Direct answer: The Pursuit of God can become a useful discipleship study guide when each chapter is connected to Scripture, personal reflection, prayer, a specific act of obedience, accountability, and a plan to share the lesson with another person. Tozer helps awaken spiritual hunger; a discipleship structure helps that hunger become a faithful way of life.
Why Use The Pursuit of God for Discipleship?
A discipleship study should help believers know Christ, obey His Word, grow within Christian community, and help others follow Him. A. W. Tozer’s The Pursuit of God contributes to this process by confronting spiritual complacency and calling readers toward faith, surrender, worship, and a living awareness of God.
The book is especially helpful for the inner life of a disciple. It asks whether a believer is merely familiar with religious ideas or genuinely seeking God. However, the book should not be treated as a complete discipleship program by itself. Scripture remains the final authority, and healthy discipleship also includes the gospel, prayer, church involvement, relationships, service, accountability, and mission.
Use Two Biblical Anchors
John 15:1–11
Disciples abide in Christ. Spiritual fruit comes from dependence on Jesus, receiving His words, continuing in His love, and obeying His commands.
Matthew 28:18–20
Disciples make disciples. They go, baptize, and teach others to obey everything Jesus commanded under His authority and presence.
2 Timothy 2:2
Truth is entrusted to faithful people who will be able to teach others also. Discipleship is designed to multiply.
A Ten-Session Pursuit of God Discipleship Plan
| Session | Discipleship focus | Suggested Scripture | Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spiritual hunger and seeking God | Psalm 42:1–2; Matthew 6:33 | Begin a daily time of seeking God. |
| 2 | Surrendering competing attachments | Luke 9:23–24; Romans 12:1–2 | Name one area that must come under Christ’s authority. |
| 3 | Trusting God beyond what is visible | Proverbs 3:5–6; Hebrews 11:1–6 | Take one step of obedience despite uncertainty. |
| 4 | Receiving God’s Word personally | Psalm 119:9–16; John 15:7 | Read, write, pray, and obey one passage. |
| 5 | Living with awareness of God | Psalm 16:8; Acts 17:24–28 | Pause three times each day for prayer. |
| 6 | Worship in spirit and truth | John 4:23–24; Romans 12:1 | Offer one ordinary responsibility to God as worship. |
| 7 | Abiding and bearing fruit | John 15:1–11; Galatians 5:22–23 | Identify one fruit that needs to grow in a relationship. |
| 8 | Obedience as love for Christ | John 14:15; James 1:22–25 | Act on one truth already understood. |
| 9 | Christian community and accountability | Hebrews 10:24–25; James 5:16 | Share your application with a trusted believer. |
| 10 | Making disciples who make disciples | Matthew 28:18–20; 2 Timothy 2:2 | Invite one person to begin a simple study. |
A Weekly Meeting Format
- Personal check-in and prayer. Discuss real life, not only the assigned reading.
- Summarize the chapter. State the main idea in one or two sentences.
- Study Scripture. Read the passage in context and let Scripture evaluate every idea.
- Discuss the heart. Identify resistance, fear, misplaced desire, or needed growth.
- Choose one act of obedience. Make it specific and reviewable.
- Pray for one another. Ask for grace, faith, wisdom, and courage.
- Plan multiplication. Decide who else can be encouraged by the lesson.
Questions for Every Session
- What does this chapter reveal about God?
- Which Scripture most clearly supports or clarifies the lesson?
- What does the lesson expose about my desires, fears, or habits?
- What command must I obey?
- What will I do before the next meeting?
- Who will ask me about that commitment?
- How can I share this truth with someone else?
Measure More Than Completed Lessons
A successful Pursuit of God discipleship study guide should not be measured only by attendance, pages read, or questions answered. Look for increasing love for God, consistency in Scripture and prayer, repentance, obedience, healthy relationships, service, courage, and a growing willingness to disciple others.
Continue With The Pursuit of God Annotated Study Edition
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 message while adding chapter summaries, study resources, word searches, and practical connections to abiding, obedience, and disciple-making.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can The Pursuit of God be used for one-to-one discipleship?
Yes. Two believers can read one chapter each week, study related Scripture, discuss one personal issue, choose one act of obedience, and pray together.
Is The Pursuit of God a complete discipleship program?
No. It is a valuable spiritual-growth resource, but it should be combined with Scripture, the gospel, church involvement, prayer, accountability, and practical disciple-making.
How long should the study take?
A ten-session schedule—one session for each chapter—is simple and practical. Groups may combine sessions or add review weeks.
What should happen after each session?
Each participant should leave with one specific action, one person who will follow up, and one way to share the lesson with another believer.