Weekly Reading : Colossians 3:18-4:18

The S.O.A.P. Model is simple a structure and questions provided to help you in reading the Bible, discovering what it is saying and how to apply your life to its teachings through the Truth of the Gospel.  You will need access to the Bible, a journal, and a pen.  Feel free to modify the structure as it benefits you in spending time with God and His Word. 

Day 1 || Scripture

Read through the text at least once.  Identify the following (you can use a commentary or study guide to help with some passages; one resource is the ESV Study Bible: www.esvstudybible.org ).

a. author

• Who wrote this text and what do you know about them?  How does identifying the author impact how we read and understand the passage? 

b. audience / recipient

• Who is the author writing to and what do we know about them?  

c. context

• What do we know about the historical and cultural events during the time this text was written that inform us on the occasion or catalyst for the writing of this text?

• Does this passage quote other Scripture or is this specific passage quoted elsewhere in the Bible?  If yes, why do you think this is the case - what might be a reason for the repetition?  What events or reminders does the citation bring to mind and how does it relate or adjust your understanding of the current text? 

 

Day 2 || Observation (part I)

Read through the selected text again.

• What do you learn about the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son - JESUS, and God the Spirit) from this passage?  What attributes of God’s character are on display?

• Spend time in prayer in response to what this passage reveals about God - thank God for who He is and that He reveals Himself to us. 

Day 3 || Observation (part II)

Read through the selected text again.

• What do you learn about mankind from this passage?  Can you find a common theme from this passage that is relevant to humanity now?

• How is Jesus’ work on the cross your only hope in light of either the passage’s instruction or promise? 

 

Day 4 || Application

Read through the selected text again.

• What is God saying to you this week in the passage?

• What is God calling you to confess, to repent of... to leave at the foot of the cross by faith?

• What will you do in light of the Lord’s leading in this?  

Day 5 || Prayer

Spend 30-45 minutes interacting with God (i.e., prayer, solitude & silence, singing, worship) in response to the Gospel at work in your life through the text this week.

• Scripture speaks to the importance of expressing thankfulness to God (ref: Ps 7:17, 9:1; Ps 100; Ro 1:21; Eph 5:20; Phil 4:6; Col 3:16-17, 1 Thess 5:18). Spend time expressing your thankfulness before God.

• Do you need to follow up with anyone regarding what God has shown you this week?  (Examples: ask for forgiveness, confess, pray for someone, bless someone, take the next step in sharing the Gospel with someone, remind someone of Truth of the Gospel, etc.)