ABOUT ABEL

0. About Abel

a) Abel was the second child born into the world, but the first one to obey God. All we know about this man is that his parent were Adam and Eve, he was a shepherd, he presented pleasing sacrifices to God, and his short life was ended at the hands of his jealous older brother, Cain.

b) The Bible doesn't tell us why God liked Abel's gift and disliked Cain's, but both Cain and Abel knew what God expected. Throughout history, Abel is remembered for his obedience and faith (see Hebrews 11:4), and he is called "righteous" (see Matthew 23:35).

@1. ⁴ By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. (Hebrews 11:4 NIV)

@2. ³⁵ And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. (Matthew 23:35 NIV)

c) The Bible is filled with God's general guidelines and expectations for our lives. It is also filled with more specific directions. Like Abel, we must obey regardless of the cost and trust God to make things right.

1. What were his strengths and accomplishments?

a) First member of the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11.

b) First shepherd.

c) First martyr of truth (see Matthew 23:35).

2. What can we learn from his life?

a) God hears those who come to him.

b) God recognizes the innocent person and sooner or later punished the guilty.

3. What are the key verses?

a) ⁴ By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. (Hebrews 11:4 NIV)

b) Abel's story is told in Genesis 4:1-8. He is also mentioned in Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51; Hebrews 11:4 and 12:24.