Direct answer: A strong Pursuit of God lesson guide gives every meeting one clear objective, a concise chapter summary, carefully chosen Scripture, three to five discussion questions, one practical application, prayer, and follow-up accountability.
Begin With One Lesson Objective
Before choosing questions, decide what the participant should understand and do. A useful objective has both a truth and a response.
Example objective
Participants will understand that spiritual hunger is a desire for God Himself and will identify one distraction they will replace with intentional prayer and Scripture this week.
Without a clear objective, a meeting can become a collection of quotations, opinions, and side conversations. The objective helps the leader decide what belongs in the lesson and what should be saved for another time.
Prepare the Lesson in Six Steps
- Read the chapter twice. First read for the overall message; then read for key ideas, questions, and connections.
- Write a short summary. Use two or three sentences. Do not replace the chapter with a long lecture.
- Select one primary Scripture. Choose a passage that directly illuminates the theme and read it in context.
- Choose three to five questions. Move from understanding to Scripture, reflection, and application.
- Plan one response. Decide how participants will put the lesson into practice.
- Prepare prayer and follow-up. Pray about the truth and review the application at the next meeting.
A 60-Minute Lesson Plan
| Time | Activity | Leader’s purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5 minutes | Welcome and opening prayer | Ask for humility, understanding, and willingness to obey. |
| 5–12 minutes | Review last application | Build accountability and celebrate faithful steps. |
| 12–20 minutes | Chapter summary | Establish the big idea without lecturing. |
| 20–35 minutes | Read and discuss Scripture | Keep the Bible as the final authority. |
| 35–50 minutes | Discussion questions | Invite participation, honesty, and biblical reflection. |
| 50–56 minutes | Application | Each person chooses one specific action. |
| 56–60 minutes | Closing prayer | Bring needs and commitments before God. |
Use Four Types of Questions
Understanding
What is Tozer’s main point? Which statement best expresses the chapter’s challenge?
Scripture
What does the biblical passage reveal about God? How does it confirm, clarify, or correct our understanding?
Reflection
Where does this lesson touch our desires, fears, habits, relationships, or resistance?
Application
What specific action will we take before the next lesson?
Sample Lesson: Faith and Trust
Objective: Participants will identify one area of control and take one step of trust-filled obedience.
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 and Hebrews 11:1–6.
Questions:
- What does Tozer say prevents people from trusting God?
- What does Proverbs 3 contrast with trusting the Lord?
- Where are you waiting for complete certainty before obeying?
- What promise or truth about God addresses that fear?
- What step of obedience will you take this week?
Prayer: Ask God for trust, courage, and faithfulness in the named situation.
Adapt the Guide for Different Settings
For a small group: use shared leadership and invite different participants to summarize, read Scripture, and lead one question.
For one-to-one discipleship: reduce the number of questions and allow more time for personal honesty and accountability.
For a devotional guide: use a 15-minute format—read, one Scripture, one question, one prayer, one action.
For beginners: explain unfamiliar terms, use shorter passages, and ask simple questions before deeper ones.
Protect the Group From Common Problems
- Do not let the leader speak for most of the meeting.
- Do not use the study guide as a substitute for reading the chapter.
- Do not allow discussion to drift far from the lesson objective.
- Do not force participants to disclose private information.
- Do not end without a clear next step and prayer.
Explore the Expanded 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 text while adding chapter summaries, study resources, chapter word searches, and practical disciple-making connections.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long should one Pursuit of God lesson take?
A group lesson can usually fit within 60 to 90 minutes. Individual devotional lessons can be adapted to 15 to 30 minutes.
How many discussion questions should one lesson include?
Three to five strong questions are usually better than a long list. Include understanding, Scripture, personal reflection, and application.
Should the lesson leader teach or facilitate?
A short explanation is helpful, but the leader should primarily guide participants toward Scripture, honest discussion, prayer, and a specific response.
Can the same lesson guide work for beginners and mature believers?
Yes, when the leader includes a simple starting question and optional deeper questions, while keeping Scripture and application central.