The Word of God is the lamp to guide our feet and the light for our way to go. Without God’s life-giving Word, we would wander. Many times, we lack the time to study the Bible on our own. Additionally, we may believe that studying Scripture is only for pastors or theologians. But Bible study is for everyone, and there are easy ways to start, such as with a SOAP Bible study printable.
S.O.A.P. Bible study is a simple method to study the Bible, one that everyone can understand. The Bible is full of scriptures about God’s Word, and these often refer to us studying His Word. It is important to God that we study the Bible.
“Place these words on your hearts. Get them deep inside you. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder.”
Deuteronomy 11:18 (MSG)
God wants us to study His Word so he can give us direction in life. Through His Word, God can direct us. Because He loves us so much, He wants us to live in His will.
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
Psalm 119:105 (NLT)
In this blog you will find out what the s.o.a.p. Bible study method entails, and you will get a free soap bible study method pdf, to get you started! So, go ahead, learn about SOAP Bible study method, and grab the free printables!
SOAP Bible study method
The S.O.A.P. method of Bible Study does not require a theology degree or special study skills. This method is simple and understandable for everyone who wants a closer relationship with God. By using the SOAP Bible study method, you can dive deeper into the Scriptures and gain a better understanding of God’s message for you.
The s.o.a.p method is an excellent tool to use during your personal Bible study time. It is a popular method because it is a simple Bible study method with simple steps. When you apply it in your own personal life, for example, with your daily bible reading plan, you will experience personal growth and build a deeper relationship with God.
The soap bible study schedule is a great tool to get more out of our personal time in God’s Word. We grow in faith by studying God’s Word and become more confident in who we are in Christ.
Normal soap washes our outward being by removing dirt and sweat from our bodies, leaving our skin feeling clean and refreshed. Similarly, soap Bible study is a way to clean our inward being by cleansing our heart, spirit, and soul. When we study God’s Word and allow it to speak to our innermost being, we will feel refreshed and clean. His Word washes and purifies us.
“To make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.”
Ephesians 5:26 (NLT)
What do the letters S, O, A, and P stand for in SOAP?
The acronym soap stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.
Bible study is a spiritual discipline—one that is for each and every one of us, not just for pastors and ministers. Using the acronym makes it a simple tool available for everyone. It is one of the favorite Bible study methods for many because of its simplicity.
S stands for Scripture. This is where you choose a passage of Scripture to read and study. It could be a single verse, a chapter, or an entire book of the Bible. The key is to focus on a specific portion of Scripture. This is the first and important step.
O stands for Observation. This is the next step, where you observe and analyze the passage you have chosen. You can ask questions like: What is the dominant theme or message of this passage? What are the key points or principles being taught? What do I notice about the characters or events mentioned? Take your time to really dig deep into the text and understand what it is saying.
A stands for Application. This is where you apply the message of the passage to your own life. How does this passage relate to your current circumstances, challenges, or decisions? What action steps can you take to align your life with the teachings of Scripture? This step is crucial because it helps you take what you have learned and put it into practice.
P stands for Prayer. This is the final step, where you respond to God’s Word through prayer. Thank Him for the insights and lessons He has revealed to you. Ask Him for guidance, strength, and wisdom to apply what you have learned. Use this time to communicate with God and deepen your relationship with Him.
By following the SOAP Bible study method, you can engage with Scripture meaningfully and allow God’s Word to transform your life. To help you get started, you can download a free SOAP Bible study method printable template in PDF format.
This printable soap Bible study template will guide you through each step of the SOAP method and provide space for you to write your observations, applications, and prayers.
So don’t let the misconception that Bible study is only for pastors or theologians hold you back. With the SOAP Bible study method and the printable template, you can dive into God’s Word and experience the life-changing power of Scripture.
What are the steps of SOAP Bible study?
The soap Bible study method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) has four simple steps.
You can use the explanation when you use soap method of Bible study for yourself. The best way is to apply on a daily basis, so you have a structured framework for your personal time with God. It will greatly improve your personal relationship with God.
Pray to God before you start, and then… just start!
Step 1: Scripture
The first step is to select a short Bible passage, read it aloud, and then write it out. Allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you by letting a part (or all) speak directly to you. Underline, highlight, and take notes in your Bible for the verse(s) or phrases that spoke directly to you. Once you identify what stands out the most, write it down. This is called Bible journaling.
Step 2: Observation
The next step is to ask yourself questions such as what do you notice about the verse(s) and what do you think the key message is? Which part jumped out to you? What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? Write these meditations and insights in your soap Bible study journal. Don’t worry about getting it exactly right, but continue to ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you.
Step 3: Application
The next step is to personalize what you read by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. That could be an instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this Scripture applies to you today and ask God how He wants you to apply the verse.
Step 4: Prayer
The final step is prayer. Each time you study, close your session with prayer. This can be as simple as asking God to help you memorize and apply this Scripture or a greater insight into what He may reveal to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say, then write it down in your SOAP Bible journal.
The soap method of Bible study is a powerful tool to help us with our Bible study. Make sure you make your Bible study notes so you can track your insights and progress. It is a good idea to use a Study Bible (for example, a beautiful study Bible for women), commentaries, or other resources to deepen your understanding of the passage.
As you continue to engage in SOAP Bible study, you will develop a deeper relationship with God and gain wisdom and guidance for your daily life.
The SOAP Bible study method is flexible and can be used in different ways based on your personal preferences and needs. The key is to approach Scripture with an open heart and a desire to learn and grow. So, grab your Bible, your soap Bible study free printable sheet, and get ready to dive into God’s Word. Happy studying!
To give you a start, here is a beautiful free template for download: soap Bible study method pdf. It’s a digital file with an instant download.
SOAP bible study method examples
To understand how to use the soap method of Bible study, it’s helpful to look at a soap method example. Note that this is ‘just’ an example. You may journal differently simply because God created you differently. We are all unique. Use your special and colorful Bible pens and highlighters for your journaling.
The most important thing to do when we use the soap Bible study method is to align our spirits and hearts with God and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us. Download first your free soap bible study printables for your own personal use, and then go through the soap bible study method example to get you started with your own.
Here are two soap method of bible study examples you can use with your SOAP journal template (free Bible study printables):
soap Bible study example – 1:
Scripture: “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Mathew 6:14-15 (NLT).
Journaling: God will not forgive me when I don’t forgive others, no matter whether it concerns a big or a minor issue to forgive.
Observation: God will not forgive me when I don’t forgive others.
Journaling: unforgiveness is a sin. God wants me to forgive everyone, no matter the level of ‘sin’ committed against me. God not forgiving me is a scary foresight. He is a forgiving God. He is good. What touched my heart is the part where God would not forgive me.
Application:
Journaling: I thought I had forgiven ‘xxx’ but realize I did not really do that; there is still a grudge in my heart. I should go on my knees and truly forgive ‘xxx’. I need to ask God to forgive me and ask the Holy Spirit to help me keep my heart clean of unforgiveness.
Prayer:
Journaling: Lord, I am sorry for keeping this grudge in my heart instead of releasing ‘xxx’ with forgiveness. I am really sorry. Please forgive me. Thank You, for revealing this to me. Help me, Lord, not to fall for the trap of unforgiveness again. Wash me with Your blood and don’t hold this against me. Thank You. Amen.
soap Bible study method example – 2:
Scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV).
Journaling: This verse reminds me to trust in the Lord completely and not rely on my own understanding. It is a call to submit to Him in all areas of my life. I need to let go of control and surrender everything to Him.
Observation: Trusting in the Lord and submitting to Him leads to straight paths. When I rely on my own understanding, I often make mistakes and go astray. But when I trust in Him and follow His guidance, He will lead me in the right direction.
Application: Today, I need to let go of my need for control and trust in the Lord completely. I will submit my plans, decisions, and desires to Him, seeking His guidance and wisdom. I will also be open to correction and redirection from Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that I need to trust in You with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding. Help me to submit to You in all areas of my life and follow Your guidance. Please make my paths straight and keep me from going astray. Thank You for Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
This SOAP Bible study method examples show how we can apply the Scripture to our lives, observe its meaning, and seek guidance from God through prayer. By using this method consistently, we can deepen our understanding of God’s Word and grow in our relationship with Him.
And if you are up for something more, you could try a SOAP Method Bible Study Notebook that includes a quiet time habit tracker, S.O.A.P. method study guide prompts, and lined pages for your notes
Who invented soap bible study method?
The SOAP Bible study method has been around for several years and many people all over the world use it. Pastor Wayne Cordeiro created it as a method to soak up what the Bible is saying and how it can apply to our lives.
Pastor Cordeiro’s soap Bible journaling method helps us apply God’s Word to our lives practically. It is easy, practical, personal, and straightforward. We don’t need to go to Bible school to study scriptures for ourselves. The soap bible study template is a great way of verse mapping.
Some call it the soap prayer method, because of the emphasis on praying after reading and meditating on scripture. Prayer is a vital part of the soap Bible study method.
How do you use the soap method to study the Bible?
We can use the soap Bible study method every day during our devotion time with God or, for example, on a specific day of the week because S.O.A.P. Bible study isn’t linked to a specific program. There is also no time limit to soap Bible study. We could spend as short as 5 minutes in study or as long as an hour or more, depending on our preference and time availability.
It is important, though, not to let our other daily activities consume most of our time, leaving little or no time to focus on God and His Word. God and His Word should always be our priority and we can build our lives around it, instead of allowing our lives to determine the time we spend in God’s presence.
When just starting with soap Bible study, start small and build it up slowly. Use a Bible translation that is easy to understand, for example, a Bible translation for new believers. Choose a time of the day that’s best suitable for you, for example during your Christian morning routine.
Creating a habit takes an average of thirty days, so be patient with yourself when establishing a healthy Bible study pattern. Don’t give up when you miss some days and don’t feel guilty. That blaming and condemning voice is the voice of the enemy, not of God.
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 (NLT)
SOAP Bible study time is also perfect to select verses and insights to create your own Biblical declarations.
SOAP Bible study method considerations
The soap method of Bible study is an easy way to study God’s Word by yourself. It is important, though, to keep in mind that Scriptures have context, not just a historical background but also the context of the surrounding verses. When picking a verse or a passage, we need to note the context of the passage as well. When we focus on small parts of the Bible, we may miss the (full) message.
Also, various verses-and even complete Bible books- relate and refer to each other. If we would select just one part, we could misinterpret the Scripture. For example, many of God’s promises come with a requirement that is often written in the previous verse(s). If we would pick only the promise, it may sound like a guarantee to us. Meanwhile, God wants us to do something (or leave something) and have a certain attitude and state of heart before He will fulfill that promise.
It is important to keep this in mind when using the soap Bible study method for ourselves.
Remember, Bible study is not just for pastors or theologians. It is for everyone who seeks to grow closer to God and deepen their understanding of His Word. With the SOAP Bible study method and the free soap Bible study printables, you can embark on a journey of spiritual growth and discovery.
So grab your Bible, download the soap Bible study pdf, and start studying today!
Let’s Pray
Father, thank You for Your Word. Help me understand and apply Your Word the way You want me to do. Reveal Yourself to me while I study Your Word and open the eyes of my understanding. Help me use the soap bible study printable for your Glory. Let my heart be soft and receptive to Your Spirit.
Holy Spirit, guide me when I study the Bible and direct me on what to focus on. Explain the meaning of each verse to me and help me see what I need to change or do to align my life with the will of God. Help me apply what I read.
I am determined to study Your Word. Help me not to give up. I rely on Your strength and wisdom to go on. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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