Sunday, 1/25/2026

What Does Faith Look Like in Action? Lessons from Abel's Sacrifice

Faith is more than just believing God exists. It's an active force that shapes how we live, worship, and respond to God's Word. The story of Abel in Hebrews 11:4 provides a powerful example of what genuine faith looks like when it's put into action.

Why Was Abel's Sacrifice Accepted While Cain's Was Rejected?

The Bible tells us that "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" (Hebrews 11:4). Both brothers brought offerings to God, but only Abel's was accepted.

The Difference Wasn't in the Brothers, But in the Sacrifice

Abel brought the firstborn of his flock - the best he had to offer. Cain brought some fruit from the ground, but not necessarily his best. The key difference wasn't that Abel was a better person, but that he offered a better sacrifice according to what God had revealed.

God Had Already Shown the Way

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, God made garments of animal skins to cover their nakedness. This required the death of innocent animals - the first sacrifice. Blood was shed to cover sin. Abel understood this revelation and brought a sacrifice that involved the shedding of blood, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

What Does Faith in Action Look Like?

Faith Listens to God, Not Just Hears

There's a crucial difference between hearing and listening. We can hear someone talking without truly absorbing what they're saying. Faith actively listens to what God reveals in His Word and responds accordingly.

Abel listened to what God had revealed about acceptable sacrifice. Cain heard the same revelation but didn't truly listen - he didn't believe he needed the kind of sacrifice God required.

Are You Really Listening to God's Word?

When you read Scripture, are you truly listening, or are your eyes following the words while your mind wanders? Are you letting God's Word shape your thoughts and actions, or are you just going through the motions?

Many people know Bible verses and can quote Scripture, but they haven't truly listened to what God is saying. They've heard about salvation through Jesus Christ, but they haven't listened with their hearts.

Why Can't Faith Be Silenced?

Even though Cain killed Abel in a jealous rage, Hebrews tells us that "through his faith, though he died, he still speaks." Abel's faithful example continues to teach us thousands of years later.

Faith Makes an Eternal Impact

True faith leaves a legacy that outlasts our physical lives. The world may try to silence faithful voices, but God's truth continues to speak through the examples of those who truly listened to Him.

Think about the faithful people in your own life who have gone to heaven. Their examples of faith continue to speak to you and influence your walk with God.

How Does Abel's Story Point to Jesus?

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Abel's lamb sacrifice pointed forward to Jesus, "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Just as Abel's innocent lamb died in sacrifice, Jesus - the perfect, sinless Son of God - died as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

Righteousness Through Faith

Abel was "commended as righteous" not because of his own goodness, but because of the sacrifice he offered by faith. Similarly, we are made righteous before God not by our own works, but through faith in Jesus Christ's sacrifice on our behalf.

What About Our Distractions Today?

In our modern world, we face constant distractions that can keep us from truly listening to God. Social media, entertainment, and the busyness of life can cause us to have "dust on our Bibles" while we spend hours on our phones.

The Danger of Just Hearing

When we only hear God's Word without truly listening, "sin is crouching at the door." We become vulnerable to temptation and spiritual drift. But when we actively listen and respond to God's Word, our faith grows stronger.

Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to move from merely hearing God's Word to actively listening to it. When you read Scripture or hear it taught, ask yourself: "Am I truly listening to what God is saying, or am I just going through the motions?"

Set aside distractions during your time in God's Word. Put away your phone, turn off the TV, and give God your full attention. Let His Word shape your thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

Remember that faith is not passive - it's active. It listens to what God has revealed and trusts what He has promised. Like Abel, offer God your best, not your leftovers.

Questions for Reflection:

• When you read the Bible, are you truly listening to God or just hearing words?

• What distractions in your life keep you from giving God your full attention?

• Have you personally trusted in Jesus Christ as your Savior, or have you only heard about Him?

• How can your faith speak to others, even after you're gone?