Have you learned the SOAP Bible Study Method and want to see some real examples of how to implement it? Are you excited to study the Bible in a new way?
With the SOAP method, you will identify scripture, write down your observations, figure out how to apply the verses to your life, and pray to God that you retain the information you have learned while at the same time growing closer to Him.
These are just some SOAP Bible study examples for you to see. You can, of course, create your own! In fact, we encourage you to branch out and try to use the SOAP Bible study method as you study the Bible in a way that works for you!
One of the most important parts of reading and studying the Bible is retaining the information and applying it to your life. Of course, also important is praying to God, thanking Him for the many blessings you have received, and asking for anything you might need!
Enjoy these awesome SOAP Bible study examples as you study the Bible using the SOAP Bible study method. You’ll find this approach to be rewarding and enlightening!
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What is the SOAP Bible Study Method?
SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. The SOAP Bible study method is a simple method for studying the Bible. When you spend time studying the Bible, it’s a good idea to have a game plan. You should know how you want to spend your study time.
With the SOAP method, you will first write out the passage of scripture. Then, you will want to journal any observations you have on that Bible passage. Applying the scripture to your life is the next step. The final step is to pray about what you’ve read in the Word of God.
Personally, I feel that applying God’s Word is possibly the most important step in the process. When you apply God’s Word to your life, you are able to find out what the scripture means for you and how it matters to your life. Ask yourself what you can gain from reading that passage.
It’s always a good idea to read the Bible and learn about the characters and stories in the Bible, but it’s also important to discover how you can build on your relationship with God or how you can put the words into action steps for you to take in your life.
Learn more about the basics of the SOAP Bible study method today so that you can enrich your life with the Word of God.
I have stored up Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You. – Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
SOAP Bible Study Examples
In these examples, I chose a scripture in the Bible that I wanted to read more about. I’ve written a verse or two out for each passage in these examples. Of course, you should pick Bible verses that you would love to learn more about when you study the Bible.
When you write down observations, record whatever stands out to you. Use various versions of different study Bibles or Bible reference books to learn more about the passage and the context of the scriptures. Ask, what does God want me to know?
In my opinion, the application part of the SOAP Bible study method is critical. It’s the time when you apply what you’ve learned to your life. It’s time to get personal and dig deeper into the scriptures. Figure out how it works for your life in particular – not anyone else’s.
Finally, be sure to pray when you are done with the SOAP method. This will give you a chance to connect with God in a real way. As He listens to you and you communicate with Him, you will build a closer relationship. For more assistance, read our article on How to Pray.
SOAP Bible Study Example #1
Scripture
The passage of scripture I chose was Daniel 6:1-28.
The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God. – Daniel 6:23 (NLT)
Observation
I was interested in learning more about the word “trusted.” I used my ESV Keyword Study Bible to look up the word. Trusted means faithful, sure, and/or when you put your faith in something. That makes sense since Daniel put his faith in his God to save him from the lions.
Daniel trusted his God and is described as a faithful man without negligence or corruption (verses 4 and 5). Because he was such a noble man, the officials had to attack his faith to “come up with” anything wrong with him, according to the king’s laws at the time.
Application
I learned that God will deliver me. When I pray for God’s Will to be carried out, I am trusting God with my life. I can lay all of my worries, fears, and concerns at His feet (The NLT Life Application Study Bible).
This takes a load off our shoulders in knowing that we can give God our cares and concerns and let them go. We can stop worrying so much because He is in control! That is SO powerful! Imagine not being concerned about anything because He takes over.
After all, it is God who will lead our paths in the way He knows is best. We may not always understand His method or why there are obstacles in our way, but His way is the better way. We just have to trust in Him, as Daniel did!
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Help me to have a strong faith like Daniel and to trust you in all circumstances of life. I pray that Your Will be carried out in all aspects of my life. Please help me follow You.
In Your Name,
Amen
SOAP Bible Study Example #2
Scripture
The scripture for this example is Psalm 91:1-16.
Then you will say to the Lord, “You are my fortress, my place of safety; You are my God, and I trust You.” – Psalm 91:2 (CEV)
Observation
The theme of this passage is God’s protection in the midst of danger. God doesn’t promise a world free of danger, but He does promise His help whenever we face danger. This application was found in my NLT Life Application Bible.
Think about the last passage in Daniel. God protected Daniel when he was thrown in the lion’s den. Daniel was a faithful follower of God and put his faith in the Lord – no matter what.
Here, the author trusted God as Daniel did. He knew that God would keep him safe.
Application
It’s important that we trust God in everything we do and with all that we are. Trust is a difficult thing to sustain when the going gets rough, but if we trust in God, we will find peace, unlike any other thing we could have.
From this passage, I learned that I need to have faith and believe that God will guide me in my life and in all of the decisions I make. I just need to trust His plan and not rely so much on mine. This is hard for me, as I tend to be a perfectionist who loves to plan!
However, I know that trusting God will lead to the right results. I may not understand His timing or reasoning, but if I believe His way is the best way, I can find comfort in my faith.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Please show me how to trust You. Help me live a life that is pleasing to Your eyes, and teach me to rely on You when things don’t go according to my plan. Show me how to let go of preexisting expectations and just know that You have the best route for my life.
In Your Name,
Amen
SOAP Bible Study Example #3
Scripture
The scripture I used for this example was 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.
Christ died for us, so we could live with Him, whether we are alive or dead when He comes. This is why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 (CEV)
Observation
This passage was written by Paul around AD 51 to the church at Thessalonica. In other words, that church was the recipient of this letter. It’s important to understand the context when reading scripture.
Discover who the author is, who the recipient is, and when the verses were written. This will help you determine why the message was written and how you can best apply it to your life.
To learn more about the word “encourage,” I looked it up in my Keyword Bible. Encourage means to comfort or have the urge to strengthen one another with words. I also used my CSB Study Bible for more information on this passage.
Application
We are instructed to encourage each other. For me, this means that I need to be there for my friends and family. It’s important for me to be supportive and comforting when they need me – even if that is the last thing I want to do! I must learn to be less selfish and more compassionate.
If you have other Christians in your life, be an encouragement to them. If you are around non-believers, be a good example with them. You should always strive to be like Christ, as you never know who is watching and learning from your example.
Prayer
Dear God,
Please show me how to encourage others as you would like me to. Teach me about encouragement and show me how to emulate Christ in everything that I do. Thank You for all the blessings that You have given me in my life.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
SOAP Bible Study Example #4
Scripture
In this example, we will look at Galatians 5:16-26.
God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. – Galatians 5:22-23 (CEV)
Observation
This passage talks about the Fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These exact words vary based on the translation of the Bible that you use.
In looking up these words in one of my study Bibles, I found some great synonyms. Goodness is also beneficence. Love is also goodwill or benevolence.
Peace means prosperity and tranquility. To me, that sounds so lovely and calming!
The word “joy” can also mean good cheer or the gladness of one’s heart. Kindness is the grace you receive that pervades your whole nature. These words were looked up using the Keyword Study Bible (ESV version).
Application
I learned that it is important that I try to live according to the Fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, patience, peace, kindness, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. These describe the very moral nature of Christ, our Lord.
If we are to be Christ-like, we need to try to implement these qualities in our character. Practice these traits every day with the other people you encounter in your life. Learn more about Love in 1 Corinthians 13.
Learn more about how to implement patience and understanding in your life.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
I thank You so much for blessing my life with the traits of the Fruit of the Spirit. Thank you for the things I do well and help me with the things that I need to work on, the things I struggle with on a daily basis.
In Your Name,
Amen
SOAP Bible Study Example #5
Scripture
The Bible verses for this example are Romans 1:8-17.
This Good News tells us how God makes us right in His sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” – Romans 1:17 (NLT)
Observation
My CSB Study Bible explained that Paul is the author of this passage, and it was written to the church in Rome. Any problems or blessings that the church was experiencing were things that Paul was probably aware of when he wrote this letter.
The theme of this book of the Bible is the Gospel. My study Bible explained that the Gospel is Greek for Good Message. The power of the Gospel makes it possible for people to believe in it.
The Gospel, in a short summary, is the good news that we are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, who loved us enough to die for our sins. This is amazing news, as it means that we can be saved through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior, rather than the Old Law.
Application
It’s critical that we believe in the Bible and understand the Gospel. If you want to live an eternal life with Christ, you need to know that He died for the forgiveness of our sins. That’s a critical piece of information, as our eternal life will surpass anything we know of here on Earth.
Because salvation comes from the blood of Christ Jesus, we should be eternally grateful to Him. Our lives are forever changed because of what He did on the cross – a punishment no man should have to suffer, especially not a flawless and blameless one.
In studying this passage, I learned that I need to work on the level of gratitude I have. If I am to show Christ Jesus gratitude, I should count my blessings, live a Christ-like life to the best of my ability, and be forever grateful to God for placing His Son in our lives!
Prayer
Dear God,
Please help me to spread the Good News (the Gospel) with my words and writing. Help me to make You proud with everything that I do.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Other SOAP Bible Study Method Resources
The SOAP Bible Study Method Free Printable
Awesome Study Bibles to Use
The Hosea Notetaking Study Bible (CSB) – This Contemporary Standard Bible is a study Bible with plenty of room for notes! I’m so excited to share this Bible with you as it is on my wish list! It’s so awesome to write notes in the margins of your Bible so that you can refer to them later!
The NLT Thrive Creative Journaling Bible – This study Bible is great for taking notes in the margins, decorating, or reading the wisdom in the notes. I have two of these because I love this version so much! It’s very girly and written to daughters of the Lord everywhere!
The Tyndale NLT Inspire Bible – This study Bible is perfect if you are into Bible journaling. I’ve received more compliments on this Bible than any of my other Bibles. It’s just breathtaking with the floral design on the pages and inspiring coloring art on the inside!
The NLT Filament Bible – This Bible is so fabulous that words can barely describe it. It’s full of information online and with the application that comes with it, as it has videos, articles, cross reference scriptures, and so much more! I highly recommend getting one!
For even more recommendations on Study Bibles and Bible reference books, check out this article: How to Build a Bible Library with Bible Reference Books.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the SOAP and SOAK Bible study methods?
The SOAP Bible study method and the SOAK Bible study method are very similar. The P in the SOAP method stands for prayer. In the SOAK method, the K stands for Kneel in prayer. Based on these observations, you can tell that it’s important to love God through prayer when you study the Bible.
What are some Bible study methods?
There are many effective Bible study methods. Consider trying several to determine what works best for you. To list a few, check out the HEAR Bible Study Method, the SWORD Bible Study Method, the APPLE Bible Study Method, the Book Bible Study Method, or the Inductive Bible Study Method.
How should you study the Bible by yourself?
If you’re just now building your Bible reference library, you may not have a lot of study resources. Start by purchasing a good study Bible or using Bible study tools online. Having a solid Bible reading plan is also a smart idea, especially if you’re making new spiritual goals.
What is the correct way to read the Bible?
There is no one correct way to read the Bible, but you can try different methods to see what works best for you. For example, you could use a Bible study method mentioned in this article or read the Bible chronologically. A good Chronological Study Bible could be your best bet!
What happens if you read the Bible daily?
There are many benefits to reading the Bible daily. You’ll grow closer to God as you begin to understand Him better. Also, you’ll understand your salvation better the more you study the Bible. Obedience to God is also easier when you read the Bible daily.
Conclusion
You’ve hopefully now learned how to use the SOAP Bible study method based on the SOAP Bible study examples presented in this article. The SOAP method is something simple you can use when you are studying any passage of scripture!
If you have a favorite Bible study method, please leave a comment, and we will consider writing an article about it, including examples on how to use it. What is your favorite way to learn about the Bible? What excites you when you read the Bible?
May God bless you in your journey in this life and the next! We look forward to you reading even more of our awesome faith articles on the Sharing Life and Love website!
