I’m sure that being a SS & OSAS Christian is part of the problem; so I agree. Deeper understanding of Christ only comes from the Scripture and this is a command from God through Peter to do so. Peter gives a warning when the person does not. The passage in conjunction with much of Scripture concerning the Holy Spirit who teaches and guides each believer as well, not a body of men. We know from studies, that Catholics, in general, read the Scripture the least of almost all denominations. I don’t believe it would apply to CAF Catholic members compared to the general population of Catholics. John 17:17; Jesus tells us in no uncertain terms how we are to be sanctified. If you really desire that sanctifying grace, then in His Word is where it will be found.
John 17:14-19
I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.
The context: His Word is the gospel. His truth is His gospel. Jesus is speaking of the leaders of His Church and He is praying for them. Jesus gave them His authority to minister His New Covenant just as Moses was given His authority to minister His Old Covenant.
He is not speaking of “individuals” who pick up the Bible and try to interpret it for themselves. He is speaking of His personally chosen leaders of His Church and He said that they speak for Him and if a person does not listen to His Church leaders, then they are to be treated as heathens and tax collectors. If they refuse to listen to His Church leaders, then they are also refusing to listen to Him.
Matthew 18:17
And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
Luke 10:16
He who hears you (Church leaders) hears Me, he who rejects you (Church leaders) rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.
All that the leaders of His Church teach both orally (word) and written (epistle) are the commandments of the Lord.
2 Thessalonians 2:15
Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
1 Corinthians 14:37
If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.
The Church leaders and their successors rule over us in the faith.
Hebrews 13:17
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:12
And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
Jesus set up a hierarchy in His Church. It does not matter if some people do not like it. He is Lord and this is His
command.
1 Timothy 3:1
This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.
1 Timothy 3:10
But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.
Apostolic succession:
2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
No person is supposed to buy a Bible and then start his own new religion based upon his own private interpretation. Jesus has a Church already set up to minister to His followers.
2 Peter 1:20
knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation
2 Peter 3:16
as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.