The Four Eleven Foundation: 1 Thessalonians

8.2. FAITH DISPLAYED (Hebrews 11:4-40)

8.2.1. AS DISPLAYED BY ABEL (Hebrews 11:4)

Abel's Offering Is Described As "More Excellent"

Hebrews 11:4 "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, ... " (KJV)

"The Greek word 'pleion' has the meaning of "more excellent", exceed, greater or more important." Strongs Exhaustive Concordance

His offering was of the firstborn of the flock and of their fat (Genesis 4:4 ). He know that God provided coats of skins for fallen Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21 ). This was the first time the idea of sacrifice appears in Scripture for the skins obviously came from slain animals. This fact could have in itself taught Abel that covering for the sinner was through the blood of a substitute. As Hebrews has taught us these animal sacrifices pointed to the "more excellent," greater, more important substitutionary redemptive work of Christ. Abel offered by faith - "he obtained witness that he was righteous." (Hebrews 11:4 ). His offering expressed a living faith. It could have been that God spoke out His favour and acceptance of Abel's offering, or manifested His acceptance by supernatural means, that of consuming the offering with divine fire( Leviticus 9:24; Judges 6:21; 1 Kings 18:38; 1 Chronicles 21:26; 2 Chronicles 7:1 ).

The Communication Of The Excellence Of Abel's Sacrifice Was Given Direct From God

Hebrews 11:4 "... God testifying of his gifts: ..." (KJV)

The Lord Jesus testified to Abel's faith and called him "righteous Abel" (Matthew 23:35 ).Cain brought the fruit of the ground (Genesis 4:3 ) presenting his own works for divine accreditation. The sinner's righteousness is as filthy rags to God (Isaiah 64:6 ). To approach God with that which is cursed is totally unacceptable . Had Cain come by the blood of the lamb, even his fruit would have been acceptable. Angry, rebellious flesh is the source of the persecution of the saints - Cain slew Abel.

Hebrews 11:4 "... and by it he being dead yet speaketh. " (KJV)

Linking this statement with Genesis 4:10 though being dead, Abel's blood cried out for justice and retribution. The blood of Jesus

Hebrews 12:24 "... speaketh better things than that of Abel. " (KJV)

Because His blood, shed on the cross, speaks of forgiveness and reconciliation (Hebrews 9:12; 10:19; Colossians 1:20; 1 John 1:7 ). The blood of Abel and that of all the saints will be finally vindicated (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 ). Abel displayed faith that is confident God will vindicate His own who are unjustly mistreated, and deal in judgment with unrepentant persecutors. Faith relies on the fact that God will ultimately act, because He is faithful.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

Who gave testimony to Abel's sacrifice being more excellent (Hebrews 11:4 )?
What should Cain have sacrificed first that would have made his fruit acceptable (Genesis 4:3 )?
Do you believe that the blood of Abel and all saints will be finally vindicated (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 )?