i. to illuminate us on the reason for the acceptance of Abel’s offering and
ii. to study the criteria of God’s acceptance of offerings.
The writer of Hebrews (in Hebrews 11) pointed our attention to the fact that, in our Christian race, we need motivators for inspirations that should always keep us focussing on Christ, instead of worldly distraction (Heb. 12:1). We are starting with Abel today. “By faith, Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.” (Heb. 11: 4). The writer of Hebrew exposed us to the fact that, Abel's faith was from the heart and acknowledged God as the giver of what he had. God looked into Cain’s heart and probably seen the heart of pride.
1. Give your own understanding why God accepted Abel’s offering and rejected Cain’s? Gen. 4:3-4; Ex 25:2
2. ustify the fact that our faith is important in the way we give offerings to the Lord in the context of Mark 12:42-44. What can you learn from the widow’s faith with reference to 1Sam 1:26-28.
3. What are the Biblical injunctions or criteria for acceptable offering to the Lord? 1Sam 15:17-23; Matt 6:1-4.
4. What is the reward of an accepted offering or services by God? 1Sam 2:21; 2Cor. 9:6-8
Many times, we fall into the temptation of giving to God’s work as if we are helping God, instead of giving in thanksgiving from what He had provided for us. Our faith should be like that of Abel who gave the best from his heart with faith in God the greatest provider.
Give from a thankful heart and not from a proud heart.
Heb. 11: 4 "By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and through it he being dead still speaks".