This study was first taught on April 12, 2011

Topic: ASKing (4): Seeking (2)

No audio available for this study.

---

Background
Last week, as we began to look at ‘seeking’, the second component of the acronym ASK, we observed that the difference between ‘seeking’ and ‘asking’ is that while the former is asking about something, the latter is asking for something. We also saw that the goal of ‘seeking’ is to continue to seek until we find what is being sought. We thus defined ‘seeking’ as a search, an inquiry, or a pursuit, which continues until we obtain what we seek. In other words, if we don’t find what we are looking for, we don’t stop the search; neither do we give up our inquiry, nor suspend our pursuit! We noted that seeking for something as we ought, can only happen if we consider it valuable, important, and precious to us; otherwise the diligence, vigour, and tenacity required to prosecute a search with a view to finding, will be at best lame and unproductive!

We noted that when our seeking is not focused, but all over the place, we don’t find anything. Hence, we saw the need to recognize and identify the one thing which we need to pursue with the vigour and tenacity required. For the believer in Christ, the one thing we need to seek is God (including His kingdom, His righteousness, and His Christ), because everything that we ever need is in Him!

We saw further that for our seeking to be productive, it must be of the right thing, for the right reasons, in the right manner, and in the right place. We noted for example, that a believer in Christ is not expected to seek for children from a doctor or herbalist; neither should he seek for a prudent wife in a brothel/bar; but from God!

We thus noted that if we seek God with all our hearts, with all our might, and with all our souls; if we seek Him early and earnestly; and, if we seek Him as though He is everything (and He indeed is), we will without doubt, surely find Him.

We also saw that while searching for something, we sometimes come across a priceless thing; which should then becomes our chief pursuit in life. In applying this to our lives, we noted that while searching for a meaning through achievements, position, contacts, and so on, we find God. In such instances, God, Who is far more valuable than everything in the world, should then become our pursuit in life. Such was the case of ‘blind’ Bartimaeus, as also was the case of Saul of Tarsus, who later became Paul.

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 7:7-8
We conclude our focus on ‘seeking’ tonight, as we look at some practical examples from the bible and learn lessons as a result. May the Holy Spirit help us to achieve this, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Seeking is not all about searching, but it also includes making inquiries. Indeed, it is very sad to find Christians who are ignorant; and this is because they are not asking God about things; rather, they are asking Him for things. The examples or case studies we shall be considering tonight will help us learn vital lessons.
1 Samuel 23:1-5; 30:1-8; 2 Samuel 5:17-25; 21:1-14; 1 Chronicles 13:1-14; 15:1-27; 21:1-28 (2 Samuel 24:1-17); Jeremiah 6:16; 1 Chronicles 17:1-15; John 5:29; 8:3-9; 2 Chronicles 16:1-12; 7:14; Psalm 34:10; Proverbs 28:5; 1:28-31; Ezekiel 14:1-11.

Conclusion
In practice, ‘seeking’ involves making inquiries from God (digging deeper) when information comes to us. ‘Seeking’ is also asking God about circumstances or situations that we find ourselves in, before we take decisions or conclude that it is the will of God. It also involves engaging God in meaningful conversation on issues that confront us, so that we can receive strategies, wisdom, and counsel for dealing with problems, challenges, and difficulties. When we do not inquire, we are courting disaster; and we are bound to make serious mistakes which would have major repercussions not only in our lives but in the lives of generations yet unborn. This is the reason why God asks us to always make enquiries before we step out on any venture. For all believers in Christ this is good counsel—whether you are involved in business, government, or leadership; as well as those who are seeking life partners, employment, vocations or careers to pursue, and so on. Indeed, anything to do with decision making, strategizing, and dealing with obstacles, should be preceded with seeking God. Our bible studies should include seeking God’s face, rather than just reading or asking for things (Psalm 27:8).

Examples abound in scriptures of David: how in seeking God he succeeded, and how, in not seeking God he encountered disaster which affected the entire nation. Churches have been affected by the refusal of leaders to seek God before engaging in certain ventures. When the Lord Jesus was confronted with a situation which was tricky, He did not just jump right in and give an answer, but He waited for a response from heaven before responding to the issue before Him. Today, many believers in Christ, like king Asa, do not seek God when situations confront them, but proceed to handle such matters in their own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6); and this has proven to be the source of many a disastrous venture among Christians! Yet God says that if we seek His face, He will heal our land; we shall not lack any good thing; and we shall understand all things!

However, when we seek God’s face on any matter, we must come to Him to receive from Him, and to do what He is telling us to do. We do not seek God for something that we would debate with Him over, neither do we approach God having our minds already made up, and expecting Him to rubber stamp our decisions. When we come to God, we must be prepared to discard our plans for His, if He requires it. Only then can our seeking be productive.

---

Back to all Bible Study Outline List