SOAP Bible Study Free Printable. And how to use the SOAP bible study method with examples. Change how you study your bible!
I love actually getting into the Bible. Not just scanning it or “getting in my daily reading.” But going in-depth and applying the Bible to my life. Applying God’s word the way it’s meant to be.
But sometimes it’s hard to find inspiration. SOAP Bible Study is a great way get more out of your Bible. The free SOAP Bible study printables below will help you to slow down, dig deep, and learn what God is saying to you today.
If you like this, you might also like “Bible Study Journal Printables” and “Bible Verse Cards.”
What is the SOAP method of Bible study?
SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.
With the free printables below (or on your own), you:
S- pick a Scripture reading. Take your time and actually copy it over. Slowing down and writing down the Scripture yourself is important.
O- Observation. Observe what is happening. What is happening? Who is involved? How would you explain these verses to another person?
A- Application. Apply these verses to your life today. What is God saying to you? How can you apply these verses to your daily life?
P- Prayer. Write a prayer inspired by what you’ve read, observed, and applied.
SOAP Bible study example
I debated over whether to include an example. Because no two people reading the same Scripture are going to take the same things away from it. Your life is different from mine. But I decided to go ahead in case you were interested.
Scripture– I chose to read the second part of James, chapter 2. Faith & Works.
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does have works is dead.
Indeed someone might say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works. You believe that God is one. You do do well. Even the demons believe that and tremble. Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered his son Isaac upon the alter? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by the works. Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called “the friend of God.” See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by a different route? For just as a body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.”
Observation– James is exhorting others about the importance of works. With his reference to Abraham, I deduce he is probably speaking to Israelites, or at least people who are familiar with the story of Abraham. I also wonder if there is a problem in the community with people claiming faith alone- and not actually doing anything as a result of that faith- is the answer. Otherwise, James probably wouldn’t feel a need to go on at such length and with multiple examples about this matter.
Application– So much to apply! First, the most obvious. Clearly I need to focus on works more. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of “but I believe in God! I’m saved.” But as James points out, demons believe in God too. The line “You see that faith was active along with his works, and that faith was completed by his works” speaks to me. A reminder that works alone isn’t enough, either. I can’t “earn” salvation.
Prayer– God, help me to remember that part of being a Christian is works flowing from faith. Help me to reach out to those in need. Help me to put others’ needs before my own. Help me to have faith when times are dark and I have trouble believing that You are there for me.
Instructions for Printing
• Print options: regular paper works just fine for this.
• All of the files are in pdf below. Just hit the “download” button (or pink word “download,” depending upon browser).
• The default size of these is full-page. However, if you want smaller, simply reduce the print size! If you’re not sure on how much to reduce, check out my post “How to Resize Printables to Fit Your Planner.”
SOAP Bible study free printable
This is a cover page/description of how to SOAP Bible study. Print this out and keep it for each time you do your Bible study.
A note: AFTER I had designed this, I realized the template wasn’t exactly page size (8.5″ x 11″). So when you print, make sure you select “fit” so it fills the page. Otherwise you’re going to have a slight white border on each side. Sorry about that.
This is the blank page for your SOAP Bible study. Plenty of space to write. Plus the pretty design makes it something you might want to keep and review occasionally.
As with the one above, it’s not exactly 8.5″ x 11″. So adjust when printing.
I included a black and white version for those who want to save on ink! I know all that printing can add up, especially with an inkjet. (I finally bought a laser because of all the test printing I was doing for my website.)
Conclusion
I hope you found something helpful about how to SOAP Bible study. And I hope you enjoyed the SOAP Bible study free printable.
Do you have a method of Bible study that you like? Feel free to comment below letting me know about it. I always love trying new methods.
Could you do me a quick favor? If you enjoyed this, could you share it with your friends? Share buttons are at the top.
Teresa says
I have done the soap but I will read you before, and would like to get back into it!