Earlier this year I started The One Year® Bible reading plan on my YouVersion Bible app. Some might call it a New Year’s resolution, but it was simply a commitment to finally read the entire bible. I have read the new testament a few times and a few books of the old testament, like Genesys and Proverbs, but it was time to read all of God’s word. Not out of obligation, but rather, I have wanted to want to read the bible for a while—if that makes sense.

God ignited that desire after I attended a class at church titled, “Understanding the Bible.” It was there that I learned about the structure of the bible, that is: the first 17 books of the old testament are historical in nature, followed by 5 books of poetry writings, concluded with 17 books of prophetic writings from the well-known prophets. I also learned about the different eras, such as the patriarch era, the exodus era, the return era, the era of judges and kings, all leading up to the silent era. I felt this new-found knowledge truly fueled the desire to read the bible. It also gave me confidence that I would now understand what I was reading.

The church also taught me a way to study scripture for a deeper understanding of God’s word. They called it the S.O.A.P. method. To S.O.A.P. is to take the time to study and reflect on God’s word while reading scripture. These four steps help me to slow down and study scripture in a whole new way.

Step #1 – Scripture

The first step to studying scripture is to choose the scripture or passage you’d like to investigate. It could be a single verse, a small passage, or one of Jesus’s parables. Be careful though, don’t take on too much scripture for this activity. You’ll understand why on just a moment.

How do you choose? Well, keep it simple. Whether you’re reading on your own or following a prescribed reading plan, choose a verse or passage that stands out to you. When you find it jot it down.

Step #2 – Observation(s)

Here’s the fun part. Make as many observations about the verse or passage as you can. I once heard Palm Valley Church’s executive pastor say he was required to make 25 observations on a single verse, when in seminary. I used that to challenge myself when making observations.

I ask the basic questions: who, what, where, why, when, and how. Who is speaking? Who is the passage about? What is happening, literally? What lessons are being taught? What is the setting? Where does it take place? Why is it happening? (Look for cause and effect.) When does it take place? Old testament law or new testament doctrine? How did it end?

These questions fuel my observations. However, there is no right or wrong here. Simply study God’s word and allow the Holy Spirit to help you discern what God wants to reveal to you.

Step #3 – Application

Knowing is only half the battle. Now that you have a greater understanding of what God’s word has to say, it’s time to take action. It’s time to ask yourself, how can I apply what God has revealed to me? How will you apply what God has to say about faith, relationships, talents, time, and money? The bible is full of life lessons, how will you apply them to your everyday life?

Applying God’s word is not necessarily easy, but it’s worthwhile. Being patient, kind, generous, and treating others the way you’d like to be treated are all attractive qualities. They’re also qualities that can continue to be refined and sharpened. Spend some time in prayer about how you can apply God’s word in your life.

Step #4 – Prayer

Yep, it’s important enough that it bears repeating. Pray and pray some more. You could open in prayer, pray throughout, close in prayer, or all of the above. God says, ask and you shall receive. So ask God to reveal himself and his lessons to you. Ask him to help apply his teaching to your life. Open up and dialogue with your Heavenly Father. I pray God uses me and this post as a humble vessel for his glory.

Here’s an Example

Scripture:
Matthew 6:24 (NLT) No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Observations:
1. One of Jesus’s teachings during the Sermon on the Mount.
2. Jesus is addressing our human behavior to place value in, and trust, the wrong things.
3. Jesus is warning people to place their faith in God, not treasures and worldly riches.
4. Jesus is teaching that God will provide.
5. Jesus says, point-blank, we cannot serve both God and money. (Check your motives)
6. Jesus says, point-blank, you will hate one and love the other.
7. Money cannot provide for us the way God can.

Application:
Nino, trust God. God will provide. Do not worry about money and possessions. Do everything for God’s glory. Coach people for God’s glory, because it aligns to the spiritual gifts he has given you. Coach people because of the passion he has given you for others. Do not provide content or coach people simply in hopes to gain business. Continue to genuinely invest in others and God will provide for all your needs and wants.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me. Thank you for the opportunity to know you. Not to just know of you, but to know you. Who you are. What you care about. Thank you for revealing yourself to me. Father God, I thank you for my passion and spiritual gifts. I pray they’re used to glorify you. Father God, continue to keep my motives pure. To help others. Thank you for your provision. Thank you for the saving grace and salvation of your son, Jesus Christ. It’s in his name I pray. Amen.