Studying Your Bible

Several staff members have found the SOAP method of studying the Bible helpful in terms of engagement and application. This is just one of many ways to study the Bible yet our prayer is that it fits a need in your life as you desire to grow closer to God through His Word.

This resource is provided courtesy of our friends at Celebration Church in Jacksonville, FL.

SOAP is short for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer and is a simple way to approach your personal devotion time with God.

For a great example of the SOAP Method and journaling, do a devotional with Pastor Stovall Weems (listen, handout).

Here’s what you need:

Bible. Be sure to get a Bible translation you can understand. The New International Version (NIV) Study Bible is a great start. It contains footnotes, definitions, a concordance, and other tools to help you understand the Scriptures.
Journal. This is your Spiritual DVR. It helps you capture and record all of the good stuff God wants to speak into your life.
Pen. Obviously, so you can write stuff down.
Reading Plan. You can see several reading plans at YouVersion.com. You will have access from your computer or smartphone.
Scratch Pad. This is to write down all those little annoying things that creep in while you’re trying to focus on God’s voice. Make a “To Do” list of things for later.

Note: It’s also helpful to set a specific time and place where you meet God each day. If you know when and where you plan to “meet God,” you are more likely to show up. He will certainly be there waiting for you!

Here’s what you do: Very simply, carve out a quiet time each day. During this time, go through your daily reading this way:

1. S for Scripture

Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. Highlight, underline or place a mark in the margin of your bible next to the scriptures that stand out. When you are done, reread the verses you marked, look for one that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.

2. O for Observation

What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words in your journal.

3. A for Application

Personalize what you have read by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.

4. P for Prayer

This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say!

That’s it! SOAP. It’s as simple or deep as you want it to be.

Additional great elements for your time of Personal Devotion:

Worship: Have an iPod or guitar handy
Prayer List: Create a prayer list in the back of your journal. Write down specific, answerable prayer requests. Date each one. Read through them regularly, and remind God what you are believing for. When God answers each prayer, record the date and celebrate!
Scripture Memorization: Pick a few Scriptures from your reading that you want to commit to memory. Write them in the back of your journal. Review them regularly, until they become automatic!

For Deeper Study

Reread the daily passage in a different Bible version, translation or paraphrase
Utilize online resources, such as those available from Crosswalk.
Utilize a commentary, such as those by Matthew Henry or online at Bible Gateway.
Cross-reference your daily reading, using the footnotes in your study Bible
Research words in their original language using a Strong’s Concordance