1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:04,040 If you’d open your bible at Hebrews and chapter 11 2 00:00:04,520 –> 00:00:09,040 this marvellous chapter that was written to strengthen believers under 3 00:00:09,360 –> 00:00:11,080 unrelenting pressure 4 00:00:11,080 –> 00:00:13,640 you saw in chapter 10 in verse 36 5 00:00:14,100 –> 00:00:17,000 God says you have need of endurance 6 00:00:17,879 –> 00:00:20,120 Good word. We have need of endurance 7 00:00:20,639 –> 00:00:25,400 And how are we to endure? The answer to that question is by faith 8 00:00:25,400 –> 00:00:28,580 And so Hebrews 11 is this marvellous opening up 9 00:00:28,620 –> 00:00:30,260 explanation 10 00:00:30,260 –> 00:00:33,799 Exposition of faith. We saw last time it begins with a definition 11 00:00:34,340 –> 00:00:40,419 Faith is the assurance of things hoped for it is the conviction of things not seen 12 00:00:41,139 –> 00:00:45,660 So how can we be sure of what we hope for? 13 00:00:46,299 –> 00:00:50,180 things that don’t yet exist like redeemed bodies or a 14 00:00:50,720 –> 00:00:52,740 spotless church or a perfect world 15 00:00:52,740 –> 00:00:55,660 The answer is these are the things that God has 16 00:00:55,900 –> 00:00:57,599 promised and faith 17 00:00:57,599 –> 00:01:04,019 Contrasts what God has promised and then we’re told that faith is the conviction of things not seen 18 00:01:04,680 –> 00:01:09,320 How in the world can we be convinced about things that we cannot see things that are invisible? 19 00:01:09,699 –> 00:01:14,540 Like that God is in sovereign control of all things in the world and of our lives 20 00:01:15,019 –> 00:01:19,199 That Jesus is exalted at the right hand of the Father and that in Christ 21 00:01:19,480 –> 00:01:24,360 We are forgiven and we are loved and we are destined for heaven. These are things. We can’t see 22 00:01:24,360 –> 00:01:29,940 How can we be convinced of them? And the answer is that these are the things that God has revealed 23 00:01:30,760 –> 00:01:35,339 Faith believes what God has revealed. Here’s what faith is it believes 24 00:01:35,959 –> 00:01:40,500 what God has revealed it trusts what God has 25 00:01:41,879 –> 00:01:45,900 Promised so faith is formed and fed 26 00:01:46,599 –> 00:01:48,599 by the Word of God 27 00:01:48,980 –> 00:01:50,980 Faith comes by hearing and 28 00:01:51,440 –> 00:01:53,440 hearing comes by the Word of Christ 29 00:01:53,519 –> 00:01:59,360 That is how we can have assurance of the things that are hoped for that is the things that God has promised 30 00:01:59,720 –> 00:02:06,239 that is how we can have conviction about things that are not seen that is things that God has revealed and 31 00:02:06,440 –> 00:02:09,660 We saw last time that this is really wonderfully good news 32 00:02:10,419 –> 00:02:16,679 Because God has given the same promises and the same revelation to all people any person anywhere in the world 33 00:02:17,399 –> 00:02:22,580 Can open the Bible and see what God has revealed and read there 34 00:02:22,600 –> 00:02:27,759 What God has promised and this is how faith is formed people sometimes say well 35 00:02:27,759 –> 00:02:31,580 I don’t know how I can come to faith. I don’t know if I’m a person who can have faith 36 00:02:31,940 –> 00:02:36,639 Well here’s how you come to faith faith is formed and fed by the Word of God 37 00:02:36,880 –> 00:02:38,520 These are written 38 00:02:38,520 –> 00:02:42,899 That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, and that by believing 39 00:02:43,440 –> 00:02:49,059 You may have life in his name. So that’s the foundation of our series. We all need endurance 40 00:02:49,500 –> 00:02:52,339 The way we’re going to get endurance is by faith 41 00:02:52,820 –> 00:02:58,979 We therefore need to know what faith is and what faith does and right away at the beginning of Hebrews 11 42 00:02:58,979 –> 00:03:00,679 We have this marvelous 43 00:03:00,679 –> 00:03:02,059 definition faith 44 00:03:02,059 –> 00:03:06,339 Believes what God has revealed it trust what God has promised 45 00:03:06,539 –> 00:03:12,880 That is why it is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen 46 00:03:14,059 –> 00:03:18,860 Now the rest of Hebrews chapter 11 moves on from there to tell us what faith does 47 00:03:19,619 –> 00:03:22,259 or to put it another way it describes 48 00:03:22,979 –> 00:03:28,600 What it looks like to live by faith. What does it look like for you and for me to live by faith? 49 00:03:29,539 –> 00:03:31,220 today 50 00:03:31,220 –> 00:03:36,119 Now Hebrews answers that question with a whole series of 51 00:03:36,919 –> 00:03:38,759 Illustrations real life 52 00:03:38,759 –> 00:03:40,119 examples 53 00:03:40,119 –> 00:03:41,179 stories of 54 00:03:41,179 –> 00:03:43,740 People who actually have lived by faith 55 00:03:43,740 –> 00:03:50,539 we’re going to look at them god willing a ten of them in the series and each one of them will 56 00:03:50,779 –> 00:03:52,779 highlight one particular 57 00:03:52,880 –> 00:03:59,259 aspect of what it means to live by faith and today we’re going to look at the story of Abel and 58 00:03:59,320 –> 00:04:01,399 The particular 59 00:04:01,399 –> 00:04:08,100 Aspect that is highlighted in this story. Is that faith listens to God person who? 60 00:04:08,300 –> 00:04:15,699 Lives by faith is a person who listens to what God has said in and through his word 61 00:04:16,239 –> 00:04:23,420 Hebrews 11 verse 4 puts it like this by faith able offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than cain 62 00:04:23,820 –> 00:04:26,380 Through which which he was commended as righteous 63 00:04:26,980 –> 00:04:33,339 God commending him by accepting his gifts and through his faith though he died 64 00:04:33,980 –> 00:04:35,119 he 65 00:04:35,119 –> 00:04:36,619 still 66 00:04:36,619 –> 00:04:38,619 speaks 67 00:04:38,880 –> 00:04:40,720 now the story of 68 00:04:40,720 –> 00:04:42,140 kane and of 69 00:04:42,140 –> 00:04:48,779 Abel that is referred to here is found back in Genesis in chapter 4 and you may like to turn back to that 70 00:04:49,019 –> 00:04:53,040 Chapter at the beginning of the Bible as we review that story together 71 00:04:53,839 –> 00:04:57,019 What we have here is the story of two boys 72 00:04:58,040 –> 00:05:01,459 Who grew up in the same believing family? 73 00:05:02,779 –> 00:05:04,779 They both have the same parents 74 00:05:05,440 –> 00:05:08,000 They both are brought up in the same way 75 00:05:09,000 –> 00:05:14,700 They come to the same place of worship and they worship the same God 76 00:05:15,480 –> 00:05:21,559 And we’re told that Abel was first to a keeper of sheep and cane was a worker of the ground 77 00:05:22,540 –> 00:05:25,779 Both of these were told brought offerings to God 78 00:05:26,160 –> 00:05:30,779 verse 3 chain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground and 79 00:05:31,299 –> 00:05:34,480 Abel brought the firstborn of his 80 00:05:35,239 –> 00:05:37,040 flock 81 00:05:37,040 –> 00:05:39,000 So get the picture 82 00:05:39,000 –> 00:05:41,000 two brothers 83 00:05:41,200 –> 00:05:43,200 They both believe in God 84 00:05:44,079 –> 00:05:49,600 They both come to worship God and they both bring an offering to God 85 00:05:50,399 –> 00:05:53,660 Then we come to the big surprise in the story 86 00:05:54,679 –> 00:05:58,920 One of these brothers is accepted by God and the other is not 87 00:05:59,440 –> 00:06:04,239 Genesis 4 in verse 4 the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering 88 00:06:04,420 –> 00:06:08,399 But for Cain and his offering he had no regard 89 00:06:10,700 –> 00:06:13,399 Now here’s the obvious question at this point 90 00:06:14,160 –> 00:06:17,779 How did these two siblings know that God? 91 00:06:18,320 –> 00:06:23,440 Accepted the offering of the one and not the offering of the other 92 00:06:24,559 –> 00:06:28,640 Well, we don’t know for sure. But there is a very old tradition 93 00:06:29,660 –> 00:06:35,220 That fire came down from heaven and burned up Abel’s 94 00:06:35,820 –> 00:06:39,600 sacrifice and I think that that may very well have been the case and 95 00:06:39,899 –> 00:06:43,679 Here’s why there are other places in the Old Testament 96 00:06:44,279 –> 00:06:49,399 Where God showed that he accepted a sacrifice by sending fire from heaven 97 00:06:49,399 –> 00:06:50,119 You have it 98 00:06:50,119 –> 00:06:53,339 For example in Leviticus chapter 9 and verse 24 99 00:06:53,760 –> 00:06:56,619 fire came out from before the Lord and 100 00:06:57,220 –> 00:07:04,320 Consumed the burnt offering and when all of the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces 101 00:07:04,320 –> 00:07:05,279 and 102 00:07:05,279 –> 00:07:10,619 Some of you will remember that of course the same thing happened in the time of Elijah and this was how God 103 00:07:10,940 –> 00:07:17,600 Distinguished that he accepted the sacrifice that Elijah had offered and not that which was offered by the Prophets of Baal 104 00:07:17,799 –> 00:07:20,079 fire came down from heaven and 105 00:07:20,660 –> 00:07:22,660 Consumed the sacrifice 106 00:07:23,820 –> 00:07:26,940 Now if that indeed is the case as I believe that it was 107 00:07:28,480 –> 00:07:32,980 It’s easy for us to imagine the scene picture it with me 108 00:07:33,660 –> 00:07:36,380 the first family comes to worship and 109 00:07:36,440 –> 00:07:41,200 And they arrive at this altar this pile of stones and 110 00:07:42,399 –> 00:07:44,640 Adam says to his sons now 111 00:07:45,380 –> 00:07:47,660 boys this is a really special place 112 00:07:49,459 –> 00:07:52,899 Because this is where God himself meets with us 113 00:07:54,420 –> 00:07:56,420 Now Abel you go first 114 00:07:56,899 –> 00:08:01,200 You take your offering and you put it on top of the pile of stones 115 00:08:02,119 –> 00:08:04,119 You say your prayer you 116 00:08:04,540 –> 00:08:06,500 confess your sins and 117 00:08:07,059 –> 00:08:09,059 then stand well back and 118 00:08:10,619 –> 00:08:14,700 Able does what his father says? He takes the carcass of this lamb and 119 00:08:15,459 –> 00:08:18,980 He lays it on top of the pile of stones. He prays 120 00:08:19,640 –> 00:08:21,640 He confesses his sins 121 00:08:21,700 –> 00:08:24,019 He stands back and then 122 00:08:25,739 –> 00:08:29,239 Fire comes right out of the sky out of heaven and 123 00:08:29,339 –> 00:08:30,320 and 124 00:08:30,320 –> 00:08:33,520 Strikes the sacrifice and burns it up Abel is 125 00:08:34,539 –> 00:08:36,539 absolutely wide-eyed 126 00:08:37,359 –> 00:08:39,719 God has heard his prayer 127 00:08:40,760 –> 00:08:43,479 God has accepted his sacrifice 128 00:08:44,039 –> 00:08:46,299 the smile of God is 129 00:08:47,039 –> 00:08:48,679 upon him 130 00:08:48,679 –> 00:08:54,039 And then Cain steps up to the altar and he’s brought with him 131 00:08:54,820 –> 00:08:58,039 the harvest of the ground. He’s brought fruit and he’s brought 132 00:08:58,500 –> 00:09:04,080 Vegetables and he makes this display of the fruit and the veg on top of the 133 00:09:04,599 –> 00:09:09,619 stones and he arranges it, no doubt very beautifully, on the altar and 134 00:09:10,219 –> 00:09:12,219 he says a prayer and 135 00:09:12,979 –> 00:09:15,799 He steps back and you know what happens? 136 00:09:17,140 –> 00:09:18,659 Absolutely 137 00:09:18,659 –> 00:09:19,799 nothing 138 00:09:19,799 –> 00:09:21,119 an 139 00:09:21,119 –> 00:09:23,119 Hour later there it is 140 00:09:23,239 –> 00:09:30,299 His gift presented on the altar of God evidently a gift presented and not received 141 00:09:31,719 –> 00:09:38,780 Now at this point in the story Genesis tells us chapter 4 and verse 5 that Cain was very angry and 142 00:09:39,479 –> 00:09:41,479 his face fell 143 00:09:42,000 –> 00:09:43,599 You can imagine it can’t you now? 144 00:09:43,599 –> 00:09:51,039 Why does God put on a display of fireworks for my brother Able and his sacrifice but not for me and for mine 145 00:09:51,799 –> 00:09:57,859 What is so special about Abel and his offering the more Cain thinks about it the more angry he becomes 146 00:09:59,820 –> 00:10:01,820 Now that’s the story 147 00:10:02,559 –> 00:10:07,580 Now here’s the question what does it mean? What does this very very old story? 148 00:10:08,840 –> 00:10:10,739 What does it say to us today? 149 00:10:12,039 –> 00:10:15,219 well to answer that question you have to go to Hebrews and 150 00:10:16,159 –> 00:10:20,479 chapter 11 and the verse that we’re looking at verse four where we’re told by faith 151 00:10:20,960 –> 00:10:25,799 Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain 152 00:10:26,640 –> 00:10:33,559 Through which he was commended as righteous God commending him by accepting his gifts 153 00:10:34,520 –> 00:10:38,419 Now I want you to notice that in this verse Hebrews makes quite clear 154 00:10:39,000 –> 00:10:45,479 That the reason that Abel was accepted and Cain was not lay in the sacrifice 155 00:10:46,799 –> 00:10:53,859 That was the reason. By faith Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice 156 00:10:55,780 –> 00:10:59,000 Now I know that there are some writers 157 00:10:59,739 –> 00:11:05,359 Who focus on the way that the offering was brought 158 00:11:06,299 –> 00:11:08,359 They read the story like this 159 00:11:08,359 –> 00:11:14,099 well, there were two men and they both brought their offerings their gifts to God and 160 00:11:15,280 –> 00:11:17,280 Abel had faith. And 161 00:11:17,619 –> 00:11:22,520 so when he offered his lamb God was very pleased and accepted it and 162 00:11:22,880 –> 00:11:27,260 Then Cain brought the fruit and the vegetables and if he had had faith as well 163 00:11:27,260 –> 00:11:32,919 Then God would have been very pleased with what he brought also, but that is not what Hebrews says 164 00:11:33,059 –> 00:11:38,359 Hebrews does not say that Abel offered a more acceptable faith 165 00:11:39,619 –> 00:11:44,599 it says that Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice and 166 00:11:45,580 –> 00:11:51,440 Hebrews does not say that God commended Abel as righteous by accepting his faith 167 00:11:51,880 –> 00:11:58,380 It says that God commended him as righteous by accepting his gifts. In other words what was offered 168 00:11:59,219 –> 00:12:01,799 So, this is not a story about a better brother 169 00:12:03,020 –> 00:12:06,479 This is a story about a better sacrifice 170 00:12:07,400 –> 00:12:10,739 It wasn’t Abel’s faith that made him right with God 171 00:12:10,940 –> 00:12:14,460 It was the sacrifice in which he put his trust 172 00:12:15,080 –> 00:12:17,140 That made him right with 173 00:12:17,820 –> 00:12:19,820 God 174 00:12:20,059 –> 00:12:22,599 Now at this point there’s another very obvious question 175 00:12:23,460 –> 00:12:28,140 Well, then how was it that Abel knew 176 00:12:29,039 –> 00:12:31,940 what to bring to God? 177 00:12:32,900 –> 00:12:39,400 And it seems very clear that the answer to that question is that God had already revealed it 178 00:12:40,640 –> 00:12:43,479 Hebrews tells us that by faith 179 00:12:44,159 –> 00:12:50,539 Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain and we saw last time that faith believes 180 00:12:50,619 –> 00:12:53,760 What God has revealed and trusts what God has promised 181 00:12:53,760 –> 00:12:59,000 So it follows that if Abel brought the sacrifice by faith 182 00:12:59,479 –> 00:13:00,000 well 183 00:13:00,000 –> 00:13:01,280 Then God must have already 184 00:13:01,280 –> 00:13:07,840 Revealed that the sacrifice was indeed what he wanted both of the brothers to bring in other words Abel wasn’t guessing 185 00:13:08,640 –> 00:13:10,940 When he brought this sacrificed lamb 186 00:13:11,900 –> 00:13:14,000 It wasn’t that he said, oh well, I have sheep 187 00:13:14,000 –> 00:13:19,260 I wonder I wonder if God would be pleased if I brought the carcass of a lamb 188 00:13:19,260 –> 00:13:25,900 I I wonder if I smeared the blood over the stones. How would God like that? No, he wasn’t, guessing 189 00:13:26,700 –> 00:13:28,700 It wasn’t guessing 190 00:13:28,739 –> 00:13:35,580 Hebrews tells us that he offered the lamb by faith and faith believes what God has revealed and trust 191 00:13:35,580 –> 00:13:37,580 What God has promised 192 00:13:38,419 –> 00:13:42,419 Now I could go to use several authorities and commentators on 193 00:13:43,380 –> 00:13:49,179 Hebrews in regards to this. Let me quote you. Just one John Brown who has an excellent commentary in the book of Hebrews says faith 194 00:13:49,780 –> 00:13:56,859 Throughout the whole of this chapter. That’s the whole of Hebrews 11 is a belief in a divine revelation 195 00:13:56,940 –> 00:13:57,940 it 196 00:13:57,940 –> 00:14:03,099 Is plain then that our revelation had been made both to Cain and to Abel 197 00:14:03,700 –> 00:14:10,580 Respecting the duty of offering sacrifice and the acceptable method of performing that duty 198 00:14:10,820 –> 00:14:12,059 now 199 00:14:12,059 –> 00:14:14,700 You say ok. Well a commentator 200 00:14:14,700 –> 00:14:21,280 In fact, there are many commentators who say this is there any evidence in the Bible that this was actually the case? 201 00:14:21,299 –> 00:14:23,619 And I think the answer is yes, there is 202 00:14:24,359 –> 00:14:25,900 on 203 00:14:25,900 –> 00:14:28,280 the day that Adam and Eve sinned 204 00:14:29,900 –> 00:14:33,580 Scripture tells us that the Lord God made for Adam and his wife 205 00:14:34,659 –> 00:14:36,659 garments of skins and 206 00:14:37,580 –> 00:14:39,299 clothed them 207 00:14:39,340 –> 00:14:41,280 Now here’s the question 208 00:14:41,280 –> 00:14:43,659 Where did the skins come from? 209 00:14:45,099 –> 00:14:48,479 You cannot make a garment of skins 210 00:14:49,659 –> 00:14:52,479 without the death of an animal and 211 00:14:53,419 –> 00:14:55,099 I believe 212 00:14:55,099 –> 00:15:01,799 That the first sacrifice was made on the day that the very first sin was committed right there in 213 00:15:02,099 –> 00:15:04,099 the Garden of Eden 214 00:15:04,500 –> 00:15:06,820 Again, let me quote John Brown on this 215 00:15:06,820 –> 00:15:13,479 we read that God clothed our first parents with the skins of animals and 216 00:15:14,059 –> 00:15:18,179 By far. He says the most probable account of this matter is 217 00:15:18,799 –> 00:15:25,320 that they were the skins of animals which God had commanded them to offer in 218 00:15:26,179 –> 00:15:28,020 sacrifice 219 00:15:28,020 –> 00:15:31,140 Now again, I’m convinced that this is the case, and here’s another reason 220 00:15:31,419 –> 00:15:37,799 Why God had said to Adam and Eve of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat 221 00:15:37,979 –> 00:15:42,059 For in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die 222 00:15:43,340 –> 00:15:45,099 and then remember 223 00:15:45,099 –> 00:15:51,940 Satan came into the garden and Eve told him what God had said and the enemy said you shall not 224 00:15:52,460 –> 00:15:54,460 surely die 225 00:15:54,820 –> 00:15:56,820 So there’s a direct contradiction 226 00:15:57,619 –> 00:15:59,619 God says you shall surely die 227 00:16:00,380 –> 00:16:04,559 Satan says you shall not surely die who’s telling the truth? 228 00:16:05,979 –> 00:16:09,940 Who’s to be believed in the garden who are we to trust? 229 00:16:11,820 –> 00:16:18,380 Well God said in the day that you eat of it the tree you shall surely die and death did come 230 00:16:18,780 –> 00:16:20,780 to the garden that day 231 00:16:21,500 –> 00:16:23,500 in the mercy of God 232 00:16:24,099 –> 00:16:27,599 It did not come on Adam and on Eve directly 233 00:16:28,599 –> 00:16:33,400 It came on a Lamb that died in their place 234 00:16:34,719 –> 00:16:36,200 another life 235 00:16:36,200 –> 00:16:38,200 was laid down 236 00:16:38,239 –> 00:16:43,020 So that their life might be spared and while they would go on into 237 00:16:44,299 –> 00:16:48,299 another fallen world in which a different world in which 238 00:16:49,659 –> 00:16:55,719 Sin had its ravaging effects and eventually led to their death room was created 239 00:16:56,599 –> 00:16:57,859 for 240 00:16:57,859 –> 00:16:59,859 reconciliation with God and 241 00:16:59,919 –> 00:17:01,679 It happened 242 00:17:01,679 –> 00:17:04,500 because of the sacrifice of 243 00:17:05,260 –> 00:17:07,260 the Lamb 244 00:17:07,739 –> 00:17:09,819 Now the Bible is a 245 00:17:10,859 –> 00:17:11,920 progressive revelation 246 00:17:11,920 –> 00:17:15,060 What that means is that as you go through the Bible’s story? 247 00:17:15,339 –> 00:17:22,560 What God is telling us becomes clearer and clearer and clearer until it becomes super clear in and through the Lord Jesus Christ 248 00:17:23,560 –> 00:17:30,339 And we stand this side of the coming and dying and rising and ascending of our Lord Jesus Christ 249 00:17:30,420 –> 00:17:35,099 And we’re able to look back from the super clarity that we have in the Lord Jesus Christ 250 00:17:35,099 –> 00:17:37,479 and when you look back you’re able to see ah 251 00:17:38,599 –> 00:17:40,640 the seeds of that 252 00:17:41,719 –> 00:17:45,400 God’s unchanging truth go all the way back 253 00:17:46,619 –> 00:17:48,619 Right to the very beginning 254 00:17:49,180 –> 00:17:50,920 of time 255 00:17:50,939 –> 00:17:57,400 God’s way of making sinners right with himself has never changed. It has always been through a life laid down in 256 00:17:57,959 –> 00:18:01,979 Sacrifice in our place it goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden 257 00:18:03,060 –> 00:18:05,060 itself 258 00:18:05,540 –> 00:18:11,560 Now if God had revealed this to Adam and Eve you can be absolutely sure that they taught it to their children 259 00:18:13,140 –> 00:18:17,439 And you imagine Adam and Eve talking to their boys at the end of another 260 00:18:17,939 –> 00:18:22,640 Day of back-breaking work as the guys were sweating it out there in the field 261 00:18:24,040 –> 00:18:25,260 and 262 00:18:25,260 –> 00:18:27,260 In the evening they’re sitting round 263 00:18:28,000 –> 00:18:30,000 fire 264 00:18:30,520 –> 00:18:34,819 And Adam says oh boys the world was not always like this 265 00:18:36,939 –> 00:18:41,699 There was a time when your mom and I enjoyed a life that you have never known 266 00:18:42,560 –> 00:18:44,680 in a place that you have never seen 267 00:18:44,979 –> 00:18:45,959 the 268 00:18:45,959 –> 00:18:51,459 God who made us filled our lives with all kinds of good gifts in a perfect world 269 00:18:51,459 –> 00:18:57,140 And you know what at the end of the day instead of being exhausted like we are right now with all this work 270 00:18:58,020 –> 00:19:00,020 What happened was that God himself? 271 00:19:00,180 –> 00:19:03,599 Appeared to us he walked with us in the garden in the cool of the day 272 00:19:05,619 –> 00:19:08,199 You mean you and mom actually saw God 273 00:19:09,619 –> 00:19:11,619 Yes, we did 274 00:19:12,300 –> 00:19:16,640 But then here’s what happened we were tempted and we sinned 275 00:19:17,939 –> 00:19:21,119 God gave us one command for our own protection 276 00:19:21,119 –> 00:19:27,140 And we broke it and after that we Ran we hid from God and when he came and found us I 277 00:19:27,979 –> 00:19:29,979 thought we were done for 278 00:19:30,199 –> 00:19:32,479 God had said it would be death that would come 279 00:19:32,560 –> 00:19:36,880 But God is a god of mercy and on that day 280 00:19:36,979 –> 00:19:44,479 we learned that another life would be laid down for us so that our lives would be spared 281 00:19:46,579 –> 00:19:51,640 Cain and able knew what God had revealed in the garden and 282 00:19:52,420 –> 00:19:54,420 able believed the revelation 283 00:19:55,239 –> 00:19:57,239 He knew himself to be a sinner 284 00:19:58,140 –> 00:20:02,300 He trusted the provision that God had made by Faith 285 00:20:02,939 –> 00:20:05,219 Hebrew says he offered 286 00:20:05,660 –> 00:20:07,780 the more acceptable sacrifice 287 00:20:09,060 –> 00:20:14,099 But Cain did not believe what God had revealed. Oh he acknowledged that God 288 00:20:14,959 –> 00:20:16,959 Exists he acknowledged that God 289 00:20:17,439 –> 00:20:21,939 Was the author of the good gifts in his life, but he did not believe that he was a sinner 290 00:20:21,939 –> 00:20:25,260 He did not believe that another life needed to be laid down for his 291 00:20:26,479 –> 00:20:32,060 And so he chooses to bring an offering that is pleasing to him and then finds to his surprise 292 00:20:33,099 –> 00:20:35,099 That it is not pleasing to God 293 00:20:36,140 –> 00:20:41,260 Now that’s the story and I want in the time that remains now to apply it 294 00:20:41,780 –> 00:20:45,520 To us and to what it means for us to live by faith today 295 00:20:45,520 –> 00:20:52,219 And here’s the central and most important application for us to grasp today faith listens to God 296 00:20:52,359 –> 00:20:59,040 It was by faith that Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain 297 00:21:01,219 –> 00:21:03,219 Now to be clear 298 00:21:03,300 –> 00:21:11,239 If you had the opportunity of meeting with Cain and spoke to him he would have insisted that he also had faith I 299 00:21:12,439 –> 00:21:15,739 Mean if you went to Cain and said to him now Cain 300 00:21:15,760 –> 00:21:21,300 Here’s the thing you really need to have faith like your brother Abel Cain would have been very offended 301 00:21:21,300 –> 00:21:23,300 He’d say to you. Well, what do you mean? I? 302 00:21:23,500 –> 00:21:25,380 have faith 303 00:21:25,380 –> 00:21:27,380 My faith is very important to me. I 304 00:21:28,199 –> 00:21:30,180 believe in God 305 00:21:30,380 –> 00:21:36,300 I’m a farmer and I know that it’s God who makes the sun to shine and it’s God who sends the rain 306 00:21:36,300 –> 00:21:38,780 And that’s why I when I have a harvest 307 00:21:38,780 –> 00:21:39,219 well 308 00:21:39,219 –> 00:21:45,780 I bring a part of it in order to express my thanksgiving to God my gratitude for all that he has done 309 00:21:45,780 –> 00:21:47,780 What do you mean? I need to have faith 310 00:21:49,599 –> 00:21:51,599 Cain believed in God 311 00:21:53,119 –> 00:21:59,160 He believed as many people today believe that the good things in life are gifts from God’s hand 312 00:22:00,239 –> 00:22:04,339 But he would not believe what God had said 313 00:22:04,359 –> 00:22:09,020 he would not listen to what God had revealed and 314 00:22:09,880 –> 00:22:16,380 That comes out very clearly. If you follow the story of Cain, you’ll see that this is what is made very clear 315 00:22:17,040 –> 00:22:18,119 because 316 00:22:18,119 –> 00:22:25,900 After this incident with the sacrifice that was offered the gift that was placed on the altar, but not accepted by the Lord 317 00:22:26,760 –> 00:22:29,459 Genesis 4 in verse 6 we read the Lord 318 00:22:29,760 –> 00:22:31,760 said to Cain 319 00:22:32,319 –> 00:22:37,660 Why are you angry and why is your face fallen? Listen, the Lord said to Cain 320 00:22:37,660 –> 00:22:40,099 Here’s what that means way back in these early days 321 00:22:41,160 –> 00:22:46,319 Cain heard the audible voice of God as clearly as 322 00:22:46,599 –> 00:22:54,119 Saul of Tarsus heard the audible voice of the risen and ascended Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus and 323 00:22:54,719 –> 00:23:00,180 God in an audible voice speaking to this man gives him an open invitation 324 00:23:01,640 –> 00:23:04,339 If you do, well, will you not be accepted? 325 00:23:05,800 –> 00:23:11,260 Cain you are invited to come to God, but you must come in the way he has appointed 326 00:23:12,979 –> 00:23:17,119 You too can be accepted you too can be commended as righteousness 327 00:23:17,119 –> 00:23:20,280 but you must come to God in the way that he has revealed 328 00:23:20,359 –> 00:23:26,699 You’re a sinner Cain and the only way that you can be right before God is on the basis of trusting the 329 00:23:26,839 –> 00:23:29,660 Sacrifice of a life that is laid down for you 330 00:23:31,000 –> 00:23:35,920 Not only does God give to him that direct invitation God also gives him this warning 331 00:23:36,780 –> 00:23:37,859 if 332 00:23:37,859 –> 00:23:43,319 You do not do well sin crouches at the door. That’s Genesis 4 in verse 7 333 00:23:44,400 –> 00:23:46,540 Sin crouches at the door 334 00:23:47,060 –> 00:23:51,280 Now that’s actually the very first time that the word sin is used in the Bible 335 00:23:52,079 –> 00:23:53,500 sin 336 00:23:53,500 –> 00:23:55,500 What is sin? 337 00:23:55,839 –> 00:24:01,859 Well, God explains it in a way that Cain could easily understand. He knew what a wild animal is 338 00:24:03,599 –> 00:24:06,040 And God says to him in effect now Cain 339 00:24:06,040 –> 00:24:08,040 You know how it is that when you? 340 00:24:08,380 –> 00:24:13,819 Go to sleep at night you light a fire so that you keep wild animals at a distance from you 341 00:24:14,540 –> 00:24:18,680 Well, here’s what you need to know. There’s a principle, and it’s at work even within you 342 00:24:19,180 –> 00:24:20,420 it’s called sin 343 00:24:20,420 –> 00:24:27,819 And it’s like a wild animal and it’s out to destroy you and if you will not believe what God has revealed 344 00:24:27,819 –> 00:24:33,520 And if you will not trust what God has promised sin will overpower you 345 00:24:35,520 –> 00:24:38,640 But Cain that will not listen to God 346 00:24:39,260 –> 00:24:43,780 Think about this. God spoke to him with an audible voice from heaven 347 00:24:44,319 –> 00:24:45,280 and 348 00:24:45,280 –> 00:24:48,859 If you read in Genesis chapter 4 God speaks repeatedly to him 349 00:24:48,859 –> 00:24:54,680 I think his five times it’s there the Lord said to Cain the Lord said to Cain the Lord said to Cain and every time 350 00:24:54,680 –> 00:24:56,680 God speaks from heaven 351 00:24:57,199 –> 00:24:59,839 Cain answers back. He’s always got a rebuttal 352 00:25:00,500 –> 00:25:02,500 It’s always yes, but 353 00:25:02,760 –> 00:25:05,560 He always disagrees with what God says 354 00:25:07,839 –> 00:25:10,459 Now you will have met people like this 355 00:25:10,619 –> 00:25:12,619 They 356 00:25:13,099 –> 00:25:15,099 Love to talk about faith 357 00:25:16,280 –> 00:25:18,280 They’ll love to talk about God 358 00:25:19,900 –> 00:25:26,339 But as soon as you open the Bible in speak about something that God has actually said there’s an immediate push back oh 359 00:25:26,959 –> 00:25:31,260 Yes, but there’s an answer for everything. God has said they’re not listening 360 00:25:32,900 –> 00:25:38,239 But faith listens to what? God has said because it is formed and it is fed 361 00:25:39,239 –> 00:25:41,239 By the Word of God 362 00:25:42,060 –> 00:25:46,239 Are you listening to what God says in scripture, I mean just to take these verses 363 00:25:47,819 –> 00:25:51,560 Are you listening when God says sin crouches at the door 364 00:25:53,520 –> 00:25:54,880 Really 365 00:25:54,880 –> 00:25:56,280 You are 366 00:25:56,280 –> 00:26:03,800 Absolutely dependent on the power and presence of the Holy Spirit this week. If you were to resist the power of temptation 367 00:26:03,920 –> 00:26:07,959 That otherwise will come against you and always seeks to destroy you 368 00:26:09,239 –> 00:26:11,239 You hear that 369 00:26:12,079 –> 00:26:17,500 Do you hear what God says in scripture today as we’re looking at these verses that 370 00:26:18,540 –> 00:26:22,680 There is a sacrifice that has been offered once for all for you 371 00:26:22,680 –> 00:26:26,260 we’re going to see that around the Lord’s table in just a few moments time and 372 00:26:28,000 –> 00:26:31,520 The because of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ 373 00:26:31,520 –> 00:26:38,819 It is possible for all of your guilts to be erased all of your shame to be covered 374 00:26:40,859 –> 00:26:44,599 And by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ if you will look to him 375 00:26:45,560 –> 00:26:50,739 That you will be commended as righteous before God today, you hear that 376 00:26:52,339 –> 00:26:59,979 Not on the basis of what you have done, but on the basis of what Christ has done being applied to 377 00:27:00,420 –> 00:27:02,420 to you 378 00:27:03,640 –> 00:27:09,400 Well faith is formed and it is fed by the Word of God faith listens to God and 379 00:27:10,219 –> 00:27:16,680 Here’s how faith will be formed for you, and how it will grow for you over a lifetime as you 380 00:27:16,920 –> 00:27:22,859 Immerse yourself in Scripture as Scripture is drip-fed into your life day by day week by week 381 00:27:23,359 –> 00:27:25,939 Month by month year by year over a lifetime 382 00:27:27,380 –> 00:27:29,380 That’s how faith is formed 383 00:27:30,280 –> 00:27:33,140 and that is how faith will grow 384 00:27:34,520 –> 00:27:41,239 Faith listens to God what he said what he’s promised in the Scripture 385 00:27:43,079 –> 00:27:45,079 Second application and much more briefly 386 00:27:45,839 –> 00:27:48,520 Faith can never be silenced 387 00:27:49,359 –> 00:27:51,319 This is very wonderful 388 00:27:51,319 –> 00:27:53,760 Hebrews 11 and verse 4 through his faith 389 00:27:54,520 –> 00:27:58,319 Though he that is able died he still 390 00:27:59,140 –> 00:28:00,880 speaks 391 00:28:00,880 –> 00:28:04,920 Now what we learn from this remarkable story is of course that 392 00:28:06,359 –> 00:28:09,500 True faith that believes what God has revealed 393 00:28:10,199 –> 00:28:15,420 Trusts what God has promised will always provoke the world’s anger 394 00:28:16,119 –> 00:28:23,819 And what we have in the story of Cain and Abel is the world’s very first attempt to silence the voice of faith 395 00:28:25,900 –> 00:28:27,859 Here’s Cain and 396 00:28:27,900 –> 00:28:31,560 He’s brought an impressive gift as he sees it to God 397 00:28:32,660 –> 00:28:34,300 believes in God he’s come to worship 398 00:28:34,300 –> 00:28:37,380 He’s brought his gift surely God will be pleased with this man 399 00:28:37,380 –> 00:28:42,819 And we’re told that for Cain and for his offering the Lord had no regard 400 00:28:44,199 –> 00:28:47,280 I mean, it wasn’t that he didn’t bring enough fruit and vegetables 401 00:28:47,280 –> 00:28:54,219 I mean his offering didn’t even get God’s attention, and he’s angry how dare God disregard me 402 00:28:54,219 –> 00:28:56,219 And what I have done 403 00:28:58,219 –> 00:29:03,780 You know what we really feel towards. God is often revealed when he doesn’t give us what we want and 404 00:29:05,800 –> 00:29:09,619 Cain gets really angry with God and of course his anger 405 00:29:09,619 –> 00:29:14,260 That’s towards God spills over on his believing brother 406 00:29:15,699 –> 00:29:20,680 And I can picture very easily and perhaps you know this experience with someone that you love 407 00:29:21,099 –> 00:29:23,920 Who does not believe does not listen to God? 408 00:29:24,439 –> 00:29:24,439 409 00:29:25,599 –> 00:29:30,500 Able trying to win his brother Oh brother Cain, it breaks my heart to see you like this 410 00:29:30,520 –> 00:29:36,900 Well, will you not bring the sacrifice that God has revealed you too can be commended as righteous 411 00:29:37,900 –> 00:29:42,800 Who do you think you are to tell me what to bring? You think you’re the voice of God or something? 412 00:29:42,800 –> 00:29:45,060 No, no. No. I’m just telling you what God has said 413 00:29:46,599 –> 00:29:49,920 Well, you’re always trying to make out that you’re better than me. Aren’t you? No, no 414 00:29:50,000 –> 00:29:55,300 That’s not what it is Cain I just wish that you would listen to what God has said, but Cain won’t listen 415 00:29:57,400 –> 00:29:59,839 And overtime his anger increases 416 00:30:00,699 –> 00:30:03,040 and then Genesis chapter 4 in verse 8 417 00:30:03,040 –> 00:30:10,199 we’re told Cain spoke to Abel his brother and when they were in the field Cain rose up against his brother Abel and 418 00:30:10,780 –> 00:30:12,780 Killed him 419 00:30:12,939 –> 00:30:14,939 Now you see what’s happening here 420 00:30:16,199 –> 00:30:17,839 Cain is 421 00:30:17,839 –> 00:30:23,160 Determined to silence the voice of faith that irritates him 422 00:30:24,780 –> 00:30:26,780 Abel’s been bearing witness to him 423 00:30:27,380 –> 00:30:34,660 And Cain doesn’t want to hear it anymore and he comes up with the ultimate solution in terms of silencing the voice 424 00:30:36,079 –> 00:30:39,359 And of course that’s exactly the position that these first 425 00:30:39,819 –> 00:30:44,619 Hebrew believers were in. Here are Hebrew believers who are 426 00:30:45,579 –> 00:30:52,400 Worshiping Jesus and trusting him and the whole cultures coming down on them like a ton of bricks trying to 427 00:30:52,579 –> 00:30:56,619 Silence them and stuff them out. That’s why their property was being plundered 428 00:30:56,619 –> 00:30:58,260 That’s why some of them were in prison 429 00:30:58,260 –> 00:31:02,699 And here’s the message that must have been an encouragement to them as it is for us today 430 00:31:02,819 –> 00:31:08,500 We’re seeing from Hebrews in chapter 11 the voice of faith can never be silenced 431 00:31:08,500 –> 00:31:10,500 through 432 00:31:11,500 –> 00:31:15,400 His faith though Abel died he still 433 00:31:16,380 –> 00:31:18,380 speaks 434 00:31:18,619 –> 00:31:22,540 Think about this from the very first generation of children 435 00:31:22,540 –> 00:31:26,819 Born into the world the very first generation of born children in 436 00:31:27,520 –> 00:31:29,280 the history of the world 437 00:31:29,280 –> 00:31:31,439 this man who had a short life 438 00:31:32,660 –> 00:31:36,540 has taught every generation of human history the 439 00:31:37,060 –> 00:31:41,339 Fundamental principle, that’s at the heart of the Bible that we are 440 00:31:41,859 –> 00:31:46,839 Commended as righteous before God on the basis of a life that is laid down for us 441 00:31:47,219 –> 00:31:54,140 Luther says very beautifully he who when he was alive could not teach even his only brother 442 00:31:55,260 –> 00:31:59,000 Now that he is dead teaches the whole world 443 00:32:00,479 –> 00:32:02,479 Abel speaks across the centuries 444 00:32:03,959 –> 00:32:05,959 Bearing abiding witness 445 00:32:07,219 –> 00:32:13,400 To the faith that listens to what God has revealed and trust what God has promised and rests in the sacrifice 446 00:32:13,859 –> 00:32:15,660 That God himself 447 00:32:15,660 –> 00:32:17,560 is provided 448 00:32:17,560 –> 00:32:22,400 And then here’s the very last thing faith listens to God. It can never be silenced 449 00:32:23,199 –> 00:32:28,160 And lastly faith rests in Christ and in what he has accomplished 450 00:32:28,199 –> 00:32:30,160 Accomplished 451 00:32:30,160 –> 00:32:36,819 the story like every story in the Bible points us to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 452 00:32:37,680 –> 00:32:42,500 Here’s the question that’s right there in our verse. What does it take for? 453 00:32:43,099 –> 00:32:48,079 A person to be commended as righteous before a holy God 454 00:32:49,219 –> 00:32:55,119 They’re going to take for you to be right with God couldn’t be a more important question than that 455 00:32:55,400 –> 00:33:01,219 and the answer is a life must be laid down in sacrifice and 456 00:33:02,920 –> 00:33:04,619 Abel’s 457 00:33:04,619 –> 00:33:08,140 Offering of the carcass of the Lamb all those years ago 458 00:33:09,400 –> 00:33:11,400 points forwards to Jesus 459 00:33:11,959 –> 00:33:13,719 the Lamb of God 460 00:33:13,719 –> 00:33:16,619 Who takes away the sin of the world? 461 00:33:18,060 –> 00:33:21,859 Abel presented a firstborn lamb from the flock 462 00:33:22,579 –> 00:33:23,660 God 463 00:33:23,660 –> 00:33:29,780 gives his one and only son and presents him as the 464 00:33:30,020 –> 00:33:32,400 sacrifice for our sins and 465 00:33:33,380 –> 00:33:39,300 He was led like a lamb to the slaughter and our sins were laid on him 466 00:33:39,859 –> 00:33:43,800 and he really did die in our place and 467 00:33:45,020 –> 00:33:46,420 God 468 00:33:46,420 –> 00:33:47,900 demonstrated that 469 00:33:47,900 –> 00:33:49,400 Jesus is 470 00:33:49,400 –> 00:33:51,400 the acceptable sacrifice 471 00:33:52,640 –> 00:33:54,640 Not by sending fire from heaven 472 00:33:55,640 –> 00:34:01,180 But by raising him from the dead and today and every day therefore it stands true 473 00:34:01,900 –> 00:34:05,599 That through Jesus Christ and what he has accomplished 474 00:34:06,439 –> 00:34:08,439 all who believe 475 00:34:08,820 –> 00:34:11,379 Will be commended as righteous 476 00:34:12,360 –> 00:34:14,219 before almighty God 477 00:34:14,219 –> 00:34:16,219 Let’s pray together 478 00:34:17,080 –> 00:34:19,520 Father we thank you for the Lord Jesus Christ 479 00:34:20,520 –> 00:34:21,899 the 480 00:34:21,899 –> 00:34:23,899 acceptable sacrifice 481 00:34:24,820 –> 00:34:32,060 Thank you that because of him and what he accomplished on the cross you commend all who believe as wrighteous 482 00:34:33,899 –> 00:34:38,020 Save us from the self will that resists what you have revealed 483 00:34:39,899 –> 00:34:45,060 Help us to grow in the faith that listens to and is shaped by your word 484 00:34:47,199 –> 00:34:50,939 Grant that the voice of faith may never be silenced and 485 00:34:52,560 –> 00:34:58,780 Help us to find rest in your son and in all that he has accomplished for us 486 00:35:00,199 –> 00:35:02,800 For these things we ask in Jesus name 487 00:35:04,360 –> 00:35:06,360 Amen