Jesus commanded his followers to study the bible, to understand it.
The examples we have below in scripture are of people who are comparing what they are being taught to the bible, to see if those teachings were true. That they were expected to “rightly divide” or be able to understand truth and reject lies. They were expected to read the bible from childhood to adulthood and that the only place to go for ” doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” was the Holy Scriptures.
Many churches teach that you don’t have to study the word of God, that is the job of your priest. That is wrong. Many churches teach that the bible is too full of “mysteries” for common people to understand, and they are wrong too.
Study the bible for yourself to learn God’s truth. For most people, God’s truth is not something they are being taught in their churches.
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
2 Tim 2:14-16 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.