“Faith That Still Speaks” – Hebrews 11:4

Sermon 4 in Series on Hebrews 11

A 25-Minute, Four-Point Sermon on Hebrews 11:4

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with humble hearts, asking that You would open Your Word to us. As we meditate on the story of Abel and the power of faith that pleases You, fill us with understanding and conviction. May Your Spirit guide our thoughts and transform our hearts, that we might walk in loyal devotion to You alone. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Scripture Reading

Hebrews 11:4 (ESV):

“By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.”

Introduction

This morning, we examine Abel’s legacy—a life that, though brief and marked by suffering, shines as an example of faith that pleases God. Abel’s story is not about technical perfection or ritual, but about unwavering allegiance to Yahweh, the one true God. Let us delve into four lessons from Abel’s faith.

Point 1: Faith that Pleases God Is Rooted in Relational Trust

Abel’s sacrifice was accepted not because of its outward excellence, but because it flowed from a heart of “believing loyalty.”

· Abel’s life challenges us to move beyond mere religious routine—God desires relational trust, not just ritual precision.

· The Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11 celebrates those who trust God’s promises and remain faithful, even when the cost is great.

· Abel’s faith was relational—he trusted God’s character and promises, showing us that faith is not just about what we do, but about who we trust.

Point 2: Faith May Lead to Suffering, but God Sees and Commends

Abel’s faith led to his suffering and death. His story tells us that loyal devotion to God is sometimes costly.

· Abel was murdered by his own brother for his unwavering devotion, yet God commended him as righteous.

· Genuine faith doesn’t guarantee a pain-free life; it often means following God even when it leads to rejection or loss.

· God values faithfulness over outward success—He sees the heart that refuses to compromise loyalty, even in adversity.

Point 3: Misplaced Worship Leads Away from God’s Blessing

Cain’s offering was rejected, not simply because of its form, but because his heart’s allegiance was elsewhere.

· Genesis 4, Jude 11, and 1 John 3:12 show that Cain’s worship was ultimately directed to a rival elohim—his devotion was divided.

· God seeks single-minded loyalty. When our hearts serve other gods—success, approval, pleasure, or anything that rivals Him—our worship is empty and cut off from His blessing.

· Abel’s inclusion and Cain’s exclusion teach that God looks beyond the ritual to the loyalty of the heart.

Point 4: Abel’s Faith Still Speaks—The Call to Loyal Allegiance

The faith of Abel “still speaks.” His life is a perpetual testimony, echoing through generations.

· Abel’s lasting message: real faith is enduring loyalty, not perfection. It’s a heart that clings to God above all else.

· His example warns us—formal religion or correct actions do not substitute for unwavering love and loyalty to Yahweh.

· Today, God calls us to inspect our hearts: Is our faith a living trust in Him, or just going through the motions?

Conclusion

Abel’s legacy in the Hall of Faith is not about an unblemished life, but about a heart that refused to serve another god. His faith, though it led to suffering, brought God’s commendation—and his story still urges us to loyal devotion. Let us seek faith that pleases God: faith that trusts, endures, worships rightly, and speaks to generations.

Closing Prayer

Lord God,

Thank You for the testimony of Abel, whose faith, though it cost him everything, pleased You. Search our hearts and reveal any divided loyalty within us. Grant us the grace to worship You alone, with undivided devotion, and to trust You no matter the cost. May our lives, like Abel’s, bear witness to faith that endures and honors You. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.