Learn to Study the Bible Using the SOAP Method
I am sharing with you the most productive and easiest way to start studying the bible. I get asked often, how do you start studying the bible? The answer I often give is, “You just pick it up and read it!” That truly is the beginner step to take because that is probably the hardest part. This step I am about to share with you is more for someone who wants to go deeper and truly become a student of the word of God.
I worked on staff for a church for over 9 years as a Ministry Director and as being a part of a ministry team there are so many things I learned, but I have to honestly say that the SOAP bible study method is the one thing that transformed my life while on staff. I know you are probably thinking, how is that possible when you worked there for so long and saw and did so much?? Well this is the one practice that has remained a part of my daily life 11 years later even after leaving that job. I have seen God show up so many times because of my commitment to read and study his word using the SOAP method.
The most difficult part about studying the bible is making the commitment and time to do it. Once you make it a habit and see the benefits of knowing and understanding God’s word, your spirit will crave it and you will just make it a habit. You need to know that you are worthy of reading God’s word! You deserve to know and understand what is inside this book. You are smart enough to understand. You do not need to be perfect; you just have to show up! Many times, people get caught up in believing they are not smart enough or worthy of even opening the bible. Once you open that book, you are going to find that it is filled with stories about unworthy, broken, hot messes just like you and me! As a matter of fact, we are saints compared to some of the people in the bible. It can be rather entertaining as well, once you start digging into some good stories. Lies, murder, deceit, affairs, miracles, betrayal! It is like a really good miniseries on Netflix!
So, here is where the magic happens. Decide where you want to start in the bible. Honestly, it does not take rocket science to decide which book you should start with. Pray about it if you need to, or if you find a bible study plan you want to follow do that. If you have never studied the bible before, I always recommend to beginners that you start with the New Testament and start with the Four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (these are the first 4 books of the new testament). All the stories in these books are stories we all are familiar with and it is always nice to start off with what we know.
Read one chapter at a time. One chapter a day, twice a week, 3 times a week or whatever fits your schedule…. just read it! I read a daily devotion every day that is quick and allows me to meditate on scripture, so I get God’s word every day. My bible study time of journaling and reading one entire chapter, is typically 2-3 times a week. There are seasons in my life where I do it every day as well, particularly when I am being challenged or faced with hard times. I make it a point to go deeper and spend more time with God in those rough seasons. Whatever amount of time you can give, you just have to do it! Remember that something is better than NOTHING! Just grab your bible and a journal or notebook and start. I always recommend putting the date on each entry, so you can look back and see those prayers that God answered. A really great digital version of the bible I often use if I don’t have my bible on hand, is the YouVersion Bible App. You can find them online also at www.youversion.com
So, here is the study method I use when reading the bible. It is called the SOAP method, and this is what I learned that truly transformed my life. I always felt intimidated when it came to studying the bible, and this method made it so simple and easy for me!
S is for Scripture. In the one chapter you read, what scripture stood out to you, or spoke to you? Write it down.
O is for Observation. What did you observe about that scripture? What is the author saying? Why did it stand out to you? What do you think God is showing you in this scripture?
A is for Application. How does this scripture apply to you personally? How can you apply this scripture to your life? What can you do? How does it ask you to change?
P is for Prayer. Write down a prayer to God and ask him to help you apply this scripture to your life. Spend some time meditating on what God is trying to tell you through the scripture.
I am sharing two of my very own that I wrote in the photo. One of the very first SOAP bible study notes I did was back in 2009. I realize how far back it goes and I just thank God for how much I have grown my faith in this time. You will also notice that I started in the New Testament in Matthew. I was new to studying the bible and wanted to start off where I was familiar. In this entry, I wrote down two verses which both speak so much to what I am doing now and continue to do with God’s purpose on my life:
Matthew 5:13- “You are the salt of the earth.”
Matthew 5:16- “Let your light shine before men. That they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.”
When you start to study the word, apply it to your life and share his word with others. Be the salt and add flavor wherever you go… just do not be salty where people will find you bitter! And always remember to be the light wherever you go. Let others see the love of Jesus in and through you!
I hope this bible study method sets you on fire for learning more about God’s word. Praying for you and believing God will use you to be the salt and the light!
