Topic: Acceptable and Unacceptable Offerings and Worships By M. S. Stephens Text: Genesis 4:3–5 Introduction Worship and offerings are essential expressions of our relationship with God. From the beginning of time, humanity has been instructed to offer to God what is due Him. However, the Bible clearly shows that not all offerings or acts of worship are acceptable to God. There is a divine standard, and the believer must be conscious of what pleases the Lord. Many today believe that as long as they bring something, sing a song, or show up in church, God is obligated to accept them. But Scripture challenges this assumption. The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 is one of the earliest and most striking accounts of how God regards some offerings and worship as acceptable—and others as rejected. This truth continues throughout Scripture and is relevant for our lives today. Text: Genesis 4:3–5 (KJV) "And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell." Basics of the Message 1. God Desires Worship and Offerings: Worship is a response to who God is. Offerings are a tangible expression of our devotion. 2. God Has Standards: Acceptability is not based on human effort or creativity but on God's revealed will. 3. Motives Matter: The heart behind the offering is crucial. God looks at both the giver and the gift. 4. Obedience is Central: True worship flows from obedience to God's instructions. Biblical Concepts Associated with the Message 1. Acceptable Worship John 4:24 – “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” Worship must align with truth and come from a sincere heart. 2. Faith in Offering Hebrews 11:4 – “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain...” Faith is the difference-maker between mechanical offering and God-honouring sacrifice. 3. Obedience and Heart Posture 1 Samuel 15:22 – “...To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” 4. Reverence in Worship Ecclesiastes 5:1 – “Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God...” We are to come before God thoughtfully and respectfully. 5. Holiness and Purity Romans 12:1 – “...present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Challenges Surrounding Offerings and Worship Today 1. Performative Worship – People are more concerned with style than substance. 2. Giving for Show – Offerings are given to impress others rather than honour God (cf. Matthew 6:1–4). 3. Lack of Knowledge – Many are unaware of what God requires in worship. 4. Unrepented Hearts – Approaching God while living in known sin (cf. Isaiah 1:11–17). 5. Cultural Influence – Letting traditions or popular trends dictate how we worship rather than Scripture. Application Evaluate your worship: Are you worshipping God in spirit and in truth? Reflect on your offerings: Are they first fruits or leftovers? Check your motives: Do you give to be seen, or to honour God? Align your life with obedience: Offer your life as a living sacrifice. Cultivate holiness: Offerings from unclean hands are not acceptable. Implications and Lessons to Be Learnt 1. God will not accept every form of worship simply because it is offered. 2. Right worship and offering come through faith, obedience, and right motive. 3. Unacceptable worship brings spiritual consequences (Cain’s anger led to murder). 4. Acceptable worship brings divine favour (Abel’s offering was respected). 5. We must prepare ourselves before we come to worship—spiritually and morally. Call to Action Brethren, let us take a moment to reflect on our approach to worship and offerings. God is not impressed by the volume of our songs, the amount of money we give, or the frequency of our church attendance if our hearts are far from Him. Let us return to pure, obedient, and faith-driven worship. As Romans 12:1 admonishes, offer your whole life—your time, your body, your resources—as a living, holy, and acceptable sacrifice to God. This is our reasonable service. Conclusion In a world full of noise and rituals, God still seeks worshippers who will come to Him with clean hands and pure hearts. Offerings and worship are sacred and must be approached with reverence, sincerity, and faith. May we not be like Cain whose offering was rejected, but like Abel, whose faith pleased God. Let our worship and offerings ascend as a sweet-smelling savour before the Lord. Matching Baptist Hymn Baptist Hymnal 231 – “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” This hymn reflects deep sincerity and sacrificial love—a heart rightly postured in worship and offering. “Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.” Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, We thank You for the privilege to worship and to offer unto You. Teach us to come before You with sincere hearts, obedient lives, and faith-filled hands. Forgive us for the times we have brought offerings that were unacceptable in Your sight. Cleanse us, renew our hearts, and guide us into true worship. May our lives reflect the kind of worship and offerings that honour and please You. Help us to be more like Abel—walking by faith, and not like Cain—walking in the flesh. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen. Take Home Questions 1. What made Abel’s offering acceptable and Cain’s offering unacceptable? 2. Are my offerings to God motivated by faith and obedience? 3. How does my lifestyle affect the acceptability of my worship? 4. What role does repentance play in my approach to worship? 5. How can I grow in offering worship that is in spirit and in truth?