I would like to share two methods of Bible study that would help you get the most out of studying God’s Word. They are the SOAP method and Verse Mapping. In this post, we would look at the SOAP Method.

SOAP in bible study stands for:

• SCRIPTURE
• OBSERVATION
• APPLICATION
• PRAYER

This is the main method I use for bible study.

Scripture

Finding Scripture

To start, you first need to find a scripture. You can choose scripture from:

Your Daily Bible Reading. Have you ever, while reading the bible, have a scripture just jump out at you? Could be that the Lord is trying to tell you something. The best way to find out is to SOAP it.

Devotionals. You could also use the scripture from devotionals if you want to better understand what the devotional is trying to teach you.

Bible Reading Plans. If there is a bible plan you are reading, use the scriptures to SOAP and dive deeper into your reading to greatly benefit from its teaching.

Write it out. After choosing your scripture, the next step is to write it out. Write it out several times. This helps you get the essence of what it is saying and helps you take note of the words and phrases used.

Observation

• After writing out what do you see?
• What words or phrases are repeated
• Who is the author?
• Who is the intended audience?
• What is the meaning of certain words?
• What is the cultural or historical background?
• Use a bible commentary and dictionary to help you.

Remember you are strictly observing at this point, meaning no interpretations, applications, or jumping to conclusions.

Application

After your observation, make note of the main message of the scripture or what truth you have discerned from it, then determine how you can apply it to your life.

Prayer

If the Lord has revealed anything to you, or any truth you discovered, write a prayer about it.  Thank God for His revelation and ask Him to help you apply it to your life. Share anything else you feel you need to with Him in this prayer.

This is an example of a SOAP I did on Acts 3:16 from a Bible Reading Plan I was doing.

Visit my Instagram page for more SOAP examples.

Bible Study is an integral part of a Christian’s life. It is how we learn what the Lord is teaching us from His Word, and the SOAP is an effective method of discerning God’s truth and applying it to our lives.

The next time you read your bible or devotional choose a scripture to SOAP and come share what you have learned in the comments.