SOAP

 

What Is The SOAP Method Of Bible Study?

SOAP is an acronym to help you remember…

S – SCRIPTURESince the Bible is God’s Word, studying it is a way to know God better. The Bible is filled with information that can help guide us with our walk with God, but it is also misinterpreted if not studied and taken within context properly. It is important to read carefully what the scripture is trying to teach us. Many times, we often see a scripture and think of it by its direct meaning, not fully understanding the real message that it portrays. You can read different versions to make sure you have understood the scriptures. NIV is what most people use for standard english. What is your favorite Bible translation?
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”1 John 4:1 NIV
O – OBSERVATIONOnce we are finished reading over the scripture, it is important to understand the meaning of the scripture. Reflect and observe the scripture that you have read. You can ask yourself: Who is speaking? Who is he/she speaking too? What is the original purpose of the message? What words stood out to me? What did I learn?
A – APPLICATIONApply what you have learned. Write down how you can apply the scripture you’ve read to your current life. This is very important because merely reading the bible is not enough, as it was explained in James’ parable, seeing ourselves in the mirror of the word. An excerpt of this scripture in James 1 says in verse 23-25, 
“For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.”
P – PRAYERAfter reading and reflecting, you can now start to thank God and tell Him what you feel and think about what you have read. At the same time, have humility to ask God for wisdom and understanding in studying the Bible and applying it to you life. If you think you are not fully there yet, ask Him to open your mind and heart so you can wholly accept what He is offering. Remember, there is no specific way of praying, you do not have to memorize these instructions, for a prayer should come from the heart. 

Who Invented The Soap Bible Study Method?

S.O.A.P. is a daily Bible journaling method, created by Pastor Wayne Cordeiro, for applying God’s Word to your life in a practical way. – OliveTree.com

Example of SOAP Bible Study

S – SCRIPTURE
Joshua 1:8  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Deut 6:5-9 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
O – OBSERVATION

Quiet time is essential with our work with God. In order for you to know God and Jesus more and fight the battles of the world, you need to be equipped with the word of God. It is not just merely reading the bible, but you should keep it with you. It is not a duty I am forced to do that I hate. It is something I do because I love God.
 Just like studying, it helps us remember things when we think about it day and night. Remember the word of God. Be careful, as God has commanded, to do everything that is written on it. Surely, you’re not doing this to be successful and prosperous, but it becomes the by product because of your want to please God.
A – APPLICATION
Today, I want to make a decision to intentionally check the notification of God through the Bible instead of the notification of my phone every morning. I’m mindfully putting God first in my life, everyday. I want to show God that I love Him by loving His word, prioritizing it over any “important” things in my life, making sure I do not make excuses. God is more important than anything.
P – PRAYER
Dear God, forgive me for the times I was not able to show to you how much I am thankful for the Bible, your gift. I pray that you help me be intentional everyday. Please help me meditate on your word so I can grow in You. I want to read your words everyday. I want to meditate on your word day and night, I want to feel your presence, I want to enter your sanctuary and I can only do that if I would follow Your Word and allow you to move me through the scripture. I love you God. I want to be wise by your biblical definition of being wise. Which is not so much as only gaining knowledge, but through my love of you and your commandments. I pray to you, my Father, to bless every area in my life, change me where I need to change and for me to always be impacted by you. I want my life to honor You, for you are the God that I worship, the King of all kings, the Father of all fathers. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, AMEN.

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