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The "Be" Commentary
Be Obedient (Genesis 12-25): Learning the Secret of Living by Faith
We are called to live a life obedient to God. But what does this look like? And how can we live in a way that's pleasing to Him? The answer is found in faith. Long considered the father of faith, Abraham sets the standard for what it means to be obedient. The book of Genesis holds the remarkable story of Abraham, a man who would give birth to a nation, and make the way for our Savior. Part of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe's best-selling "BE" commentary series, Be Obedient has now been updated with study questions and a new introduction by Ken Baugh. A respected pastor and Bible teacher, Dr. Wiersbe shares insights and wisdom on pursuing an obedient life. You'll learn how to believe beyond your feelings, trust in spite of your circumstances, and place your complete confidence in Him.
176 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1991
242 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Warren W. Wiersbe
662 books412 followersWarren 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 13, 2016
At first I was miffed at having to buy three separate commentaries on Genesis, but I can see now that one whole book, Wiersbe's second in the series, needed to be dedicated to Abraham. What a terrific little volume!
Once again, Wiersbe does a great job of explaining Old Testament practices and of teaching the truths of the book being studied within the context of the whole Bible. (From page 62, "Take time to read Galatians 3, Romans 4, and James 2, and you will see how Abraham illustrates salvation by faith.") Another reason I enjoy his commentaries is because he is well-read and quotes Christian thinkers and writers when appropriate. ("The essence of faith," said Charles Spurgeon, "lies in this: a casting oneself on the promises.") His quote from friend Pete Quist, "Faith is living without scheming," is my theme for 2017.
And, of course, Wiersbe has a gift for summarizing truths into his own one-liners: "We live by promises, not by explanations," and "The life of faith must never stand still, for if your feet are going, your faith is growing." (p. 27)
A worthwhile commentary on this Bible patriarch.
Once again, Wiersbe does a great job of explaining Old Testament practices and of teaching the truths of the book being studied within the context of the whole Bible. (From page 62, "Take time to read Galatians 3, Romans 4, and James 2, and you will see how Abraham illustrates salvation by faith.") Another reason I enjoy his commentaries is because he is well-read and quotes Christian thinkers and writers when appropriate. ("The essence of faith," said Charles Spurgeon, "lies in this: a casting oneself on the promises.") His quote from friend Pete Quist, "Faith is living without scheming," is my theme for 2017.
And, of course, Wiersbe has a gift for summarizing truths into his own one-liners: "We live by promises, not by explanations," and "The life of faith must never stand still, for if your feet are going, your faith is growing." (p. 27)
A worthwhile commentary on this Bible patriarch.
November 8, 2013
I find this difficult to evaluate clearly, because my thoughts on Wiersbe's interpretation of Genesis 12-25 are now fully bound up with the discussions I've had with my Bible Life Group over the past two months. As always, I find that I don't agree fully with everything that Weirsbe says, but I have enjoyed preparing these chapters for discussion and hashing them out more fully with my fellow class members.
March 18, 2017
So far, I'm enjoying the "Be" series, which is part commentary, part Bible study workbook. Wiersbe offered a couple of insights that I hadn't considered before, although most of it was quite familiar to me, just re-visiting and remembering various events and connections. I disagreed with a couple of points that I just didn't find to be backed up by his interpretation of Scripture (mostly that of what he considers "Christian burial") but they were minor issues and worth considering and discussing in a small group, more food for thought, rather than any serious contention.
This one provided more commentary on the spiritual nature of the text in Genesis rather than as much historical information, but as much of the historical context is more widely known than some of the earlier events in Genesis, it didn't feel too lacking. His addressing some of the chapters out of order (both literary and chronological) was a bit odd and took away a bit from the point he made (he draws a connection from the fact that Isaac isn't dealt with from Mt. Moriah until the selection of his wife, but yet the chapter including Sarah's death happens in between those times), overall the information and commentary moved along relatively fluidly.
3.5/5
This one provided more commentary on the spiritual nature of the text in Genesis rather than as much historical information, but as much of the historical context is more widely known than some of the earlier events in Genesis, it didn't feel too lacking. His addressing some of the chapters out of order (both literary and chronological) was a bit odd and took away a bit from the point he made (he draws a connection from the fact that Isaac isn't dealt with from Mt. Moriah until the selection of his wife, but yet the chapter including Sarah's death happens in between those times), overall the information and commentary moved along relatively fluidly.
3.5/5
August 23, 2009
This is a commentary on the life of Abraham that I used as a study guide while reading through the middle chapters of Genesis (it's one of a series of three commentaries on Genesis). Unlike the typical commentary that takes you through verse-by-verse, Wiersbe has a sermon-like approach to each chapter with insight and applications. I look forward to using more of his commentaries as study guides in the future.
April 8, 2019
A wonderful study on the lives of Abraham and Sarah. I took a lot of notes regarding not only obedience in living by faith, but also the waiting and patience that go hand in hand with this lifestyle.
January 16, 2011
Wiersbe says that Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah "is a picture of the Father and the Son and the Cross." The book covers Genesis chapters 11 thru chapter 25. The one thought that I had never thought about before I read this book was that when God called Abraham in Ur, Abraham was a pagan that worshiped the sun god. God continually revealed himself to Abraham and despite some failures along the way Abraham was faithful and obedient to God's commands. All of Wiersbe's commentaries are enlightening and enjoyable reading.
April 8, 2014
Once again Wiersby provides insight and stimulation to support the contemplative reading of the bible. With this volume I have reached the end of Abraham's life as described in Genesis The combination of spiritual interpretation with many cross references to other parts of the bible, and description of the historical context works really well for me. I now move on to the next volume, "Be Authentic" guiding me through Genesis 25-50.
October 18, 2016
Very helpful book on faith. Great reminder of some wonderful truths trusting God: 'is anything too hard for the LORD?'....'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'....'God meeting our needs just when we have the need'.....'God's provision' ... 'importance of doing God's will'....'Seek to glorify Christ'
November 15, 2010
A devotional commentary on the portion of Genesis covering the life of Abraham. Excellent.
April 19, 2011
Loved this second book in a very long list of Warren Wiersbe Bible commentaries. I read the Bible, Warren dissects it in a very easy to read way. The insights I have gained are invaluable.
November 9, 2013
A very good read!
August 3, 2016
Excellent study of Genesis.
September 13, 2015
Great book need to reread!
August 15, 2016
The story of Abraham.
October 27, 2020
Be Obedient (Genesis 12-25): Learning the Secret of Living by Faith by Warren W. Wiersbe is the second in his three-part commentary on Genesis. These chapters cover the life of Abraham.
Humanity had not had a good track record so far in Genesis: sinning in paradise, murder, drunkenness, immorality, and rebellion. But in His longsuffering, God continued working with man.
In this section, God called Abraham to leave his family, his country, and his idols and go to the land where God sent him. God promised Abraham He would bless him, make his name great, make of him a great nation, and through him bless “all the families of the earth” (Genesis 12:1-3).
Abraham and his wife, Sarah, were not sinless examples of living by faith. While I am not happy when anyone makes wrong choices, I am encouraged that even towering figures like Abraham were not perfect, and we can confess our sin, be forgiven, pick up, and go one. Abraham and Sarah are both listed in what is sometimes called the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11.
Ultimately, Abraham’s story is about God showing grace and faithfulness and setting aside a line of people through whom the promised Messiah would eventually be born.
In the last chapter, Wiersbe lists several ways “all the nations of the earth” are blessed through Abraham.
Here are a few of the other quotes that stood out to me in this book:
Once again, I am indebted to Dr. Wiersbe for his helpful insights.
Humanity had not had a good track record so far in Genesis: sinning in paradise, murder, drunkenness, immorality, and rebellion. But in His longsuffering, God continued working with man.
In this section, God called Abraham to leave his family, his country, and his idols and go to the land where God sent him. God promised Abraham He would bless him, make his name great, make of him a great nation, and through him bless “all the families of the earth” (Genesis 12:1-3).
Abraham and his wife, Sarah, were not sinless examples of living by faith. While I am not happy when anyone makes wrong choices, I am encouraged that even towering figures like Abraham were not perfect, and we can confess our sin, be forgiven, pick up, and go one. Abraham and Sarah are both listed in what is sometimes called the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11.
Ultimately, Abraham’s story is about God showing grace and faithfulness and setting aside a line of people through whom the promised Messiah would eventually be born.
In the last chapter, Wiersbe lists several ways “all the nations of the earth” are blessed through Abraham.
“Abraham left us a clear witness of salvation through faith.” Romans 15:3: “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”
“Abraham also leaves us the example of a faithful life. James used Abraham to illustrate the importance of proving our faith by our works (James 2:14-26). Wherever Abraham went, he pitched his tent and built his altar, and he let the people of the land know that he was a worshiper of the true and living God.”
“From Abraham, we learn how to walk by faith.”
“Abraham gave the world the gift of the Jewish nation; and it is through the Jews that we have the knowledge of the true God plus the Word of God and the salvation of God (John 4: 22).”
“Finally, because of Abraham, we have a Savior.” Matthew 1:1 begins, “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
Here are a few of the other quotes that stood out to me in this book:
Living by faith means obeying God’s Word in spite of feelings, circumstances, or consequences. It means holding on to God’s truth no matter how heavy the burden or how dark the day, knowing that He is working out His perfect plan. It means living by promises and not by expectations.
“The victorious Christian life,” said George Morrison, “is a series of new beginnings.”
God alone is in control of circumstances. You are safer in a famine in His will than in a palace out of His will.
When you disobey the will of God, the only right thing to do is to go back to the place where you left Him and make a new beginning (1 John 1: 9).
God’s remedy for Abraham’s fear was to remind him who He was: “I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward” (Gen. 15: 1). God’s I AM is perfectly adequate for man’s “I am not.”
The Hebrew word translated “believed” means “to lean your whole weight upon.” Abraham leaned wholly on the promise of God and the God of the promise. We are not saved by making promises to God but by believing the promises of God.
In times of testing, it is easy to think only about our needs and our burdens; instead, we should be focusing on bringing glory to Jesus Christ. We find ourselves asking “How can I get out of this?” instead of “What can I get out of this that will honor the Lord?” We sometimes waste our sufferings by neglecting or ignoring opportunities to reveal Jesus Christ to others who are watching us go through the furnace.
Once again, I am indebted to Dr. Wiersbe for his helpful insights.
January 14, 2023
WOW!
Another fantastic look at the Bible from Wiersbe. I absolutely loved his look at Abraham, this showed me so much of my own flaws and life and held up the mirror to my life wonderfully. I was in turns encouraged, enlightened, convicted, heartened, and saddened. It was a wonderful study that I would recommend for any one interested in Bible study or looking for a good group Bible study.
This walk through the narratives of Abraham may have been my favorite one yet, but it seems like I say that for every one I finish. Wiersbe is a master Bible commentator.
Another fantastic look at the Bible from Wiersbe. I absolutely loved his look at Abraham, this showed me so much of my own flaws and life and held up the mirror to my life wonderfully. I was in turns encouraged, enlightened, convicted, heartened, and saddened. It was a wonderful study that I would recommend for any one interested in Bible study or looking for a good group Bible study.
This walk through the narratives of Abraham may have been my favorite one yet, but it seems like I say that for every one I finish. Wiersbe is a master Bible commentator.
December 31, 2021
I want to give this book more stars because it was informal and easy to read but I found myself being bored a lot of the time. Maybe it was the enemy trying to distract me and not get the most out of the book. Overall I did feel conviction and learned a lot. It was worth the read and will read the others in the series.
April 28, 2022
Being the first book, commentary on the book of Genesis surely span a lot of. This is the second commentary by the author on book of Genesis. The commentary was rather light, and usually opened with author's experiences which rarely found in other books in the series.
The theme obedient here was mainly derived from Abraham story and Abraham's fault concerning his choice on making descendants.
The theme obedient here was mainly derived from Abraham story and Abraham's fault concerning his choice on making descendants.
June 27, 2018
Life changing
I finish reading this book after getting fired from my job at almost 63 ,it helped me to realize how important it is to be obedient to God,and I rededicated my life back to God.
I finish reading this book after getting fired from my job at almost 63 ,it helped me to realize how important it is to be obedient to God,and I rededicated my life back to God.
August 3, 2018
Be Obedient
I loved this book. Learned so much regarding Abraham, Sarah and his covenant with God. I feel much more spiritually awake. It’s a definite faith builder because the book broke down the covenant between Abraham and God. I am going to read the rest of this series of books. Very fascinating.
I loved this book. Learned so much regarding Abraham, Sarah and his covenant with God. I feel much more spiritually awake. It’s a definite faith builder because the book broke down the covenant between Abraham and God. I am going to read the rest of this series of books. Very fascinating.
August 22, 2018
Wow!
What a blessing this book was. Warren explains this section of Genesis (and its life application) to the everyman and doesn't make it complicated. Loved it and can't wait to read more in this series.
What a blessing this book was. Warren explains this section of Genesis (and its life application) to the everyman and doesn't make it complicated. Loved it and can't wait to read more in this series.
November 23, 2018
Another great teaching.
The second volume of the BE series covers Genesis chapters 12 to 25. Again Mr. Wiersbe shows his gift for plainly explaining the text. He also relates the teaching into the New Testament and real life. Highly recommended.
The second volume of the BE series covers Genesis chapters 12 to 25. Again Mr. Wiersbe shows his gift for plainly explaining the text. He also relates the teaching into the New Testament and real life. Highly recommended.
July 29, 2019
Obedient
Fantastic! Looking at the Lives of Sarah and Abraham. Very well written so it is an easy read. You can understand what the author and God are trying to teach you. Be obedient!!
Fantastic! Looking at the Lives of Sarah and Abraham. Very well written so it is an easy read. You can understand what the author and God are trying to teach you. Be obedient!!
May 16, 2020
Great book
Well written and I am purchasing and reading all the books from this author, good job. I highly recommend books if you are looking for something to help you understanding the bible this is a must have to help you understanding
The bible a lot more
Well written and I am purchasing and reading all the books from this author, good job. I highly recommend books if you are looking for something to help you understanding the bible this is a must have to help you understanding
The bible a lot more
September 24, 2020
I admire this author and his books. I’ve learned so much about Abraham, Sarah and his covenant with God. Definitely this book is a faith builder as it breaks down the covenant between Abraham and God.
February 22, 2022
Excellent coverage of precious chapters in God's Holy Word. I learned a great deal from the wonderful insights shared in this book. Gave me a new appreciation for the great Patriarch of faith: Abraham.
September 28, 2018
A friend of God...
Excellent insight into our faith father’s walk. His ups and downs as a person are looked into and explained as only Wiersbe can do.
Excellent insight into our faith father’s walk. His ups and downs as a person are looked into and explained as only Wiersbe can do.
October 11, 2019
Inspirational
Every time I read a book by Dr. Wiersbe I learned something new. He sums this book up by stating that true faith is our obedient response to God‘s Word.
Every time I read a book by Dr. Wiersbe I learned something new. He sums this book up by stating that true faith is our obedient response to God‘s Word.
February 19, 2020
Very much blessed by reading BE series
August 17, 2020
father Abraham
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews