UNSEEN: The Man That Gave

Summary: Any giving that is truly meaningful will be rooted and given in faith. 

Understanding God’s Word: Know and Understand the Truth

READ Genesis 4:1-7

• As we read in Scripture, what was the ultimate difference difference between the two kinds of offerings that Abel gave and Cain gave? (Type/quality of the giving, and the heart behind the giving) 
• Why is God more pleased with the gift that Abel gave more than the gift that Cain gave? 
• What can we learn from this passage about how God approaches those who fall short of what they should be doing? 

 Living and Applying God’s Word: Give a Vision of Life With God. 

READ Genesis 4:1-5

• Cain was a farmer and Abel was a shepherd. God gave them both giftings vocationally that they could use to honor Him. We too have different gifting vocationally (business-minded, artistic, leadership, teachers, etc.). How can we those gifts of where God has placed us vocationally to give to God? To his church?
• What might a Cain look like with your giftings vs. what might an Abel look like with your giftings?

READ Hebrews 11:4

• Giving in this way may be difficult for you, and it may shift the entire way you've viewed giving. However, the author of Hebrews says that Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice. It was far and away better than any other kind of giving. But it also says that this kind of giving was set apart because he had faith. How is this kind of giving in your life going to require faith? 

Assessing the Heart: Identify and Address Sin. 

• In what kind of ways are we like Cain in our giving?
• How are we giving God our leftovers instead of our best? 
• In what ways do you see Cain’s heart in yourself, rather than Abel's as you do give? 
• In what ways can we look like Cain when the Holy Spirit prompts us to be sacrificially giving? (vs. 5 = Cain was very angry, and his face fell) (Hint: angry, grumpy, entitled, selfish, bitter, resentful, etc.) 
• How is this kind of response harmful to your relationship with God, with others, and to yourself? 

Turn to God: Confess and Renew Belief in God

• From the story of Cain and Abel, what do you believe God’s is extending to you when you are confronted with all the ways you have fallen short in your giving? 
• Most of the time, the ways that we do give are not going to bring us all the glamor and honor that we desire. In many ways our giving is just a small part of the bigger picture. Abel had only a small role in the grand scheme of things, but the author of Hebrews included him as a great hero of faith. How might God use our small supporting role of giving in greater, eternal ways if we are obedient?