As believers, we have a duty to believe and obey all that the Lord God tells us. 
Yet we have a tendency in our flesh to skim right over the very things that will determine whether or not we have the 'victorious life' that our hearts desire. Everyone 'wants to be an overcomer,' yet few ever actually attain that standing. One of the simple things that we can all benefit from ... are all the 'exceptions' set forth in the Word of God. God's promises are all 'yeah and amen,' to them that believe and act accordingly. I would encourage you that as you partake of the Word, perk up your ears and pay special attention when you come across the word 'except.' In most instances, you could substitute the word 'unless' or 'if not.' It will be an eye-opener.
Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
John 4:48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
John 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
1 Corinthians 15:36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2 Timothy 2:5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Revelation 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
