How can we ensure our offerings are pleasing to God like Abel's? Setting the Scene—Genesis 4:4 “And Abel brought some of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering.” Why God Favored Abel’s Offering • It was a blood sacrifice—acknowledging sin and pointing forward to the ultimate Lamb (Hebrews 9:22). • It was the firstborn and the fat portions—the choicest parts, showing honor. • It was presented in faith (Hebrews 11:4). • It flowed from a heart that valued God above personal gain. Faith: The Foundation “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain…” (Hebrews 11:4) • Faith trusts God’s revelation about what pleases Him. • Faith approaches with confidence in His character, not in our performance. • Faith brings offerings as worship, not as bargaining chips. Give the First and the Best “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” (Proverbs 3:9) • Firstfruits signal that God gets priority, not leftovers. • Quality matters: “When you present a blind animal for sacrifice, is that not wrong?” (Malachi 1:8). • Today: budget for giving first, not after expenses; give time and talents at peak energy, not when convenient. A Heart Aligned with God “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17) • Humility keeps pride from polluting the gift. • Repentance keeps sin from short-circuiting fellowship. • Gratitude fuels joyful generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7). Obedience over Ritual “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22) • An unrepentant lifestyle nullifies generous giving. • Offering time, money, or service is meaningful only when synced with daily obedience. Christ, the Ultimate Offering “You have come…to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:22-24) • Abel’s lamb foreshadowed Christ, the perfect once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:26). • Our offerings now flow out of gratitude for His finished work, not to earn favor. Practical Steps for Pleasing Offerings Today 1. Examine motives—ask if love for God and people drives the gift. 2. Plan firstfruits giving—set aside a predetermined portion (1 Corinthians 16:2). 3. Choose quality—serve where your skills are strongest; give resources that cost you something (2 Samuel 24:24). 4. Keep short accounts—confess sin quickly to maintain fellowship (1 John 1:9). 5. Act in faith—trust God to supply your needs as you give (Philippians 4:19). 6. Link offering to worship—present it during personal or corporate praise, acknowledging His worth. 7. Remember Christ—let every gift echo gratitude for the cross. Offerings like Abel’s rise from hearts captured by God, expressed through faith-filled, first-rate, obedient giving that points to and flows from Jesus. |
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