lesson
- Praise: God, You are…
- Thanksgiving: Thank You for…
- Confession: I have resisted You by…
- Surrender: I place this concern under Your authority…
- Request: Give me grace to…
- Intercession: Help this person grow in…
- Commitment: Before the next study, I will…
A ten-session study outline
The book’s ten chapters create a natural ten-session plan. Each session can use this structure:
- Review the previous application.
- Summarize the current chapter.
- Read the related Scripture.
- Answer two understanding questions.
- Answer two personal questions.
- Choose one application.
- Pray and record accountability.
Individuals may complete every question. Groups should select the questions most likely to produce meaningful discussion instead of rushing through a long list.
How should accountability work?
At the end of the study, record:
My action: ____________________
When I will do it: ____________________
Who will know: ____________________
What happened: ____________________
What I learned about God: ____________________
At the next session, review the action briefly and graciously. Accountability should encourage obedience, not create competition or shame.
How to use the guide individually
Set a consistent time, keep a Bible and journal nearby, and complete one chapter each week. Write your answers, because writing slows the mind and makes applications more concrete. Review earlier pages periodically to notice repeated themes or unfinished actions.
How to use the guide in a group
Ask participants to read in advance. During the meeting, use one chapter summary, one Scripture, three or four questions, one application, and prayer. Rotate discussion leadership so that every participant has ownership.
Sample first-session assignment
Read the opening chapter and Psalm 63:1–8. Write the chapter’s big idea, identify one competing desire, and choose one specific time this week to seek God without digital distractions.
A study edition that includes additional tools
The Pursuit of God (Annotated): A Modern Study Guide to A. W. Tozer’s Classic on Abiding in Christ and Making Disciples preserves the original text and adds chapter summaries, word searches, study material, and leader resources.
Explore the Complete Study EditionFrequently asked questions
What should a complete Pursuit of God study guide include?
It should include chapter summaries, related Scripture, questions for understanding and reflection, application, prayer prompts, and a way to review obedience and accountability.
Should a study guide provide answers to every question?
It may provide brief guidance, but personal and group questions should leave room for careful thought, Scripture study, and honest discussion rather than giving a predetermined answer to everything.
Can this study guide be used individually and in groups?
Yes. Individuals can journal through the questions, while groups can select fewer questions and add discussion, prayer, and accountability.
What is the most important application question?
A practical final question is: What specific action will I take before the next study because of what Scripture has shown me?