The SOAP Bible Study Method Explained!

How to Study the Bible for Yourself - Using the S.O.A.P.  Bible Study Method.

If we want to keep a fresh edge on our Bible study then we always want to be looking for different ways to effectively interact with the word of God. Whether you are new to Bible study or just looking for something to enhance your study times - the SOAP Bible Study Method is a great option!  

Watch the video -> S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method Explained! 
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S.O.A.P. Outline
S  - Scripture - Choose a passage
O - Observation - Study the verse closely
A - Application - Apply it to life
P - Prayer - Write out a prayerful response

​How To Do A SOAP Bible Study

You don’t need much to get started. All you need is your Bible, a notebook and a pen. -> I have created a Pretty Printable if you want to use something already outlined for a planner or binder. 

SOAP Bible Study Templates

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S - ​Scripture

 Choose a passage for further meditation.  As you begin your devotional or study time in the word of God ask the Lord to highlight a specific passage for you. It is important to study the word of God in context so the S.O.A.P method should be an extension to your Bible reading. You will gain a richer more comprehensive meaning by working through a book or theme of the Bible.  Developing a Bible Study Plan is incredibly valuable! It is much easier to form good Bible study habits when you have taken time to create a plan to follow. 

​Once you have chosen a specific scripture you then want to read it out loud to yourself several times. If you have time, you may  also choose to look it up and read it in different translations.   

After you have read the passage several times out loud you then want to write it out on your outline. I cannot overemphasize the practice of writing out scripture. Scripture writing helps you to think about and process God's word in a different way than just reading it.  ​

O - Observation

This can be as simple or as in-depth as you like. The goal is to discover; what is the Lord saying to you?  Keep in mind that you are not just trying to gain information but revelation that comes from the word of God and the Holy Spirit. Here are a list of things you can look for in the observation process:

◾  Key words or  repeated words
◾Are there any instructions, commands, promises, and/or encouragement?

Write down your observations.

For a more in-depth approach you can incorporate the following:
Are there any key words you want to look up? Note their definition.  (In my video on verse mapping I show you how to look up definitions) You can also look up cross references and note what insight they give you into the passage.
Consider the 5 W’s:
>> Who (Who wrote the passage?)
>> What (What is the context?)
>> When (When did/will it occur?)
>> Where (Where did it occur?)
>> Why (Why was it written?)

A - Application

After observing what the passage is saying, now you want to answer the question, "How can I apply this to my life? or "What adjustments do I need to make in my perspective or the way I think?"  You want to be specific and not general as much as possible. This is a critical part of your study time- remember the Word of God has the power to dramatically change your life but you must apply it for it  to transform and empower you!

P - Prayer

Finally, you want to record a prayerful response to your study time.  Thank the Lord for what He has shown you, write down any questions you may have and affirm your willingness to apply what you have learned. 

Keep in mind, the Holy Spirit will continue to teach you from any passage you take time to understand. You can anticipate an ever growing revelation! I recommend keeping a record of your study sheets in a safe place so you can reflect on them and add to them as needed.