QUESTION: Can we live the Christian life just by the guidance of the Holy Spirit but not reading the Bible?

STEPHEN'S ANSWER: No, we can't. The Holy Spirit convicts us our sins and brings us to Christ. But God's word helps us grow in salvation and defeat Satan's attacks. The Holy Spirit also teaches us, but he does this through God's Holy Word. Paul instructs clearly in 2 Timothy 3:15-17: "and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." So we have to rely on the Bible to live a God-pleased Christian life.

Psalm 119 informs us that God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path (v.105), God's word preserves our lives (v.93), delivers us from evil paths (v.101), sustains us when we are in trouble (v.116-117), and gives us understanding (v.130). All in all, God's word is eternal and stands firm in the heavens (v.89). This is what Jesus says to us in Matthew 7:24~27: build our lives on the rock of God's word.

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible.

Further questions or comments on this answer may be sent to Stephen at here.