Hebrews 11:4 & Genesis 4:1-16

1. Read Hebrews 11:4 and Genesis 4:1–8. Both men brought sacrifices appropriate to their vocation. What made Abel’s offering acceptable to God but not Cain’s? What does this suggest about how God evaluates our actions and motivations?
2. Abel gave his best to the One he valued most. What opportunities do you have to give God your first and best? How are you tempted to withhold your best and keep back some for yourself?
3. Read Genesis 4:9–16. Who is an Abel in your life—a person who seems more favored than you, who has made progress in areas you haven’t—who exposes a Cain-like attitude in your heart? Briefly describe your relationship with that person and what it reveals about your heart toward them and toward God.
4. If the Holy Spirit is bringing to mind specific Abels in your life right now, receive this moment as God’s mercy to you. Hear God’s words to Cain: “Sin is crouching at your door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” What could it look like for you to rule over that sin and experience freedom in Christ in your relationships?
5. Read 1 John 3:11–24. Confess to God and one another where you have withheld your best from God, or where you have been jealous, hateful, or unloving toward someone in your life. Pray for a Spirit-empowered change of heart.