Seeking God

Purpose:

Seeking God is a study to clarify what it takes to pursue a relationship with God. While this study will clear up many misconceptions, it can likewise provide great inspiration for one to wholeheartedly seek our Lord and God. In some cases, you may need to share these scriptures with a seeker who has become complacent along the path in his/her search.

Scriptures:

• Matthew 7:7, Matthew 7:13-14. One of the great promises of the bible: everyone who seeks finds! Plus, one of the great warnings in the bible: only a few will find. If only a few find God, then how many actually seek Him?

• Luke 13:22-30. Yes, only a few will be saved; therefore, make every effort to seek. Those who simply ‘try’ will be caught off guard by their rejection from the kingdom of God. How can you make every effort to seek Him? These efforts should help develop and increase your faith in Jesus. Why is it so dangerous to simply ‘try?’

• Matthew 6:25-33. The greatest enemy of best is good. What good things can distract you from seeking God as your first priority? What changes must you make in order to make God’s kingdom and righteousness your top priority?

• Matthew 13:44-46. Finding God is like finding a great treasure or a valuable pearl. Is it a joy for you to sacrifice everything in exchange for God’s grace? Do you really understand and believe the trade off?

• Acts 8:26-40. Here’s an example of a seeker who humbly puts God first, thus finding Him and finding great joy. Take note that the Ethiopian Eunuch was: a busy man, a man who needed a disciple’s help to seek God, a man who used the bible as his guide to finding God, a man who was eager to be baptized.

Additional Scriptures:

Acts 17:10-11
Jeremiah 29:10-13
Deuteronomy 4:28-31
Daniel 9:3
Hebrews 11:6
1 Timothy 4:7-8
Acts 17:22-27
2 Chronicles 15:1-4

The Word of God

Purpose:

Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). Thus, the aim of studying the Word of God is to help a seeker build faith in Jesus. One must accept the bible as the one true standard (vs. feelings, experiences, peers’ opinions, or family traditions) by which to live life if one is to know true salvation from Jesus.

Scriptures:

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - The bible is highly useful; use it to train in righteousness. Have you trained for anything in life? What principles of training ensure success? The bible thoroughly equips us; thus, it is all we need to seek a righteous life filled with every good work. Man’s traditions cannot improve the Word as it equips and guides us.

•  - In the final analysis, we will give a full accounting to God. We won’t be able to hide anything from Him. Thus, why is it so important to apply the Word to our life now? What can the Word do? How does Hebrews 4:12-13penetrating power of the Word benefit us?

•  - Life and doctrine are both important. What is the result of neglecting one or both? What is the result of persevering in both? Discuss principles of bible study that will produce correct doctrine. Suggest 1 Timothy 4:15-16ways to put the bible’s teaching into practice.

• John 8:31-32 - How are these particular Jews described? Is belief sufficient if it is not accompanied by obedience? Who are really Jesus’ disciples? How will you know the truth? How will you be set free?

•  - Take note of Jesus’ purpose for coming to you. The Word will judge us if we reject it. Rejecting the Word is equated with John 12:47-48rejection of Jesus and his salvation.

•  - A noble response to God’s Word is an eager examination of it Acts 17:10-11everyday! This is a great challenge to issue to any seeker! Suggest studying a gospel this week to know Jesus better.

Additional Scriptures:

John 7:17
Matthew 13:1-23
2 Peter 3:16
Mark 7:6-9
John 8:31-32
James 1:22-25
2 Timothy 2:15
1 Thessalonians 2:13
Psalms 119:60
2 Timothy 4:2-3
Ezekiel 33:30-33
Jude 3
1 Corinthians 4:4
2 Peter 1:19-21
 

Knowing Jesus

Purpose:

The Apostle Paul’s great desire was to know Jesus and the power of His resurrection (Philippians 3:10). Likewise, he prays that God may give us the wisdom so that we may know Him better (Ephesians 1:17). Few people seeking a relationship with Jesus have an accurate picture of Him. Before one can embrace true discipleship, he or she must first know, respect, even love the man to be followed. Otherwise, discipleship remains a mere commitment to ‘commitment.’ Knowing Jesus is a prerequisite for following Him. While this study will help, you may instead ask seekers to read through a gospel (suggest one week as a timeframe), listing every inspiring observation they make about Jesus. You can then discuss and celebrate that list with them.

Scriptures:

• John 1:1 & 1:14.  Jesus is God, yet he became man for us. Why would he do that? What type of man would be described as “full of grace and truth?”

• John 2:13-17.   Jesus burned with zeal for righteousness. He was a man who acted on that zeal.

• John 3:1-16.  Jesus taught the teachers. Later, Nicodemus was so amazed by Jesus’ righteousness that he began to defend him before the intimidating council of Jewish leaders (John 7: 50-51). Ultimately, Nicodemus was so moved by Jesus’ sacrificial love, that he exposed his commitment to Jesus by caring for his burial (John 19:38-39). What type of man inspires someone like Nicodemus to leave everything and start anew?

• John 6:35.  Jesus was more than a good moral teacher; he pointed to himself as the source of spiritual nourishment. Could a mere human teacher make such statements about himself? (You may wish to view other “I Am” statements of Jesus in John’s gospel: 8:12, 8:58, 9:5, 10:7, 10:11, 11:25, 13:13, 15:1, 18:37) He does not give us the option of simply admiring Him; you must conclude that either He is mad or He is Lord!

• John 14:1-6.  Jesus is the only way. What more could he do to lovingly show us that one true way? If you get to know him, you will follow him. He will lead you to heaven.

Additional Helpful Scriptures:

• John 4:1-42

• John 12:32

• Luke 4:1-13

• Hebrews 1:3

• Hebrews 2:9-11

• Hebrews 2:17-18

• Hebrews 4:15-16

• 1st John 2:5-6

• Mark 1:32-39