Character Study Of Abel Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF ABEL – RIGHTEOUS SON OF ADAM AND EVE, KILLED BY CAIN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:

"By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh." – Hebrews 11:4

Supporting Texts:

Genesis 4:1-10, Matthew 23:35, 1 John 3:12, Hebrews 12:24

INTRODUCTION:

Abel was the second son of Adam and Eve, and his life was short but impactful. He is known for his righteous heart and his faith in God, which led him to offer an acceptable sacrifice. His offering was received by God, while his brother Cain’s was rejected, leading to jealousy and ultimately, Abel’s murder.

Though Abel did not speak a single recorded word in the Bible, his life still speaks volumes today. He is an example of faith, righteousness, and acceptable worship. His story also highlights the consequences of envy and the reality of persecution for the righteous.

This study will explore the life of Abel, his devotion to God, his tragic death, and the valuable lessons believers can learn from his life and testimony.

1. ABEL WAS THE SECOND SON OF ADAM AND EVE

Abel was born into a world still fresh from creation, yet already tainted by sin.

a) He was a product of natural birth

Abel, like Cain, was born through the natural reproductive process (Genesis 4:2).

b) His birth signified hope for mankind

Though Adam and Eve had fallen, their children represented the continuation of God's plan for humanity (Genesis 3:15).

c) He grew up under the influence of his parents

Abel was raised with knowledge of God and His expectations (Genesis 3:21).

d) His name carried deep meaning

"Abel" means "breath" or "vanity," which may signify the fleeting nature of life (Genesis 4:2).

e) Biblical Example: Other Second Sons Who Became Righteous Leaders

Jacob, though the younger twin, became the chosen one over Esau (Genesis 25:23).

2. ABEL WAS A SHEPHERD

His occupation was a reflection of his heart and his devotion to God.

a) He chose a humble profession

Abel worked as a keeper of sheep, a role that required patience and care (Genesis 4:2).

b) He understood responsibility

As a shepherd, Abel was tasked with protecting and nurturing his flock (John 10:11).

c) He depended on God for provision

Unlike Cain, who toiled the cursed ground, Abel’s work was more directly connected to God’s natural provision (Genesis 4:2).

d) Shepherding symbolises spiritual leadership

Many biblical figures, including Moses and David, were shepherds before becoming great leaders (Exodus 3:1, 1 Samuel 16:11).

e) Biblical Example: Shepherds in the Bible Who Were Favoured by God

David, the shepherd boy, was chosen by God to be king (Psalm 78:70-72).

3. ABEL OFFERED AN ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE

His offering to God set him apart as a man of faith and obedience.

a) He brought the first and best of his flock

Abel offered the firstlings of his flock and their fat, showing honour to God (Genesis 4:4).

b) His sacrifice was an act of faith

His offering was not just about the substance but about the heart behind it (Hebrews 11:4).

c) His gift reflected true worship

Abel gave with sincerity and reverence, while Cain’s offering lacked true devotion (Genesis 4:3-4).

d) God accepted his sacrifice

The Lord had respect for Abel’s offering but rejected Cain’s (Genesis 4:4-5).

e) Biblical Example: Other Acceptable Offerings in Scripture

Solomon’s sacrificial offering was pleasing to God (2 Chronicles 7:5).

4. ABEL SUFFERED PERSECUTION FOR HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

His godly devotion provoked the jealousy of his brother.

a) Cain became envious of Abel

Instead of learning from Abel’s example, Cain became bitter (Genesis 4:5).

b) God warned Cain about sin

The Lord advised Cain to rule over his sinful desires, but he ignored the warning (Genesis 4:6-7).

c) Abel was innocent but suffered unjustly

He did nothing wrong, yet he became the victim of Cain’s anger (Genesis 4:8).

d) He was the first martyr in history

His death was the first recorded act of persecution for righteousness (Matthew 23:35).

e) Biblical Example: Other Righteous Men Who Faced Persecution

Stephen was also killed for his righteousness (Acts 7:54-60).

5. ABEL’S BLOOD CRIED OUT TO GOD

Even in death, his life continued to speak.

a) God confronted Cain about the murder

The Lord asked Cain about Abel’s whereabouts, but he denied responsibility (Genesis 4:9).

b) Abel’s blood cried for justice

God heard the voice of Abel’s blood from the ground (Genesis 4:10).

c) God pronounced judgment on Cain

Cain was cursed and became a wanderer for shedding innocent blood (Genesis 4:11-12).

d) Abel’s life became a testimony of righteousness

The Bible later described him as an example of faith and godliness (Hebrews 11:4).

e) Biblical Example: Other Martyrs Whose Blood Spoke for Justice