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 Correct.
Keep up the good work.
Both Cain and Abel brought their offerings to God. We do not know the
specific requirements that God gave them for their offerings, (although we
presume that Cain and Abel were aware of God's desire). All we know
is that "by faith" Abel offered an offering that would be acceptable to God.
 "By
faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain..." Hebrews
11:4 (NAS)
"And Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of
their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering..."
Genesis 4:4 (NAS)
Why Wasn't Cain's Offering Acceptable?
Although God certainly knows why Cain's offering was not acceptable...we do not
know the specific reason.
Some may speculate as to the reasons:
- Did
Cain bring something different than what God asked for?
- Was Cain's heart or
attitude not right when he brought the offering?
- Was Cain thinking that
his offering was sufficient payment for God's favor?
- Did Cain not have
faith in God's promises?
In 1 John 3:12, we get a better glimpse of the
reason. It says that Cain killed his
brother because "his deeds were evil."
"...not as Cain, who was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And
for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his
brother's were righteous." I John 3:12 (NAS)
Cain's deeds (the offering itself...or perhaps some other deeds after the
offering) are described here as "evil." Abel's deeds were
considered by God to be "righteous."
God Has No Regard For Cain's Offering
"...but
for Cain and for his offering He (God) had no regard. So Cain became very angry
and his countenance fell.
6
Then the LORD said to Cain,
"Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?
7
"If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not
do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must
master it." Genesis 4:5-7
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By Faith
Abel Offered A Better Sacrifice Than Cain
(Hebrews 11:4)
Faith is the assurance of things
hoped for...
the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews
11:1 |
| 1. What is the
thing hoped for...or is not seen? |
What Is
The Thing Hoped For:
The
Lord's regard or favor. |
| 2. What is
man's
part, if any? |
To
bring an offering in the way in which God
commanded. |
| 3. What is
God's part? |
Receiving the offering which Cain and Abel
brought and giving favor or regard. |
| 4. How did Abel
have this assurance and conviction in what
is hoped for...or what is not seen? |
-
Understand the thing hoped
for...or the thing not seen.
-
Hear God's word (Faith comes
by hearing...and hearing by the word of
Christ. Romans 10:17) to
understand God's power and faithfulness
to His promises.
-
Do your part, if any.
-
Trust God that He has done what
He has said...and/or that He will do
what He promises.
-
Pray that God will help increase
your belief and faith (Luke 17:5, Mark
9:23-24) and give you wisdom (James 1:5).
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Let's look at the next example given in Hebrews chapter 11.
Click on the next question to continue...
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