SOAP Bible Study Method

Scripture

Read a passage of scripture (story, chapter, etc). Before reading, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you.

Observation

What is happening? Retell the story in your own words.

Who is the author? What is the author’s purpose for writing? Who is the audience? What was the purpose of this text for the original audience? What questions do you have? What do you find interesting?

Application

How Can I Apply This to My Life? How is it relevant for me today?

What is God speaking to me personally from this Scripture?

What does this passage teach me about God?

What does this passage teach me about humanity and our relationship with God?

What is this passage challenging me to do?

Create “I Will…” Statements

“I will do…”: What action will you take this week in response to what God taught you from this scripture?

“I will tell…”: Who will you tell this week about what you learned from this scripture?

Prayer

Pray through the scripture. Pray for the Holy Spirit to transform you. Pray for the courage to respond and obey what you read.

Tips

Ask God, not Google (or AI). Learning to listen is more important than immediate answers. Write down any questions you have while reading, and research them after you finish.

Try reading scripture out loud. Read it multiple times. After reading, try summarizing it without looking at it.

Write down your observations, applications, and prayers. This forces you to slow down.