RIGHTEOUS ABEL

Introduction:

A. Faith In Hebrews Chapter 11

1. Faith is the proof of the unseen.

2. God rewards faith.

3. Faith believes.

B. Abel, An Example Of Faith.

Body: Hebrews 11: 4

I. Cain And Abel (Genesis 4: 1 – 15).

A. The pride of Cain.

1. Brings an offering of thanksgiving and gratitude.
2. Harbors anger in his heart.
3. Murders his brother.

B. The righteousness of Abel.

1. Brings and offering for sin (and an offering of thanks?).
2. Brought the offering by faith.

C. Parallel with Parable of the Pharisee and Publican praying (Luke 18: 9 – 14)?

II. Wisdom For Today.

A. The Peril Of Harboring Anger.

1. It does not lead to righteousness.
2. It harms and destroys you.
a. It eats at your insides.
b. It chokes out forgiveness.
c. It nurtures pride.

B. The Peril Of Doing "Just Enough."

1. Did Cain feel that he only needed to be thankful?
2. Was he too proud to ask for or "pay for" a sacrifice?
3. How can we be sure how much is enough?

Conclusion:

A. What Kind Of Faith Do You Have?

1. A faith which is humble enough to admit sin?

2. A faith which wants to do as much as it can to please God?

3. A faith which does not "let the sun go down on its wrath" (Ephesians 4: 26)?

B. Are You More Like Cain or Abel?