FIRST_FRUITS_1.docx

of the Sermon**

Today’s sermon explored the deep connection between honour and sacrifice, especially in our relationship with God. Drawing from Malachi 1 and the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4, we examined how the quality and heart behind our offerings reflect the level of honour we give to God. Abel’s offering was accepted because it was the best and given in faith, while Cain’s was rejected because it was given out of convenience and without true honour. The message challenged us to consider not just what we give, but how and why we give—reminding us that honouring God means putting Him first and making real sacrifices. We were also encouraged to test God’s faithfulness through the practice of tithing, trusting that He responds to honour and faith with blessing.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Honour and Sacrifice Are Inseparable: The depth of our honour for God is revealed in the sacrifices we are willing to make. When honour is genuine, it compels us to give not just what is easy or leftover, but what is costly and meaningful. This principle challenges us to examine whether our offerings—of time, resources, or worship—truly reflect the value we place on God.
• 2. The Heart Behind the Offering Matters: God is not impressed by the mere act of giving, but by the spirit in which it is done. Abel’s offering was accepted because it was the best and given in faith, while Cain’s was rejected because it was given out of routine and self-determined standards. This calls us to bring our best to God, not out of obligation, but out of reverence and love.
• 3. Faith Is the Foundation of Honour: Hebrews 11:4 reminds us that Abel’s better offering was rooted in faith. True honour for God is not just about external actions, but about trusting Him enough to give sacrificially, believing He is worthy and will provide. Our faith is demonstrated when we put God first, even when it costs us something significant.
• 4. God Invites Us to Test His Faithfulness: In Malachi 3:10, God challenges His people to bring the full tithe and see if He will not bless them abundantly. This is not a transactional promise, but an invitation to experience God’s generosity when we honour Him with our first and best. It’s a step of faith that moves us from theory to practice, allowing us to witness God’s provision firsthand.
• 5. Honour Is a Daily Choice, Not a One-Time Act: Like Abel, we are called to consistently put God first, not just when it’s convenient or when we feel like it. Honour is cultivated through regular, intentional acts of sacrifice that declare God’s worth in our lives. Each day presents a new opportunity to choose honour over convenience, faith over fear, and wholehearted devotion over half-hearted offerings.

1. In Malachi 1:6-8, what kind of offerings were the priests bringing to God, and how did God respond to them?
2. According to Genesis 4:3-5, what differences do you notice between Cain’s and Abel’s offerings?
3. In Hebrews 11:4, what reason is given for why Abel’s offering was considered better than Cain’s?
4. From the sermon, what examples were given of honour being shown (or not shown) through sacrifice?

1. Why does God care about the quality and heart behind our offerings, not just the act of giving itself?
2. What does it reveal about a person’s relationship with God when they give out of convenience versus giving their best?
3. How does faith play a role in the way we honour God, according to the story of Abel and the teaching in Hebrews 11:4?
4. The sermon mentioned that honour is a daily choice, not a one-time act. What might this look like in someone’s everyday life?

1. Think about your own giving—whether it’s your time, resources, or worship. Are there areas where you tend to give God what’s leftover or convenient, rather than your best? What would it look like to change that this week?
2. The sermon challenged us to put God first, even when it costs us something significant. Can you think of a recent situation where you had to choose between convenience and honouring God? How did you respond, and what would you do differently next time?
3. Abel’s offering was accepted because it was given in faith. Is there an area in your life where you need to trust God more and step out in faith, even if it feels risky or costly?
4. Malachi 3:10 invites us to “test” God’s faithfulness through tithing. If you’re not already tithing or giving regularly, what holds you back? What would it take for you to take a step of faith in this area?
5. Honour is shown not just in big moments, but in daily choices. What is one small, practical way you can intentionally honour God this week—at work, at home, or in your relationships?
6. The sermon talked about the difference between giving out of routine and giving out of reverence and love. How can you keep your heart engaged and avoid falling into a pattern of “just going through the motions” in your spiritual life?
7. When you think about the sacrifices you make for God, do they reflect the value you place on Him? What is one area where you feel challenged to grow in sacrificial honour?