Be Confident (Hebrews): Live by Faith, Not by Sight

The "Be" Commentary

by Warren W. Wiersbe, Paul the Apostle

Hebrews—written by Christians, to Christians, and for Christians—is loaded with spiritual truth accessible to any believer looking to grasp the importance of faith. Penned at a politically unstable time, Hebrews targets believers tempted to abandon their faith and slip back into the rules and regulations of Judaism.

In our politically unstable day of "wars and rumors of wars" ( we can all understand the quest for stability. But there is only one source of rock solid security.

There was a time for rules and sacrifices. Then Christ came as the perfect, spotless Lamb to atone for sin once and for all. Respected pastor Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe will show you that by focusing on the reality of the unseen first, an overwhelming desire for intimate friendship with God will follow.

Genres: Christian, Reference, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion, Faith, Christian Non Fiction

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Reviews

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very good commentary of Hebrews and an easy read in preparation for Sunday school discussion. There was a good discussion on the problem of 'drifting' away from the Lord. It's usually caused by neglecting the Word of God and prayer, both privately and publically. "It is easy to drift with the current, but it is difficult to return against the stream." Some other good points he made were to always "interpret the obscure by the obvious." There was a reminder that many of God's promises do not depend on our character but on His faithfulness. "If we live 'within the veil,' we shall have no trouble going 'without the camp.'" There was a reminder that God does not have to heal in order to prove a person has faith. Lots of wisdom in the book.

[Frans Kempe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good help while studying Hebrews. I like the way he brought out the main idea of the book and addressed the main topics that the book covers. Hebrews contains alot and the author made a good selection to inspire to a deeper study. Great job.

[Jack Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author writes Be Confident: Live by Faith, Not by Sight utilizing the Book of Hebrews, chiefly, and various other biblical scriptures throughout the text. Hebrews is written by Christians for Christians as the New Testament struggles to retain believers who are prone to slip back into Judaism.

Moses compares to Christ in a few significant ways. Wiersbe elaborates that this teaching needs to convince followers that the the New Covenant brought by Jesus is a truer path to perfection because of Christ's divinity whereby the Old Covenant requires repeated sacrifices that do not save anyone once and for all.

The wise words of Hebrews and the excellent prose of Wiersbe succeed in relating the power of faith in Jesus Christ that leads to a more confident life with an intimate relationship with God.

[Mackenzy Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

whoops, finished this a couple days ago, but I really enjoyed this! I want to read more from this series as I go through other books of the Bible.

[Cale Manley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated Wiersbe’s typical careful and warm exposition of Scripture, but his interpretation of the warning/apostasy passages felt forced and stretched to fit his theology.

[R. Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an in depth look at the book of Hebrews. Warren W. Wiersbe goes chapter by chapter in most cases and delves into the various subjects covered in Hebrews. His primary Bible version that he uses is the King James Version and some of the verses he recites tend to be a bit confusing when using newer translations but it all makes sense if you keep this in mind. Wiersbe clarified a lot of Hebrews for me and I highly recommend this book for study especially if you find Hebrews intimating as it will clarify Hebrews.

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hebrews — “Be Confident!”


Reading Warren Wiersbe, I understand how my kids feel when I glance into a closet and pull out the basketball they “can’t find.” It was there all along, but they just didn’t see it. In his writing Dr. Wiersbe pulls outlines and alliteration out of Scripture — rather than imposing them upon the text — and I realize, too, that it was there all the time. I just hadn’t seen it.

There’s a class on Hebrews in my future, and since I have a profound respect for that book [Shall we be honest and just admit that I’m intimidated by it?], I’m beginning my studying early with Warren Wiersbe’s Be Confident (part of the “Be Series” with over four million books in print). Dr. Wiersbe calls me out on my uneasiness and offers reassurance that Hebrews has a clear message, and “there is no reason why you and I should not understand and profit from it.” He got me started on that positive train of thought with his overview of five characteristics of the epistle to the Hebrews:
1.It Is a Book of Evaluation — Using the word “better” thirteen times, the word “perfect” fourteen times, and emphasizing Christ’s eternal nature, the writer of Hebrews emphasizes that “Jesus Christ and the Christian life He gives us are better because these blessings are eternal and they give us a perfect standing before God.”
2.It Is a Book of Exhortation — We’re not to be intimidated by the warnings in Hebrews, but to be formed by them in our devotion to God’s Word.
3.It Is a Book of Examination — Using the word “established” eight times in Hebrews, the author reveals that the only secure foundation for life is faith based on God’s Word. Hebrews asks, “In what are you trusting?”
4.It Is a Book of Expectation — Focused on the future, Hebrews turns the believer’s eyes to the world which is to come. As A.W. Tozer said, “Every man must choose his world.”
5.It Is a Book of Exaltation — Jesus is superior to the prophets both in His person and in His work. He is God’s final revelation.

I see now that for all the very same reasons that Hebrews is a challenging book to read and to study, it is likewise an important book to understand and to apply. Be Confident strikes a lovely balance between formal, outlined structure and informal, anecdotal accounts. In addition to stories based on historical figures, Dr. Wiersbe shares from his years of pastoral and counseling ministry.

Unraveling the mysterious Melchizedek, rightly revealing that the “five terrible warnings” found in Hebrews are truly for exhortation and encouragement, and always demonstrating scriptural reasons for confidence in living the Christian life, Be Confident is a resource for teachers as well as a reference for questions that arise in personal study. A thorough study of the book of Hebrews is an invitation to enter fresh heights (and depths) of worship as we ponder Christ, His superior person, and His superior priesthood.


This book was provided by David C Cook in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book got talked up too much, so I was disappointed.
There were too many passage jumps for me, and too much repetition.
The message didn't flow smoothly, the transitions were lacking.
But like all things, it was like a fish - take the meat and leave the bones. I did take some meaning out of it. And the questions at the end of the chapters proved useful in my life group (bible study).

[Thomas Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This commentary on the book of Hebrews was outstanding.
The depth of the material presented is clearly well researched.

I not only enjoyed reading it but then also leading a small group study of Hebrews.
During which we had one individual become a new believer and accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.

The treatment of how the author of Hebrews uses the Old Testament (OT) doctrine to explain New Testament (NT) doctrine furthered my understanding - not only of the book of Hebrews - but clarified the sound foundation of my beliefs.

I would recommend this to any Christian that wants to mature in their understanding of the new covenant.

For new and pre-born Christians, I would also recommend going through this study in a small impact group.
The benefits to you will be a deeper understanding and confidence in the truth you were first called to.

In Christ,
Tom.

[Jeanetta Chrystie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding and thought-provoking study of Hebrews

I am becoming a real fan of Wiersbe's "Be" series of commentaries and these application-focused Bible studies, such as this one on the Bible book of Hebrews. This study book is great for personal growth as well as for use in group studies (it's designed for groups to use). It pulls from his Hebrews commentary, provides explanations of words and concepts in the context of the day, and asks thought-provoking questions to help us apply what we're learning to our daily Christian life.
I'm also very glad that these series are available for cheaper purchase to read on my Kindle and my PC (using the free Kindle app). I'm going to choose another set (study book and commentary) to read!

[Jacqueline Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Major message......"Be Confident." This book you will have to read more than once. You must let this book soak into your spirit. This book talked about the book of Hebrews. The people of God were living in a time that seemed to be shaking. There seemed to be no stability.......much like today. People today are stressed out about the economic crisis....this book encourages you to live by faith and not by sight. Great read! Must read again!

[Lance Gideon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great commentary! Wiersbe does such an amazing job breaking down scripture in such simple terms - and presents sound Christian doctrine and theology all the while. I looked forward to cracking open Hebrews each and every time, knowing that I was going to walk away a real and true interpretation of scripture. I highly recommend Wiersbe to all, especially those that have struggled with older commentaries!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm about 3/4 of the way through this study of Hebrews, which I'm doing with my Saturday Bible study group. I like the format. It's not fill-in-the-blank (which is good for me cuz that usually drives me crazy), but more of a commentary with questions in the back of the book for discussion. It has really helped me understand the book of Hebrews better. Highly recommended!

[Tiara Tyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great author! I now have four more of his books and can't wait to add even more to my collection. He breaks down the book of Hebrews very well and allows you to explore for yourself, he doesn't spoon-feed every answer. You will without a doubt learn something new each chapter, and be inspired to study further and more in-depth.

[Jill Hathaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

love pretty much all his commentaries

[Read1000books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Devotional commentary on the book of Hebrews.

[Sandy Sandmeyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comparison of the old and new covenants. The old covenant being a foreshadowing of what's to come with the new covenant, which is the real thing.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Bible Commentary by Warren Wiersbe.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. This book was rather boring and uninspiring. I, along with the rest of my Bible study, have decided to abandon it. We just were not getting anything out of it.

[Bill Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was originally purchased as a commentary. I found it full of good information but was not as deep as I was hoping for.

[Danita W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great commentary to use along with the Bible and is worth reading and rereading.

[F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wiersbe is always very helpful in his commentaries. The outlines alone are worth the price of the book- but the book is more than just outlines. Good meat on those bones.

[Mike Eccles · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How can I stand firm in a world that is shaking all around me?” This quotation from the end of the final chapter of this Wiersbe volume sums up all he has explored in discussing Hebrews.

[Matthew Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the insight of this study guide, but I wish it was a bit more in depth. I see this as being much better in a group setting than if you use it alone, which is what I did.

[Marcus Goncalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and in depth study of the book of Hebrews in the Bible. I have come away with a much greater understanding of it.

[Barbara Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

My companions through my recent reading of Hebrews were my ESV Study Bible notes as well as Warren Wiersbe’s Be Confident (Hebrews): Living by Faith, Not by Sight.

Hebrews was written to Jewish believers in Christ in the first century. Mention is made of the temple as if it were still in operation, and it was destroyed in 70 AD. So we know Hebrews was written before that time.

Jewish believers were facing persecution for varying from what their community practiced. Some were tempted to go back. But the author of Hebrews urges them to keep persevering and reminds them that what they have in Christ is far superior to what they had before.

In fact, the word “better” occurs repeatedly in the book. Jesus is show to be better than angels, Moses, and the priesthood. His once-for-all sacrifice was better than the repeated ones the priests offered. His new covenant was better than the old.

It’s not that the old covenant and practices were wrong: God gave them to Israel. But they were always meant to be temporary, picturing and leading up to Christ’s revelation and ministry.

There are also five major warnings in Hebrews, a couple of which have created confusion. Wiersbe demonstrates that these warnings don’t indicate one can lose salvation, but they do emphasize the need to be sure we’re in the faith and growing in the Lord. “Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Hebrews 11 is the “Hall of Faith,” sharing examples of those who walked with God through the centuries. Just as they “desire a better country, that is, a heavenly” (Hebrews 11:16), so readers are reminded that “here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). And in the meantime, the God of peace will “equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever” (Hebrews 11:21).

As modern Gentiles, we might not be tempted to go back to Judaism. But we need this book as well to appreciate what we have in Christ and to heed its warnings and benefit from its encouragements.

I enjoyed delving into Hebrews again, especially with the faithful, helpful companions I found in these aids.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good companion book to read while reading Hebrews. Wiersbe sees things I don't, or brings up history and background information I don't know. I found a copy of Be Confident online through Internet Archives and used that to enhance my study.

Five exhortations of Hebrews:
1) don't drift away or neglect God's words 2:1-4. Hear and believe.
2) don't doubt God's words or be guilty of unbelief or disobedience, 3:7-4:13. Unbelief takes you backwards to legalism and world. Hear and obey. Enter His rest by salvation and submission to His ways.
3) don't be dull of hearing but be changed and matured by God's words. 5:11-6:20. Hear and grow. Inherit God's promises by diligence.
4) don't despise God's words, 10:26-39. Way to God now open. Draw near. Hear and be cleansed of a guilty conscience. Endure suffering to be perfected.
5) don't refuse God's words and fall short of His favor, 12:14-29. Let go of sin. Hear, be healed and live. Imitate the faith of the cloud of witnesses and obey to be a righteous witness.

Wiersbe focused on how Messiah is better. He's better than prophets for God speaks through Him now. He's a better messenger than the angels or priests. He's better than Moses because He's a Son not a servant like Moses. He's a better High Priest, better sacrifice since his blood takes away sin and saves completely. The law and sacrifices can't do that. He's a better covenant since God made covenant by blood and it can no longer be broken. Accept His renewed covenant by belief in Messiah. He has suffered as we do but was without sin so he's a more compassionate priest and mediator. He's a superior sacrifice, priesthood and faith than the Old Testament system of sacrifices. His death bought our redemption once for all, and for eternity.

Sometimes I skimmed the chapters due to the amount of other scriptures and information to which he referred. I like to stay with the scriptures in the passage or chapter, unless the others support the point rather than add other tangents.

Overall, a helpful resource. I like Wiersbe's style. It's easy to read.

[Robert Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this commentary on the Book of Hebrews as a complimentary resource for a Sunday School study. As our Essentials of the faith used Max Lucado’s Life Lessons study for discussion in class, Wiersbe’s book gave me additional insights for leadership in the discussion. “Be Confident” gave me wonderful insights on this difficult Book of Hebrews interpret and help tremendously in helping us all understand the text. Most of all we grew together to live by faith…

“Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Introduction into the Book of Hebrews

This gem of a book packs a real punch! I have always struggled with Hebrews and trying to comprehend its message. Warren Wiersbe breaks every chapter down into bite-size pieces that leaves a reader in awe of His holy book and with a desire to walk rather than talk a life of faith. Here is a sample from this book:

As the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ died for the sheep (John 10:11). As the Great Shepherd, He lives for His sheep. As the Chief Shepherd, He will come back for His sheep. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8-KJV).

Be confident in His love for and pursuit of YOU.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic study from Dr. Wiersbe. Hebrews is an incredibly difficult book to understand. I had a pastor friend tell me he'd never walked through the book because it gets too close to teaching you can lose your salvation. The man has been in ministry for over 30 years!

That's not an indictment against him, but a testimony to how difficult Hewbrews is to understand and make sense of. Wiersbe does an amazing job of teaching scripture in a way that is easy to understand, immediately applicable, and truly a joy to read. I dip liberally from Dr. Wiersbe's work when I prepare my sermons, he is an absolute delight to read and learn from.

Can't recommend Wiersbe enough.