Abel Speaks on Memorial Day
Hebrews 11:4
Introduction
A. The First Family Loses a Son in Battle (Gen. 4:1–8)
1. Man was not on earth long before war broke out
2. Abel was the first casualty in a righteous cause
3. Man’s sinful nature causes this tragedy over and over again
B. This Fallen Son Speaks to Us Today
1. Let us go to his grave and read his marker
2. What message does Abel have for us on Memorial Day weekend?
I. Abel Speaks to Us of the Sinfulness of Man
1. The fall in Genesis 3; violence in Genesis 4
2. Sin is the problem in society
a. Attempts to fix problems apart from this knowledge fail
b. We are all sinners (Rom. 3:10–23)
3. Jesus gave a look into the sinful heart of man (Matt. 15:18–19)
4. This is the reason for all war, oppression, greed
5. Christ came to pay for sins and change our hearts (2 Cor. 5:17)
II Abel Speaks to Us of the Shortness of Life
1. He was a young man when he died
2. How quickly life passes!
a. Seventy to eighty years still the norm (Ps. 90:10)
b. Good advice: “Teach us to number our days” (Ps. 90:12)
3. Jesus offers eternal life (John 3:16; 5:24)
4. Are you prepared for eternity?
III. Abel Speaks to Us of Salvation Through Faith
1. Though young, he was ready to meet God
2. He came to God with his sacrifice in faith (Heb. 11:4)
3. There is no other way of salvation (Eph. 2:8–9; Rom. 5:1)
IV. Abel Speaks to Us of the Span of a Righteous Life
1. He lived but a short time but still speaks
2. The length of the faith life cannot be limited by physical death
a. Consider the impact of the lives of the apostles
b. Heroes of the faith influence us long after death
c. Who do you know whose impact for Christ has remained?
3. What are you doing that will endure?
Conclusion
A. Has Abel Spoken to You Today by His Example?
B. How Will You Respond to His Message?
Preach for a Year
