The SOAPS Bible study method is an easy way for beginners to study the Bible. SOAPS stands for scripture, observation, application, prayer, and study.

How do I start a SOAPS Bible study?

The first step to starting a soap bible study is to grab your Bible and something to write with!

What are the parts of the SOAPS Bible Study Method?

The main parts of the SOAPS Bible study method are scripture, observation, application, prayer, and study.

S.O.A.P.S. Method Example

Here is an example of the S.O.A.P.S. Bible study method, using a popular passage found in the book of Isaiah.

1. Scripture

Write the scripture that you plan to study. Here is a beautiful passage in Isaiah:

But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
 When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

Isaiah 43: 1-3

2. Observation

What do you observe or notice about this passage? What stands out to you? What do you have a question about or want more info on?

Observe those thoughts and write those out.

One question that I have is “Who is Isaiah talking to at this time? Who has God redeemed by name? Is he referring to the nation of Israel?”

You’ll notice later how we find out that answer!

Other questions to ask yourself as you observe the passage:

1. What part of this scripture brings me comfort?
2. Why does this bible verse bring me comfort?

There are no wrong answers to the observation part of the S.O.A.P.S study method!

It’s simply what you observe about a passage of scripture.

3. Application

Once you have read the scripture, it’s time to apply it to your life. Take your bible study to the next level–don’t just read the Word– put it to use in your daily walk.

Two questions to ask yourself after you have read the bible verse:

1. How can I apply this scripture to my life?
2. In what areas of my life do I need the Holy Spirit to do work in?

I can apply this scripture to my life by memorizing the verse, praying the verse, and believing it.

I am currently under treatment for cancer. I can either choose to believe that the waters around me will overtake me, or I can stand firm on this scripture, and quote it out loud any time I feel afraid.

The rivers will not overtake me!

I may feel like I am swimming in a rough current, but I will not drown. I will always have the Holy Spirit near me.

4. Prayer

The next part of the SOAPS Bible study method is prayer.

1. What parts of this passage could be a declaration/prayer?
2. Can I replace pronouns to match my name or the person’s name I am praying for?

Isaiah 43

A declaration: Heavenly Father, although I am afraid, I pray that the river would not overtake me. I pray that as I walk through the fire, your hand will protect me and keep me from getting burned. You are always with me, and you have called me to do mighty things. I pray for your will over my life and in your Kingdom. Amen

Replace names with my own name:

But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Leah,
    he who formed you, Leah:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you, Leah, by name; you are mine.

5. Study – Use a Bible Commentary With The S.O.A.P. S. Method

A commentary of the Bible is where a scholar has commented on the verses in the Bible.

Once I started using Bible commentaries, I gained a new understanding and insight into passages, and my knowledge and comprehension of the Word grew exponentially!

There are many different Bible commentaries available. There are some free bible commentaries on the internet, however, I prefer to have a physical Bible in my hand.

The Bible that I personally use and study is Dake’s Annotated Study Bible.

Just like there are many different versions or translations of the bible, there are also many different commentaries.

To use a free bible commentary online, go to blueletterbible.com

Type in the passage you wish to study.

Hover over “tools” and select commentaries.

From there you will see an entire list of authors who have commentary. I like to use David Guziks, so that is what I have chosen.

Next, I will choose “Study Guide Isaiah 43”

Finally, you will be able to read more about this chapter in the Bible.

Take this same passage in Isaiah and apply the final “S” in the S.O.A.P.S. Bible study method.

1. One thing I learned/stuck out to me during my study: It doesn’t say “if” I walk through the fire, but when. We will have trials in this life, but God is always with me and is my helper.
2. Who is the author talking to? Isaiah is speaking to the nation of Israel during this passage
3. What/who is this passage originally about: The nation of Israel, but I can apply it to my own life and trials.
4. Other thoughts: The fire of this passage can be compared to the Babylonian fiery furnace.

SOAP Journal PDF

As a resource for you, here is a free soaps bible study pdf I have created. If you need more, here is everything you need to start studying the bible!