Learning how to read your Bible can be overwhelming but don't worry, even those who've read their Bibles for many years remember how this feels. I want to show you one simple method; yet powerful that helps you understand your reading by breaking it down into 4 simple steps. You can remember it by using the word SOAP- Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. I’ll take you through each step. After going through these steps, you’ll see this is just naturally how you would approach your time with God.
4 Steps to the SOAP Bible Study Method
Scripture: This is where faith starts. Romans 10:17“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Choose a passage of Scripture you want to study. It could be a verse, a passage, or even a whole chapter. Don't feel pressured to tackle huge chunks of the Bible right away. Start small and focus on understanding what you're reading. Write the verse(s) out by hand. This simple act helps draw your attention to the WORD.
Observation: This is where diligent study begins. Observe what you've just read. This means to behold or pay close attention. Don't just read it. Observe it. Who are the people? What is the context? Ask questions like: What is happening here? What words or phrases stand out to me? With a little time, you’ll notice that sometimes certain words seem to jump right out of the Book, and other times with the same passage, different words seem to grab your attention. Those of you who have read your Bible for many years, know this to be true. This is one way that “Still Small Voice” begins to prick your attention. Write down your “observations”. The more diligent you are, the richer your study will be. 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Application: This is where the rubber meets the road. How does this Scripture apply to your life? What truths can you glean from it? Is there a command to obey, a promise to claim, or a warning to heed? Ask yourself: How does this passage relate to my life? What changes do I need to make based on what I've read? Be honest and specific in your application. Don’t hurry through this step. Think about it.
Prayer: Prayer is the crucial element that allows you to commune with God and access to His power. Ask Him to help you understand His Word and pray for wisdom, guidance, and strength. Finally, bring what you've learned and your desire for change to Him.
Let’s Apply the SOAP Method to a Verse:
We’ll use Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” as an example:
Scripture: Philippians 4:13
Observation: This verse is part of Paul's letter to the Philippians. He's talking about contentment in all circumstances. The "all things" likely refers to the challenges and difficulties he faced, including being imprisoned, shipwrecked, stoned, beaten etc. The "him" refers to Christ.
Application: This verse reminds me that I don't have to face life's challenges alone. When I feel overwhelmed or inadequate, I can turn to Christ for strength. He encourages me to trust in His provision and power, even when things are difficult just like Paul.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the promise of your strength. Help me to rely on you in all situations, knowing that I can do all things through you. Give me the courage to face whatever comes my way; trusting in your power to sustain me.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Any Bible Study:
Rushing through your time with God: Take your time and allow the Bible to speak to you. If you have only a short time or are genuinely tired, then only study one verse or meditate on a Psalm. Don’t try to tackle too much for the sake of keeping up with a daily reading schedule. This is a good way to miss the “treasure in the field.” Come back later when your thoughts are clear.
Focusing only on application: Don’t approach the Bible as just a hodgepodge of great tips and hints for daily living. Read to commune with God and get closer to Him.
Ignoring the context: Understanding the historical and style of writing is essential for accurate interpretation. At times, it takes reading many chapters to understand the proper context. Ignoring the context is one of the greatest mistakes in interpreting the Bible and leads to false doctrine.
Not praying: Prayer is the key to hearing God speak to you through His Word. Reading without praying is the same as reading in your own strength. It will become as dry words to dead men's bones.
Tips for Making the Most of SOAP:
Scripture: Read the Scriptures with your heart’s intent on learning what you are reading. Read the King James Bible to study the words of the Bible and visualize your reading. Focus on the importance of each word.
Observation: Use a concordance to look for similar verses that may shed more light or a Bible dictionary to look up unfamiliar words or phrases. Think of a concordance as an index at the back of your Bible. None of us have the entire Bible memorized. It merely tells you where to look in your Bible for the same word or phrase.
Application: Be specific and personal when applying it's truths. Make sure the lesson learned and its instruction is in the proper context and applies to your situation.
Prayer: After praying, write down your supplications and answers to prayer. This is a good way to strengthen your faith. Go back often to remind yourself of the goodness of God.
How to Choose Where to Start Your Bible Study:
Start with a book of the Bible: The Bible tells a story. You need to learn “The Story” so that you can visualize where it fits into the big picture. Choose a book you'd like to study and work through it systematically. I think this is the best way for beginners to start because it gives them confidence in their own understanding of one book at a time. The Bible has 66 books that were penned by at least 40 different men. Each one has their own style of writing. By focusing on one book, you become accustomed to that book’s style.
Focus on a specific topic: If you're struggling with a particular issue, look for passages that apply to your situation specifically. You can find these topics easily with a concordance. Simply look up words that pertain to your topic.
Use a devotional or study guide: This is not the same as searching for sources of higher education that contain additional outside information. God has provided everything we need in His Word to understand His Word. Reading devotionals or study guides is merely gleaning from what others have learned. God has given us teachers and means for us to learn from each other. I recommend the Common People Bible Study Guides. The format allows you to hear that "Still Small Voice" while naturally following the SOAP method.
Pray for guidance: Ask God to lead you to the passages He wants you to study.
In Conclusion, the SOAP Bible Study method is a common-sense approach to any Bible Study. Whether you're studying single verses, topics, or entire books of the Bible, think of the word SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. It's simple enough for beginners, yet will lead many seasoned believers into deeper studies. Using this method, you'll be amazed at how simple studying the Bible can be.
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