“How to know you are living by Faith?” Hebrews 11:4 - Pastor Terry Brown
Summary
Today, we gathered as a family to celebrate the goodness of God and to reflect on what it truly means to live by faith. We began by acknowledging the blessings of being on the giving end—how God has positioned many of us to be a blessing to others, and how this is not something to take for granted. Our church’s commitment to serving the community, not just on Sundays but throughout the week, is a reflection of our desire to be the church, not just go to church. We are called to plant seeds of kindness, generosity, and service, trusting that God will bring forth fruit in due season.
Turning to Hebrews 11:1-4, we explored the foundation of faith. Faith is not about what is visible or instant, but about trusting in the unseen promises of God. The story of Abel, the first person listed in the “Hall of Faith,” teaches us that living by faith is not about grand achievements, but about steadfast commitment and giving God our best. Abel’s offering was accepted not because of its type, but because of the heart behind it—he gave God his first and his best, recognizing that everything he had came from the Lord.
We also considered the danger of comparison and distraction. Cain’s jealousy of Abel led to his downfall, reminding us that our focus must remain on pleasing God, not on competing with others or being distracted by small things. We are at our best when we mind our own business and keep our eyes on our own journey with God. The testimony of Abel’s life, though short, still speaks across generations, showing us that the quality of our faith matters more than the quantity of our years.
Finally, we remembered that Jesus, like Abel, shed his blood—but Jesus did so for the salvation of all. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are called to give God our best, not to earn his favor, but in gratitude for what he has already done. Our lives, like Abel’s, can leave a legacy of faith that echoes long after we are gone, impacting our families and communities for generations to come.
Key Takeaways
- Blessed to Be a Blessing
When God places you in a position to give, serve, or help, it is a privilege, not a burden. Rather than complaining about being called upon, recognize that being able to give is evidence of God’s favor and provision in your life. Gratitude for this position should shape your attitude and actions, reminding you that tables can turn and seasons can change. [28:19]
- Faith Is Rooted in God’s Character, Not Our Circumstances
True faith is not based on what we see or what is immediately measurable. It is anchored in the unchanging character of God, who spoke the world into existence and continues to sustain us. Even when life is uncertain or difficult, faith looks forward, trusting that God’s promises are greater than our past or present struggles. [56:17]
- Give God Your Best, Not What’s Left
The difference between Abel and Cain was not just in their offerings, but in their hearts. Abel’s faith led him to give God his first and best, acknowledging that all he had was from the Lord. Living by faith means holding nothing back from God, refusing to let pride, comparison, or convenience dictate our worship and generosity. [01:05:27]
- Focus on Pleasing God, Not People
It is easy to become distracted by the actions or opinions of others, but faith requires a singular focus on God. Like Abel, we must seek to please God above all, consecrating ourselves and refusing to be sidetracked by jealousy, competition, or the “flies” of life that steal our attention. Our reward comes from God, not from the applause or approval of people. [01:09:54]
- A Life of Faith Leaves a Lasting Legacy
Abel’s life was short, but his faith still speaks. The impact of a faithful life is not measured in years, but in the testimony it leaves behind. Even when support from family or others is lacking, God honors those who honor Him, and the seeds of faith we plant today can bear fruit for generations to come. [01:24:49]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[26:55] - Celebrating Service and Generosity
[28:19] - Blessed to Be a Blessing
[29:54] - Gratitude for God’s Keeping Power
[31:23] - Serving Beyond Sunday
[32:38] - Investing in the Next Generation
[35:20] - Giving and Stewardship
[49:02] - The Cost of Redemption
[50:45] - Introduction to Hebrews 11
[52:42] - Living by Faith: Abel’s Example
[56:17] - The Definition and Demonstration of Faith
[01:04:37] - The Heart Behind the Sacrifice
[01:09:54] - Pleasing God Over People
[01:16:35] - Minding Your Own Business
[01:19:16] - A Legacy That Still Speaks
[01:24:49] - The Quality of a Faithful Life
[01:31:16] - Welcoming New Members and Communion
[01:38:56] - Church Updates and Announcements
[01:46:53] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living By Faith – The Example of Abel
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### Bible Reading
Hebrews 11:1-4 (NKJV)
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
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.
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 11:4, what made Abel’s offering “more excellent” than Cain’s?
2. In the sermon, what was the main difference between Abel and Cain’s attitude toward their offerings? [[01:04:37]]
3. What does the pastor say about the kind of faith that pleases God, based on Abel’s example? [[01:09:54]]
4. How does the sermon describe the legacy of Abel’s faith, even though his life was short? [[01:19:16]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The pastor says Abel gave God his “first and best,” while Cain gave “what was left.” What does this reveal about the heart behind giving and worship? [[01:05:27]]
2. The sermon warns about the danger of comparison and distraction, using Cain’s jealousy as an example. Why is it so easy to lose focus on pleasing God and start worrying about others? [[01:15:07]]
3. The message says that faith is “rooted in God’s character, not our circumstances.” How does this perspective help someone facing hard times or uncertainty? [[56:17]]
4. The pastor points out that Abel’s life “still speaks” even after his death. What does it mean for someone’s faith to leave a legacy? [[01:19:16]]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor said, “If God has you on the giving end, glory be to God.” Do you ever find yourself complaining about being asked to help or give? How can you shift your attitude to see it as a privilege and not a burden? [[28:19]]
2. Abel gave God his first and best, not just what was left over. In what areas of your life are you tempted to give God your leftovers—whether it’s your time, energy, or resources? What would it look like to give God your best this week? [[01:05:27]]
3. The sermon talked about the danger of comparison and being distracted by “flies”—small things that steal our focus. What are some “flies” in your life right now? How can you refocus on pleasing God instead of people or problems? [[01:11:32]]
4. The pastor said, “We are at our best minding our own business.” Is there a situation where you’ve been too focused on what others are doing (or not doing) instead of your own walk with God? How can you redirect your attention? [[01:16:35]]
5. The message reminded us that “the quality of our faith matters more than the quantity of our years.” What kind of legacy do you want your faith to leave for your family or community? What is one step you can take to start building that legacy now? [[01:24:49]]
6. The sermon pointed out that Jesus, like Abel, shed his blood—but for the salvation of all. How does remembering Christ’s sacrifice motivate you to live differently or give more generously? [[01:19:16]]
7. The church is called to serve not just on Sundays, but all week long. What is one practical way you can plant a seed of kindness, generosity, or service in your community this week? [[31:23]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you give Him your best, to keep your focus on pleasing Him, and to use your life as a testimony of faith that blesses others for generations to come.
Devotional
Day 1: Living by Faith Means Giving God Your Best
Living by faith requires a steadfast commitment to offer God your very best, not just what is left over. Abel’s example shows that true faith is not about comparison, competition, or convenience, but about a heart that recognizes everything comes from God and responds with gratitude and excellence. Whether you have much or little, the call is to give God your first and your finest, trusting that He is the source of all you have. When you live with an “Abel mentality,” you acknowledge that your strength, your opportunities, and your resources are all gifts from the Lord, and you honor Him by returning your best in worship, service, and daily living. [01:07:34]
Hebrews 11:4 (NKJV)
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.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been giving God what’s left instead of your best? How can you intentionally offer Him your first and finest today?
Day 2: Focus on Pleasing God, Not People
A life of faith is marked by a singular focus on pleasing God above all else, rather than seeking the approval or applause of others. Abel’s offering was accepted because his heart was set on honoring God, not impressing his brother or anyone else. Distractions, comparisons, and the opinions of others can easily pull your attention away from God, but faith calls you to consecrate your heart and keep your eyes fixed on Him. When you come to worship, serve, or make decisions, remember that it is God’s “well done” that matters most, and let that be your motivation in all things. [01:13:06]
Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Reflection: Before you begin your day, what is one practical way you can shift your focus from pleasing people to pleasing God in your actions or attitude?
Day 3: Keep Your Eyes on Your Own Paper
Faith flourishes when you mind your own business and resist the temptation to compare yourself to others or become entangled in jealousy and distraction. God gives everyone the same 24 hours and unique opportunities, and your calling is to steward what He has placed in your hands, not to measure yourself against your neighbor. When you focus on your own journey and trust God’s process for your life, you experience peace, growth, and the blessing that comes from obedience. Let God work on you, in you, and through you, and remember that your story is uniquely yours to live out by faith. [01:17:55]
Proverbs 4:25-27 (NKJV)
Let your eyes look straight ahead,
And your eyelids look right before you.
Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.
Reflection: Where have you been tempted to compare yourself to others or get distracted by what they are doing? What would it look like for you to “keep your eyes on your own paper” today?
Day 4: Your Faith Leaves a Lasting Legacy
A life lived by faith speaks beyond your years, impacting generations to come. Abel’s testimony endures because he honored God with his life, and the memory of the righteous is blessed. The seeds of faith, prayer, and obedience you plant today will bear fruit in the lives of your children, grandchildren, and those who come after you. Even if your time seems short or your efforts unnoticed, God uses your faithfulness to echo His goodness through the ages. Live in such a way that your life still speaks of God’s faithfulness long after you are gone. [01:19:16]
Proverbs 10:7 (NKJV)
The memory of the righteous is blessed,
But the name of the wicked will rot.
Reflection: What is one act of faith or obedience you can do today that you hope will bless and inspire those who come after you?
Day 5: Jesus Gave His All—So Give God Your All
The ultimate reason to give God your best is because Jesus has already given everything for you. Abel’s blood cried out from the ground, but Jesus’ blood speaks a better word, offering forgiveness, new life, and hope for all who believe. Your faith is not about earning God’s favor, but responding to the finished work of Christ on the cross. Because of His sacrifice, you are free to live boldly, serve generously, and worship wholeheartedly, knowing that God has already done the hard part. Let gratitude for Jesus’ love move you to give your all in every area of life. [01:19:16]
Romans 12:1 (NKJV)
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Reflection: In light of Jesus’ sacrifice for you, what is one specific way you can offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God today?
Quotes
We live in a world driven by what is visible, measurable, and instant. Yet the foundation of our relationship with God rests not on what we see, but on what we believe.
[00:53:03]
(00:00:15 seconds)
#FaithBeyondSight
Sometimes you just got to hang on in there. Sometimes you got to submit the resume and trust that God will open the door. Sometimes you got to accept the entry-level position, but if you get there on time, get there early and stay late, God will promote you every step of the way.
[01:00:27]
(00:00:18 seconds)
#FaithfulPersistencePays
If you're going to live for God, living by faith takes a steadfast commitment. Notice, by faith, Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. The first evidence that you're living by faith is that you're committed to God.
[01:03:37]
(00:00:18 seconds)
#CommittedByFaith
I'm preaching so that God would be pleased. And the Bible stands study to show that I self-approve of workmen that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. I'm trying. I don't care if you clap or not. At the end of my life, I want to hear God say, well done, thou good and faithful servant.
[01:10:27]
(00:00:21 seconds)
#WellDoneFaithfulServant
We're at our best minding our own business.
[01:16:55]
(00:00:16 seconds)
#MindYourOwnBusiness
Faith has a voice that echoes beyond the grave. Abel's story encourages us from generation to generation, that if you honor God, God will honor you. That if you worship God, God will bless everything you touch.
[01:19:35]
(00:00:20 seconds)
#FaithEchoesForever
I know there are some parents here say boy, it go in one ear, not the other. But somewhere, maybe after you long gone, they'll remember the seeds you deposited. Anybody thank God for a praying mama, a praying grandmama. I mean in your foolish years, they stayed on their knees about you. And now God is just bringing to pass what they prayed 30 and 40 years ago.
[01:26:16]
(00:00:38 seconds)
#SeedsOfPrayerPrevail
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