Engaging with the Bible

When I was in my 20s, I had a strong desire to travel to Africa. I admired the continent from afar, captivated by its people, diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unique wildlife. A friend, knowing my interest and my tight college budget, gave me a beautiful book about Africa filled with vibrant photos. He suggested that reading this book would be a more practical option than spending the money to travel to Africa. While the book was intriguing, it didn’t satisfy my desire for a deeper, more personal experience. A few years later, I saved up enough money and made the journey to Ethiopia. What I had seen in the book was incredible, but experiencing Africa firsthand was life-changing. I met amazing people, tasted delicious food, and witnessed things that I had only imagined. The Africa in my mind, once two-dimensional pictures on a book, became rich and three-dimensional. Similarly, the Bible can transform from something we simply read into something we deeply experience. Too often, we settle for a superficial engagement with God’s word, like looking at a picture in a book. But when we take the time to exposit and apply Scripture, it comes alive—becoming richer, more practical, and more meaningful in our daily lives. This is where the S.O.A.P. method of Bible study can make all the difference. S.O.A.P. stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer, and it’s a powerful way to not only read but also to reflect, understand, and apply God’s word to your life. Just as traveling to Africa gave me a fuller experience of the continent, using the S.O.A.P. method invites you to dive deeper into God’s word, moving beyond surface-level reading to true spiritual experiences and transformation.  Do you want to go deeper in your engagement with God’s word? Read on to learn the S.O.A.P. Method of Bible study.

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Scripture

Start by choosing a passage of Scripture—whether it's a chapter or a few verses—and read it prayerfully. The Psalmist in Psalm 119:18 prays, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” That should be our prayer too. We need God to illuminate revelation of His Word. Once you’ve read the passage, note what stands out to you. Maybe it’s a single verse that resonates or a concept you can’t stop thinking about. Whatever it is, write it down and let that be your focus. For example, let’s pretend you read Philippians 4 and felt drawn to verse 13.

Example: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

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Observation

This step is all about digging deeper. Take time to observe the details of the passage. Take notes on your observations. If you want help with this, click on this link: Bible Hub, type in the Bible verse you are expositing and click the tabs on the top of the screen to get commentary about it. This will enrich your understanding. Ask yourself questions like:

• What does the passage say?
  
• Who is speaking or being spoken to?
  
• What is the context of the passage (historical, cultural, etc.)?
  
• Are there any repeated words or themes?
  

Example: “In Philippians 4:13, think about Paul’s circumstances. He was in prison, yet he was content, even joyful. He’s not just talking about external strength—he’s talking about strength that comes from Christ, no matter the situation.”

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Application

James 1:22 says, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” God doesn’t want us to just hear His word. He wants it to transform us. The purpose of Scripture is not to be admired but to be applied.  Without application, we will fall into spiritual passivity, where we know what God calls us to do, but we choose not to do it. Below are suggested questions to help you come up with a plan to apply the passage to your life.

• Is there a sin I need to confess? Do I need to make any restitution?
  
• Is there a promise to claim? Is it a universal promise? Have I met the condition(s)?
  
• Is there an attitude I need to change? Am I willing to work on a negative attitude and begin building a positive one?
  
• Is there a command I need to obey? Am I willing to do it no matter how I feel?
  
• Is there an example to follow?  Is it a positive example for me to copy, or a negative one to avoid?
  
• Is there a prayer to pray? Is there anything I need to pray back to God?
  
• Is there an error to avoid? Is there any problem that I should be alert or aware of?
  
• Is there a truth to believe? What new things can I learn about God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit or other biblical teachings?
  
• Is there something to praise God for? Is there something here I can be thankful for?
  

Example: “In Philippians 4:13, it shows that I can access contentment no matter what my external circumstances are. I can become content by asking God to develop contentment in me and looking to find my satisfaction in Jesus instead of my circumstances.”

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Prayer

End your time with God in prayer. This isn’t just a ritual—it’s a way to invite God to be part of your journey. Thank Him for the insights you’ve received, and ask Him for help to apply them. In the case of Philippians 4:13, your prayer might sound something like this:

Example: “Lord Jesus, thank You for the reminder that contentment is found in You. Help me to find my satisfaction in You alone, no matter what my circumstances may be.”

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Final Thoughts

By using SOAP, you’ll find that Bible study becomes not just a religious habit but a way of life—one that transforms your heart and helps you live out God’s Word each day. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Bible, open it up, and dive in with SOAP.