Seek Him Wisely Study #1
The Promise in Seeking Him
What does it mean to “seek” the Lord?
Are you and I in the habit of “seeking” the Lord? The question may strike us as odd, but a few moments of thought might just yield some telling truths. What does it mean to seek God? Why is such seeking important? What results when someone diligently seeks the Lord?
GETTING STARTED – explore through discussion the nature of intentionally seeking something. When have you gone on a hunt for something important? Why did you? Tell your story?
What examples of earnest seeking are found in Scripture? Check these out –
- Genesis 3:8-9 * Luke 15:1-10
- Genesis 24:10-13 * Hebrews 11:13-16
- 1 Samuel 23:15-18, 24b-29
What are the characteristics of someone who earnestly seeks something? Describe.
IN THE SCRIPTURES – let’s discover what “seeking the Lord” is all about. Read these passages and make some observations about what it means to do this.
1 Chronicles 16:1-34 As the Ark of the Covenant is brought to Jerusalem, King David is thrilled.
He prayerfully sings to his nation his joy, a call to “seek the Lord.” As you read and observe his prayer, what are the actions his song calls for that might give shape to what it means to seek the Lord? List them…discuss them!
1 Chronicles 22:17-19 and 28:5-9 King David wanted to build “a house for the Lord,” but the
Lord insisted Solomon, not he, take on that project. Moreover, Solomon would soon succeed David as King over Israel. What does David say to Solomon – and to the people – about seeking the Lord? How important is this seeking…discuss it!
Psalm 24:3-6 Again, David sings of seeking the Lord God of Israel. Read this Psalm…what are you learning in all of these passages about seeking the Lord?
Are there some new steps in your relationship with God you might take to more actively seek the Lord in your life? What might they be?
PERSONAL APPS AND STEPS – finally, take a look at how much God wants to be sought for. What does this passage in Isaiah teach?
Isaiah 65:1-3 I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me;
I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me.
I said, “Here I am, here I am,” to a nation that was not called by my name.
I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people,
who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices;
to a people who provoke me to my face continually,
sacrificing in gardens and making offerings on bricks.
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Final thought: The celebration of our Lord’s human birth is a great time to give Him the gift of seeking and finding Him in a fresh, spiritual-life reviving way. Are you up for it? FINISH by praying about this, and for someone you know who needs to find the Lord.