Seek God

Seek
Written By Patrick Burch

OPENING THOUGHT

John says, “No one has ever seen God” (John 1:18).

And yet we are asked to sacrifice everything for him (Luke 14:26; John 12:25; Acts 20:24; Rev. 2:10; 12:11).

We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7).

Why should we put God first when we have never seen him?

EXPLORING GOD’S WORD

Psalms 27:4-9

  • David’s “one thing” is seeking after the Lord (v. 4). What makes it difficult for us to narrow our focus to one primary pursuit?

  • David wants to dwell in the Lord’s presence, even while facing trouble (vv. 5–6). Why is seeking God often hardest when life feels unstable or threatening?

  • What do you think David means by seeking the Lord’s “face”? How is this different from simply seeking his help or blessings?

  • This section ends by asking God not to hide his face or turn away (v. 9). How do fear, guilt, or past failures sometimes keep us from seeking God first—and how does this psalm challenge those barriers?

Hebrews 11:1-6

  • Faith is described as “the assurance of things hoped for” and “the conviction of things not seen.” Why is it hard to live based on things unseen?

  • In what ways does our culture train us to trust what is visible, measurable, and immediate instead of what is promised by God?

  • What does seeking God first look like when:

    • Obedience costs you something?

    • God feels silent?

    • The reward seems distant?

  • What habits or practices help keep faith active when feelings fade?

Luke 14:25-33

  • What does Jesus mean by hating “his own father and mother” and “even his own life”? (v. 26).

  • What does it mean to “bear your own cross”? (v. 27).

  • Is sacrifice optional for Jesus’ disciples?

  • How does this passage challenge the idea that following God should always feel safe, comfortable, or convenient and what helps us remain faithful when seeking God first becomes costly?

Patrick Burch
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Challenges to Seeking