Note to all:
There is much confusion about what the Bible means, with many people offering up different opinions, point folks to this or that teacher or this or that guide. There are so many different and contradictory approaches to Bible study, that the person begins to feel like a lab rat in a maze trying to find the way out.
There is an approach to Bible study that is called "Inductive Bible Study", who allows people to study the Bible for themselves and come to an understanding without being whipsawed back and forth by various others persons and their points of views.
Inductive Bible starts with the Book was a whole, the breaking Book down into it's major parts. The major parts are then broken down to their sub parts and the sub parts father broken down. There are certain questions that are asked of each part or sub part that helps to discover the context and meaning.
This involves ALLOT of work, but as you do it, it becomes easier. It does free the Bible student from the opinions of the various gurus. Google up "Inductive Bible Study" and you will find ample resources to help you on your way to Bible understanding. Avoid denominational material and they will have a pre-conceived outcome.
Nothing of value, comes without work and there is nothing more valuable that a Christian life based on Bible values.