The Pursuit

Pray that God would stir their hearts to seek Him with all their might and that they would experience His presence in new and powerful ways.

Lesson: Seeking God

"The Call to Seek God" Main Scripture: Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) - "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart

A. Opening Question: Ask the group, "What does it mean to seek something with all your heart?"

Engage them in a brief discussion to get them thinking about the idea of pursuit and effort.

B. Context of Jeremiah 29:13: . Jeremiah wrote these words to the Israelites who were in exile in Babylon, encouraging them to seek God during a time of uncertainty and hardship.Scripture Reading: Read Jeremiah 29:10-14 to provide context. Highlight God’s promise that they would find Him if they sought Him wholeheartedly.

C. Purpose of the Lesson: Explain that this lesson will explore what it means to seek God, how we can do so, and what promises God makes to those who earnestly seek Him.II. Exposition of the Main Scripture

A. "You Will Seek Me":

Explain the meaning of "seek" in a biblical context.Hebrew Word Study: The Hebrew word for "seek" used here is "darash," which means to search or inquire earnestly.

Application: Seeking God isn’t a passive activity; it requires intentionality, effort, and desire.

B. "And Find Me":

Discuss the promise that those who seek God will find Him.

Cross-Reference: Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV) - "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Application: God is not hiding; He wants to be found by those who seek Him. The assurance of finding Him is a promise that encourages persistence.

C. "When You Seek Me With All Your Heart": Focus on the phrase "with all your heart." Explain that this signifies wholehearted devotion, not just a half-hearted or occasional effort.

Cross-Reference: Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV) - "But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul."

Application: God desires a relationship with us that involves our complete and undivided attention. Our pursuit of Him must be driven by love, faith, and commitment.

III. How to Seek God

A. Through Prayer: Teach that seeking God begins with prayer—talking to God, listening, and waiting on Him.

Example: Daniel 6:10 - Daniel’s habit of praying three times a day, even when it was dangerous, shows his commitment to seeking God.

Practical Application: Encourage the youth to set aside specific times each day for prayer.

B. Through Reading and Meditating on Scripture:

Explain the importance of knowing God’s Word as a way of seeking His will and understanding His character.

Example: Psalm 119:105 (NIV) - "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

Practical Application: Suggest starting a Bible reading plan or choosing specific scriptures to meditate on daily.

C. Through Worship:

Discuss how worship is an expression of seeking God’s presence and acknowledging His greatness.

Example: Psalm 63:1-4 - David’s psalm reflects a deep desire to experience God’s presence in worship

.Practical Application: Encourage the youth to worship God not only in church but also in their daily lives, through music, singing, and praise.

D. Through Fellowship:

Highlight the importance of seeking God together in community

.Example: Acts 2:42-47 - The early church devoted themselves to fellowship, teaching, breaking of bread, and prayer.

Practical Application: Encourage the youth to participate actively in youth groups, Bible studies, and church services

IV. Promises for Those Who Seek God

A. God Will Be Found: Reiterate Jeremiah 29:13 and the assurance that God will reveal Himself to those who seek Him sincerely.

B. God Will Guide and Bless:

Scripture Reference: Psalm 34:10b (NIV) - "Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."

Application: Seeking God leads to provision, guidance, and blessings.

C. God Will Draw Near: Scripture Reference: James 4:8a (NIV) - "Come near to God and he will come near to you."

Application: The act of seeking brings us into closer relationship with God.

V. Conclusion A. Recap the Key Points:

Summarize the importance of seeking God through prayer, scripture, worship, and fellowship.B. Challenge to the Youth: Encourage them to make seeking God a priority in their lives.Call to Action: Invite them to commit to a specific way they will seek God more earnestly this week.C. Closing Prayer: