warm-up

What is the sweetest thing you have done to honor your parents? How did they react?

Have you ever received a personalized, homemade, or handmade gift? Who gave it to you, and how did you respond?

If you could give any gift to anyone, what would it be and why?

word

³In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, ⁴and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, ⁵but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. Genesis 4:3–5

In this passage, we see Cain and his younger brother, Abel, giving their offering to God. They knew that they were giving an offering to the Almighty God who created everything, and that giving an offering meant honoring Him and thanking Him for His blessing. Since Cain worked the ground, he brought the fruit of the ground as an offering. On the other hand, Abel, a keeper of sheep, brought the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. We see from this passage that God was pleased with Abel’s offering, but displeased with Cain’s. Today, we will learn two things about giving to God and how we can apply them to our lives.

1
Our giving is an expression of worship to God.

³In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, ⁴and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions . . . Genesis 4:3,4

The offerings Cain and Abel brought were an outward expression of their true attitude toward God. While Cain brought the Lord simply an offering, or according to some translations, some of the fruits of the soil, Abel gave the first and best parts of what he had to the Lord. Cain brought whatever he could and gave it to God as an offering. In contrast, Abel did not give randomly; he offered the most important and the most valuable of his flock. In this way, he worshiped God as his source of provision. When we give our first and best to God, we humbly acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him, and He deserves all our worship. How do you give your first and best to God?

2
God looks at our hearts when we give.

⁴And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, ⁵but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. Genesis 4:4,5

God responded not to what was offered before Him, but to the hearts of those giving the offering. Hebrews 11:4 says that by faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain. He was in faith that the God who blessed the work of his hands would continue to be faithful to provide, even when he gave his first and his best. God had regard for Abel and his offering, and his faith pleased God. In the same way, God sees our hearts when we give in faith to Him, trusting that He will continue to be faithful to take care of us and bless us. According to Hebrews 11:6, why does faith please God? Do you think God would see faith in you when you give, like Abel? How have you expressed your faith in God through your giving?

application

Make a list of things the Lord has provided for you in this season or this year. Pray that you will always have an attitude of thanksgiving as you acknowledge His blessings and give in faith.

Take some time to reflect on why and how you give. Do you think you’re giving out of a sense of duty or devotion to God? How will you give in a way that honors God?

How can you strengthen the faith of others around you so that they will also trust God to provide for them? Think of one person, couple, or family you can encourage this week.

prayer

Thank God for His provision for you and your family. Pray that you will always have a grateful heart before God.

Ask God to show you your heart when it comes to giving and give you the grace to trust Him at all times. Pray that He will continue to change your heart so that your only motivation whenever you give is to honor and worship Him.

Ask God for provision for yourself, your family, and others. Pray that you will be a channel of His blessing to many.

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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)
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