How to Read Your Bible: John

How to Read Your Bible: John
Date posted: 01.18.24

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.

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

John 4:7-14 (NIV)

 

This is the story of the woman at the well. This conversation, in an ordinary place, changed her life. Even though this is a conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, it’s a lesson we can learn a lot from—mainly, that Jesus meets us where we are and asks that we join the conversation. And remember: after their conversation, the Samaritan woman goes into town spreading the Gospel of Jesus. When we show up to his conversation, we can’t help but spread his good news.

 

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. Why is it important that this woman is Samaritan?
  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 does this passage impact my habits, thoughts, actions, or behavior?
  3. Write and answer your own question.

 

Prayer

Write your prayer or speak it aloud. Invite God into your application today (join the conversation), asking Him where you need more of Him.

How Do I Read the Bible?

How to Read Your Bible

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