Intentionality in Going After God

Creating a sermon about "Intentionality in Pursuing God" requires focusing on key biblical principles about living with purpose and aligning our hearts with God's will. Here's an outline to guide your sermon:

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### **Title**: *Intentionality in Going After God*

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### **Introduction**:

- Define intentionality: Living with purpose and focus.

- Emphasize that pursuing God isn't passive but requires deliberate action.

- Use a compelling opening question: *Are you pursuing God with intentionality, or are you letting life’s distractions dictate your walk with Him?*

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### **Key Scripture**:

- **Matthew 6:33**: *"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."*

- Seeking God as a primary, intentional priority.

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### **Main Points**:

1. The Call to Pursue God Wholeheartedly

- Jeremiah 29:13: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."*

- Seeking God requires focus, not half-hearted effort.

- Example: David, "a man after God's own heart" (Acts 13:22).

- Look at his intentional prayers, worship, and repentance.

2. Overcoming Distractions in the Pursuit of God

- Hebrews 12:1: "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles."

- Call out modern distractions (e.g., social media, work, worries).

- Steps to follow: Create a daily rhythm of prayer, scripture reading, and worship.

3. Aligning Intentionality with God’s Will

- Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

- Intentional living includes submitting our plans to God’s direction.

- Example of Jesus: His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39) shows ultimate intentionality in aligning with God's will.

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### **Illustrations**:

- Use an analogy: A GPS only works when we input a destination. Intentionality in pursuing God is like setting our spiritual GPS towards His kingdom.

- Testimony or story: Share a personal or well-known story of someone transformed by intentionally seeking God.

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Practical Application:

- Daily Disciplines:

1. Start each day with prayer and a focused devotional time.

2. Regularly evaluate what distracts you from God and eliminate it.

3. Commit to a spiritual goal (e.g., memorize scripture, join a Bible study).

- Community:

- Find accountability in a small group or mentor to help you stay intentional.

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### **Closing Challenge**:

- End with a question: *What step will you take today to intentionally pursue God?*

- Prayer: Lead the congregation in a prayer of commitment, asking God to renew their hearts and give them focus in their pursuit of Him.

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This outline ensures a clear and engaging message, rooted in Scripture and full of practical wisdom to inspire intentionality in going after God.