CAIN AND ABEL: ACCEPTABLE AND REJECTED SACRIFICE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 4:1-16
Key Verse: “And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect.” (Genesis 4:4–5)
Supporting Texts: Hebrews 11:4, Proverbs 21:27, 1 Samuel 15:22, Malachi 1:6-10, Romans 12:1
INTRODUCTION
Sacrifice is central to man’s relationship with God, but Scripture reveals that not every sacrifice is acceptable. Cain and Abel both brought offerings, yet only one was honoured by God. This account teaches that intention, attitude, and obedience matter more than the act itself.
Many believers today are active in giving, service, and worship, yet experience divine rejection or silence. The story of Cain and Abel exposes the danger of offering God what He did not ask for, or approaching Him with the wrong heart posture.
Understanding acceptable sacrifice protects believers from wasted effort and spiritual frustration. God still seeks offerings that flow from faith, obedience, and reverence.
1. GOD IS INTERESTED IN THE OFFERER BEFORE THE OFFERING
God evaluates the heart of the giver before the gift itself.
a) God respected Abel first, then his offering (Genesis 4:4)
Acceptance begins with the person, not the substance.
b) Faith qualifies sacrifice (Hebrews 11:4)
Abel’s offering was rooted in faith.
c) The heart determines value (Proverbs 23:26)
God desires the heart before the altar.
d) External acts cannot replace inner alignment (1 Samuel 16:7)
God looks beyond appearance.
Biblical Example:
Abel was accepted because his heart and faith aligned with God’s will.
2. NOT ALL SACRIFICES PLEASE GOD
Sincerity alone does not guarantee acceptance.
a) Cain brought what was convenient (Genesis 4:3)
He offered without regard for divine instruction.
b) God rejects disobedient sacrifices (1 Samuel 15:22)
Obedience outweighs ritual.
c) Wrong offerings provoke divine displeasure (Proverbs 21:27)
Sacrifice without righteousness is abomination.
d) God must be honoured, not managed (Malachi 1:8)
Careless offerings dishonour God.
Biblical Example:
Cain’s offering lacked obedience and reverence, leading to rejection.
3. REJECTION REVEALS WHAT IS IN THE HEART
How a man responds to correction reveals his spiritual condition.
a) Cain became angry instead of repentant (Genesis 4:5)
Pride resists correction.
b) God warned before judgment (Genesis 4:6-7)
Mercy preceded consequence.
c) Unchecked anger opens the door to sin (Ephesians 4:26-27)
Emotions can become entry points.
d) Refusal to repent escalates destruction (James 1:15)
Sin grows when ignored.
Biblical Example:
Cain ignored God’s warning and allowed sin to dominate him.
4. SIN ALWAYS ESCALATES WHEN UNDEALT WITH
Small disobedience leads to greater tragedy.
a) Sin crouches and waits for opportunity (Genesis 4:7)
Sin is strategic and persistent.
b) Jealousy leads to violence (Proverbs 14:30)
Envy corrodes the soul.
c) Murder began with rejected worship (Genesis 4:8)
Wrong worship can birth grave sin.
d) Sin attracts judgment and loss (Romans 6:23)
Consequences are inevitable.
Biblical Example:
Cain moved from rejected sacrifice to murder and exile.
5. GOD STILL MARKS AND RESTRAINS JUDGMENT
Even in judgment, God reveals mercy.
a) God confronted Cain after the sin (Genesis 4:9)
Accountability remains divine practice.
b) Judgment was measured, not immediate death (Genesis 4:15)
Mercy tempered justice.
c) God preserved life despite guilt (Lamentations 3:22)
Compassion remained active.
d) Divine marks can be warnings and protections (Psalm 103:8)
God restrains total destruction.
Biblical Example:
Cain was punished but preserved, revealing God’s justice and mercy.
CONCLUSION
The story of Cain and Abel teaches that God desires sacrifices offered in faith, obedience, and reverence. Activity without alignment leads to rejection, frustration, and loss.
Believers must examine not only what they give to God, but how and why they give. Acceptable sacrifice flows from a surrendered heart, guided by obedience and faith.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, purify my heart before You in Jesus name
2. Let my sacrifices be acceptable before You in Jesus name
3. Deliver me from offering You careless service in Jesus name
4. Remove pride and rebellion from my heart in Jesus name
5. Teach me obedience that pleases You in Jesus name
6. Let my worship flow from genuine faith in Jesus name
7. Every root of anger and jealousy be uprooted in Jesus name
8. Preserve me from sins that escalate into destruction in Jesus name
9. Restore alignment between my heart and Your will in Jesus name
10. I shall not labour in vain spiritually in Jesus name
