EPISODE 0072 | S.O.A.P. Method

Nov 27

THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0072

Bible study doesn't have to be complicated! Today, we're diving into a practical and powerful tool that can transform your spiritual life: the S.O.A.P. Method—Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. This method helps you engage with the Bible daily in a way that deepens understanding and leads to real-life change.

Episode Transcript

The SOAP Method: S.O.A.P - Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

1. Start with Scripture.

The first step is to choose a reading/study plan. Many great plans are available. We recommend a plan that takes you through the whole Bible once a year (Like the Honest To God Devotional!)

2. Observe what you read.

Take notes about what you are reading. Don’t just read to get through with your daily reading.

Three things to observe:

1. Historical & Cultural Context – Who is the audience?

From the perspective of the Bible, we are WEIRD- Western, Educated, Industrial, Rich, and Democratic.

Don’t read your culture into it.

2. Literary Context – What kind of literature is it? Prophecy, history, Gospel, letter, poetry, wisdom

3. Theological Context – What is God saying? Ultimately this is what really matters.

3. Apply what you learn.

This is the simple step of taking what the text meant to the original reader and applying it to your world.

What do you do with what you have read? How does it apply to you? What is one thing that you are going to do differently as a result of what you read?

The goal is transformation, not information.

4. Take a moment to pray.

Take just a moment, and pray that God will help you apply what you have learned.

Scripture is God speaking to you. Prayer is you speaking back to God.

Your spiritual life is like your daily hygiene- you need to use SOAP everyday!