Guided/Directed SOAP: More than a devotional

The SOAP Bible study focuses on S=scripture, O=observation. A=application, P=prayer.  

The focus is on the one passage and each person asks themselves how they can live out the truth they discovered from the passage.

I believe this can lead someone to a false understanding of the Bible if they don't have some clear direction and questions regarding the passage.

Inductive Bible Study uses careful reading noting key words, phrases and repeated ideas.  It engages through questions, understanding context, cross-referencing with other scriptures for better clarification, word studies with dictionaries, and then how one can apply in obedience.

The Word study pays careful attention to the words for understanding biblical concepts.  Use of original Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic languages in conjunction to the English dictionaries.

Word studies can also look at other translations of the Bible where a different word was used for comparison for how the other translations can gain better understanding of the Biblical context.

An expository study focuses on understanding and explaining a specific passage, aiming to help one understand the intended meaning and how the passage can apply their life.  

This method uses careful examination of the text, historical and cultural settings, while paying careful attention before drawing any relevant application.

The book background study method focuses on a subject or book, gathers reference materials (Bible dictionaries, maps, commentaries, archaeological information, history and culture) to gain a broader understanding of the events and history during the writing. It can help contextually as one goes deeper.