How to Read Your Bible: Ephesians

How to Read Your Bible: Ephesians
Date posted: 01.19.24

These next few days, we’re going to learn how to use the SOAP method to help us gain a better understanding of Scripture. The SOAP method stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. Each day this week, we’ll share a passage of Scripture that touches on history, a story, song, or instruction. You’ll spend time engaging these passages using with the SOAP method.

Scripture

Focus on a passage or chapter in Scripture to read. Read through it once. Read it a second time and highlight words or phrases that stand out to you. Then, read it a third time and make notes about the Scripture. There’s no set number for how many times you read through and note the Scripture, just make sure it’s more than once.

 

Observation

Now, take time to think deeper about the passage. Ask questions about it or research words that were highlighted to you. Here are some example questions to use each day:

  • What’s happening in this passage? Is a lesson being taught, is it praising God, is it telling a story, or is something else happening?
  • Are there commands, warnings, or wisdom in the passage? What’s it telling me?
  • What truths can I learn from this passage?
  • Why are these words or phrases standing out to me? (We recommend using Blue Letter Bible when researching words or phrases.)

 

Application

Reflect on how you can apply this passage to your life. Here are a couple of questions to keep in mind:

  • How can I apply these truths to my life?
  • How does this passage impact my habits, thoughts, actions, relationships, or behavior?

 

Prayer

Lastly, spend time with God in prayer. Talk to Him about the passage you just read, its truths, and what you hope to apply to your life. Be intentional to use the words or phrases from the passage in your prayer. This is a great opportunity for you to internalize Scripture to use in future prayers.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV)

 

Ephesians is a letter written to the Church of Ephesus by the apostle Paul. This is essentially a letter, or a lesson, on who we are because of Jesus. It is also a reminder that it is not from our power that we are saved. Salvation isn’t earned, it’s given. This might sound simple, but it’s life changing information and reveals the kindness of God.

 

Scripture

Read the passage at least 3 times and make note of what stands out to you. Underline, highlight, and make notes on your thoughts.

 

Observation

Answer these 3 questions, then spend time writing and answering 2 more. Remember, this is the time where you think deeper about the passage and what’s happening.

  1. What’s happening in this passage? Is a lesson being taught, is it praising God, is it telling a story, or is something else happening?
  2. Are there commands, warnings, or wisdom in the passage? What’s it telling me?
  3. What was happening in the Church of Ephesus?
  4. Write and answer your own question.
  5. Write and answer your own question

 

Application

Reflect on how you can apply this passage to your life. Answer the 2 questions, then spend time writing and answering 2 more.

  1. What are the basic truths of this passage?
  2. How can I practically apply these truths to my life?
  3. Write and answer your own question.

 

Prayer

Write your prayer or speak it aloud. Focus on who you are because of Jesus and why you are thankful for his work on the cross. Be intentional to use the words or phrases from the passage in your prayer.

How Do I Read the Bible?

How to Read Your Bible

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