Washed by the Word

In Ephesians 5:26, the Apostle Paul tells husbands to do something rather odd. He says they are to "cleanse" their wives "by the washing of water with the Word." In context, he is talking about the role a husband can play in the sanctification of his wife into Christlikeness. But there is a truth here that is applicable to all people – whether husband or wife, married or not – and that is that Jesus, the future husband of His bride, the Church, can wash you with His Word.

That is why, as we continue the blog series we began last week—a series about various Bible study methods that can help you "consume" Scripture—we’re looking at another helpful approach today. This week's Bible study method is called the "S.O.A.P." method. (And yes, most people pronounce it "soap", not just rattle off the letters.)

Here's how to "use S.O.A.P."

Scripture

First, start with the Bible. It could be reading just a paragraph, a chapter, or an entire book. But to get started with this method, you have to read. (If the portion you have chosen to read is fairly short, I suggest you read it two or three times, and if you want, read it in at least one other translation.)

Observation

After reading, simply highlight in your Bible or write down on a notebook what you see in the passage. As you begin to look back over what you just read, ask yourself:

• What jumps out at you?
• What words are repeated?
• Are there any patterns to the words or phrases?
• What is the context surrounding the passage? (In other words, what comes right before and/or after the passage?)
• What metaphors or illustrations are used?
• What is the literary style? For example, is the section a poem, narrative, instructive, or something else?

Application

Next, ask yourself "How does this passage apply to my life?" In other words, how does this passage help you follow Jesus? It isn't enough to just gain head knowledge—it needs to become heart knowledge. So what do you need to do in light of what you just read and observed?

Prayer

Lastly, finish off your time being "washed by the Word" with prayer. Ask God to help you live out what His Spirit revealed during the "Application" step of this method.

Putting it into Practice

The S.O.A.P. technique is very simple, yet very powerful. I'm beginning this series with this method because it is one of the easiest methods to do, one of the quickest to learn, and one that can yield great fruit in your growth toward Christlikeness. While I hope one of the other methods we look at over the next several weeks will be helpful, if you only remember one method, this is the one I would hope you would latch on to.

May you enjoy consuming Scripture and being washed by the water of the Word into the likeness of Jesus.