The Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is now studying the heroes of faith found in the Bible. In Hebrews 11, we find a remarkable chapter that introduces us to a cloud of witnesses, individuals who exemplified extraordinary faith. However our study will go beyond Hebrews 11 and include the lives of others that are examples of the blessings of having faith in God. We will also talk about other non-biblical examples of people that exhibited extraordinary faith, some of them are people we may know.
Throughout this Bible study, we will delve into the lives of these individuals, examining the specific trials they endured, the faith principles they embraced, and the lessons we can learn from their examples. Our goal is not merely to admire their accomplishments but to understand the underlying principles that fueled their faith and to apply those principles to our own lives.
As we explore the lives of these faith heroes, we will discover that faith is not merely a belief; it is a dynamic force that empowers us to overcome obstacles, persevere through difficulties, and live a life of purpose. We started with Abraham and this week we look at Able the second son of Adam and Eve. In addition to Able we will talk about George Muller who before his conversion was a gambler and thief. He was known for his unwavering faith and reliance on God, Muller became famous for establishing orphanages across Europe without relying on donations or endowments. He believed that God would provide for all his needs, and his life serves as a testament to the power of prayer and trust in divine providence.
Introduction
Abel, the second-born son of Adam and Eve, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative. His story, though brief, offers valuable insights into faith, sacrifice, and the nature of sin.
Scripture Readings
Hebrews 11:1-4 NIV [1] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. [2] This is what the ancients were commended for. [3] By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. [4] By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
Genesis 4:1-16 NIV [1] Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” [2] Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. [3] In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. [4] And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, [5] but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. [6] Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? [7] If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” [8] Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. [9] Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” [10] The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. [11] Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. [12] When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” [13] Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is more than I can bear. [14] Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” [15] But the Lord said to him, “Not so; anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him. [16] So Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
Faith in God's sacrifice: Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice to God than his brother Cain. This act of faith demonstrated his belief in God's promise of salvation through sacrifice.
The Righteousness of Abel:
The Bible describes Abel as "righteous" (Genesis 4:10). This suggests that he lived a life in accordance with God's will.
His righteousness was evident in his faith and sacrifice, which were pleasing to God.
The Bible doesn't explicitly state why Abel's sacrifice was acceptable and Cain's was not. However, several interpretations offer insights:
Heart's Intent: It's suggested that Abel offered his sacrifice with a genuine heart of faith and worship, while Cain's offering may have been motivated by pride or a superficial understanding of God's requirements.
Quality of Offering: Some believe that the quality of the offering itself might have been a factor. Abel offered the firstborn of his flock, a choice cut, while Cain offered the fruit of the ground. This could indicate a deeper understanding of God's expectations.
While the Bible doesn't specify the exact nature of their offerings, it's possible that Abel offered a firstborn animal (perhaps a lamb), which was considered a more valuable and complete sacrifice. Cain might have offered produce, which could have been seen as less significant.
Faith vs. Works: Another interpretation is that Abel's sacrifice was accepted because it was offered in faith, while Cain's was merely a religious act without true belief.
Ultimately, the rejection of Cain's sacrifice is a mystery that reveals the depth of God's judgment and the importance of a pure heart. It serves as a warning against the dangers of sin and the necessity of true faith.
God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, the acceptance or rejection of a sacrifice is a matter of God's sovereignty. He knows the hearts of people and judges accordingly.
While these interpretations offer possible explanations, the true reason for the difference in God's acceptance of their sacrifices remains a mystery. The story serves as a reminder that God looks beyond outward appearances and judges the heart.
While we can't know for certain the thoughts and intentions of Abel and Cain, the biblical narrative suggests that their sacrifices were motivated by different underlying attitudes. Abel's faith led to God's acceptance, while Cain's lack of faith (or perhaps a distorted faith) led to God's rejection.
In essence, Abel's inclusion in Hebrews 11 highlights the enduring power of faith and its ability to transcend time and circumstances.
Key Themes
Faith and Sacrifice:
Abel's offering was accepted by God, while Cain's was not. This suggests that Abel's faith was genuine and pleasing to God.
The nature of their offerings is significant. Abel offered "the firstborn of his flock, and of their fat," while Cain offered "of the fruit of the ground." This could symbolize the difference between a life dedicated to God and one focused on material pursuits.
Sin and Jealousy:
Cain's jealousy of Abel led to his sin. This demonstrates the destructive power of envy and the importance of controlling our emotions.
The murder of Abel marks the first instance of human sin and violence. It highlights the tragic consequences of disobedience to God.
Discussion Questions
What do you think was the reason for God's acceptance of Abel's offering and rejection of Cain's?
How can we cultivate a faith like Abel's that is pleasing to God?
Practical Steps:
Study the Word of God: Regular Bible study is essential for cultivating a faith like Abel's. The Bible provides guidance and instruction on how to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Prayer and Communion: A strong prayer life is vital for developing a deep relationship with God. Spending time in prayer allows us to express our needs, seek guidance, and deepen our trust in Him.
Obedience to God's Commands: Cultivating a faith like Abel's requires obedience to God's commands. We must strive to live according to His will in all areas of our lives.
Service to Others: Serving others is a powerful way to express our love for God and our commitment to His kingdom. By serving others, we demonstrate our faith in action.
Trust in God's Sovereignty: Like Abel, we must trust in God's sovereignty and believe that His plans for our lives are always best. Even in difficult times, we must trust that God is working for our good.
Cultivating a faith like Abel's requires a conscious effort and a commitment to God's will. By following the principles outlined above, we can develop a deep and abiding
Faith's enduring impact: Even though Abel died, his faith continues to speak to us, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in God.
On the other hand
Cain's story serves as a powerful warning about the dangers of jealousy and envy. These destructive emotions can lead to blindness, self-righteousness, anger, and ultimately, sin. It is essential to recognize the destructive power of these emotions and to seek God's help in overcoming them.
Recognize the Power of Sin: The first step in overcoming these destructive emotions is to recognize their sinful nature. Jealousy and envy are rooted in pride and self-righteousness, which are incompatible with a true relationship with God.
Seek God's Forgiveness: If we find ourselves struggling with jealousy or envy, we must seek God's forgiveness. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, we can receive forgiveness and be cleansed from our sins.
The Devastating Power of Sin: Cain's sin had far-reaching consequences. His murder of Abel not only ended his brother's life but also had a profound impact on his own life and the lives of future generations.
Genesis 4:10-24 NIV [10] The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. [11] Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. [12] When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” [13] Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is more than I can bear. [14] Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” [15] But the Lord said to him, “Not so; anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him. [16] So Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. [17] Cain made love to his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a city, and he named it after his son Enoch. [18] To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methushael, and Methushael was the father of Lamech. [19] Lamech married two women, one named Adah and the other Zillah. [20] Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock. [21] His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play stringed instruments and pipes. [22] Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron. Tubal-Cain’s sister was Naamah. [23] Lamech said to his wives, “Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words. I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me. [24] If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.”
This demonstrates the destructive power of sin and the importance of avoiding it.
The Loss of Relationship: Cain's sin led to a breakdown in his relationship with God and with his brother. This highlights the importance of maintaining healthy relationships and the destructive consequences of sin on our connections with others.
The Need for God's Grace: Cain's story emphasizes the need for God's grace. Despite his sin, God offered Cain the opportunity for redemption.
Genesis 4:6-7 NIV [6] Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? [7] If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
This demonstrates that even in the face of our sins, God's grace is available to us.
Application
Cultivate a Genuine Faith: Strive to develop a deep and abiding faith in God, similar to Abel's. This involves seeking God's will, obeying His commandments, and offering your life as a sacrifice to Him.
Guard Against Jealousy: Be mindful of your emotions and work to overcome feelings of jealousy and envy. These destructive emotions can lead to harmful actions and relationships.
Live a Righteous Life: Seek to live a life that is pleasing to God. This involves following His moral principles and striving for holiness.
Abel's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, sacrifice, and righteousness. By studying his life and following his example, we can deepen our relationship with God and live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Abel is considered a hero of faith in the biblical tradition for several reasons:
1. Faithful obedience: Abel's sacrifice in Genesis 4:4 shows his faithfulness to God's commands, demonstrating his trust in God's promise.
2. Worship and reverence: Abel's offering of "the firstlings of his flock" (Genesis 4:4) demonstrates his reverence and worship of God.
3. Contrast to Cain: Abel's faithfulness contrasts with Cain's disobedience, highlighting Abel's commitment to God.
4. Martyrdom: Abel's murder by Cain (Genesis 4:8) makes him a martyr for his faith, demonstrating his willingness to stand for righteousness.
5. Heavenly recognition: Hebrews 11:4 and Matthew 23:35 mention Abel as a righteous and faithful individual, recognized by God.
Abel's story inspires believers to:
1. Trust God's promises
2. Worship sincerely
3. Stand for righteousness
4. Remain faithful despite adversity
Abel's legacy as a hero of faith encourages believers to persevere in their walk with God.
Abel is considered a hero of faith primarily because of his sacrifice and his trust in God.
Although Abel's life is relatively brief in the biblical narrative, his story serves as a powerful example of faith and obedience to God. His sacrifice and martyrdom have inspired Christians throughout history.
There is something in life that is more important than ability and talent: faith. I know a lot of very talented people who are sitting on the sidelines while people who have faith are scoring the goals. Faith is believing God will work through you and telling him you want him to use you.
George Muller hero of faith
George Muller was originally a thief. Through his conversion, God made Muller a man of great faith and prayer. It just goes to show that God can use anyone for His glory to be made known, even a thief.
Early Life
Muller was born in Prussia (modern day Germany) in 1805. His father was a tax collector and George would often steal from his father. Not only was young Muller a thief, he was also a gambler and a drunkard. According to Müllers in 1819, 14-year-old Muller on the night his mother died “was out with his friends playing cards at a tavern, and spent much of the next day drinking, unaware of his mother’s death.” Muller’s parents did not know the Lord either, so they had no way to train him in the ways of a Christian son.
A Life Changing Bible Study
One day, Beta (one of Muller’s friends) invited him to a Bible study that met on Saturday nights. Muller had never experienced anything like it. The students prayed on their knees, sang songs and listened to a message written by a minister. Muller said to Beta on the way home, “all we have seen on our journey to Switzerland, and all our former pleasures, are as nothing in comparison with this evening.”That very week, Muller got on his knees and committed his life to Christ. Missionary
After his choice to follow Christ, young Muller decided to become a missionary, but his father disapproved. Young Muller decided to not take any of his father’s money for tuition. Muller prayed for his tuition to be provided for. One day, some American professors came in to ask if he would be their translator. When Muller found out it would pay more than the normal going rate for translators, he agreed. Thus, his first prayer request for tuition was answered. With Faith in the Lord he started his work for the Orphans, his implicit surrender to God's word led him to certain views and conduct in regard to money, which mightily influenced his future life. They had their root in the conviction that money was a Divine stewardship, and that all money had therefore to be received and dispensed in direct fellowship with God Himself. This led him to the adoption of the following four great rules:
1. Not to receive any fixed salary, both because in the collecting of it there was often much that was at variance with the freewill offering with which God's service is to be maintained, and in the receiving of it a danger of placing more dependence on human sources of income than in the living God Himself.
2. Never to ask any human being for help, however great the need might be, but to make his wants known to the God who has promised to care for His servants and to hear their prayer.
3. To take this command (Luke 12:33) literally, 'Sell that ye have and give alms,' and never to save up money, but to spend all God entrusted to him on God's poor, on the work of His kingdom.
4. Also to take Rom. 13:8, 'Owe no man anything,' literally, and never to buy on credit, or be in debt for anything, but to trust God to provide. Missionary in Bristol
After college, Muller went to train with the London Missionary Society to become a missionary to the Jews. He became ill during his training and had to move to another part of the country for a time in order to get better. While he was away, he became convinced that the imminent return of Christ was soon. After getting better, Muller returned to London, where he quit his training. He wanted to start his missionary work right away. He started preaching in Bristol. While there, Muller could not help but notice the orphans out on the street. He had to do something, but what could he do? Muller came up with the idea of starting an orphanage. Many in his congregation mocked him, telling him it was not what they did in England. Muller wanted to prove them wrong and to show them with God, he could start an orphanage. As he prayed for funds and workers to be provided for, people started donating to the orphanage and offering to help in the orphanage in various ways. Muller along with his wife and his church prayer support, started his work for the Orphans, they began by renting a town home on Wilson Street and as was his practice George prayed for every specific need and God bountifully provided....money for the rent, clothing, furniture, plates, knives, forks, spoons, bedding, food, coal for the furnace...God even sent gifted Christian workers to care for the children. George had already learned that no need is too small or too large to bring to God. As proof of this prayer principle, he kept a careful diary every day of his life where he recorded the specific prayer request in one column and then how God answered that prayer in another. In all his life as a missionary George accounted for every cent in his meticulous records. By the time of his death the institute disbursed over $2.7 million dollars and distributed over 1.7 million Bibles. By the way, the Institute is still functioning in the same “rely on God” way to this very day. A Man of Prayer
In 1836, Muller opened his first orphanage on Wilson Street. At first there were no children and then he realized he and his wife had not prayed for children. Immediately they kneeled and prayed that month they had more than 40 orphans.
Miracle No.1 Prayed for orphans to come
As they started praying, children came pouring in. Muller had to build multiple orphanages, because of the demand. Eventually, there were too many children on Wilson Street. The neighbors started complaining about the children. Muller knew it was time to start looking for a new place. As usual, he prayed for a future home for the orphanages. The orphanages eventually moved to Ashley Down, where there was more room for the children and for the orphanages to grow.
Muller testifies that during his lifetime 50,000 prayers like this were answered by God and this helped him to see that prayer is absolutely essential for every Christ-follower. “Four hours of work after an hour of prayer will accomplish more than five hours of work without prayer.” The Scriptures are the only way He seeks for provision in prayer
Matthew 7:7 – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
John 14:13 – And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.14 – You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.
Matthew 6:25 – “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.26 – Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? MIRACLES OF THE EFFECTIVE AND FERVENT PRAYERS
Miracle #1 : Muller opened the first orphanage on Wilson Street. At first there were no children and then he realized he and his wife had not prayed for children. Immediately they kneeled and prayed that month they had more than 40 orphans. They grew to hundreds and thousands in the years to come.
Miracle #2 : One morning George Muller went into the dining room where 300 children stood in neat rows behind chairs. Set on the table in front of each child was a plate, a mug, a knife, fork, and spoon. But there was no food whatsoever to be seen. Then Abigail in the staff asked him, “Where is the food?” and Muller replied, “God will supply.” Then he turned to the children and said, “There’s not much time. I don’t want any of you to be late for school so let’s pray.” As the kids bowed their heads Muller prayed,
“Dear God, we thank You for what You are going to give us to eat. Amen.”
He asked the kids to be seated and no sooner had they done so than there was a knock on the door. Muller opened it and there was a baker standing there who said, “Mr. Muller, I couldn’t sleep last night. I kept thinking that somehow you would need bread this morning and that I was supposed to get up and bake it for you. So I got up at two o’clock and made three batches for you. I hope you can use it.” As the kids enjoyed the fresh baked bread there was a second knock at the door. This time it was the milkman who said, “I’m in need of a little help. The wheel on my cart has broken right outside your establishment. I will have to lighten my load before I can fix it. There are ten full cans of milk on it. Could you use them? It’s free of charge of course. I’ll never fix the cart with all that weight on it.’ There was enough milk for every child in the home and enough left over for their afternoon tea. From then on it is said that little Abigail Wright always finished her prayer requests by saying, “...like you do for George Muller, Amen.”
Miracle #3 Once a boiler in one of the orphanages broke and it was the height of winter. Muller prayed for more temperate weather until the boiler could be fixed and in response the wind changed. Instead of a cold north wind, God sent a warm southerly breeze until the boiler was repaired.
In 1875 Muller saw that his staff could handle the orphanages and he felt led to accept the many invitations to preach that he had received. For the next 17 years he traveled across the globe covering over 200,000 miles. God finally used him as a “foreign missionary,” sending him to preach in 42 nations to a total of 3 million people. Remember, this is way before airplanes and every penny of the cost of these trips was provided as a result of prayer—but that’s not all God provided.
Miracle #4
In 1877 While crossing the Atlantic ocean,his ship ran into thick fog.He explained to the captain that he needed to be in the city of Quebec for Gospel meetings by the following afternoon but Captain Joseph E. Dutton said that due to the weather condition he said to Muller that he may have to delay his meetings. Muller asked to use the chart room to pray for the lifting of the fog. The captain followed him down, claiming it would be a waste of time. After Muller prayed, they went on the bridge to find that the fog had suddenly lifted. The captain became a Christ-follower shortly afterwards. From then on he was called, “Holy Joe the Captain.”
Now how could Muller pray so powerfully—so effectively?
(1) First, Muller learned to PRAY right.
He got to know God by talking to Him as if He were in the room all the time—which of course He is...and also by reading His book over and over again...and through that intimate, personal relationship he learned to ask for things He knew were in accordance with God’s will. He read texts like 1st John 5:14 where it says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”
So, for example, Muller knew that as Psalm 68:5 says, God promises to be, “A father to the fatherless,” which told him God would answer his prayers and take care of those children...that He would, “...supply all their needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) Muller knew that as the Psalmist says, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25) He learned the secret of coming to God asking for the RIGHT things and he practiced this for 73 years and never once found the throne vacant or the supplies exhausted.
(2) He also prayed in the right NAME.
You see, Muller’s powerful prayer life began the day he came into a personal relationship with Jesus. This same relationship is the channel for our own powerful, effective prayer. You see, our sin separates us from God but through faith in Jesus’ atoning death we can come to Him. Let me put it this way...because of our sin we are all in essence orphans—but when we put our faith in Jesus, God adopts us as His children. This is why Jesus said we should call God, “Abba” or “Daddy.”
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