Hero of Faith - Abel
The focus of this week’s study is the first hero of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11, Abel. Abel’s story is mentioned in Genesis 4:1-15.
(vs. 1-5) We are introduced to the first two sons of Adam and Eve - Cain & Abel
Abel brought an offering of blood, the firstborn of his flock. Cain brought an offering of vegetation, the fruit of the ground.
While grain offerings, like the one Cain offered, are accepted by God, it is not an acceptable sacrifice for the atonement of sin.
Abel brought an offering with blood, the firstborn of his flock and its fat. His offering was more special to God. Why?
In Leviticus 3:16,17 and 7:23-25, it is written that the fat of the animal is a luxury that is to be given to God when the animal is sacrificed.
In Leviticus 17:6, it is written that the burning of fat in sacrifice before God is considered a sweet aroma to the Lord.
This is what Abel offered to God, the fat of his firstborn of his flock.
Abel offered his sacrifice by faith (Hebrews 11:4).
Cain’s offering may have been more visually appealing compared to Abel’s bloody sacrifice. But God does not determine worth in the same way man does. Therefore, Abel’s sacrifice was accepted.
In Proverbs 15:8,9, it is written that God considers sacrifices by the wicked to be an abomination, but He loves those that follow righteousness.
When the Lord accepted Abel’s offering, He was declaring that Abel was righteous in His sight.
In 1 John 3:12, it is written that Cain was evil and slew his brother because Abel was righteous when he was not.
Without having humility and trust in God, even our offerings (or any work that we do for God) would be considered evil in His sight. It doesn’t matter if our actions appear to be obedient or impressive by the world’s standards. God reveals the true motivations.
Abel was the first martyr for his faith and therefore is written in the first spot among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11.
In 2 Timothy 3:12, it is written that all those who desire to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted. Abel was persecuted for his faith and paid for it with his life.
What can we learn from the faith of Abel?
Our works for God must be the best that we can offer, conducted with humility, and with the intention of glorifying God rather than ourselves. This is how our works will be accepted by God.
We can’t rely on the world’s standards of what is acceptable or we will become angry and filled with sin like Cain. We have to subject ourselves to God’s standards and follow them.
As believers, we will face persecution. It is the price to pay for believing in the truth. The world will always try to bury the truth because it is run by Satan who is the father of lies. If we are not facing persecution, then we should reevaluate our lives to see if we are living in a godly manner.
