S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method
Scripture
Observation
Application
Prayer
What is the S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method?
The S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method is an easy way to learn and apply God’s Word to your daily life. It’s a simple technique but a powerful way to study the Bible. “S.O.A.P.” is an acronym which stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. Write out the four acronym’s for S.O.A.P. in a prayer notebook or use a Bible Study Sheet, select a Bible verse, then write down your thoughts about the verse next to each keyword. This process helps make you think how to incorporate God’s Word into your daily life. This can be complete in 15 minutes or you can go longer. There is no set time frame.
What Are Some Other Bible Study Methods?
There are so many different kinds of Bible Studies so don’t be afraid to try more than one. It’s important to find a method that works best for you. Other options include studying a specific word, Bible character, book, or a theme like prayer, obedience, or healing miracles. It’s recommended to keep your Bible Study Sheets or Prayer Notebook to use as a reference. This allows you to periodically review them to see your growth, answered prayers, and the lessons learned.
It’s faster and easier than repeating the lessons!
Did You Know God is Willing to Share His Wisdom with You?
What an amazing offer God gives us! He is willing to share His Wisdom with anyone who asks! James 1:5-8 says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
So ask!!!
There Is No Substitute for Studying the Bible
There is no substitute for studying the Bible. Watching online sermons, YouTube video’s, or listening to podcasts do not apply. The messages and communication between you and God occurs through studying His Word and prayer. It’s the only way to get to know God and His characteristics. New friends spend time together talking and listening to each other in order to find out more about each other. It’s no different with God except He already knows everything about you! Studying the Bible and praying help build a personal relationship with God and develops trust. We are commanded to “love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) How can we achieve this without spending time in God’s Word and communicating with Him? Making Bible Study a daily activity and a priority will change your life.
S
CRIPTURE
Always start your Bible Study by first asking God to bless your time together in His Word and presence. Ask Him to lead you to the Bible verse He wants to share with you and ask the Holy Spirit for help in understanding the message. Open the Bible to the table of contents. Scan over all the different books and see if any of the books jump out at you or your eyes focus on a specific book. This is the Holy Spirit leading you to something in that specific book. Turn to the book and start slowly turning the pages until the same thing happens. Once you have settled on a Bible verse write it down on a S.O.A.P. Bible Study Sheet or in your Prayer Notebook.
O
BSERVATION
Write out any observations you have about the verse. Look to see how God is using the verse to speak to you. Is He trying to correct your behavior, teach a lesson, or give encouragement? If you don’t understand the passage ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Read the footnotes, look at different translations, and look at the original Hebrew or Greek words to help you understand the message. Bible Gateway Online makes it easy to view any Bible verse in a different translation.
A
PPLICATION
How can you apply the verse to your daily life? What changes do you need to make to honor God’s Word? If you only
read the verse it won’t help improve your character. You must apply it to your life and put it into action. This can seem challenging but keep working at it. God loves us but He wants to continually refine us to be more like Jesus in everything we do. The Holy Spirit is our helper and so ask for His help in applying God’s Word to your daily life. God will point out the things you need to work on when reading the Bible but be comforted that He is doing this just like any other Father who loves His children. It will be done in a way that in time as you grow in knowledge you will be glad for the correction.
P
RAYER
Write down a prayer and thank God for His guidance and for the lesson. Write down what’s in your heart. It doesn’t have to be a long prayer but it needs to be honest and heartfelt. Jesus is our intercessor and when we pray in His name it has authority. Our prayers are going to God through His Son on our behalf. This is why it’s important to end your prayer with, “In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
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