
Hebrews 11:1-4 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.
True faith behaves by what it knows to be true.
Galatians 2:20 It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
James 2:20 (NKJV) Faith without works is dead.
What parts of life should faith impact?
- Acceptable worship is
What did Abel’s story emphasize?
John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
The quality of our worship is affected by the condition of what?
Psalm 51:16-17 For You will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it…. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
Micah 6:8 (NKJV) What does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
1 Samuel 15:22 To obey is better than sacrifice.
Romans 12:1 … present your bodies as a living sacrifice… which is your spiritual worship. Acceptable worship is
Genesis 4:3-4 Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering.
Proverbs 3:9 (ESV/[NKJV]) Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your [increase].
2 Samuel 24:24 I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.
1 Thessalonians 4:1 walk and to please God… more and more.
What does God expect of our sacrifices?
Acceptable worship is
Psalm 71:18 So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to another generation, Your power to all those to come.
Psalm 145:4 One generation shall commend Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.
Luke 1:48 (Voice) I will be considered blessed by all generations.
How can this be an encouragement in our efforts and prayers?
Afterthoughts
In what area have you given less than your best to God? What was your justification?
What is a Scripture you can memorize to align your heart with your outward worship?
What step do you need to take to align your worship with Abel’s and with what God deserves?
Scriptures for additional study
1 Samuel 15:1-23
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 6:5-9
Colossians 3:23-24
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Scriptures are pulled from Bible.com. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2016. Used by permission. All rights reserved.