Discussion Guide
Last week, we began a series on sin, its consequences, and the necessity of a sacrifice. This week, we’ll explore the story of Cain and Abel—the first recorded sacrifice in Scripture. Through this story, we see how God values the heart behind our offerings, not just the act itself. Let’s unpack what this means for our own relationship with God.
What you will need:
A Bible or Bible app
A notebook
A pen
A highlighter
(Scripture references below are linked for easy access)
Jump Start
1. Share about a job, sport, or subject in school that you really did not enjoy. Did you still give it your best or were you just getting by? Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like you gave your absolute best effort, but someone else got the recognition instead? How did you handle that?
2. Read Genesis 4:3-5. What was the key difference between Cain and Abel’s sacrifices? What does this reveal about God’s expectations? Prayerfully discuss, if God is getting your best or does family, work, hobbies take priority over Him?
3. Read Hebrews 11:4, Jeremiah 17:10. What did Abel’s offering reveal about his faith in God? How can we check our motives in worship and giving? Does your heart and sacrifices show that you desire to trust, grow in faith, and honor God?
4. Read Genesis 4:6-7. How did God extend mercy to Cain and give him a chance to make things right? How is God offering you the same opportunity in this study? Discuss the warning about sin in verse 7 and how it still applies to us today.
Action Steps: Ask God to examine your heart and motives this week. Are you approaching Him like Cain—giving just enough to get by—or like Abel, offering your best in worship?
Use Romans 12:1 as a guide for your prayer this week:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Jesus is the ultimate Lamb, the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He deserves our best—not our leftovers.