Heroes of Faith - Lesson 1 - Abel Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
1. What is faith?
2. Why are the ancients such good examples of people who were sure of what they hoped for and certain of what they did not see?
3. What is the first example of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11? Why is this such an important element of faith?
Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring[a] and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
4. Remember the story of Abel’s parents in Genesis 3. After they fell into sin, God gave Adam and Eve a promise. Describe this promise in your own words.
5. What may Adam and Eve had done for their children as soon as their children could listen and understand?
6. What effect could Adam and Eve’s words have had on Abel?
Genesis 4:2-9 Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. 6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” 8 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”
7. Much of what we learn about Abel is in the context of his brother Cain’s wickedness. Both Cain and Abel offered a sacrifice to God. Abel’s was accepted. Cain’s was not. God accepted Abel’s offering but not Cain’s because….. (pick one) a. ___ God loves shepherds more than farmers. b. ___ it is God’s right to show favoritism to one person over another. c. ___ Abel’s heart was pure while Cain’s was not.
Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
8. Describe why Abel’s offering and heart were pleasing to God.
9. Describe why Cain’s offering and heart were not pleasing to God.
1 John 3:12 Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.
10. According to John, why did Cain murder Abel?
Jude 11 Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.
11. From what we have learned, what was the Òway of CainÓ? What was the way of Abel?
12. Abel might be described as a reverent person. Webster’s dictionary gives several definitions for the word reverent. Which do you think fits Abel best? Give reasons for your answer. a. honor or respect felt or manifested. b. deference duly paid or expressed c. profound respect mingled with love and aweÓ
13. How does Abel continue to speak today? See Genesis 4:10 and Hebrews 12:24.
14. You might be familiar with some of these comments. a. “I don’t need to go to church to be a Christian.” b. No one is going to tell me how much money to give.” c. I don’t understand why you won’t let us have this song for our wedding! It was playing on the radio when we first met!”
15. They have one main thought in common: irreverence, a lack of reverence for the gospel. Like Cain, many people today claim to be reverent toward God, but their hearts are far from him. What warnings do the following passages have for us today?
a. Proverbs 15:8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. b. Titus 1:10,16 For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good. c. Proverbs 21:27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestableÑhow much more so when brought with evil intent! 16. Who is the source of all irreverent acts toward God? Why is it important to know this?
17. Recall the reason Abel revered God. Is there any difference between Abel’s reason for revering God and the reason we revere him? See 2 Corinthians 7:1. “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
18. What are some things we do out of reverence for the Lord? Use the following passages to help you answer this question. Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. 1 Peter 3:1,2 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Colossians 3:22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
19. Summary: Abel believed God’s promise to his parents and served the Lord in faith. He even suffered martyrdom for his faith. As we humbly confess our sins and trust in Christ, our Savior, we will offer to God the same reverent service that Abel offered.