Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. “By Faith” series of Messages for July / August

a. To learn about faith and the application of faith

b. To learn about the blessings that come with faith

2. Learning from Abel   (Hebrews 11:4)

a. His genuine faith was evidenced by works

b. The salvation and everlasting life that he received from God

A GENUINE FAITH THAT IS EVIDENCED BY WORKS

1. Understanding faith and works

a. By grace we are saved through faith   (Ephesians 2:8-9)

b. But faith without works is dead   (James 2:17, 20, 26)

c. Works of righteousness are the fruits and evidence of a genuine faith

2. Abel’s genuine faith expressed

a. By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain   (Hebrews 11:4a)

i. Abel brought the firstborn of his flock and of their fat
(Abel gave the best of what he had to God)   (Genesis 4:4a)

ii. Cain merely brought “some” of the fruit of the ground   (Genesis 4:3)

iii. God respected Abel and his offering because of his faith   (Genesis 4:4b)

b. Abel’s genuine faith was evidenced by his righteous works   (1 John 3:12)

GOD’S EVERLASTING REWARD FOR GENUINE FAITH

1. The God that we have

a. He is not unjust to forget our work and labor of love shown toward His name   (Hebrews 6:10a)

b. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him   (Hebrews 11:6b)

2. God’s reward for genuine faith

a. Salvation and everlasting life in God’s kingdom   (Matthew 7:21)

i. This is the greatest reward one can ever have

ii. Because this present life will one day be over

b. Abel sought and received God’s everlasting reward

i. Abel sought to please God above the physical things of life

ii. God testified of Abel’s genuine faith   (Hebrews 11:4b)
Abel obtained witness that he was made righteous before God

iii. Abel received salvation and will forever be in God’s kingdom

THE CHALLENGE TO HAVE A GENUINE FAITH

1. Abel continues to “speak” to us through his faith   (Hebrews 11:4c)

a. As an example

b. As an encouragement

2. Our challenge

a. To have a genuine faith that is evidenced by works

i. This is a faith that pleases God

ii. This is a faith that will be rewarded by God

b. To look forward to the everlasting life that God gives

i. To not focus on earthly and physical rewards which are temporal

ii. To focus on salvation and the everlasting life that we can have in God’s king