The SOAP method for Bible study is a simple yet powerful tool that can transform your engagement with scripture. As a Christian Bible scholar who deeply loves the Bible and our Lord Jesus Christ, I think the SOAP Bible method is a wonderful way to deepen our understanding of God’s Word.
Instead of simply reading scripture, it slows you down to contemplate what you’re reading.
Understanding the SOAP Bible Method
The SOAP Bible method is an acronym that stands for:
Scripture.
Observation.
Application.
Prayer.
This approach is designed to help you connect with God’s Word personally and apply its truths to your daily life. Let’s look at each step in more detail.
Step 1. Scripture in the SOAP Method for Bible Study
The first step in the SOAP method for Bible study is scripture. This is where you start by reading a passage from the Bible.
SOAP method in Action
For example, let’s use John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Step 2. Observation in the SOAP Bible Method
Next comes observation. In this step of the SOAP Bible method, you reflect on what you’ve read and make observations.
SOAP method in Action
For our SOAP scripture example, John 3:16, you might observe that it speaks of God’s immense love for the world, His sacrifice in giving His Son, and the promise of eternal life for believers.
Step 3. Application in the SOAP Method for Bible Study
The third step is application. This is where you consider how the Scripture passage applies to your life.
SOAP method in Action
Again, when reading John 3:16, you might be reminded of the depth of God’s love for you personally and feel called to trust in Jesus more deeply and share His love with others.
Step 4. Prayer in the SOAP Bible Method
Finally, the last step in the SOAP Bible method is prayer. This is your response to God in prayer.
SOAP method in Action
For example, you might pray:
“Lord, thank you for your incredible love and sacrifice. Help me to trust in you more fully and to share your love with those around me.”
SOAP Method of Bible Study Examples Using Ephesians 6
As another SOAP method example, I’ll walk you through the SOAP method using Ephesians 6. This chapter is rich with teachings, so we’ll focus on a specific verse for our example.
Let’s use Ephesians 6:10: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.“
Scripture
The first step in the SOAP method is scripture. Read your Bible verses and write down the verse or verses you’re studying. You might want to use a Bible study journal or a simple piece of paper.
Observation
Next, we move to observation. This is where you take time to think deeply about the verse and its meaning.
You might consider:
- Context (in this case, Paul is writing to the Ephesians about spiritual warfare).
- The mindset of the Biblical authors and the times they lived in.
- Characters involved.
- Themes.
- Other details that stand out.
For Ephesians 6:10, you might observe:
- The verse is a call to strength, but not in our own power – in the Lord’s power.
- The word “finally” suggests that this is a concluding thought, something important that Paul wants to leave his readers with.
- The phrase “mighty power” emphasizes that God’s strength is far beyond our own.
Application
The third step is application. This is where you consider how the verse applies to your own life. You might ask yourself questions like:
- How can I be strong in the Lord?
- What does relying on God’s mighty power in my daily life look like?
- How can I remind myself of God’s strength when facing challenges or when in spiritual warfare?
For example, you might spend more time praying each day, asking for God’s strength. Or you might choose to memorize this verse, so you can recall it when you’re feeling weak or overwhelmed.
Prayer
Finally, we come to prayer. This is your response to God based on what you’ve learned.
You might thank God for His strength, ask for His help in relying on Him, confess times when you’ve tried to rely on your own strength or pray for others who need God’s strength.
For example, you might pray:
“Lord, thank you for your faithfulness and mighty power. Please help me to rely on your strength, not my own. When facing challenges, remind me that I can be strong in you. Amen.”
Next Steps
That’s the SOAP method in action! Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to do this. The SOAP method for Bible study is a flexible and personal way to study the Bible.
The goal is to engage with God’s Word and let it speak to you and shape your heart and life. So take your time, be open to what God is teaching you, and enjoy your time in His Word.
Whether you’re new to Bible study or have been reading the Bible for years, I encourage you to try the SOAP Bible method. It’s a beautiful way to spend time with God and let His Word transform your life.
Happy studying, and may God bless you richly as you dive into His Word! For more SOAP method of Bible study examples, join me in the Chronological Bible Reading Plan. The reading plan includes my free SOAP bible study template.