Genesis 4:1-8 // Cain & Abel: Life in a Fallen World

Initial Observations

Eve’s proclamation at Cain’s birth shows that there was still hope in the relationship between God and man.

Just like in the Garden…sin has a progression

Sin started with a bad decision and grew with a series of more bad decisions.

Bad worship

Bad response to the situation(anger)

Bad response to God (ignoring His word)

Bad solution (murder)

Lessons about worship. (Gen 4:1-5)

Had regard for Able & his offering

Regard -= respect in[KJV & ASV

Worship is a part of our relationship

But worship can be wrong (good/ bad)

Prov. 21:27 – sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination

Proverbs 21:27 ESV

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent.

Heb. 11:4 – Proper worship is faithful & righteous

Hebrews 11:4 ESV

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.

Rom 12:1 (why it should matter to us today)

Romans 12:1 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

It’s a part of our relationship with God.

Some worship is not worthy of God and is rejected

God still loves us if our worship isn’t always worthy.

Lessons about decisions (Gen. 4:5)

Cain’s response was to rejection was anger not sorrow.

God encouraged him to redirect his anger and learn from his mistake.

Lessons about sin (Gen 4:7)

Crouching at the door (hidden from immediate sight)

Its desire is contrary to yours

(remember) we are not righteous by nature

You want what is good in life

Sin want to destroy your life

Lessons about anger (Gen 4:5-8)

Causes you to have deaf ears (Cain ignored God’s warning)

Directs blame (not accountable)

Forms jealousy/ hatred

Leads to murder (hatred is murder)

Lessons about victory over sin. (Gen 4:7)

YOU must rule over it.

We must stay alert (sin is crouching at the door)

Consequences to bad decisions (if you don’t do right)

We cannot do this alone (We need Holy Spirit)

Gal 5:16 – walk by the Spirit

Galatians 5:16 ESV

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

First need the spirit (salvation)

Choose to walk by the spirit (sanctification)

What is your plan for living in a fallen world?

Since your life is a living sacrifice, a spiritual act of worship.

Would you say it is acceptable to God

Are willing to change it.