With the resources that are available to the modern believer in America, there is a tremendous opportunity to study God's word for yourself. That opportunity comes with a responsibility. Work from the assumption that The Bible is authoritative. If you are not going to accept what God's word says if it disagrees with your pet position, don't even bother. Even though Bible's revelation is progressive, both Old and New testaments are essential.
Obscure passages are to be interpreted in the light clear passages.
If you don't understand one reference pointed to by your concordance, go to another. Interpret experiences in the light of scripture, not scripture in the light of experience. The Beardsley's and Dave Wilkerson in particular. Biblical examples are authoritative when followed by a command. A biblical example can verify what you feel God is leading you to do.