Many ways to study the Bible
There are so many ways to read and study the Bible, so here are 5 methods to help you get going
S.O.A.P.
A simple but life-changing method for reading and applying God's Word
| SCRIPTURE | Physically write out the Bible verse or passage |
| OBSERVATION | What do you see in the verses you are reading? |
| APPLICATION | How can you make God's Word personal and apply it to your life? Make it specific and follow through with commitment |
| PRAYER | We can actually pray God's Word right back to Him! Confess when He reveals a sin in your life, take time to thank Him for how He has provided for you and protected you. This will help you to pray unceasingly throughout your day |
S.O.A.P. is a great way to get started on your study of Scripture, especially using a journal, and taking on shorter passages
STUDY A BOOK OF THE BIBLE
Every day read through a passage or chapter. Reread a 2nd time. Underline keywords and phrases
What is God saying to you? Identify a theme as best you can
Think about the spiritual truth or principles that apply to your life
How will you act on these lessons? What is the application you can start today? With whom? Be specific
TIP: Create an optional outline or a simple list as you go to capture the main themes and events
TOPICAL
Select a topic. Look it up in a concordance, using a keyword or phrase
Choose 10-20 verses on that subject and read them
Write down any observations that stand out for you
Summarize what you concluded
Identify how to apply something you read in your life and share with others
Topical is great for those rabbit hole moments when you get distracted and want to dig deeper into an idea, concept, or custom
BIOGRAPHICAL
Select a character like Abraham or Joseph. (You can study one of the Disciples or Paul when you have more time)
Using a Concordance, read the passages of their story. (It may be helpful to create a timeline if their story is told in different books)
Note their background, key events, personal relationships, and any difficulties or challenges they had to overcome
What Biblical truths do you think of while researching this person's life?
What about their life speaks to yours? Write out a personal application for your own life
We can all learn from the saints and notable figures who've lived before us. After all, we are going to spend eternity with them!
INDUCTIVE
Examine a passage in a deep dive, alongside historical and cultural context. Ask questions, like what does the passage say? Who is the audience? What does it mean for us today?
Start with observation Ask Who, What, Why When, and Where? Note keywords, especially anything repeated
Interpret the passage What is the cultural or historical context? What else have you learned about the book, author, and any broader context? Are there other Scripture passages that help you understand or tie into this one?
Apply what you learned What Biblical truths did you uncover that speak to your life, your priorities, and your relationships? This level of vulnerable application process can be uncomfortable. Truth can conflict with our lifestyle!
Discover for yourself what Scripture says, what it means, and how to apply its truths to your life. This method uses Scripture to interpret Scripture and takes your study to the next level
MIX IT UP
Use these methods interchangeably, depending on your focus, time and intention. For instance, while in a whole book study, you may pause and perform a biographical examination to learn more about one of the characters. Or do a topical to understand the times and culture behind a subject. You can also use the S.O.A.P. method to create a daily Bible study habit. The secret to getting more from your Bible is to observe what God is saying and ask the Holy Spirit how you can apply it to your life. The follow-through result is you becoming sensitive and obedient to God leading you. If you want to hear God, spend time in His Word. That is where it all starts.