Genesis 4:1-24; Hebrews 11:1-7.

These notes accompany the sermon found at https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/whitesrun/sermons/83020137251743/

Keys for Understanding Scripture

•See how Abel is a typology of Christ.  He offered up a good sacrifice, was killed by an unbeliever in anger and jealousy, and yet is spoken of as still speaking.  (Hebrews 11:4)

•Note the recurring contrasts and conflicts between the believing offspring of the woman and the unbelieving offspring of the serpent. 

•Understand that the Bible classifies all belief systems into two:  Truth and error.  Truth is embraced by the believing, and has Jesus Christ as its central focus.  Error is embraced by everyone else whether claiming another religion or even no religion. 

• Truth has as its evidence obedience and blessings.
• Error has as its evidence sin and curse. 

•Notice in the scripture, God continually introduces new revelation that teaches more about the nature of God and Jesus Christ who is to come.  Along the way, he makes covenants and promises all to be fulfilled by Jesus Christ. 

The Offerings

• Of Abel:  Fat portions of the firstborn of his flock.  Genesis 4:4, 3:15, 3:21; Exodus 13:2, 34:19; Luke 2:7; Romans 8:29;  Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 11:4. 
• Of Cain:  An offering of the fruit of the ground.  Genesis 4:3, 3:17; Leviticus 2:1-11. 

The Difference

FAITH! Hebrews 11:4, by faith he offered a more acceptable sacrifice. 

• 1. Without faith it is impossible to please God.  Hebrews 11:6; Hebrews 3-4; Psalm 78:32.
• 2. Righteousness comes by faith. Hebrews 11:7; Romans 1:17, 3:22, 4:1-24.  
• 3. True faith displays itself in works.  Hebrews 11; James 2:14-26. 

Results

• For Abel:  Commendation, Righteousness, Persecution.  Hebrews 11:1-7; Genesis 4:4, 8; John 15:18-25; Matthew 5:10-12, 23:29-36. 
• For Cain:  Displeasure, Invitation, Warning, Sin, Curse.  James 1:14-15; Genesis 4:5-24.

Applications

• Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and so be saved.
• Be encouraged in your Christian walk.

“Christian brothers and sisters, be encouraged even in tumultuous times.  We will always have problems, but we know the source of all problems is sin.  We know the solution to all problems is Jesus Christ.  We know the problems end at his return to judge the living and the dead.  So be encouraged even in tough times, knowing that it is the difficulties of this present age themselves that God is using to bring people to repentance, to glorify himself to his people, and to work in them all that he desires for their benefit and for His glory.   In this great knowledge, you are freed from despair to love God, to love your neighbor, and to love one another in His body, the church.”