It is popular to learn isolated verses, but I think they often do not say exactly what we were told they say, when you consider their contexts.
For example, in memorising Hebrews, after a couple of months I got to Hebrews 4:12. It is a lot more powerful in its context than only as a verse to motivate you to read the Scripture, as it is often used.
This verse is scary! It comes between powerful warnings about the awesomeness of God and his Word:
11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Then straight after this sobering warning, the writer goes on to urge us to trust in Christ, in the light of God's omnipresence, omnipotence and omniscience:
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Learning a verse here or there makes you miss out on so much! But I don't think I'm ready to take on the whole New Testament, yet Vaughan! [Though some more key passages would be handy!]
