For years, I was a “Bible reader.” For example, I read a chapter or two most days. I also followed reading plans and marked verses that I liked. But to be honest, it often felt like just words. In fact, it felt like a job I was checking off my list. I knew there should be more. Consequently, I wanted to go from just reading the words to truly knowing them. I wanted to learn how to do a bible study, but it sounded so hard. For instance, it made me think of big, dusty books and teachers. It felt like something for “super Christians,” not for a regular person like me.
If you have ever felt that way, you are in the right place. That feeling of wanting to go deeper but not knowing how to start is very normal. The truth is, Bible study is not about being a scholar. It is not about having all the right answers. Instead, it is just about learning to have a deeper talk with God through His word. It’s about learning to ask good questions and listen for the answers.
This guide is a simple, friendly talk about that. We will break it down into easy steps. We will get rid of the scary feelings. In short, we will show you that anyone, yes anyone, can learn how to do a Bible study. It is a skill that can change your faith. It can go from something you just know in your head to something you feel in your heart. So, let’s get started.
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How to Do a Bible Study: The All-Important First Step
Before we talk about ways or tools, we need to start with the right mindset. This is the most key part. In fact, if you get this right, all other parts will be easy. The goal of Bible study is not to master a book. Instead, the goal is to get to know the Author of the book. Ultimately, it is about a friendship.
Shifting from Duty to Delight
For a long time, I saw reading my Bible as a duty. It was something I had to do. Consequently, this way of thinking made it a chore. A real change for me, however, was when an older woman at my church told me, “Honey, think of it as a coffee date with someone who loves you.” That simple picture changed it all. You do not go on a coffee date out of duty. Instead, you go because you want to connect with the other person.
So, when you open your Bible, try to see it as a talk. You are not just reading old words. You are listening to a God who is alive. Moreover, He wants to speak to you today. This simple shift from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this” can make a big change.
Starting with a Simple Prayer
Before you read the first word, take a moment to pray. It does not have to be a long or fancy prayer. It can be as simple as this:
“God, thank you for this book. Please open my eyes to see what you want to show me today. Help me to understand your words and to know you better.”
This simple act invites God into the process. It shows you need His help to understand His word. As a result, it turns your study time from a solo school task into a time with God.
The Basic Toolkit for a Great Bible Study
The good news is that you do not need a lot of costly or hard tools to start. The question of how to do a bible study can be answered with just a few simple things.
- A Bible You Can Understand: This is key. If you are trying to read an old Bible version with words like “thee” and “thou,” you are making it harder. I suggest starting with an easy-to-read version like the New International Version (NIV) or the New Living Translation (NLT). The free YouVersion Bible App is a great tool. For instance, it lets you try out different versions to see which one you like best.
- A Notebook and a Pen: You may want to do it all on a screen. But there is power in writing things down by hand. For one thing, it slows you down. It also helps you recall what you learn. It does not have to be a fancy journal. A simple notebook is perfect.
- A Set Time and Place: This is about making a habit. So, try to find a time and place where you can have a few minutes with few distractions. For me, when my kids were little, this was at the kitchen table. For instance, I had 10 minutes before they woke up. It was not perfect, but it was steady. Your spot might be a comfy chair. It could be your car on your lunch break. Or it could be your bed before you go to sleep. Ultimately, the place is not as key as being steady.
A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for How to Do a Bible Study
Okay, you have your Bible, your notebook, and you have said a prayer. Now what? Well, here is a simple, four-step way that is perfect for new people. It’s called the S.O.A.P. method. It’s easy to recall, and it gives your study time a clear focus.
How to Do a Bible Study Using the S.O.A.P. Method
S.O.A.P. stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. Let’s walk through each step.
- S stands for Scripture: First, you just read your Bible part. The key here is to keep it short. For example, do not try to study a whole chapter at once. Instead, start with just a few verses or one short part. Read it a few times to know it well. Then, write the verse or part out in your notebook.
- O stands for Observation: This is the “what does it say?” step. Here, you are like a detective looking for clues. You are not trying to find the deep meaning yet. Instead, you are just seeing the facts. In your notebook, jot down the answers to questions like:
- Who is talking or being talked about?
- What is happening in this part?
- Are there any words or ideas that repeat?
- What words stand out to me?
- A stands for Application: Now it’s time to make it personal. In this step, you ask, “What does this mean for my life?” This is where the Bible moves from being an old book to being a living guide for your day. So, ask questions like:
- Is there a rule for me to follow?
- Is there an example for me to follow (or not to follow)?
- What does this part teach me about God that changes how I see my life today?
- P stands for Prayer: Last, you turn your study into a talk with God. You just pray about what you have just read and written. For instance, you could thank God for the promise you just read. You could also ask for His help to follow the rule you found. Or you could pray for a friend who is going through something like the passage. This step closes the loop and makes your study a true act of worship.
This whole process is a great guide. For a more detailed guide on this method, the Navigators ministry provides a wonderful, simple explanation on their website. You can find it here: SOAP Bible Study Method.
Taking Your Bible Study to the Next Level
Once you feel good with a simple method like S.O.A.P., you might want to go even deeper. Here are a few ways to add more to your study time.
How to Do a Bible Study Using Context Tools
Context is key in Bible study. Knowing the background of a passage can unlock its meaning in a strong way.
- Use a Study Bible: A good study Bible is a great thing to own. The notes at the bottom of the page will tell you about the history, the culture, and the meaning of hard words. It’s like having a wise guide next to you.
- Learn the Big Picture: Knowing where your passage fits in the big story of the Bible is huge. This is where a tool like The Bible Project is a great help. Before you study a book, watch their short, animated video on it. These videos do a great job of explaining the book’s plan and main ideas. It will fully change how you read.
How to Do a Bible Study on a Specific Topic or Character
Sometimes, you might want to know what the Bible says about a certain topic, like worry, joy, or money. Or maybe you want to learn more about a certain person, like David or Mary Magdalene. This is called a topic or character study.
A simple way to do this is to use a concordance. A concordance is like an index for the Bible. Most Bible apps and sites have a search tool that works just like one. You can just type in your word (like “hope”). Then it will give you a list of all the verses that have that word. You can then read through those verses and use the S.O.A.P. method to study them.
The Power of Studying the Bible with Other People
In our culture, we often think of faith as a very personal and private journey. But the Bible was written for groups. Therefore, it is often best understood in a group. Trying to figure it all out on your own can be lonely and hard.
Learning from Different Perspectives
I remember being in a small group Bible study a few years ago. We were studying the story of Jesus walking on the water. But a woman in my group was going through a very hard money problem. She started talking about Peter. She focused on the moment Peter took his eyes off Jesus and started to sink.I have been so focused on the scary waves of my bills that I have taken my eyes off Jesus, and I feel like I am sinking.” Her honest words, consequently, made the story come alive for all of us in a new way.
Finding Encouragement and Accountability
When you study with others, you learn from their questions and their lives. It also helps you keep going. Finding a good, safe small group at a local church can be a huge blessing. There are also wonderful online groups. For instance, ministries like Proverbs 31 Ministries offer online Bible studies. They are a great way to connect with others on the same journey.
Final Thoughts on How to Do a Bible Study: It’s All About Connection
We’ve covered a lot of ground. For example, we went from finding the right mindset to using simple study methods. It might still feel like a lot of information. So let me end with the most key truth: learning how to do a bible study is not about mastering a skill. Instead, it’s about making a connection.
The goal is not to be a Bible expert. The main purpose is just to spend a few moments each day connecting with the God who loves you. Indeed, the methods and tools are just there to help that talk happen. So, please, do not be scared. Let yourself start small. First, pick a short passage. Then, try the S.O.A.P. method. See what happens. You are about to start a beautiful trip that can truly change your faith.
FAQ – How to Do a Bible Study
What is the S.O.A.P. method for Bible study, and how does it work?
The S.O.A.P. method is a four-step process: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. It involves reading a small passage, noting what it says, applying it to your life, and praying about what you’ve learned, to deepen your understanding and connection with God.
What basic tools do I need to start a Bible study?
You need a Bible that is easy to understand, such as NIV or NLT, a notebook and a pen for writing down insights, and a consistent time and place where you can study without interruptions.
What is the first step before beginning a Bible study?
The first step is to have the right mindset, understanding that Bible study is about building a relationship with God, and to start with a simple prayer inviting God to help you understand His Word.
How can I shift my mindset from seeing Bible reading as a duty to seeing it as a delight?
You can shift your mindset by imagining it as a coffee date with someone who loves you, which helps you see Bible reading as an opportunity to connect with God rather than a chore.
What is the main goal of Bible study according to this guide?
The main goal of Bible study is to get to know the Author of the book, which is ultimately about developing a friendship with God.
