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Making Time for Bible Study–
One way I have tried to do in an effort to simplify my walk with Christ has been to simplify my Bible Study time. I think in the past I have made it way too complicated—like, WAY too complicated!
Two specifically that come to mind are the color-coded method, and the inductive method. You know, I was probably just trying to emulate other Christians…the “fake it til you make it” approach. But what really happened was I never had enough time to commit to my Bible study and so I didn’t do any study or Bible reading at all.
I have a proven record of quitting things that are over-complicated.
(which is why I’m trying to be more like Mary)
Sure, there is a time and place for taking a research approach to Bible Study—all of that is really important, but it’s not practical for a daily routine (at least in my life).
I use the S.O.A.P. method to Bible Study—and it is awesomely simple but also allows space for me to go deeper if I want to.
(You might want to check out my NEW S.O.A.P. Bible Study Bundle–on sale right now for $9.98!! Click for more info)
Scripture, observations, application, and prayer.
Here is an example from my own journal–I picked this page because it was done while my kids were around and it took me a couple hours to complete. But because of how basic the structure is, I was able to pick up where I left off each time I had to step away, so I feel like I still got a lot out of it.
How SOAP works:
- The first step is “scripture” but I always start off with prayer—just asking God to guide me in my study and to lean not on my own understanding—but His. After praying, I choose a verse that is meaningful to me—a piece of scripture I heard at church, in a song, from a book, or through prayer and then I write it out. The whole thing, not just the reference.
- The next step is “observation” and this is where you write down what you think God is showing you or telling you through his Word. What does God want you to learn?
- Step three is “application,” how can you apply the scripture to your life? How will you let it change and affect you?
- And finally, you end the process the same way you started—“prayer.” Most of the time, I like to write the actual prayer out in my journal.
Now you’re done—a simple and practical way to dig deeper into the Word of God. Now I don’t have lack of time to blame for my lack of Bible study.
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This! I read your article about this method. And I started implementing this in my study time. …..I LOOOOVE IT! It’s been such a blessing, I have asked my husband if we can study together this way. And I have introduced it to my girls. I love the acronym, if that’s the word. It makes me think of what Jesus says in John 15:3, “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.” ……….S.O.A.P
Ooooh…I love that! I haven’t thought about introducing it to my kids (my oldest is almost 8 and I bet he would get a lot out of it!).
Love that scripture reference—writing it down for later!
I am trying to buy the digital files and it just keeps telling me it’s not set up right to let the merchant know to correct it. Can you help in anyway?
Our family has always done our devotions together but it is now time for my oldest to set aside her own time for study. I think SOAP will really help her focus and make the transition of reading the history/story to really meditating on what the Word has for her.
Side note, she is my “clean and organized” child so she will love SOAP!
Erica thanks for the reference too; seems like a great way to keep his atonement in the front of our memory.
Thanks to both of you!
Blessings
Thank you so much for giving an example of how you have done thus. It so helpful. Consistency is what I’m working o. I believe this will definitely help me. Blessings to you.
This is so good, I’ve been looking for a bible study and will be giving this one a try. Thank you!
Love this technique. Can’t wait to try it!
I’m just shy of 62, my birthday is on July 1st, and I have never found a Bible study that I could stick to. I’m SOOOOO EXCITED about your method, I wrote everything down right away! I’m starting this morning, at 1:17 a.m. I expect I’ll fall asleep before too long, but I want to have a good start on this Bible Study, because of the steps you have to take to have a greater understanding of the verse, or verses you’re studying. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! And, God Bless You and Your Family Always…
I have just turned 66 and in all the many years I have read the Bible no one ever taught how to study it! I, too, an excited about this study method! I started it January 1st…great way to start a new year! So far, I love it and find it actually gives me more of a hunger for the word! God Bless all that are spreading this method on Pinterest!
I have just turned 66 and in all the many years I have read the Bible no one ever taught how to study it! I, too, an excited about this study method! I started it January 1st…great way to start a new year! So far, I love it and find it actually gives me more of a hunger for the word! God Bless all that are spreading this method on Pinterest!
I’m a layreader practitioner and I am happy land on this method. I hope my classmates will join me to apply this method of Bible study