How to Read Your Bible: Isaiah

How to Read Your Bible: Isaiah
Date posted: 01.17.24

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.

“To whom will you compare me?
Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one
and calls forth each of them by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.

Why do you complain, Jacob?
Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord;
my cause is disregarded by my God”?
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:25-31 (NIV)

 

The entire book of Isaiah focuses on the prophecy of Jesus, the Messiah who will create a direct line to God, live a perfect life, love all people, and die for all of sins. This passage reminds us to look to God and that no ordinary man can compare to him. He is where our strength and hopes lie. He is the one we turn to with our desires.

 

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 does it mean to “hope” in the Lord? Why is hope connected to strength?
  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. When has God been my strength in times of weakness? How can I remember this moving forward?
  3. Write and answer your own question.

 

Prayer

Write your prayer or speak it aloud. Focus on who God is and how He fills you with strength, hope, and power. 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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