Studying the Bible Using the SOAP Method and a Coloring Chart

Ahhh…summer! School is out, schedules are free, and time seems to go on forever.

I love summer and all the freedom it brings to our family. However, sometimes I let myself have too much freedom and forget to keep studying the Bible. With no organized Bible studies happening either through my church or community groups, it’s easy to put aside studying the Bible for the summer.

I find myself in a terrible mess, though, when I don’t study the Bible on a regular basis. So, this summer, I thought I’d jump into something new for me…in-depth Bible study by using the SOAP method and a coloring chart.

Ok, I know coloring in your Bible sounds a little childish. It really is an effective way, though, to make yourself slow down and read passages carefully and thoughtfully.

I am using the English Standard Version of the New Inductive Study Bible, Crayola Twistables Crayons, and a Bible Coloring Chart from Good Morning Girls.

I am also following along with the Good Morning Girls in studying the book of Proverbs over the next few weeks. It’s not too late to join in if you want to do this study. For more information you can visit their website here.

I have researched Bible Coloring Charts for many months since I first heard about this method. I have found many through Pinterest. However, most of them seemed a little too complicated to follow for me.

I love the Good Morning Girls chart because it is simple to follow with only 8 colors.

If you’re like me, though, you may find yourself wanting a little more instruction. While each color represents different topics in the Bible, I have a hard time deciding which color to use. Often verses will have more than one color that can be used.

As Courtney says on Good Morning Girls, there is no right or wrong way to mark your Bible. In fact, everyone’s Bible should look a little different. So, don’t get hung up on using the right color.

So, how do I use the Bible Coloring Chart and SOAP method to study the Bible? I’m glad you asked! This is what I do.

1. I read the passage through once. Since I am studying Proverbs, I am reading one chapter a day. I try to get a feel for the message of the chapter as a whole.

2. I read the passage a second time through, this time paying attention to each verse and deciding what color I should use to mark each one. This takes a little more time and thought which is the whole purpose of studying the Bible this way.

3. After I have marked all the verses, I decide which verse or set of verses is speaking about something I need to apply to my life.

4. I get out my journal and begin to write out what I’ve learned using the SOAP method. Click here to learn more about the SOAP method.
I hope you’ll make the effort to continue to study the Bible through the summer. Even if you are just reading a short devotion every day. Always look for what God is trying to teach you.

Leave a comment and let me know how you are studying the Bible this summer.