SOAPS Bible Reading: A Simple and Powerful Way to Engage Scripture

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be people of the Word. Reading the Bible daily is not just a suggestion—it’s essential for growing in faith, understanding God’s will, and being transformed by His truth.

A good rhythm for Scripture reading is to cover at least 25-30 chapters per week. That may sound like a lot, but when spread throughout the week, it’s a very doable pace. However, simply reading isn’t enough—we need to engage with what we read in a way that leads to obedience and sharing.

One of the most effective methods for Bible study is called S.O.A.P.S., which stands for:

  • S – Scripture: Write out one or more verses that stand out to you.

  • O – Observation: Rewrite the verse(s) in your own words to understand them better.

  • A – Application: Think about what it means to obey these truths in your own life.

  • P – Prayer: Write out a prayer, committing to God what you’ve learned and how you plan to obey.

  • S – Sharing: Ask God whom He wants you to share this with and commit to doing it.

This simple structure helps any believer read, understand, obey, and share God’s Word consistently.

Why SOAPS?

The SOAPS method isn’t just about personal Bible study—it’s a tool that:

✔ Helps you hear from God daily
✔ Encourages personal application
✔ Develops obedience-based faith
✔ Equips you to disciple others

SOAPS integrates all three parts of the 3/3 pattern:

  • LOOK BACK – By reviewing previous journal entries with an accountability partner.

  • LOOK UP – By engaging directly with Scripture and prayer.

  • LOOK FORWARD – By committing to obey and share what you’ve learned.

When practiced consistently, SOAPS ensures that Bible reading isn’t just an intellectual exercise—it becomes a lifestyle of obedience and multiplication.

Example of SOAPS in Action

Let’s walk through SOAPS using Isaiah 55:8-9.

S – Scripture

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9, NASB)

O – Observation

I am limited in what I know and what I can do. God is not limited in any way. He sees and knows everything and can do anything. His plans are far greater than anything I could come up with on my own.

A – Application

Since God’s ways are higher and better than mine, I need to trust Him more and stop relying on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). When I make decisions, I should seek God’s wisdom in prayer and His Word instead of trying to figure everything out on my own.

P – Prayer

Lord, I admit that I often try to run my life my own way. But I don’t know the future, and I don’t always make the best choices. Your ways are higher than mine. Please teach me to follow Your ways instead of my own. Help me to trust Your wisdom over my limited understanding. Fill me with Your Spirit so I can walk in obedience today.

S – Sharing

I will share these verses and my application with my friend, Steve, who is struggling with a big life decision. I will encourage him to trust in God’s wisdom instead of trying to figure things out on his own.

Making SOAPS a Habit

SOAPS Bible reading is not just for personal study—it works best when practiced in community. Here’s how you can incorporate it into daily life and group settings:

1. Use SOAPS for Personal Devotions

  • Set aside at least 15-20 minutes each day to read Scripture and journal using SOAPS.

  • Keep a notebook or digital journal where you record your insights, prayers, and commitments.

  • Be intentional about sharing what you learn with someone every week.

2. Review SOAPS with an Accountability Partner

  • Meet weekly or bi-weekly with a friend or mentor to review your SOAPS journals.

  • Ask each other:

    • Have you obeyed what you wrote down?

    • Who have you shared with?

    • What is God teaching you now?

  • Hold each other accountable to live out God’s Word.

3.  Train Others in SOAPS

  • Teach SOAPS to new believers as a simple way to engage Scripture.

  • Model it in discipleship groups so that others learn to study, obey, and share God’s Word.

  • Challenge each person to train someone else in using this method.

The Power of Hearing, Obeying, and Sharing

Jesus made it clear that hearing God’s Word isn’t enough—we must put it into practice:

"But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves." (James 1:22, NASB)

When we breathe IN by reading and hearing God’s Word, we must also breathe OUT by obeying and sharing it.

The more we do this:
✔ The more we will grow
✔ The clearer God’s voice will become
✔ The more lives we will impact

A Challenge for You

This week, commit to using SOAPS for your daily Bible reading.  If you faithfully follow this pattern, you’ll be amazed at how God transforms your life and the lives of those around you.

In the next blog entries, we’ll explore more ways to deepen our engagement with God and His people and make obedience-based discipleship a lifestyle.

Let’s be doers of the Word, not just hearers—one day at a time!

Curtis Sergeant