Read Hebrews 11:4 + Genesis 4:1-8 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
- According to Hebrews 11, what did Abel’s offering indicate about him?
- In Genesis, how are the two brothers’ gifts described?
- How did the Lord receive their gifts?
Reflect
The “faith hall of fame” in Hebrews is full of examples of people who put God first, including Abel. He and his brother, Cain, both brought gifts to God, but their gifts were very different. While Cain brought his “leftovers,” Abel brought the first and best from his flock. This required a huge amount of faith because Abel didn’t know how much more his flock would produce after offering his best. He trusted God’s ability to provide.
So often it’s easy for us to bring our leftover offerings to God – to make sure every other expense is covered and then give to Him. But God can’t be second. He is first of all, above all, and before all things. He’s first in the universe, whether we acknowledge Him as first or not.
Just like Cain and Abel’s example shows, God isn’t after your money. He’s after your heart. It takes faith to give your best, and God wants you to walk in faith. When you put Him first in your life, He puts everything else in order. He’s not looking for leftovers. He wants the best of what you have to offer. He wants your heart.
Respond
- Who or what receives the first and best of your time, talents, and treasure? What does that reveal about your priorities?
- In what ways do you tend to give God your leftovers? How is He challenging you to grow in this?
- Giving your first and best requires trust in God, to believe that He will provide. Do you have that kind of trust? Where do you see gaps between the kind of faith He calls you to and the way you’re living now?
As you process these questions, use page 59 of your Awaken Guidebook to jot down any key reflections or next steps. Be sure to bring your guidebook to your group! Page 60 is a great place to write down things that you want to process together.