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Sermon summary
Today, I shared a message centered on the theme of faith and righteousness, drawing from the biblical story of Cain and Abel. We explored the nature of offerings and the heart behind them, emphasizing that God's acceptance of our offerings is not based on the material gift but on the condition of our hearts and our obedience to His instructions.
We began by reflecting on the historical cycles of humanity, noting that despite the changes over time, the fundamental human experiences and challenges remain consistent. This perspective helps us understand that our struggles are not unique but part of a larger human experience that can draw us closer to God if we respond with faith.
I then introduced the concept of unshakable faith, using the story of Cain and Abel to illustrate how our offerings to God must be rooted in faith and obedience. Abel's offering was accepted because it was what God had commanded and reflected Abel's righteous stance before God, whereas Cain's offering, though not inherently wrong, was not what God had specified.
The discussion highlighted the importance of approaching God on His terms, not ours. This principle applies not only to our spiritual offerings but also to every aspect of our lives, including our personal and communal worship practices. I stressed that true worship and service to God go beyond mere actions; they must be expressions of a heart fully committed to God's will.
We also delved into the significance of righteousness, explaining that it is not something we can achieve on our own but is imparted to us through faith in Jesus Christ. Righteousness is a legal standing before God, made possible by Christ's sacrifice, which cleanses us from sin and enables us to approach God with confidence.
As we moved towards communion, I invited the congregation to reflect on their own lives, to identify areas where we might be offering 'Cain-like' offerings—those that are more about our desires than about obedience to God. The act of communion served as a sacred moment to realign our hearts with God's will, confessing any sins and recommitting ourselves to live by faith.
In conclusion, the message called each of us to examine our lives and ensure that our faith is not just professed but practiced, that our offerings to God are not just routine but righteous, and that our lives genuinely reflect the faith we claim to hold.
### Key Takeaways:
1. **The Nature of True Offerings** - True offerings to God are not about the external actions or materials but about the heart's posture and obedience to God's commands. Abel's accepted offering exemplifies this, as it was given in faith and obedience, aligning with what God had instructed. This teaches us that our relationship with God should be marked by a desire to follow His will, not merely to fulfill religious obligations. [05:37]
2. **Understanding Righteousness** - Righteousness is not a status we achieve through our efforts but a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. This gift aligns us rightly with God, enabling us to live in a way that pleases Him. The story of Abel shows that righteousness affects how our offerings are received by God, reminding us that our standing before God is based on faith, not works. [14:13]
3. **The Importance of Historical Perspective** - Recognizing the cyclical nature of human history helps us understand our current experiences in the light of past events. This perspective can strengthen our faith, reminding us that God has been faithful through all ages and that our challenges are not new or unique. This understanding should inspire us to trust God more deeply and live out our faith more robustly. [01:18]
4. **Faith as a Response to God's Instructions** - Just as Abel responded to God's instructions with faith, we are called to trust and obey God's directions in our lives. This obedience is a true expression of our faith and is essential for living a life that is pleasing to God. It challenges us to examine whether our actions are in line with God's will or driven by our desires. [10:15]
5. **The Role of Communion in Examining Our Faith** - Communion is not just a ritual but a time for introspection and realignment with God's will. It calls us to consider the sincerity of our faith and the purity of our offerings to God. This sacred act serves as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and our need to live in a manner worthy of that sacrifice, continually checking our hearts and motives. [35:02]
### Chapters:
- 0:00 - Welcome
- 0:01:18 - Historical Cycles and Faith
- 0:02:44 - Unshakable Faith Series Introduction
- 0:04:05 - The Catalyst of Faith
- 0:05:37 - Abel's Faith and Offering
- 0:07:00 - Raising Faithful Men
- 0:10:15 - Faith to Please God
- 0:14:13 - The Gift of Righteousness
- 0:17:03 - The Impact of Righteousness
- 0:19:54 - Cain's Response and God's Mercy
- 0:35:02 - Communion and Self-Examination
- 0:38:21 - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Discussion guide
### Bible Reading:
1. **Hebrews 11:4** - "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. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks."
2. **Genesis 4:3-7** - "In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.'"
3. **Romans 4:5** - "And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness."
4. **1 Corinthians 11:23-26** - "For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
### Observation Questions:
1. In Hebrews 11:4, what does it mean that Abel's offering was "more acceptable" than Cain's, and how did God show his approval?
2. What was the nature of Abel's offering according to Genesis 4, and how did it differ from Cain's offering?
3. How does Romans 4:5 relate faith to righteousness?
4. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, what significance does Jesus attribute to the acts of breaking bread and drinking from the cup during the Last Supper?
### Interpretation Questions:
1. Considering Abel's offering was accepted because it was given in faith, what might this suggest about the role of faith in our offerings to God today?
2. How does the reaction of Cain to God's rejection of his offering in Genesis 4 challenge us to examine our own responses to divine correction or disapproval?
3. What does it mean for our faith to be "counted as righteousness" as stated in Romans 4:5? How does this contrast with earning righteousness through works?
4. Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, how does communion serve as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and our ongoing proclamation of His death?
### Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent offering or service you provided to God or your community. Was it more aligned with Abel's heart of faith or Cain's attitude? What specific change can you make to ensure your future offerings are made in faith?
2. Identify a situation where you felt corrected or not accepted. How did you respond? What is one way you can improve your response to align with a faith-driven approach rather than reacting in anger or disappointment?
3. This week, take time each day to meditate on the concept of righteousness by faith as described in Romans 4:5. How can this understanding influence your daily interactions and decisions?
4. Plan to participate in the next communion service at your church. Beforehand, spend some time in personal reflection or confession, focusing on the significance of Christ's sacrifice. What specific aspect of your life needs realignment with God's will, and how can you prepare your heart for communion?
5. Think of one practical way you can proclaim Christ's death and resurrection in your everyday life this week. How can you share this message through your actions or words with someone who may not know about the power of Christ's sacrifice?
5-day devotional
Day 1: Heartfelt Offerings Reflect True Worship
True worship is not about the grandeur of our offerings but the posture of our hearts. When we give to God, whether it's our time, resources, or talents, the essence of our offering should be rooted in obedience and faith. Abel's offering was accepted because it was what God had commanded and reflected a heart aligned with God's desires. This teaches us that our relationship with God should be marked by a desire to follow His will, not merely to fulfill religious obligations. As we approach God, let us examine the sincerity of our offerings and ensure they are given in true faith and obedience. [05:37]
Hebrews 11:4 (ESV): "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. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks."
Reflection: Consider your recent offerings to God. Are they driven by faith and obedience, or are they merely routine actions?
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Day 2: Righteousness Through Faith, Not Works
Righteousness is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not a status achieved by our efforts. This divine righteousness allows us to stand confidently before God, knowing our lives please Him when aligned with His will. Abel's story illustrates that our offerings are favorably received when they emerge from a position of righteousness—rooted in faith rather than in our own merits. Let us cherish and rely on this gift of righteousness that empowers us to live lives pleasing to God. [14:13]
Romans 4:5 (ESV): "And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness."
Reflection: How does understanding righteousness as a gift from God change the way you approach your spiritual life?
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Day 3: Learning from History to Strengthen Faith
Recognizing the cyclical nature of human history helps us understand our experiences in the light of past events, strengthening our faith. This perspective reminds us that the challenges we face are not unique but shared across generations. Such an understanding should inspire us to trust God more deeply, knowing He has been faithful through all ages. Let this historical perspective renew our commitment to live out our faith robustly. [01:18]
Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 (ESV): "What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, 'See, this is new'? It has been already in the ages before us."
Reflection: How can you use the understanding of historical cycles to strengthen your faith in facing current challenges?
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Day 4: Obedience as the True Expression of Faith
Just as Abel's faith was demonstrated through his obedience to God's instructions, our faith must also manifest in obedience to God's will. This obedience is the true expression of our faith and is essential for living a life that pleases God. It challenges us to examine whether our actions are in line with God's will or driven by our desires. Let us strive to align our daily decisions and actions with God's instructions, as this is the essence of living by faith. [10:15]
James 2:22 (ESV): "You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to improve your obedience to God's instructions?
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Day 5: Communion as a Time for Heart Examination
Communion is a sacred act that calls us to introspect and realign with God's will. It is a time to reflect on the sincerity of our faith and the purity of our offerings to God. As we remember Christ's sacrifice through communion, let us examine our hearts and motives, ensuring they align with the life Christ has called us to live. This act of communion is not just a ritual but a profound opportunity for spiritual renewal and commitment. [35:02]
1 Corinthians 11:28-29 (ESV): "Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself."
Reflection: During your next communion, what specific aspects of your life will you commit to realigning with God's will?
Quotes for social media
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We understand there's things that are evil, right? Sinful. You're like, just don't sin. The Bible actually said in Genesis, Cain, be careful. Sin is crouching at your door. God wasn't accusing him of even sinning, but he was saying, you didn't follow my pattern. You didn't do what I want." [27:04](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)
2. "What really the most important thing is that he has 100% of our heart. He wants our heart. The Bible says a broken and contrite heart you will not despise, Lord." [28:16](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )
3. "It's by faith that you believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins, that you confess that you're a sinner. And that you believe on his finished work and that he rose from the grave. And then you can belong to Jesus." [32:47](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )
4. "We have to learn to do what we can see that the Lord has given us. And when we do what's in front of us, we're going to in front of us and he's shown us, then we will begin to walk into the supernatural and the things that are unseen." [25:39](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | )
5. "God has instructions for how we are to please him and how we are to follow him. So let's go back to verse four here and let's, let's dig into this for a second, because it says this, it says it was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did." [11:30](Download raw clip | | )
### Quotes for Members
1. "God revealed to Adam and his family the way to please him and Abel obeyed God by faith. That's the key here because you have to understand God had shown what he wanted to have happen in order to please him." [08:44]( | | )
2. "God doesn't play favorites, but he does favor those who please him. Let me say that one more time. God does not play favorites, but he, meaning we're all, we belong to him, but he does give instructions for how we are to please him." [10:15]( | | )
3. "Righteousness is one of those things that has to take place for us by faith. Look at the book of Romans chapter four, verse five. It says this Romans four or five says, but people are counted as righteousness, not counted, counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God." [14:13]( | | )
4. "We must remember, God is the one who gets to tell us how things should be in our lives. If you believe, I say amen. And also the Lord is the one who gets to tell us how things should be in our lives and also in his church." [19:54](Download raw clip | | )
5. "The spirit of Abel was the spirit that says, Lord, no matter what happens, I want to please you first. He gave the first fruits. He gave the best of his, of his animals to the Lord. And he did it because it was what God required of him." [22:56](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)
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