How can we emulate Abel's faith in our daily worship and offerings? The Foundation: Hebrews 11:4 “By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. Through faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.” What Made Abel’s Faith “Better”? • Heart first, gift second—he approached God believing His word (Genesis 4:3-5) • Costly excellence—“firstborn of his flock, and of their fat portions” (Genesis 4:4) • Blood pointing to substitution (Hebrews 9:22; Hebrews 12:24) • Righteous living that matched the offering (1 John 3:12) Daily Ways to Emulate Abel • Start with faith, not formality—trust God’s promises before you act (John 6:29) • Give God the first and best of every resource: – Time: unhurried, undistracted worship – Talents: serve where you’re strongest, not where it’s easiest – Treasure: intentional generosity, not leftovers (Proverbs 3:9-10) • Approach through Christ’s finished work—rest in the “sprinkled blood that speaks better than Abel’s” (Hebrews 12:24) • Cultivate a contrite heart; God values it above any gift (Psalm 51:17) • Let obedience accompany offering—“to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22) Offering Ourselves, Not Just Things • Present your body “a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1) • Live weekdays like Sunday—speech, conduct, and thought life echo worship (Colossians 3:17) • Practice secret giving and service; unseen faith draws God’s commendation (Matthew 6:3-4) Guarding Against Cain-like Attitudes • Resist mere routine; worship loses power when detached from faith • Reject envy of others’ favor; celebrate God’s grace to them (James 3:16) • Deal quickly with anger and bitterness; sin “crouches at the door” (Genesis 4:7) The Voice That Still Speaks Abel’s life teaches that authentic, wholehearted faith outlives us, echoing in heaven’s record and in those we influence. Live and give in that same confident trust, and your worship will keep speaking long after today’s offering is made. |
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