Restoring My Sanity

The Outline

The Outline Bible Section Outline Two (Genesis 3–5)

B. Cain, the godless son (4:3–26)

1. The apostate (4:3): He offers God a bloodless offering.

2. The angered (4:5–7): God refuses Cain’s offering but urges him to offer an acceptable one.

3. The assassin (4:8–16)

a. Cain’s crime (4:8): In a fit of rage and envy, Cain kills Abel.

b. Cain’s curse (4:9–12): He becomes a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth.

c. Cain’s complaint (4:13–16): He worries that whoever finds him will kill him! To prevent this, God puts a mark on Cain to warn those who might try to kill him. Cain then marries someone who is probably one of his sisters.

4. The architect (4:17–24)

a. The talented society founded by Cain (4:17–22): Cain builds history’s first city. His descendants are the original tent dwellers and herdsmen. They also are the first musicians and metalworkers.

b. The treacherous society founded by Cain (4:23–24): They practice polygamy and are given over to violence.

What causes Cain’s Discontent?

Genesis 4:1–5 ESV

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.

Can you relate?

For instance: A lady lost her faith because her house burned down. The brethren did not help.

Discovering Unwarranted Discontent (U.D.) is Crucial

Remember Prodigal’s older brother?

Why was his discontent unwarranted?

How did the Father help him sort through his maddening emotions?

Why does the Father take the time to do this? (hint: )

How God helps Cain discover U.D.?

Genesis 4:6 ESV

6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?

What are the two questions God asks?

Why are these good questions?

How do people react when you ask a question that reveals their guilt?

So, are good questions always easy to ask?

Why is God wanting Cain to figure out the real cause of his anger?

How can discovering that my anger is unjust actually end up helping me?

Does God notice...

If my heart is filled with anger?

If my face is discontent? (Lacking peace and joy)

If I am envious or covetous?

If I am anxious (fear-filled)?

Why should these 2 questions cause my anger to leave?

Does it make a difference if God is asking the question?

How can I allow God to do this?

For instance: In prayer hear what God would be saying to me:

Neville, is there a valid reason for your anger?

Is your anger justifiable?

Is it proportionally rational?

Why did you get so answer so very soon?

Why is it so hard to restore your peace?

How God Restores Our Sanity,

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume Genesis 4:6–7

Is there a real cause, a just cause, a proportionable cause for it? Why am I so soon angry? Why so very angry, and so implacable?”

Genesis 4:7 ESV

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.”

I must conclude that there is no reason for my anger

Cain was angry at God

But Cain chose to violate God governing laws — life or death

God then exacts payment according to our own choices … not “the devil made me do it”

So that is the path back to reason I must also follow

If I am “mad” with the authority figure that called me out … I am in fact mad with who gave that individual the authority

God patiently takes Cain through a clarifying “do over”

Genesis 4:7 ESV

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.”

If you do well ...

Do you see the life/death choice?

“if you do well” … like your brother Abel

“if you do not do well”

Do yo see the results?

Well = accepted! I will accept your sacrifice

Not well = sin/death will rule over you

Cain … God has no favorites (respecter of persons)

He is Fair to all

So don’t blame

Stop making excuses

Accept your position

Take responsibility

Right now Cain should do what?

Repent!

Right now I should do what?

Sin is crouching at your door ...

Who was Cain hardening his heart towards

God or Satan?

Choice is being made

What sin was at his door?

How long did it take to murder?

How long was the consequence with him?

Who loved ones ever look at him the same again?

Sin is downhill path for those who are reckless in their love and worship to God.

Cain’s Action,

Genesis 4:8 ESV

8 Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.

Cain’s Consequences,

Genesis 4:9–12 ESV

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.”

Has Cain learned anything,

Cain appeals for reduction in sentence,

Genesis 4:14 ESV

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.”

God is still merciful,

Genesis 4:15 ESV

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.

Cain’s choices bears fruit,

Genesis 4:16 ESV

16 Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.