SOAR = Scripture, Observations, Application & Response Outline

S = Scripture interprets Scripture

- Begin the assumption that the Bible is authoritative Word of God

A. Translation differences – Types of Bible

B. Exegesis verses Isegesis Study

C. Key Words – Key Subject – Key Theme

D. Outlining  Chapters & Books

E. Cross References

Matthew 4 

O = OBSERVATIONS on the: 

A. Context

B. Historical Setting

C. Authorship

D. Audience

E. Literary devices - Form & Structure

F. “5 W’s and an H” – Who spoke it? Who are the major characters? What are the main events? When did the event take place?  When did he say it?  Where was this event?  Where was it said?  Why was this mentioned? Why was there so much space or so little space for this particular teaching?  How is it done?  How was the truth illustrated?

3. A =APPLICATION / INTERPRETATION

A. What did it mean then and what does it mean now?

B.  Interpret personal experience in the light of Scripture, and not Scripture in the light of personal experience.

C. Surrender is the personal cornerstone to application.  Refusal to surrender blurs our ability to surrender and do God’s Will.

D.  Application is a process and not a single event.

C. Personal devotion life allows to apply God’s Word 

4. R = RESPONSE 

A. Knowledge carries with it both privilege and responsibility.  How am I going to live my life differently because of what I just learned?

B. How is God asking me to adjust and obey?

RESOURCES

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance - Walter Henrichsen & Gayle Jackson

How To Read The Bible For All Its Worth - Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart

How to study your Bible - Kay Arthur

Studying, Interpreting and Applying The Bible

The Interpreter’s One Volume Commentary

The Teacher’s Commentary

The Dictionary of Bible and Religion

The Parallel Bible