HOW TO USE THE SOUL BIBLE STUDY METHOD

Are you looking for a simple yet effective way to study your Bible? Learn how to use the SOUL Bible study method to actively engage with God’s Word and allow it to transform your life.

WHY STUDY THE BIBLE?

If one of your spiritual goals is to know God better, the best place to start is by reading your Bible. Most of us are fortunate enough to live in a place and time where we were taught to read at a young age and have access to God’s Word in many forms. This has not always been the case! People were illiterate for years and had limited access to the written Word, so it is truly a privilege to read the Bible for ourselves.

And while we may feel we are learning God’s Word by going to church, listening to online messages/sermons, or reading books about the Bible (and these are all great things that we should do!), there is no substitute for studying the Scriptures for ourselves.

When I started reading and trying to study the Bible for myself, I was intimidated. I made excuses that I did not know where to begin, was not adequately trained, and lacked the time and motivation.

FOUR REASONS WE SHOULD STUDY THE BIBLE FOR OURSELVES

1. POWERFUL
2. PURPOSEFUL
3. PERSONAL
4. PRESCRIPTIVE

1. THE WORD OF GOD IS POWERFUL.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)

We need to recognize that the Bible is the only book that claims to be living and active, able to penetrate the deepest parts of our soul. The more you start reading the Bible for yourself, you will realize the power it has to change and transform your life.

2. GOD’S WORD WILL ALWAYS ACCOMPLISH ITS PURPOSE.

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

Isaiah 55:11 (ESV)

Sometimes we feel that we have to defend the Bible or understand every nuance…we don’t. That is God’s job. He promises that He will exalt His name and His Word (Psalm 138.2) and that none of what God says will return empty but will do the work in our souls and lives that He desires.

3. THE BIBLE SPEAKS TO US PERSONALLY.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Psalma 119: 105 (ESV)

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)

The Bible speaks to us right where we are and offers wisdom, guidance, and comfort for our souls. If we are confused, lost, or hopeless, we can turn to God’s Word and allow the Holy Spirit to instruct and illuminate the truth.

4. THE BIBLE IS PRESCRIPTIVE IN TEACHING US HOW TO LIVE OUR LIVES.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

Not only does God’s Word show us what is true and right, but it also reveals what is wrong inside our hearts and souls. It provides the solution to sin and gives us instructions on how to follow God and fulfill His purpose for our lives.

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE FOR YOURSELF

Now that we have determined that there are some convincing reasons to study the Bible for ourselves, we need to discover the methods and tools that will best help us do this.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BIBLE

Studying the Bible for yourself begins with having a good Bible. I am often asked to give my recommendations for choosing the best Bible. Although this is largely a personal decision, there are a few things to consider, such as choosing a translation and determining the study and reference resources. I have used the ESV Study Bible for years but have also referred to The Life Application Study Bible and the Bible App by YouVersion. If I want a totally different experience in learning about the Bible, I love watching the videos put out by The Bible Project.

DECIDING WHAT TO READ IN THE BIBLE

Having your own Bible is the first step. Making a definitive plan to read and study your Bible is the next. I confess that although I have once (or maybe a few times!) chosen the method of letting my Bible fall open to a particular passage or verse and using that as my starting point, it is probably not the best plan for meaningful Bible study! 😉

There are several places to get Bible reading plans, from books to websites to the Bible App! Take the time to do some research, ask your pastor or spiritual mentor, or begin with a book of the Bible (like the gospel of John, the book of Proverbs, or the Psalms).

DEVELOPING A METHOD TO STUDY THE BIBLE

Several methods have guided me in my study of the Bible: inductive research, word studies, lists of questions, and reflective journaling, to name a few. Each one has been helpful in its own way.

I have taken several of these study methods and created my own personal way of studying the Bible called the SOUL BIBLE STUDY METHOD. It is simple, easy to remember, and can be used in a variety of ways. I first came up with this method for my book The Beauty of an Uncluttered Soul, a biblical study on the Fruit of Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) but have used it to study other scripture verses, passages, and books of the Bible.

HOW TO USE THE SOUL BIBLE STUDY METHOD

Along with your Bible, a journal is useful in taking you through the process of studying your Bible using the SOUL BIBLE STUDY METHOD.

The four steps of this method create the acronym, SOUL.

1. SEARCH the Scriptures.
2. OBSERVE the context.
3. USE what you learn.
4. LEAN into God’s Spirit.

While there are many resources to help you study your Bible for yourself, I hope this simple SOUL BIBLE STUDY METHOD is helpful to you. Please let me know in the comments how it is working for you, or other methods and tools you use to study your Bible.

MORE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU STUDY YOUR BIBLE

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