Faith and Substitution: Approaching God's Favor
Summary
Genesis 4 introduces us to Cain and Abel, two brothers who each bring an offering to God. Abel, a keeper of flocks, brings the fat portions from the firstborn of his flock, while Cain, a worker of the soil, brings some of the fruits of the ground. God looks with favor on Abel’s offering but not on Cain’s, prompting deep questions about what it means to approach God in a way that pleases Him. This story is not just about two brothers, but about the foundational question of how sinful people can come before a holy God and receive His favor.
From the very beginning, humanity is separated from God by sin—a spiritual disease passed down from Adam and Eve. None of us start out as God’s friends; we are born with a natural inclination to go our own way, independent of Him. Yet, God calls us to come to Him, even in our brokenness, promising that He will acquit and justify those who approach Him rightly. The key is not in our own goodness or the quality of our works, but in faith—trusting that God will provide a way for us to be made righteous.
Abel’s offering is significant because it is not just a random gift, but a thoughtful response to what he understood about God. Abel’s faith is seen in his willingness to bring a blood sacrifice, recognizing that sin requires a substitute—a life given in place of his own. This anticipates the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who would one day take away the sin of the world. Abel’s faith is commended in Hebrews 11, where it is clear that he approached God not on his own terms, but in humble trust and obedience.
Cain, on the other hand, brings an offering that reflects his own ideas and efforts, rather than God’s revealed way. When his offering is rejected, he is given a second chance to do what is right, but instead, he chooses further rebellion. The story of Cain and Abel, then, is a warning and an invitation: God does not accept us based on our own merit or creativity, but on our willingness to come to Him in the way He has provided—through faith in the substitute He offers.
Ultimately, the way to God is not through our own achievements, but through faith in Jesus Christ, who is both our substitute and our righteousness. Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.
Key Takeaways
- Faith is the only way to please God, not our own works or efforts. Abel’s example shows that God is looking for those who come to Him in humble trust, acknowledging their need for mercy and a substitute. Our offerings to God must be rooted in faith, not in self-reliance or pride. [06:56]
- The story of Cain and Abel teaches that God Himself determines how He is to be approached. True worship is not about our preferences or creativity, but about responding to God’s revealed will. When we try to come to God on our own terms, we risk missing the very heart of what He desires—a heart surrendered in faith. [20:18]
- The principle of substitution runs throughout Scripture, beginning with God clothing Adam and Eve with animal skins and culminating in the sacrifice of Jesus. Abel’s offering points forward to the necessity of a substitute, a life given in place of ours, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. This should humble us and fill us with gratitude for the grace that covers our sin. [23:36]
- Even when we are surrounded by spiritual truth, it is possible to remain blind to its meaning, as Cain did. Spiritual understanding is not automatic; it requires a heart that is open to God and willing to receive His way. We must guard against the danger of familiarity without faith, lest we miss the invitation to be acquitted and justified. [29:04]
- God’s invitation is open to all, regardless of past failures or unworthiness. Like the tax collector in Jesus’ parable, those who come to God in humility, confessing their need and trusting in His provision, will be justified. Our hope rests not in our record, but in the finished work of Christ, who welcomes all who come by faith. [33:36]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:51] - Reading Genesis 4: Cain and Abel
[03:28] - The Human Condition: Sin and Separation
[06:56] - Righteousness: God’s Gift, Not Our Achievement
[08:15] - The Anxiety of Approaching God
[09:59] - Abel: The First Example of Faith
[13:46] - Cain and Abel’s Offerings: What Do They Mean?
[15:55] - The Origins of Sacrifice and Family Conversations
[17:33] - Hope After the Fall: The Promise of a Redeemer
[20:18] - God’s Standard for Worship
[22:32] - The Nature of the Offerings
[23:36] - The Principle of Substitution
[26:36] - Sacrifice in the Story of Noah
[29:04] - Spiritual Blindness and Understanding
[31:27] - Faith Commended: Abel in Hebrews 11
[33:36] - The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
[37:46] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to Faith
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Faith of Abel (Genesis 4)
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### Bible Reading
- Genesis 4:1-16 (Cain and Abel’s offerings and the aftermath)
- Hebrews 11:1, 4, 6 (Abel’s faith commended)
- Luke 18:9-14 (The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector)
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### Observation Questions
1. What were the specific offerings that Cain and Abel brought to God, and how did God respond to each? (Genesis 4:3-5)
2. According to Hebrews 11:4, what made Abel’s offering “better” than Cain’s?
3. In the parable Jesus told (Luke 18:9-14), what was the difference in attitude between the Pharisee and the tax collector?
4. What did God say to Cain after his offering was rejected, and what opportunity did God give him? (Genesis 4:6-7) [[06:56]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God accepted Abel’s offering but not Cain’s? What does this reveal about what God values in worship and offerings? [[20:18]]
2. How does the principle of substitution (a life given in place of another) show up in both Abel’s story and throughout the rest of the Bible? [[23:36]]
3. What does it mean that “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6)? How does this relate to the way we approach God today? [[06:56]]
4. In the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector, why was the tax collector justified before God, even though he had a bad reputation? [[33:36]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said that “faith is the only way to please God, not our own works or efforts.” In what areas of your life do you find yourself trying to earn God’s approval instead of trusting Him? What would it look like to approach God in faith this week? [[06:56]]
2. Abel’s offering was a thoughtful response to what he understood about God and his own need for mercy. When you give to God—whether it’s your time, resources, or worship—do you do it out of faith and gratitude, or out of habit or self-reliance? How could you make your offerings more rooted in faith? [[09:59]]
3. The story warns that it’s possible to be surrounded by spiritual truth and still miss its meaning, like Cain did. Are there areas where you feel “familiar” with God but may be missing a heart of faith? How can you guard against spiritual blindness? [[29:04]]
4. The principle of substitution runs through the Bible, culminating in Jesus’ sacrifice for us. How does remembering “this should have been me” (regarding Jesus’ death) affect your gratitude and humility before God? [[23:36]]
5. God’s invitation is open to all, regardless of past failures. Is there something in your past that makes you feel unworthy to approach God? How does the story of Abel, and the parable of the tax collector, encourage you to come to God anyway? [[33:36]]
6. When God gave Cain a second chance, he chose further rebellion. When you experience correction or conviction from God, how do you usually respond? Is there a situation right now where you need to “do what is right” and trust God’s way? [[06:56]]
7. The sermon said, “Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.” What would it look like for you to trust Jesus as your substitute and righteousness in a specific area of your life this week? [[37:46]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Pray that God would help each person in the group to approach Him with humble faith, trusting in Jesus as their substitute, and to respond to His invitation with gratitude and obedience.
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Over Works: Approaching God with Humble Trust
True worship begins not with our efforts or achievements but with faith—an acknowledgment of our need for mercy and a substitute. Abel’s offering was pleasing to God because it was an act of humble trust, not self-reliance or pride. When we come before God, He desires a heart that recognizes its own insufficiency and looks to Him for righteousness. Our offerings, whether of time, resources, or devotion, must be rooted in this faith, not in the hope that our works alone can earn His favor.
This challenges the natural human tendency to rely on personal merit or creativity. Instead, it invites us to surrender our own ideas of what pleases God and to embrace His way, which is always grounded in grace and faith. When faith leads our worship, we align ourselves with God’s heart and open the door to His acceptance and blessing. [06:56]
“By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts.” (Hebrews 11:4)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you have been relying on your own efforts rather than trusting God’s provision? How can you begin to offer that area to Him in faith today?
Day 2: God’s Terms: Worshiping According to His Revealed Will
God sets the standard for how He is to be approached, not our personal preferences or creative ideas. The story of Cain and Abel reveals that true worship is about responding to God’s revealed will, not about what feels right or looks impressive to us. When we try to come to God on our own terms, we risk missing the heart of His desire—a surrendered and obedient faith.
This means that spiritual expression must be rooted in God’s instructions and character, not in human innovation or cultural trends. It calls for humility to submit our worship practices to God’s authority and a willingness to learn His ways, even when they challenge our assumptions. True worship honors God by aligning with His truth rather than our own imaginations. [20:18]
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1)
Reflection: In what ways have you shaped your worship or spiritual practices based on your own preferences rather than God’s revealed will? What step can you take to realign your heart and actions with His standards?
Day 3: The Substitution Principle: Life Given in Place of Life
From the beginning, Scripture reveals the principle of substitution—someone or something taking the place of another to bear the consequences of sin. Abel’s blood sacrifice pointed forward to the ultimate substitute, Jesus Christ, who gave His life in place of ours. This truth humbles us deeply, reminding us that our righteousness is not self-generated but granted through the grace of a substitute who bore our penalty.
Recognizing this principle should fill us with gratitude and awe for the grace that covers our sin. It also calls us to trust fully in Christ’s finished work rather than our own attempts to earn favor. The story of Cain and Abel highlights the necessity of this substitution and invites us to rest in the righteousness provided by God’s provision. [23:36]
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls.” (Leviticus 17:11)
Reflection: How does understanding the substitutionary nature of Christ’s sacrifice change the way you view your relationship with God? Can you express gratitude to Him today for this gift of grace?
Day 4: Guarding Against Spiritual Blindness
Even when surrounded by spiritual truth, it is possible to remain blind to its meaning, as Cain did. Spiritual understanding is not automatic; it requires a heart open to God and willing to receive His way. Familiarity with religious ideas or practices does not guarantee faith or insight. Instead, it is a posture of humility and receptivity that allows God to reveal Himself and justify the soul.
This warning encourages vigilance against complacency and self-deception. It challenges believers to examine their hearts regularly and ask whether they are truly embracing God’s invitation or merely going through the motions. Openness to God’s correction and guidance is essential to avoid missing the life-giving truth He offers. [29:04]
“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” (Psalm 119:18)
Reflection: Are there areas in your spiritual life where you feel familiar but not fully engaged or transformed? What practical step can you take to open your heart more fully to God’s truth today?
Day 5: The Open Invitation: Justification Through Humble Faith
God’s invitation to come to Him is open to all, regardless of past failures or feelings of unworthiness. Like the tax collector in Jesus’ parable, those who approach God in humility—confessing their need and trusting His provision—will be justified. Our hope rests not on our record or performance but on the finished work of Christ, who welcomes all who come by faith.
This truth offers profound encouragement and assurance. No matter how far one has strayed or how heavy the burden of guilt, God’s grace is sufficient. The door to reconciliation is always open, and the pathway to righteousness is through humble faith, not self-justification. This is the heart of the gospel and the foundation of lasting peace with God. [33:36]
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)
Reflection: Is there a part of your past or present that you have felt disqualified by? How can you respond to God’s open invitation with humility and faith today?
Quotes
We can't earn the righteousness. We can't do a lot of good things and get that righteousness in us. For us to be considered righteous, God has to bestow that righteousness upon us. He has to give it to us from another source because it can't come from within. But he's prepared to do that. And when he credits us with that righteousness, he acquits us and he justifies us. Well, that's good news. It's good news for me because I could never have come to God in my own strength and none of us could. We've all done things we shouldn't have done. We're all under that burden of guilt. But the knowledge that God will receive us despite what we've done should bring great hope to every one of us. [00:07:01] (43 seconds)
you see when we bring an offering to the Lord the gift is not an end in itself the gift reveals where we are with God what we understand of him and what we believe he needs from us because it's a strange gift if Abel was trying to impress God with his best lamb why wouldn't he have given him a live one why did he kill it first now again every time a sacrificed animal is mentioned in scripture that always makes my ears prick up and ask questions because there's a theme that runs through the entire bible that an animal can take a person's place in a special way now it comes back from the sixth day of creation when animals and humans were each made on the same day now animals aren't on the level of of humans in the eyes of God but God is saying that in terms of substitution an animal is acceptable to take the place to become the substitute of a human when someone brings a sacrificed animal to the Lord in scripture it's because they recognize their sin they're effectively saying you you [00:24:23] (71 seconds)
I know I've done wrong. I know I'm approaching an eternal God. I know I'm approaching a just God. I know my sin is serious and it should be punishable by death. But I believe that when God receives the substitute on my behalf, He acquits me because I've done that in faith and followed the instructions that He's given. The sin must still be paid for. The animal must die. But it means I don't have to die if I follow the instruction of God. [00:25:34] (29 seconds)
Because I believe the principle of animal sacrifice was already established in the Garden of Eden. When did that happen? When God sacrificed animals to clothe Adam and Eve with animal skins to be able to leave the Garden. To say to them, you've sinned, you must now be banished. But here's the message, that the animals were sacrificed to pay for your sin to make the way available for you to come back when you exercise faith in God. [00:26:36] (31 seconds)
This should have been me. And he got it. And from that moment on, he put that phrase in every single one of his assignments for me. Even if it was nothing to do with that assignment, he still made sure that phrase got in. And I was more blessed by that than the grades that he might have got. I didn't care what grade he got. I should have done as his teacher. But it was more important to me that he understood faith. And he understood what it meant to take that step of faith to understand who Jesus was. You see, when Abraham sacrifices a ram, he's saying, this should have been me. When Moses does it, when Noah does it, every one of them, when the priests of the Old Testament are taking the animals to be sacrificed on behalf of Israel, they're constantly saying that this should have been me. But I'm acquitted through faith. [00:30:38] (49 seconds)
He's saying none of them could have done what they did without the faith that they had in God. Abel had that vision that he needed to believe in something that he wasn't quite sure of, but to hope for the things that he hadn't yet seen. And that's why in verse 4 we read this, 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. [00:32:18] (32 seconds)
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified. And it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the scripture says, anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame. What is God's way of us approaching him? Through the blood and the substitution and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Let's pray today. Lord, I pray that we would take this message as it's given. I pray, Lord, that we would meditate upon what we do and about how we approach you, who you are, what you require from us. And I pray, Lord, that we would come to that conclusion. [00:37:46] (37 seconds)
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