Seeking the Giver, Not Just the Gift: A Call to True Salvation.

 BY P. MICHAEL. 

Introduction - 

In our generation, many desire healing, miracles, and breakthroughs—yet reject the very salvation that secures their eternity. This Bible study addresses the spiritual imbalance of pursuing God’s hand while ignoring His heart. True healing, peace, and lasting miracles are deeply rooted in a surrendered relationship with Jesus Christ.

1. Misplaced Priorities: Seeking Miracles Without Salvation

John 6:24-26 (NIV)

“Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, ‘Rabbi, when did you get here?’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.’”

Explanation: Jesus discerned their motive—they were seeking His provision, not His person. He rebuked their shallow pursuit and redirected them toward eternal priorities.

2. Total Healing Is Tied to Salvation

Luke 17:17-19 (NIV)

“Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.’”

Observation: Ten lepers were healed physically, but only one received spiritual wholeness—salvation. Complete healing includes body, soul, and spirit.

3. A Dangerous Pattern: Using God Without Knowing Him

Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV)

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven... Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons...?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

Warning: Miraculous gifts and religious activities are no substitute for a personal relationship with Christ. God desires intimacy, not utility.

4. The Priority of Seeking God Himself

Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Reflection: Healing, breakthrough, and provision are by-products of divine alignment. When we seek God for who He is, He meets our needs.

5. Returning to Sin After Receiving Miracles

John 5:14 (NIV)

“Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, ‘See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.’”

Insight: A miracle is not a license to return to sin. God’s acts of mercy should lead to repentance and transformed living.

Conclusion & Call to Response

Let us not be like those who only run to Jesus for what He can give. Let us be like Mary, who sat at His feet (Luke 10:39), or the healed leper who returned to worship. Let our pursuit be of the Giver, not just His gifts. Salvation is the true miracle—everything else flows from it.

Prayer Points:

1. Repentance: Ask God for mercy where you've sought His gifts more than His presence.

2. Surrender: Yield your life fully to Christ, not just for blessings, but for a lasting relationship.

3. Desire: Ask God to deepen your hunger for righteousness over results.