SOAP Bible Study Method

What is the best way to study the bible? There are many different bible study methods and ways to study the bible. Today, we’ll discuss the SOAP Bible Study Method. This is often considered a great bible study method for beginners but really, it’s for anyone to use at any time!

Be sure to grab your SOAP Bible Study Free Printable at the bottom of this post!

Have you asked, “How to study the bible?” and have no idea where to start? Don’t let this intimidate you.

The important thing to remember about studying God’s Word and using bible study methods – it doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating! It’s a sacred gift to us and the more time we spend in it, the more we grow closer to God and grow in our faith.

In fact, this is a simple bible study method. God’s Word is His heartbeat through scriptures. It’s God’s inspired Word of who He is, what Jesus’ servanthood and sacrifice shows, it’s God’s promises, purpose, and plan, and examples of His majestic displays of power and glory all throughout the bible. 

There is no better way to grow to know God than being in and studying His Word! Today, you’ll have the SOAP bible study method explained, you’ll find out what SOAP stands for, and you’ll walk through a SOAP bible study method example!

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SOAP Bible Study Method

When it comes to the SOAP Bible Study, there is no single “right way” to study the bible. God has given us the Holy Spirit and an open invitation to read the bible. He’s always waiting for us to meet Him and know Him more.

The SOAP method of bible study is an excellent tool and simple bible study method to take us from reading the bible to studying what the scriptures say and applying it to our lives. It’s a way to interact with His living Word.

Be sure to grab your SOAP Bible Study Template Free below!!

What Is The SOAP Method of Bible Study?

What is the SOAP method? The SOAP Bible study method is a fabulous tool for studying the bible and getting more out of God’s Word. You can apply it to any passage and it’s very straight-forward.

Rest easy, no seminary is required! Pray before getting started thanking God for giving us this gift and asking Him to open your heart and mind to see Him through the pages.

There is no one right way to study the bible. With all the bible study methods available, the SOAP method is a great way to begin!

What does SOAP mean?

What exactly is the SOAP bible study method? What does SOAP stand for?

The SOAP Bible Study Acronym:

SOAP stands for: SCRIPTURE – OBSERVATION – APPLICATION – PRAYER

Let’s break each piece of the SOAP Bible Study Acronym down further.

Scripture

The scripture is the particular passage you’re using and then writing it out. 

Read the passage once and then write it. Writing it out allows it to soak into your mind and heart more intently.

Choose your passage by theme or topic, or supplement the SOAP bible study method with a devotional you’re reading to take it deeper.

For instance, Paul David Trip has an incredible daily Gospel devotional called New Morning Mercies. At the end of each day’s devotional, he has a passage of scripture for “further reading”. While you read this passage of scripture, you could apply the SOAP bible study method.

Another way to choose your passage is by going through a book of the bible reading a few verses a day. James and Philippians are short books to work through. Or you could choose chapters from Psalms or Proverbs.

These are all just suggestions – start anywhere that you’re interested in! Little by little God uses what we offer and works through all of it!

Observation

After you’ve read the passage, you’ll move on to the observation piece of the SOAP Bible Study Method. This is simply noting what the passage is about.

For example:

• Who is writing the passage?

• Who is the audience?

• What sticks out to you?

• Are there any words or phrases repeated?

Application

The application portion of the SOAP bible study method answers the question of how this particular passage can be applied to your life. How is it personal to you? How can you live this out?

We have a personal God who desires a personal relationship with each of us. 

This is where we apply His word and life transformation takes place. What changes do you need to make or what actions do you need to take to apply this passage to your life?

The application portion is significant and where we get to make the decision of following after God. The best part, the Holy Spirit equips us! 

James 1:5 NLT tells us, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.” The lavish Giver gives…we need but ask!

We are never going forward by ourselves, but we do make the decision of our willingness to apply what we’ve read with a better understanding of what this teaches about God and ourselves.

Prayer

The final point for the SOAP Bible Study is prayer. As you’ve gone through the previous steps, it’s likely something struck a chord in your heart or made you question or pause. Pray asking God to continue to transform your mind as you seek after Him.

Ask God for help and willingness to apply what you’ve learned and seek His heart in your day. 

Thank God for His Word, His promises, and the hope He offers.

Confess any sins that this passage may have revealed or that you know needs to be dealt with.

Finally, commit your way to Him and seek His will in all you do. (Proverbs 3:6)

The SOAP bible study method can be applied to any passage. The more it is put into practice, the easier it will become to use. It’s a fabulous bible study method for beginners.

How do you use the SOAP Bible Study Method?

How Do You Use The SOAP Bible Study Method? Below is an example using the SOAP bible study method using a passage from James 1:1-3.

SOAP Bible Study Example:

Scripture:

This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the “twelve tribes” – Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings! Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

Observation:

James, a slave of God, is writing to the Jewish believers that are scattered. He commands that when troubles of any kind come, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

Application:

This is hard to do, especially during this pandemic that has turned our daily worlds upside down. But your Word applies to all troubles and today, I consider it an opportunity for great joy.

Prayer:

Lord, help me trust you in this and believe that you are doing something good through these troubles. Even if I can’t see it immediately, I know you are a good God working good through this trial. Help me to know this and believe it.

I hope this SOAP Bible Study example shows you that studying God’s Word does not have to be complicated or intimidating!

SOAP Bible Study Method

The most important reason to spend time in God’s Word and study the bible is to grow in knowing who God is. The SOAP Bible Study Method is a fabulous way to do so.

We’re told in 2 Timothy 3:16-17:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

Studying the bible is:

• Our standard for truth.

• Safeguarding ourselves from false doctrine.

• A roadmap for living.

• Knowledge, encouragement, guidance, direction, and hope for our daily lives.

We are to love God and love others. It’s difficult to love someone you do not know. I tell my kids all the time that in order to know God more, we have to spend time in His Word.

It’s one thing to have head-knowledge of God, it’s quite another to be in a relationship with God because you’ve grown to know Him while setting aside time to be with Him.

The SOAP bible study method is just another tool you can use to grow deeper in your faith and draw closer to God. I hope this encourages you to study God’s living Word and discover Him more and more!

He has a way of drawing you in! The SOAP method is a great way to put into practice the scriptures that you’re reading. I hope you’ve found this helpful!

May the Lord richly bless you with insight into his Word!

SOAP Bible Study PDF

Enjoy your SOAP Bible Study Free Template. Download your SOAP BIBLE STUDY PDF and free printable by clicking the image below for your free soap bible study download!

More Bible Study Methods & Resources

If you found the SOAP Bible Study Method helpful, check out these additional resources and encouragement for spending time in God’s Word and studying the bible daily:

Monthly Bible Reading Plans

Quite Time With God When You Only Have Five Minutes

Best Bible Version For Beginners

Check out these awesome SOAP Bible Study Journal ideas!