By Faith

By Faith: The Worship of Able

Introduction

Have you ever wondered if God truly accepts your worship?

We sing songs. We give offerings. We serve. But deep down, many ask: “Is this worship He honors? Is this real faith?”

In Hebrews 11, we encounter two brothers—Cain and Abel. Both approached God with offerings. One was accepted. One was rejected. Why?

The answer is one word: Faith.

As Kenneth Hagin taught, “Hope sets the goal, but faith gets the job done.” In Christ, we don’t just hope God will save—we believe He has saved us, and we live accordingly.

Faith is always present

Hope is always future

Today, by God’s grace, we’ll look at what faith looks like in worship, why one offering pleased God, and how we come through Jesus, the Lamb of faith.

Hebrews 11:4–6 KJV 1900

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Prayer

I. Faith Offers Acceptably to God (v. 4a)

Hebrews 11:4 NKJV

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

A. “By faith…”

The Greek word πίστει (pistei) is fronted for emphasis—Abel’s entire act was rooted in faith. Not tradition. Not emotion. Not guesswork.

Faith is never blind—it responds to divine revelation

B. “...offered to God a more excellent sacrifice…”

The Greek word for “more excellent” (pleiona) implies superiority.

Abel didn’t just bring something—he brought the right thing, in the right way, with the right heart

Abel brought blood (Genesis 4:4)—a life laid down. Cain brought fruit of the ground—no blood, no substitution.

Abel’s sacrifice was better not just in form, but in heart—because it obeyed God’s revealed will.

Transition: Abel's act of worship wasn’t accepted because it was flashy or outwardly impressive. It was accepted because it was offered in faith. And that faith led to God’s approval.

II. Faith Is Commended by God (v. 4b)

Hebrews 11:4 NKJV

through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts

A. “...he obtained witness…”

Abel was declared righteous by God—not by his works, but by his faith shown through obedience.

God gave testimony—He publicly affirmed Abel’s standing.

B. “...God testifying of his gifts…”

God didn’t just accept Abel’s faith—He affirmed the gifts themselves as acceptable.

Worship that flows from faith is always met with divine approval.

Transition: And though Abel died for his faith, the text tells us that faith doesn’t end at the grave…

III. Faith Has a Lasting Testimony (v. 4c)

Hebrews 11:4 NKJV

through it he being dead still speaks.

A. “Through it…”

"It" refers to Abel’s faith—his trust in God.

B. “...still speaks.”

Faith leaves a witness.

Though Abel was slain by his brother, his faith still speaks

Faith still speaks—across generations, pulpits, and hearts.

Abel’s blood cried for justice (cf. Gen. 4:10).

But Hebrews 12:24 says Jesus’ blood speaks better things—not vengeance, but mercy.

Transition: So we’ve seen how faith offers, how God responds, and how that witness continues. But now the author broadens the principle in verse 6 to every believer…

IV. Faith Is Required to Please God (v. 6)

Hebrews 11:6 KJV 1900

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

A. “Without faith it is impossible…”

Not difficult. Impossible. No one can please God apart from faith—not even through good works or religious activity.

"...for he who comes to God must believe that He is..."

B. “Must believe that He is…”

Faith starts by recognizing God exists—but not just that.

It believes in the God who is present, active, and holy.

"...and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

C. “A rewarder…”

God responds to faith. He delights to bless those who seek Him earnestly.

True faith doesn’t just believe in God—it pursues Him.

God is not pleased by offerings, songs, or sermons apart from faith.

VI. Conclusion:

Abel’s story teaches us that God is not indifferent to how we worship. He sees the heart—and He honors those who approach Him by faith.

Faith offers what God desires.

Faith is commended by God.

Faith speaks long after we’re gone.

And faith is the only way to please Him.

So here’s the question: Is your worship shaped by faith—or by tradition? Are you bringing what God has asked for—or what’s convenient to you?

Let Abel’s faith speak—and let it call us to worship the living God as He deserves.

VII. Closing Prayer

Be Blessed!

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