Genesis 4

Genesis 4:1-16

The grace of God proves He will not give up on you. 

I have been mentored from afar by another pastor that I always thought had a similar background and personality as me. 

To start with, he has been more known for his exploits than his righteousness! But he was someone you really got a sense had spent time with Jesus, like he smelled like Jesus. Still, his ministry wasn’t perfect. 

He had his start in a closed country where preaching Jesus was illegal, and when given the opportunity for bold proclamation of Christ, he denied his faith. Rather than ruin him, it was a sort of defining moment. He had failed but still the call to on his life to shepherd was undeniable. So he gave his life to it. 

He would have grand visions, see thousands come to faith in the wake of his preaching, and miracles were a regular occurrence. Evenso, he would be caught in sin, rejecting ethnic believers, being corrected would be a dark mark on his legacy, proving he was human, prone to sin and the influence of power and popularity. 

He finished well though. By the end of his ministry he truly learned maturity, taught it, and such fervent love for Jesus and honoring his name that when it came time for his death, he demanded to be crucified upside down, as he did not count himself worthy to share in his Savior’s mode of execution. 

This is the Apostle Peter. 

He was rough. Quick to speak and act. But he was familiar with grace. Given what he could never deserve. Restored by Jesus, confronted by Paul, used for the birth and flourishing of the church. 

There was plenty of opportunity to cast him out but he was kept. It is the way of Jesus. 

Grace keeps you. God doesn’t give up on you. 

And in the account of the first murder in the human story there is recurring grace that shows us God’s character, his relentless pursuit of us, and points to the solution to sin. 

The grace of God proves He will not give up on you. 

Coming from Genesis chapter 3, Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden for disobedience, having eaten from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Tempted by the serpent to deny God, doing just that and unleashing curse upon humanity and all of creation. 

Sin has been our reality since. Inherited and willful rejection of God’s way. Death enters the story, toil, pain, tension. But in the midst of the curse there was the protoevangelium! The promise of a serpent crusher. A deliverer. 

Our chapter then opens with the bright hope of offspring as Adam and Eve, mother of all living, have a son “with the help of the Lord.” Then a second. 

Cain and Abel. 

Abel a keeper of sheep and Cain, like his father, a worker of the ground. 

The mood however shifts pretty  quickly.

“In the course of time…” Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 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, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 

As the story goes on there are three acts of grace that show God’s character, his heart toward us, give us clues how we might live and have hope. 

Grace of his word of warning; grace of wandering, and the grace of worship and what’s to come. 

Grace of His Word of Warning

Very quickly in the story of humanity we have a way of relating with God through offering, through sacrifice. We don’t have record of it’s implementation or direction for it (Israel will certainly receive new guideline generations later in the wilderness journey). It could have formed following God’s own shedding of blood to cover Adam and Eve with skins in the garden. There is something of honoring God for his gifts of life, his glory. 

The text doesn’t tell us why Abel’s offering was liked by God and Cain’s was not. We can get some clue by how the offerings are described however. The difference is not in one being meat and the other fruit. Sorry this is not a proof text against the vegans. 

Cain’s is the fruit of the ground, other translations say “some” fruit. General produce of his farm. Abel’s offering on the other hand was the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. This is the choice meat, the best there is. There is something of their hearts toward God being revealed here. 

Abel honors God with the best. Cain seems to be acting out of duty, as if it is an afterthought. One was of faith, the other routine. 

Hebrews 11:4 “By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.” (ESV)

And it’s not that God despised Cain’s offering, he doesn’t smite him, he longs for the heart, for Cain to have faith in him, to believe the produce comes from him, to have hope in the promise of the offspring to come. Cain likely assumes God is only interested in the portion of fruit. 

We can do the same thing, assume it is religious performance that is counted as righteousness. Sunday attendance. Keeping up appearances. Giving and serving so others will see it… 

This is a regular problem in the unfolding redemptive story of Scripture. One that the prophets of God will continually bring before the people. 

Hosea 6:6 “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” (ESV)

Micah 6:6–8 “With what shall I come before the LORD,

and bow myself before God on high?

Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,

with calves a year old?

[7] Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,

with ten thousands of rivers of oil?

Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,

the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”

[8] He has told you, O man, what is good;

and what does the LORD require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God?” (ESV)

Even David, a man after God’s own heart, caught in grievous sin, confronted and brought to repentance, sings back that it is not the religious routine that is wanted. 

Psalm 51:16–17 “For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;

you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.

[17] The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (ESV)

What we know of Abel is his faith fuels his offering of his best. And God receives it gladly. Walking humbly with God and as even the NT writers claim, it is righteousness. 

“Cain’s was not an offering from faith. He presumed to define what his sacrifice would be. He was the captain of his own heart. God would have to take him and his offering as it was. But Cain was singularly unjust, unmerciful, and unhumble!” Hughes

And he sulks about it. Walking around like a victim when it is his own actions that have him in this state. Everyone notices, especially God. 

Who comes with a word that is a grace to Cain. 

Genesis 4:6–7 “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.” (ESV)

God warns Cain to learn. ‘Next time, make a different offering. Move on, learn, do something differently.’ That would be doing well. 

The warning however is in not letting the anger fester because sin will take the opportunity like a beast at the door. Its desire is against your best interest, but you must rule over it. 

Don’t let it build. 

This really is not about what Abel has done. It is about Cain’s actions and heart. And God graciously warns him of evil ahead. Cain is not owed the warning. He does not deserve the interaction. Yet God pursues him in it. 

Cain is not left to figure it out, even outside of the garden God still speaks, he hasn’t given up on humanity. The warning is life or death. Like the serpent sin will strike if it is not resisted. 

“The sin at the door was Cain’s own sin (the beast was within him), and its interior growth cycle would do him in. “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:14, 15). The consequences of Cain’s action would be more far-reaching than the initial sin itself.”

Just from a moral perspective we see the value in this warning. Jealousy destroys. All manner of sin awaits the opportunity to pounce. 

Ephesians 4:25–27 “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. [26] Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, [27] and give no opportunity to the devil.” (ESV)

1 Peter 5:6–9 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, [7] casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. [8] Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. [9] Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” (ESV)

These words to us are as the warning to Cain, a grace of God. 

It’s not just here though. His word to His people will be their guide, their reminder, their basis for hope. 

Psalm 19:7–11 “The law of the LORD is perfect,

reviving the soul;

the testimony of the LORD is sure,

making wise the simple;

[8] the precepts of the LORD are right,

rejoicing the heart;

the commandment of the LORD is pure,

enlightening the eyes;

[9] the fear of the LORD is clean,

enduring forever;

the rules of the LORD are true,

and righteous altogether.

[10] More to be desired are they than gold,

even much fine gold;

sweeter also than honey

and drippings of the honeycomb.

[11] Moreover, by them is your servant warned;

in keeping them there is great reward.” (ESV)

Grace leading somewhere if we take head. It we listen and follow the warning, follow the word. 

Cain however does not. 

When we are mad at ourselves, or God, we often project that on others. 

Cain speaks to Abel and kills him revealing something of the essential nature of all mankind by presenting an unforgettable picture of elementary, primal power. 

Unchecked sin leads to devastating consequences. 

It is a story of depravity and grace.

Grace of Wandering

The Lord again comes to Cain, and Cain having learned nothing, clearly murder didn’t satisfy his anger, gets snarky with God. God asks where Abel is to which the murderer responds, “I do not know, am I my brother’s keeper?”

Abel’s blood is crying out. Maybe Cain thought burying his brother’s body would absolve him from his sin. Out of sight out of mind. 

Von Rad writes, “According to the Old Testament view, blood and life belong to God alone; wherever a man commits murder he attacks God’s very own right of possession. To destroy life goes far beyond man’s proper sphere. Spilled blood cannot be shoveled underground; it cries aloud to heaven and complains directly to the Lord of life.”

And curse comes for this sin as well. The ground will no longer yield its strength. Cain will be a fugitive and wanderer on the earth. Even the land where he settles, Nod, means “wandering.” 

But there is grace here too. 

Cain laments, the first in Scripture, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.” He is scared for his life. “Whoever finds me will kill me.” There is lots of argument about where these other people are coming from given he is the first son, and he just killed the second. But maybe he is even scared of Adam. 

If I am honest I want God to let him be hunted down. One, he is snarky, he is a punk to God. Two, he is a murderer, committing fratricide, who was angry because of his own actions.  

Just let him go, give up on him! Let him die. 

But then I start to recognize myself in Cain… my own stupidity. My own whininess, anger, lack of control. And my own projecting all of it on God. 

What's more I recognize how prone I am to murder. 

Matthew 5:21–24 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ [22] But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. [23] So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, [24] leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (ESV)

According to Jesus we are likewise exposed by our own hatreds because they are spiritual homicides ultimately directed at God — however private they may seem.

But he doesn’t let him die. God responds with grace. 

“No one will kill you.” He marks Cain so no one would attack him. The Lord does not abandon the guilty. 

Cain's fear of retribution is in stark contrast with God's protection and marks of mercy, so even in sin, God’s grace is present. 

That he walks away with his breath, and the ability to hunt and gather, to have a family, this is a specific grace to Cain that hints at God’s common grace to all of us. 

Giving us an invitation to see his unwavering grace and extend forgiveness to others, while we seek His forgiveness and protection in our lives.

Matthew 5:43–45 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (ESV)

More than just giving us rain and the sun for growth of our crops, this grace, this loving kindness draws us back to God, to repentance, to relationship with him. 

Ezekiel 18:4 “Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.” (ESV)

Ezekiel 18:23 “Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord GOD, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?” (ESV)

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (ESV)

1 Timothy 2:1–4 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, [2] for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. [3] This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, [4] who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (ESV)

While God doesn’t give up, Cain seemingly rejects this grace and he never repents, never returns. His family only gets worse. 

The way of Cain is abandoning ourselves for the sake of sinful gain. Real life though is found where the grace of God leads. 

Grace of Worship and What’s to Come

Genesis 4:25–26 “And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.” [26] To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD.” (ESV)

Eve’s remark, God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, is clearly an allusion back to the offspring of the woman in 3:15. 

A new generation began to call upon the name of the Lord in worship, in need, in longing for relationship and the line begins again from which the seed will come, the redeemer. 

From Seth, to Enosh, to Kenan, to Mahalalel, to Jared, to Enoch, to Methuselah, to Lamech, to Noah, to Shem, and to the Semites from which Israel and Judah would comes, from which Jesus, the God-man would be born. He would live in perfect obedience ruling over every desire and submitting to the Father’s way. He would make the sufficient offering for all of us to atone for our sin, to free us from the slavery to it. 

On this side of the cross, the Scriptures tell us that in coming to Christ, we come “to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel ” (Hebrews 12:24, italics added). Abel’s blood rightly calls for vengeance. But Jesus’ shed blood shouts forgiveness to all who come to him.

Hebrews 12:25 “See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.” (ESV)

Warnings turned into a welcome. 

Wanderers given a way home. 

In him we know nothing but grace. 

John 1:16 “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (ESV)

John 6:37 “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” (ESV)

John 6:40 “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (ESV)

All of it proof that in Christ God will not give up on you. 

In him we can give our whole self as an offering to the Lord. We can endeavor to not sin in our anger. Recognize the crouching beast of sin and by the Spirit’s power rule over it. 

And when you fall, the blood of Christ speaks a better word over you. Forgiven. Repent and be free. 

“Not what these hands have done

Can save this guilty soul;

Not what this toiling flesh has borne,

Can make my spirit whole.

Thy grace alone, O God,

To me can pardon speak;

Thy power alone, O Son of God,

Can this sore bondage break.”

HORATIUS BONAR, “NOT WHAT THESE HANDS HAVE DONE,” 1861

The grace of God proves He will not give up on you. 

Receive His grace - See it in his word, in your wandering, in Christ’s welcome. Come to him, find forgiveness, new life, peace, and new purpose. Look upon the Son and believe. 

Stay in it - You do well because Jesus has been accepted for you. Nothing can change that. Your status is secure. Get back up a thousand times and a thousand more, follow Christ’s word and live for his glory. It is for your good. 

Extend this grace to the wanderers - What hope we have for those we know that seem so far off, that God gave grace to Cain. That the hope of Christ remains as long as they have breath. Persist in prayer. Continue in the relationship. Show them the goodness of God. Forgive. Reconcile. Reflect Christ. 

Some of us began as Abels, with full-hearted offerings, faith that was counted as righteousness, some of us began as Cains, bitter and committed only to self, but along the way grace got ahold of us. Jesus became the hero of our story. 

There is great hope still. The serpent crusher will return to reign forever and until then his grace rolls on as an invitation to life that villains and victims alike would find the true hero. 

His grace is enough. 

May it be so.