Renewed | Appendix B

SOAP Bible Study Method

Pray and ask God for guidance as you read the scriptures. Ask him to open your eyes that you may behold wonderful things in his word (Psalm 119:18). Pray for focus and discipline to set aside any distractions while you read.

S: Scripture

Read the passage. Read it in a different translation (ESV, CSB, NIV, etc.). Listen to it read aloud. Which verse(s) stuck out to you most? Write it down word for word.

O : Observation

What does it say? What is the passage about? Who is speaking and who is the intended audience? What is the cultural context? What is the literary style: narrative, conversation, parable, prophecy, poetry, letter, or sermon? Are there any words that stick out to you or that you do not understand? Look them up in original Greek or Hebrew using a tool like Blue Letter Bible. Does this text remind you of other Bible passages? How do other passages help you understand this text? How would you summarize this passage in your own words?

A : Application

How should you apply the truths of this passage to your life? Are there any areas in your life that do not align with the scripture and need to change? How does this passage relate to your current circumstances, relationships, and responsibilities? What verse(s) could be helpful to memorize?

P : Prayer

How does this passage lead you to pray? Write out a prayer. Consider what the passage reveals about who God is and what he has done for us and praise him. Confess sin where you have fallen short. Thank God for his forgiveness and for opening your eyes to his truths. Ask God to help you follow him and obey what he commands. Pray for others who may need to hear these truths and look for an opportunity to share what you read.