Gen 4:1-15

Self centeredness vs God centeredness

Hook

We now understand how God sees the problem of evil

That God created everything good and sin wrecked it. God gives grace and time for returning to him.

But how can we learn to handle ourselves in this broken world?

Gifts

Anger/Jealousy builds, God Warns, Death happens.

Conclusion part 2 - Story form

Cain and Able

Genesis 4:1–16 “1 Now Adam had sexual relations with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant. When she gave birth to Cain, she said, “With the Lord’s help, I have produced a man!” 2 Later she gave birth to his brother and named him Abel. When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. 3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. 6 “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” 8 One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him. 9 Afterward the Lord asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?” “I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s guardian?” 10 But the Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground! 11 Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother’s blood. 12 No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.” 13 Cain replied to the Lord, “My punishment is too great for me to bear! 14 You have banished me from the land and from your presence; you have made me a homeless wanderer. Anyone who finds me will kill me!” 15 The Lord replied, “No, for I will give a sevenfold punishment to anyone who kills you.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain to warn anyone who might try to kill him. 16 So Cain left the Lord’s presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.”

v.1 - I have produced a man!

Amazing that God continues to enable the power of creation within fallen people.

Cain and able had selfish parents.

All parents have selfishness - They knew who God was

They grew up knowing evil

The result is the battle of selfishness vs Thankfulness to God.

v2-4 - Gifts

What are you giving to God?

Money, Time, and Talent

He doesn't want your stuff.

He isn’t a magically gene

He wants to be first in your life

Your gift shows your heart - Heartfelt worship

Outward religion never solves the problem

Matthew 22:37 “37 Jesus replied, “ ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’”

v6-7 God’s waring

God “why so angry?”

Selfishness and faking

Breaks down relationship

Extremes of shame and blame.

Who we are is because of Christ - THIS IS A LOT OF WORK!

Sin crouching at the door. subdue it and be its master.

Does this mean we can master sin - not only Jesus

Then why try? God said so, and you don’t want to know the consequences .

Be careful nothing is neutral

Hyper vigilant

total ignore

The bible is about partnership with God

We have to be thankful it mirrors same and blame.

v9 - God calls Cain out

Cain lies to God.

Your brothers blood cries out to me from the Ground

God hears and knows

He never avoids - Get to know him

Not “He understands” - God is personally hurt by sin

Ables blood is still crying out!

the earth is cursed and is used in the OT as a witness to the actions of people

The bible takes the earth seriously

Just as God is aware of everything that happens to creation he is aware of everything that happens to you.

God knew

Satan only knows what he can observe and we allow him to know.

Potty training

They want their way!

Don’t play mind games with God.

Ask for forgiveness - David - God is always a sucker for truth

v11-16 God Curses Cain

God is merciful, but consequences are still a reality.

Does God remove consequences?

Sometimes not always. - He gives opportunity to seek forgiveness

Too often we are mad at God for problems of our heart, and he is trying to get us to see now is the time for forgiveness

God wont bless something that will take you away from Him

Don’t have a fake heart

God Centered vs Self Centered

Fit it!

God protects us even after sin it is his mercy that leads us to repentance

Conclusion

Handle ourselves in a broken world = God centered

This is eternal

Hebrews 11:4 “4 It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.”