There are a plethora of ways to go about studying the Bible. One of my favorite methods to study and break down scripture is the SOAP Method. The SOAP Method is an acronym to help you remember:
-
Scripture
- What scripture(s) have you decided to study?
-
Observation
- What is the overall message of this verse? What was happening? What is God saying?
-
Application
- How does what you read apply to your life? What are your takeaways?
-
Prayer
- Thank God for what He revealed to you. Ask him to help you with the application.
I first heard about this study method from Lola Akinkuowo on Instagram. Intrigued, I turned to Youtube where I found several videos explaining this method in greater detail.
Reading and studying the Bible can be intimidating. That’s why I’m a firm believer in finding ways to make this task as uncomplicated and as comprehensive as possible. Below, I’ve taken two scriptures from Jeremiah to demonstrate how to use the SOAP Method.
Scripture(s): Jeremiah 29:11 & 13
(vs. 11) For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (vs. 13) And you will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.
Observation
The Lord wants to give us a good life. A peaceful life, filled with great joy. His thoughts about us are not evil, only pure and loving. We can have the life He desires for us if we seek Him with our whole heart. We must seek Him through prayer, Bible study, and worship. As Christians, we are called to be on fire for God, not lukewarm. Living life on fire for Christ is the only way to ensure that His promise of a good, peaceful, and hope-filled life will prevail.
Application
Establish a consistent prayer life, study His word day and night, and share His word with others. Be a witness for Him. Be all in for God, just as He is with us. For me, this looks like:
- Time with God in the Morning
- Prayer (verbal or written)
- Devotional
- Bible Study
- Gratitude Journaling
- Daily Affirmations
- Time with God in the Evening
- Prayer (verbal or written)
- Morning + Evening Prayer with Darrius
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for wanting the best for my life. I pray for an open heart and mind to continue receiving, understanding, and living your word. I pray that you will continue leading me in the right direction; the direction towards a full, purposeful, and glorious life. A life that honors you in every way. The life that you’ve already promised me.
Lord, when people see me let the God in me meet them first. Continue feeding me the words to say to encourage and motivate your people. Allow me to share your Word without ego or selfish expectations in the way. Lord, keep me humble, grateful, and hungry. Hungry for your Word and always ready to be a witness for you. May my life be a living testimony, and may I always remember to give you the glory and the praise, forever. Amen.
Have you ever heard of or used this method? If not, I hope you find this example helpful. If you try the SOAP Method next time you’re studying scripture, let me know how it goes.
Leave a Reply