|
By Faith, Cain
and Abel
(Hebrews 11:4;
Genesis 4:1–16)
Introduction
(Hebrews 11:4; Genesis 4:1–16)
Hebrews 11:4 says, “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent
sacrifice than Cain.” Genesis 4 records the account. From these
brothers we learn what acceptable worship is, how sin crouches at
the door, and how faith still speaks.
After Eden:
Two Sons, Two Paths
Adam and Eve were driven from the garden, and life under the curse
began. In time, Cain was born—his name meaning “acquired.” Abel
followed—his name like a breath, a vapor, a life soon ended. Abel
kept flocks; Cain tilled the ground. Both vocations were honorable
and necessary in a world where toil was now the rule. In the course
of time, each brought an offering to the Lord (Genesis 4:3–5).
Scripture tells us Abel offered of the firstborn of his flock and of
their fat. The Lord regarded Abel and his offering, but Cain and his
offering He did not regard. Hebrews 11:4 adds the divine commentary:
Abel’s sacrifice was “by faith,” and God bore witness that he was
righteous.
Worship by
Faith and by Authority
Faith always has a revealed foundation, for “faith comes by hearing,
and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Abel’s offering
aligned with what God had revealed; God testified to his gifts.
Cain’s offering lacked that foundation. Jesus taught the governing
question of worship and service: “The baptism of John—was it from
heaven or from men?” (Matthew 21:23–27). Worship that pleases God is
from heaven—rooted in His will, offered as He directs, and given
from the first and the best. Abel brought firstborn and fat
portions. Scripture leaves Cain’s offering without such marks of
costly devotion. God receives what He authorizes; He witnesses to
the heart that honors Him on His terms.
God’s
Warning and Cain’s Heart
When Cain’s offering was not accepted, he burned with anger and his
face fell (Genesis 4:5–7). The Lord graciously confronted him: “Why
are you angry? … If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if
you do not do well, sin lies at the door; its desire is for you, but
you should rule over it.” God exposed the danger and set before Cain
a clear path to acceptance—do well. The image is sobering: sin
crouches, ready to spring. Cain stood at a doorway of decision.
Faith acts upon God’s word; pride resists it.
Murder in
the Field and the Voice from the Ground
Cain spoke with Abel, and in the field he rose against his brother
and killed him (Genesis 4:8). John later writes, “Cain was of the
wicked one and murdered his brother… because his works were evil and
his brother’s righteous” (1 John 3:12). The Lord questioned Cain,
inviting confession: “Where is Abel your brother?” Cain answered
with a lie and a deflection: “I do not know. Am I my brother’s
keeper?” The Lord replied, “The voice of your brother’s blood cries
out to Me from the ground” (Genesis 4:10). Innocent blood calls for
justice. God pronounced a curse: the ground would no longer yield
its strength to Cain; he would be a fugitive and wanderer (Genesis
4:11–12). Even then, God set a protective mark and restrained
vengeance (Genesis 4:15). Divine justice and mercy are both present.
Cain departed from the presence of the Lord.
What Abel
Still Says, and What Christ’s Blood Says
Hebrews 11:4 concludes, “he being dead still speaks.” Abel’s voice
declares that worship must be by faith, that God accepts what He has
revealed, and that righteousness is bound to obedience. Hebrews
12:24 points to a greater word: “Jesus, the Mediator of the new
covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things
than that of Abel.” Abel’s blood witnesses to justice; Christ’s
blood proclaims forgiveness. The cross answers guilt with cleansing
and reconciles the worshiper to God through a perfect, once-for-all
sacrifice.
By Faith,
Cain and Abel Sermon Outline:
-
Introduction: Abel’s faith and
the Genesis account (Hebrews 11:4; Genesis 4:1–16).
-
I.
After Eden—Two Brothers Appear
-
II.
Worship by Faith and by Authority
-
Faith
grounded in revealed word (Romans 10:17).
-
Heaven
or men: the authority question (Matthew 21:23–27).
-
Abel’s
firstborn and fat portions; God’s witness (Genesis 4:4;
Hebrews 11:4).
-
III.
God’s Warning to Cain
-
IV. The
Murder and Its Consequences
-
Cain
kills Abel (Genesis 4:8; 1 John 3:12).
-
Interrogation, denial, and the cry of blood (Genesis
4:9–10).
-
Curse,
wandering, and the protective mark (Genesis 4:11–15).
-
Cain’s
line later perishes in the flood (Genesis 6–7).
-
V. The
Voice of Abel and the Voice of Christ
Call to
Action
Come to God by faith, according to His word. Offer Him the first and
the best of heart and life. Hear His warning when sin crouches at
the door; choose what is well-pleasing to Him and you will be
accepted. Trust the blood of Jesus, which speaks better things, and
obey the gospel—believe, repent, confess His name, and be baptized
for the forgiveness of sins. Walk thereafter in worship that is from
heaven, steadfast and sincere.
Key
Takeaways
-
God
testifies to worship offered by faith (Hebrews 11:4).
-
Faith rests
on revealed word (Romans 10:17).
-
Worship and
service must be “from heaven” (Matthew 21:23–27).
-
God invites
the angry heart to do well and be accepted (Genesis 4:6–7).
-
Sin waits at
the door; the faithful rule over it (Genesis 4:7).
-
The
righteous may suffer, yet their witness endures (1 John 3:12;
Hebrews 11:4).
-
Christ’s
blood proclaims forgiveness and peace (Hebrews 12:24).
Scripture
Reference List
-
Genesis
4:1–16 – Cain and Abel’s
offerings, God’s warning, the murder, the curse.
-
Hebrews
11:4 – Abel’s “more excellent
sacrifice” by faith; God’s witness to his righteousness.
-
Romans
10:17 – Faith comes by hearing
the word of God.
-
Matthew
21:23–27 – “From heaven or from
men”: the authority that governs worship and service.
-
1 John
3:11–12 – Cain’s works were evil;
Abel’s were righteous.
-
Hebrews
12:24 – Jesus’ blood speaks
better things than Abel’s.
-
Genesis
6–7 – The flood; only Noah’s
family survives, ending Cain’s line.
Prepared by
Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO |
The
church of Christ
