How to Study the Bible: A Simple Method Anyone Can Use

Reading the Bible is good. Understanding it, and letting it shape your life, is better. You do not need a seminary degree to study Scripture well — just a little time, an honest heart and a simple method.

Here is one many churches teach, often remembered by the letters S-O-A-P: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. It works on a single verse or a whole chapter, and it takes about fifteen minutes.

S — Scripture

Choose a passage and read it slowly, preferably twice. Then write out the verse or two that stood out most. Writing slows you down and helps you notice what you would skim past.

If you are not sure where to begin, start with a Gospel. Our 21-day plan through John gives you one chapter a day.

O — Observation

Ask what the passage actually says before deciding what it means. Who is speaking, and to whom? What is happening before and after? Are there repeated words, commands, promises or contrasts? What does it show about God, Jesus or people?

Context is everything. A verse read without the verses around it can be made to say almost anything. Reading the whole paragraph — or the whole chapter — protects you from that.

A — Application

Now ask what this means for your life today. Is there a promise to trust, a command to obey, a sin to confess, an example to follow, or something about God to worship Him for? Be specific: not “I should be more loving” but “I will call my brother tonight.”

P — Prayer

Finish by praying the passage back to God. Thank Him for what you saw, ask for help to live it, and talk to Him about anything it stirred up. Study that ends in prayer turns information into relationship.

When a passage confuses you

It will happen. Write down your question and keep going. Let clearer passages help explain unclear ones. Compare a couple of translations. A good study Bible with notes can help with history and background.

Most of all, ask someone. A pastor, a small group or a mature Christian friend has probably wrestled with the same passage. Studying with others is one of the best ways to understand Scripture.

Make it a habit

Pick a regular time and a place. Start small; fifteen minutes most days is better than two hours once a month. Keep your notes in one notebook so you can look back and see what God has taught you over time.