THE FAITH OF ABEL

Genesis 4:1-26

Key Verse: Hebrews 11:4

** By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice

1. Read vs.1-4a and describe the difference between the offering brought by Cain and the one brought by Abel.  Hebrews 11:4a says that Abel's offering is better than Cain’s.  In what way is it?  Why is it not always easy to bring “to the Lord” what you “earned” as a “sacrifice” to the Lord?  Yet, we are told that Abel was able to offer God a better sacrifice “by faith.” What does “by faith” mean?  What can we learn from Abel?

** By faith he was commended as a righteous man

2. Read vs. 4b-5a and compare this passage with Hebrews 11:4b.  What do the expressions “Abel and his offering” and “Cain and his offering” indicate about the relationship between the one that offers and the offering he brings?  Why is it significant for the Lord to look upon one and one’s offering with “favor” or commend anyone as a “righteous” man? 

3. Consider the meaning of Hebrew 11:4b again.  What does “by faith” show about the way for one to secure a “righteous” standing before the Lord? 

** By faith he still speaks

4. Read vs. 5b-24.  How did Cain fare in terms of his relationship with: 1) the Lord; and 2) his neighbors?  What does this show us about the kind of fruit his life bore?  Why did he end up living this way?  In what respect do many still walk in the way of Cain?

5. Read vs. 25-26 along with Hebrews 11:4c.  What is the significance of men beginning to call on the name of the Lord?  Physically Abel is dead.  Yet, Hebrews 11:4c says, “By faith he still speaks.”  What does Abel’s example tell us about the work of faith? 

---