Messages For A New Year: 3.True Faith Is Putting God First - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker uses the story of Cain and Abel to teach that true faith is what pleases God, not religious ritual or the size of the offering. He emphasizes that Abel's offering was accepted because it was an offering of faith, which is demonstrated by giving God one's very best, rather than merely giving what is convenient or what others expect. True faith requires dedicating one's whole life and best efforts to God.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why is Cain the first human being cursed by God?Adam was not cursed when he sinned, but Cain was cursed by God, highlighting the extreme seriousness of legalism over other sins.
Did God accept Abel because of his offering or his heart?Contrary to popular teaching, God accepted Abel first and therefore accepted his offering, showing that God looks at the heart and faith rather than mere external ritual.
The two streams of humanity: giving an offering versus giving the bestBoth Cain and Abel brought religious offerings, but Abel gave the first and best of his flock, whereas Cain gave leftovers, demonstrating what true faith really means.
God's complaint against giving Him the dregsThrough the prophet Malachi, God rebukes His people for offering blind, lame, and sick animals—giving God what they could afford to do without rather than honoring Him with their best.
Where does true Christian living matter most?Unlike churches that emphasize a good Sunday meeting, true faith is proven by how believers live, work, and treat others on Monday through Saturday.
What was the real purpose of tithing?Old Testament tithing laws were designed not merely as a ritual, but to teach believers the overarching principle of putting God first in everything.Deuteronomy 14:23
Abraham's final test on the mountainGod tested Abraham decades later to see if his son Isaac had become an idol replacing God, proving that God must remain first above all earthly loves.
The sweeping blessings promised to those who put God firstGod covenants that those who turn from sin and put Him first will experience His Spirit and life flowing out through them and blessing their children.
The worldly lineage of CainCain's descendants focused on earthly inventions and self-glorification, warning modern believers against using music, talents, or ministry to worship themselves or chase money.
What motivates a person to give their best to God?Overwhelming gratitude for spiritual salvation—far greater than gratitude to a doctor who cures a fatal disease—is what compels a person to surrender everything to God.
How a vertical failure leads to horizontal jealousyWhen God is not first in a person's life, it breeds the spirit of Cain: anger and jealousy toward others, especially younger people whom God chooses to bless and anoint.
The spirit of Abel versus the spirit of CainUnlike Cain, those with the spirit of Abel—like the Apostle Peter recognizing Paul's grace—can genuinely rejoice in God's work in others because their vertical relationship with God is right.
