Introduction to John:

Before we begin reading the book of John, we need to have a grasp on this book of the Bible and understand who wrote this book, the key themes of the book, the book’s purpose, and more. Take a few moments to read the introduction to the book of John in your New Living Translation Life Application Study Bible. As you read, answer the questions below. Then, discuss what you learned with your group.

1. Who wrote the book of John? What do we know about him?
    
2. Who is the audience of John? 
    
3. What is the purpose of John?
    
4. What are some of the key themes of John?

Come back together and discuss what you learned about John.

1. Do you have any questions about questions 1-4 above?
    
2. What stood out as you read the introduction to John?

Introduction to the SOAP Method:

It’s time now to dive into Bible study and read the book of John! Throughout this course, you will read through the entire books of John, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John, 1st and 2nd Peter, Hebrews, James, and Jude, one chapter at a time. As you read each day, you will walk through the SOAP method using the journals we have given you. The SOAP method is a Bible study method designed to help you take a deep dive into the Scripture you are reading by observing, applying the Scripture, and more. Your group leader will walk through each step of the SOAP method with you.

SOAP stands for:

1. Scripture.

• Read your chosen passage of Scripture along with the Bible study notes related to that passage of Scripture carefully and thoughtfully.

2. Observation

• After reading your chosen passage of Scripture, observe what you have read. Many Bible teachers explain that this is where we become journalists and ask ourselves the questions, “Who?” “What?” “When?” “Where?” & “Why?”.

*** Please note, we will not be able to answer every question for every passage of Scripture. Do not worry if you are reading a passage of Scripture and cannot find an answer to one of these questions. These questions serve as a guide to observation.

2. • Who?
     • Who is the author? Who were the people involved in this passage of Scripture? Who was the original audience of the book of the Bible you are studying? Etc.
     • This question involves people.
   • What?
     • What is happening in this passage of Scripture? What action did God tell His people to stop doing? What did God tell His people to start doing? Etc.
     • This question involves circumstances, instructions, behaviors, etc.
   • When?
     • When does this passage of Scripture take place (evening, morning, afternoon)? When will a particular event mentioned in Scripture take place? Etc.
     • This question involves times and timelines.
   • Where?
     • Where does this passage of Scripture take place? Where were the people in the passage of Scripture from? Where was this book of the Bible written? Etc.
     • This question involves location.
   • Why?
     • Why does Scripture call us to live a certain way? Why were the people in Scripture behaving a certain way? Why did the person in the passage of Scripture face certain consequences? Etc.
     • This question involves purpose and reasoning behind particular behaviors and instructions.
        
3. Application.

• This step in the SOAP method is all about applying Scripture to our lives. The Bible prompts us to change our actions and obey. This is where we can ask ourselves the four important questions to ask when we read the Bible:
  • Is there a sin to confess?
  • Is there a promise to claim?
  • Is there something I need to start doing?
  • Is there something in this passage I need to thank God for?

4. Prayer.
   • The final step in the SOAP method is prayer.
     We can ask God to help us as we apply His word by obeying Him and thank Him for the gift of His word.

Practice the SOAP Method

Let’s practice the SOAP method, starting with John chapter 1. Read John 1 now and walk through the SOAP method using your journal. Then, we will come back together and discuss what we learned during our Bible study time.

Discuss John 1:

Now that you have read John 1 and completed the SOAP method, let’s discuss what we learned.

1. Walk through each step of the SOAP method and share your answers for each step. When you get to step number 4, share some of what you prayed about after reading John 1. After we finish discussing John chapter 1, we will pray together.
2. How is the beginning of the book of John unique from the rest of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke)?
3. What do we learn about Jesus in this passage of Scripture?
4. Look back at your response to the questions listed below after reading John 1. What action step can you take to apply God’s word to your own life based on your answers to those questions?
   1. Is there a sin to confess?
   2. Is there a promise to claim?
   3. Is there something I need to start doing?
   4. Is there something in this passage I need to thank God for?