Untitled Sermon

Introduction

Explain “influence”

the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.

Fact vs. Truth

Perception is unfortunately our reality (Fact)

Truth is actual reality

Fact - internal and fluid

Truth - external and fixed

Genesis 4:1-16“1 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” 2 And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” 8 Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. 11 And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” 13 Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” 15 Then the Lord said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. 16 Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.”

Everyone is Involved

Cain and Abel were both expected to give sacrifice.

Cain and Abel were both given opportunity.

Obedience is Directed to God

Picture illustration

Cain and Abel were brothers which clearly means they had a relationship.

Abel had nothing to do with Cain’s sacrifice and Cain had nothing to do with Abel’s sacrifice.

Cain was mad at God yet took out his anger on Abel as if he had done something to him.

Just like Eve, Cain had taken his focus off of God and the sacrifice God deserved and focused on what benefitted him.

Cain took HIS MATTERS into his own hands. The problem is they weren’t the matter!

Our Relationship with God Influences Those Around Us

Cain is mad because he decided Abel was the problem.

“Maybe God wouldn’t think mine was so bad without Abel?”

“Maybe I’ll feel better if I kill Abel?”

We don’t know the exact reasonings Cain had for killing his brother but we know that it revolved around Abel’s obedience.

Application

How de we respond when others are more obedient than us?

How are others responding to our obedience?