Many in error have believed the Holy Spirit guided them. Just ask Muslims screaming Allah as they kill. It happens in far less dramatic instances, too. Good luck with your course.
I will also add to my earlier post that an understanding of the time period of the NT will help the reader of the Bible understand the culture and background of those times.
In addition a working knowledge of the original Kione Greek is invaluable to studying the NT.
Understanding the different moods and tenses of verbs has increased my understanding of the NT.
If you have a good grasp of those two you'll have a real good chance of understanding the Word.
Finally, keep everything in context.
I believe the reason we have the doctrinal problems of today stems from the failure to follow these precepts.
Show us where muslims claim the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
OTOH, I've been told that the Holy Spirit is not the one guiding the process of selecting the pope.
So, then, just who does?
Just what does the Catholic church depend on to guide it into truth?
What do individual Catholics depend on to guide them into truth?