Direct answer: A chapter-by-chapter study of The Pursuit of God should give each chapter enough time for careful reading, biblical examination, prayer, personal reflection, and one clear act of obedience. The aim is not merely to finish Tozer’s book, but to let each chapter lead the reader back to Scripture and toward a deeper, more faithful walk with Christ.
Why Study The Pursuit of God Chapter by Chapter?
A. W. Tozer’s writing is brief, but his themes are spiritually demanding. He asks readers to consider whether they truly hunger for God, whether they are willing to surrender, whether they trust God, and whether their knowledge has become worship and obedience. Reading too quickly can reduce those challenges to memorable statements without allowing them to examine the heart.
A chapter-by-chapter approach creates a deliberate rhythm. Each chapter becomes a separate learning unit with its own central idea, supporting Scriptures, reflection questions, prayer, and application. This makes the method useful for personal study, one-to-one discipleship, small groups, men’s studies, and church classes.
Keep the Bible as the Final Authority
Tozer can awaken thought and conviction, but Scripture must define what is true. Every chapter should be compared with biblical passages read in context. Where Tozer is helpful, receive the help. Where a statement needs clarification, let Scripture provide it.
The Four Movements of Every Chapter Study
Understand
Identify the chapter’s main message, spiritual problem, and central invitation.
Examine
Compare the theme with Scripture and determine what the Bible declares and commands.
Respond
Write an honest prayer, confession, question, or statement of faith.
Practice
Choose one action that can be completed and reviewed before the next chapter.
An Eight-Step Chapter-by-Chapter Method
- Pray before reading. Ask God for humility, discernment, and willingness to obey rather than simply seeking an interesting idea.
- Read the entire chapter once. Do not stop at every sentence. First understand the overall flow and the main concern Tozer is addressing.
- Read the chapter again with a pencil. Mark one statement about God, one statement about the human heart, one challenge, and one idea that needs biblical examination.
- Write the big idea. Summarize the chapter in one or two original sentences. Do not copy the introduction, a publisher description, or someone else’s summary.
- Study related Scripture. Select two or three passages that directly address the chapter’s theme. Read the surrounding verses and note the context.
- Use declarative, imperative, and application questions. Ask what Scripture reveals, what it commands, and what response should follow.
- Write a prayer. Turn the lesson into praise, confession, thanksgiving, surrender, or a request for help.
- Choose one act of obedience. Record what you will do, when you will do it, and who will know about it.
A Repeatable Chapter Study Record
| Study field | What to record | Example prompt |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter focus | The principal spiritual theme | What issue is Tozer asking the reader to face? |
| Big idea | A one- or two-sentence original summary | What is the chapter mainly teaching? |
| Biblical foundation | Two or three passages in context | Where does Scripture address this subject? |
| Declarative truth | What the Bible reveals about God or the gospel | What is true because God has spoken? |
| Imperative | A command, warning, invitation, or pattern | What response does Scripture require? |
| Heart examination | A personal area of belief, desire, fear, or resistance | Where does this lesson confront me? |
| Application | One specific act of obedience | What will I do before the next chapter? |
| Multiplication | A person who could benefit from the lesson | Who can I encourage or disciple with this truth? |
Questions to Ask After Every Chapter
- What does this chapter say that is clearly supported by Scripture?
- What does the related Bible passage reveal about God?
- What belief, desire, habit, or fear does this chapter expose?
- What would repentance look like in this area?
- What promise of God should I trust?
- What command should I obey?
- How does the gospel give me hope and strength to respond?
- Who could I help with what I am learning?
Three Suggested Study Schedules
Weekly Course
Study one chapter each week. Use the extra days for Scripture meditation, prayer, and completing the application.
Two-Chapter Pace
Study two chapters each week for a shorter course, but give each chapter its own notes and action step.
Daily Guided Reading
Divide each chapter across several days: read, examine Scripture, reflect, pray, and review the application.
How to Use the Method in a Small Group
Assign one chapter before each meeting. Ask a different participant to prepare a two-minute summary and another participant to read the principal Scripture passage. The facilitator should guide the group through understanding, biblical examination, personal response, and application.
A 75-minute meeting might include ten minutes of welcome and accountability, fifteen minutes of chapter review, twenty-five minutes of Bible study, fifteen minutes of discussion and application, and ten minutes of prayer.
Shared leadership is especially valuable. Participants can rotate responsibility for summarizing the chapter, leading one question, reading Scripture, or closing in prayer. This encourages ownership and helps develop future disciple-makers.
How to Know Whether the Study Is Producing Growth
- You are reading Scripture more carefully rather than depending only on Tozer.
- Your applications are becoming specific and observable.
- You are more willing to confess sin and surrender control.
- Your prayer is becoming more honest and God-centered.
- You are growing in dependence on Christ rather than spiritual self-effort.
- You are sharing what you learn with another person.
A chapter-by-chapter study is successful when the reader moves from information to worship, from conviction to obedience, and from personal growth to helping someone else follow Jesus.
A Related Resource for Chapter Study
The Pursuit of God (Annotated): A Modern Study Guide to A. W. Tozer’s Classic on Abiding in Christ and Making Disciples preserves Tozer’s original text while adding chapter summaries, study resources, word searches, and practical connections to abiding, obedience, spiritual growth, and disciple-making.
View the Book on Amazon← Return to The Pursuit of God Knowledge Catalogue
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a chapter-by-chapter study take?
One chapter per week gives readers time for Scripture study, prayer, application, and accountability. A shorter course can cover two chapters per week.
Should I read Tozer or the Bible first?
Either order can work, but Scripture must remain the final authority. Many readers benefit from reading the chapter, identifying its theme, and then examining that theme through the Bible.
Can this method be used by beginners?
Yes. Beginners should use shorter questions, define unfamiliar terms, and focus on one primary Bible passage and one specific application.
Can a group use the chapter-by-chapter method?
Yes. Participants can rotate chapter summaries, Scripture readings, discussion leadership, applications, and prayer responsibilities.