Sermon Tone Analysis

Today we will examine a specific person in the Bible.

(You might remember that we did a character sketch at our ABF back in May of Barnabas)

Specifically, we will examine the character qualities of this individual and attempt to apply them to our lives as a model, or an example of how we are to live.

Today’s Character Sketch is on Abel: A Righteous Man

Hebrews 11:4 (NKJV)

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.

It is so important to remember that unless we are looking at Jesus, we are looking at an imperfect person.

Abel was righteous, but he was not perfect…we are not putting Abel up above the rest of us…we are bringing him alongside us as our fellow believer to help us see a good example of righteousness.

And by doing so we can still glean some very important truths that, if applied properly, can greatly benefit our lives.

Abel’s Profile:

Abel’s name appears at least 12 times in the Bible, and is referenced in at least one other place.

Abel means “morning mist”

Abel was the second human born on planet earth, but he was the:

First shepherd (Gen.

4:2)

First martyr (Gen.

4:8)

First member of the Hall of Faith (Heb.

11:4)

Called “righteous” in the Bible

Mentioned by name or referenced in the New Testament by Jesus, the Apostle John, and the writer of Hebrews.

Abel’s example:

I.

A Man of Faith

II.

A Man of Worship

III.

A Man of Righteousness

IV.

A Man of Legacy

I.

A Man of Faith

Hebrews 11:4a (NKJV)

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain...

Abel was a man of faith…meaning that it was his faith in God that dictated his actions.

Genesis 4:4 (NKJV)

4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat.

And the Lord respected (to gaze or look upon with favor) Abel and his offering,

Why did he offer a lamb as a sacrifice to God?…The Bible does not specifically tell us, but we do know that God approved of it, AND God approved of the heart attitude with which Abel offered his lamb.

Abel’s faithfulness resulted obedience, which resulted in God looking at him with favor.

This is merited favor from God, based on Abel’s actions which stemmed from his heart of faith.

Cain, because of his pride and lack of faith, “drew back”…he replaced God’s requirement with his own…whether his sacrifice was somehow blemished, or not the first fruits, or not the right kind of sacrifice…whatever the reason, God disapproved because Cain had somehow disobeyed God with his sacrifice.

Abel, on the other hand, chose to live by faith…he did NOT “draw back”…so God took pleasure in Abel’s act of faith.

Also, it’s important to see that Abel did not allow his older brother’s influence to deter him from doing what was right.

His relationship with God, based on faith, was his highest priority - which motived his actions.

Application Question: Do you live by faith?

I.

A Man of Faith

II.

A Man of Worship

Hebrews 11:4b (NKJV)

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain,

Abel’s offering to God was an act of worship, just as all sacrifices to God are acts of worship.

We’ve already seen that God respected, or looked with favor upon Abel’s sacrifice, but we need to see that this was not just a religious activity…it was a man worshipping his God!

Abel offered up to God something of supreme importance so that God would be glorified by it - it wasn’t about Abel…it was about God and what God has done and is doing for His people!

Why should we worship?…it’s because of what God has done…He was the one to come to us first, not us to Him.

God initiated this relationship and we should respond in sacrificial worship!

True biblical worship is our response to our gracious God for what He has done for us.

Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)

15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

Abel brought of the first born (the fruit) of his flock…we should bring the fruit of our lips - our words should be a testimony of praise and adoration for what God has done!

Anytime our lips are moving, they should be pleasing to the Lord!

Hebrews 13:16 (NKJV)

16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Not only should our words have an attitude of worship - so should our actions!

“do good” and “share” are the things we tell our children to do, right?…but this verse is not specifically to only children - we adults and teens need to do good and share as well!

In order to “do good” and to “share”, we are going to have to give something up…these are sacrifices!

To “do good” and to “share” are responses to the good things God has shared with us!

This is exactly what Abel was doing when he sacrificed his lamb.

Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV)

17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.

Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Another way we worship is in how we respond to local church leadership.

Our sacrifice of our own agendas, opinions, and pride - this is a sacrifice of praise and worship to God!

1 Peter 2:5 (NKJV)

5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

[READ 1 Pet.

2:1-10]

1 Peter 2:9–10 (NKJV)

9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Again, our worship should be in response to what God has already done

We are chosen, therefore we should proclaim praise

We are now the people of God and we have obtained mercy, therefore we should proclaim praise.

Abel’s lamb was acceptable to God because he offered it in response to God’s mercy and love.

Our spiritual sacrifices need to be done as a response to God’s mercy and love so that they are also acceptable to God.

God Himself expressed His approval of Abel’s sacrifice:

Hebrews 11:4 (NKJV)

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts...

Genesis 4:4 (NKJV)

4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat.

And the Lord respected Abel and his offering,

This word “respected” means to look upon with favor, to pay attention to

God saw Abel’s sacrifice of worship and leaned in to enjoy it.

Genesis 4:6–7 (NKJV)

6 So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry?

And why has your countenance fallen?

7 If you do well, will you not be accepted?

And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door.

And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”

Here is where God testified of Abel’s gifts!

God was telling Cain - there is a standard and you did not meet it.

Cain was filled with jealous rage - and God was pointing out that his brother had done the right thing.

Cain should have humbled himself and followed suit, but instead he cancelled Abel.

Cancel Culture’s ultimate end is always murder - it’s the only way to truly cancel someone.