Direct answer: A lesson-by-lesson study of The Pursuit of God turns each major chapter theme into a teachable session with a clear objective, Bible passage, discussion questions, prayer, application, and accountability. This format is especially useful for leaders who want to guide a class, small group, men’s study, or discipleship relationship.
How Is a Lesson-by-Lesson Study Different From Chapter Reading?
Chapter reading focuses on understanding the book. A lesson-by-lesson plan focuses on helping people learn and respond. The leader identifies the principal spiritual truth, chooses Scripture, prepares discussion questions, and guides participants toward practical obedience.
A chapter may become one lesson, but it can also be divided into two lessons when the theme is complex. Likewise, two short chapters can sometimes be combined if they address closely related subjects. The goal is not to force the book into a schedule. The goal is to create enough space for understanding, biblical examination, prayer, and action.
Teach Toward Obedience
A Christian lesson is incomplete when participants can explain the idea but cannot identify how it should change their beliefs, priorities, relationships, habits, or witness.
The Seven Parts of a Strong Lesson
| Lesson part | Purpose | Leader question |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Defines what participants should understand and practice | What should change by the end of this lesson? |
| Chapter focus | Summarizes the main theme from Tozer | What problem or invitation does the chapter present? |
| Biblical foundation | Keeps Scripture central | Which passage most clearly teaches this truth? |
| Explanation | Clarifies terms and corrects misunderstandings | What does a new believer need explained? |
| Discussion | Invites ownership and honest reflection | Which questions cannot be answered with one word? |
| Application | Moves from knowledge to action | What should participants do before the next lesson? |
| Prayer and accountability | Depends on God and reviews follow-through | How will we pray and check progress? |
A Repeatable Lesson Preparation Process
- Read the chapter twice. Identify the central theme, spiritual problem, and desired response.
- Write one lesson objective. Use a sentence beginning with, “By the end of this lesson, participants will…”
- Select one primary Bible passage. Additional verses may support the lesson, but one main passage helps maintain focus.
- Prepare a short explanation. Define unfamiliar ideas and show how the chapter connects to Scripture.
- Create three kinds of questions. Include understanding, heart-reflection, and application questions.
- Choose one practical action. Make it clear, realistic, and reviewable.
- Plan the closing prayer. Let the lesson’s truth shape praise, confession, surrender, and requests.
Four Types of Lesson Questions
Observation
What does the chapter or Bible passage actually say?
Meaning
What does the truth reveal about God, people, faith, or discipleship?
Heart
Where does the lesson challenge motives, fears, desires, or habits?
Action
What specific obedience should take place before the next meeting?
A 60-Minute Lesson Plan
| Time | Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | Welcome and opening prayer | Prepare the group to listen and respond. |
| 10 minutes | Review previous application | Build accountability and celebrate growth. |
| 10 minutes | Chapter summary | Establish the main theme and questions. |
| 20 minutes | Bible study and discussion | Examine the subject through Scripture. |
| 10 minutes | Personal application | Choose one action and accountability step. |
| 5 minutes | Closing prayer | Respond to God together. |
Sample Lesson Objective and Questions
Theme: Spiritual Hunger for God
Objective: By the end of the lesson, participants will be able to identify one competing desire and choose one practice that directs their attention toward God.
Primary Scripture: Psalm 63:1–8
Understanding question: How does the psalmist describe his desire for God?
Heart question: What receives the strongest attention and affection in your ordinary week?
Application question: What will you change this week to seek God more intentionally?
How to Involve Every Participant
Shared leadership prevents the study from becoming a lecture. Assign rotating responsibilities such as:
- Summarize the assigned chapter
- Read the main Bible passage
- Lead one discussion question
- Share an application starter
- Open or close in prayer
- Follow up on the previous week’s commitment
This method encourages participation, ownership, and growth in leadership. It is especially helpful when a group includes both newer and more mature believers.
Adapting Lessons for Beginners
Use shorter reading assignments, define spiritual terms, and limit each session to one main truth. Avoid assuming that participants know where every Bible book is located or understand words such as sanctification, surrender, abiding, or discipleship.
Begin with clear questions and give participants time to think. A short starter answer can help the person assigned to lead a question, but it should open discussion rather than provide the only acceptable answer.
Connecting Every Lesson to Disciple-Making
At the end of each lesson, ask:
- Who needs encouragement from this truth?
- How can I practice this lesson at home?
- Who could read the next chapter with me?
- What could I explain to a younger believer?
- How does this lesson help me obey the Great Commission?
What a Lesson-by-Lesson Course Should Produce
- Clearer understanding of the book’s central themes
- Greater confidence in studying Scripture
- Honest discussion and appropriate accountability
- Specific acts of faith, surrender, worship, and obedience
- Growing dependence on Christ
- Participants who are increasingly able to lead and disciple others
A lesson-by-lesson plan succeeds when participants are not only able to discuss Tozer’s ideas, but are also learning to seek God, abide in Christ, obey Scripture, and pass the truth to others.
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
Does every chapter need to be one lesson?
No. A complex chapter can be divided into two lessons, and closely related chapters may sometimes be combined.
How long should a lesson meeting last?
A 60-to-75-minute meeting usually allows time for accountability, chapter review, Bible study, discussion, application, and prayer.
Can participants help lead the lessons?
Yes. Rotating summaries, Scripture readings, discussion questions, prayer, and accountability encourages ownership and develops leaders.
How should each lesson end?
End with one specific application, prayer for grace to obey, and a clear plan to review the commitment at the next meeting.