How to Use the S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method

God desires to spend time with you— time each day attentionally set apart to hear His voice and respond to His leading. When you devote time each day to reading and reflecting on scripture, prayer and journaling, you will grow closer to God, better understand His will, and live empowered by the Holy Spirit to make a difference in the world.

 

Here’s a simple approach to your Bible reading (or listening) known as the S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method. It’s an acronym that stands for 4 steps to reading and reflecting on a passage of scripture:

S– Scripture

After reading a passage, you write down a verse or portions of the scripture that stood out to you.

O– Observation

You reflect on write down some key observations:

Who is the audience? Is there a repetition of words? What words stand out to you? What is the main lesson or theme? What instructions or commands are given?

A– Application

God’s Word becomes personal by asking how it applies to your life and jotting down some answers to: What is God saying to me today? How can I apply what I just read to my life? Are there any changes I need to make?

P– Prayer

You end your time in the Word by praying about what you just read. Talk to God about how scripture spoke to you. Confess any sin that was revealed. Ask for help to apply God’s Word. Thank God and praise Him for Who He is. 

 

Here’s an example of how you can use S.O.A.P. for your own time of Bible reading, prayer and journaling. 

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

-James 3:13-18 NIV

 

S– Scripture: Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (vs 13)

 

O– Observation: Who is the audience? Is there a repetition of words? What words stand out to you? What is the main lesson or theme? What instructions or commands are given? 

This was written to the early church— to believers wanting to live like Jesus in community while facing persecution and various trials. 

The words ‘wisdom’ and ‘wise’ are repeated four times in these 6 verses. 

There’s a comparison between earthly, unspiritual and demonic “wisdom” and heavenly wisdom.

Earthly wisdom:

Bitter envy and Selfish ambition in our hearts that leads to disorder and evil practices

Heavenly wisdom:

Shown by deeds done in humility

Pure

Peace-loving

Considerate 

Submissive

Full of mercy

Full of good fruit

Impartial

Sincere

Peace-makers who sow in peace

 

A– Application: What is God saying to me today? How can I apply what I just read to my life? Are there any changes I need to make? 

Wisdom is shown in our actions. Both earthly and heavenly wisdom begin in the heart. What am I harboring? Am I walking humbly before God and others or am I being led by bitter envy and selfish ambition?

The Lord has called me to be a peace-maker who sows in peace, and when I do, He promises a harvest of righteousness.

 

P– Prayer: 

Lord, 

Forgive me for harboring envy and selfish ambition in my heart towards others. Show me where I may be harboring these in my heart, and uproot them. Help me, Holy Spirit, to choose humility towards others. May I walk in your wisdom and not the wisdom of this world. 

Help me to be a peace-maker today and to sow in peace.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

*To optimize your time practicing this method, journal and jot down your answers or some key takeaways. We’ve created a journal specifically for your daily reflections from your time reading the Bible! Learn more and order your Seek First Journal here.