Sermon Tone Analysis
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Genesis 4:6-10
21 years ago today (9/11/01) our nation was shaken to its core when terrorists hijacked planes and flew them into the World Trade Center Towers in NYC and the Pentagon, while a final plane crashed in PA.
I can still remember where I was when I first heard that news (It’s probably the same for you all).
After the dust settled (lit.) all told-2977 people died, 19 hijackers commited murder-suicide and over 25K were injured.
Today is a day of remembrance as our nation was ruthlessly attacked.
And yet, those events, 21 years ago, have a great deal in common with what happened in Gen 4. Murder is satanically inspired.
Satan is the author of aggression and hatred for others and when taken to its end—murder is the result.
I read an account of a Texas mother who was so intent on making sure her daughter made the cheerleading squad that she was willing to hire a hit man to kill a competitor’s mother.
She hoped the 13 yr old competitor would be so overwhelmed with grief by her mother’s death that she would drop out of the competition.
The woman 1st thought about hiring the hit on the girl but ultimately choose the girl’s mother—$2500.
In 2021, 19600 were killed in the US (over 2 murders every hour of the year).
Over the past several years the murder rate continues to climb—I don’t pretend to know the reason why—though we can look at Paul’s instruction:
The world will continue to decline (esp.
as the return of LJC draws nearer).
Well, back in Gen 4—we have the account of the 1st human to take the life of another human.
Cain murdered his brother.
I believe this is an accurate historical account—not poetic, not allegorical, not mythical.
The writers of the NT believed the events in Gen actually happened the way Moses writes them.
I do too!
Review:
1. Two Offspring
Chapter 4 begins on a positive note as Eve gives birth to 2 children, recognizing the promise of God in the wake of His judgment upon Adam & Eve’s disobedience.
Cain is the 1st to be born (I have gotten/gained/acquired).
Abel is next (possibility of twins—uncertain and only speculation).
His name (vapor, breath) might hint at the brevity of his life with it being cut short on account of his brother’s actions.
2. Two Occupations
Abel chose the occupation of shepherding “keeper of flocks” (term refers to “small cattle” but could be sheep or goats—or other small animals).
Cain on the other hand, followed the profession of his father Adam—tiller of the ground.
Now, some of speculated that one vocation was more honorable than the other.
It is my contention that both professions carried the blessing of God (Dt 8).
These were 2 ways that Cain and Abel chose to work and live under the curse.
3. Two Offerings
While Moses does not mention it, on some prior occasion, God revealed to Adam and perhaps to his children the proper manner to approach God.
It was by way of sacrifice, offering.
So both brothers bring an offering “in the course of time” (indication that God had prescribed a time and place in which to draw near by way of the offering).
The 2 offerings were notably different.
Cain brings his consisting of the fruit of the ground (according to his chosen occupation).
Abel brings his, also in relation to his occupation (the firstlings…).
Now, by itself, we don’t have any revelation as to why God had regard for Abel’s but not Cain’s.
Several suggestions:
1) God prefers shepherds over farmers (fulfilling both commandments to till the land and dominion over creation)
2) Animal sacrifice was better than vegetable sacrifice
3) living sacrifice was better than lifeless sacrifice
4) bloody vs non-bloody sacrifice
5) Abel brought a more plentiful offering
6) God’s motives are inscrutable reflecting divine election
7) different approach to worship—best of the flock vs some of the fruit.
God tells us why in
The righteous live by faith—Abel’s offering was brought to God by faith.
Abel obeyed God.
Cain did not and he acted out of unbelief—as a direct contrast to his brother.
Cain worshiped God but in a self-styled manner and in disobedience to God’s command.
And God’s rejection and Cain’s response shows that his heart was not eager to truly worship YHWH.
“Cain became very angry...” (vs 5b).
This description is graphic.
The word means “to cause to burn” and refers to a burning sensation like the kindling of a fire.
In Cain, there was a kindling of anger (lit. it burned to Cain exceedingly) and once that burning heat of anger started it was difficult to cool.
4. Two Options
vs 6, notice that God begins with a question.
This is similar to the way God approached Adam after his defiance.
“Why are you angry?” God is not asking because He doesn’t know
God is asking to draw Cain out (just like He did with Adam).
Then a second question “why has your countenance fallen?”
God is giving Cain the opportunity to examine his own heart and to see the true cause of God’s rejection and his own anger and despondency.
Mathews adds that God’s purpose… “not to scold but to elicit Cain’s admission of sin with the view to repentance.”
Then He proceeds to counsel Cain in vs 7 and presents him with 2 options:
A. Obedience
I just want to point out that translators and scholars have had a very difficult time with this verse (one of the most difficult in the Bible).
ESV & NIV give the dif.
translation:
“If you do well, will you not be accepted?”
Earlier, when Cain’s offering was rejected he became angry and countenance had fallen (the picture of a downcast face).
This had happened b/c his conscience was actively piercing him with his guiltiness before God.
Both translations offer what I believe is God’s counsel…if you do well (i.e.
what is right, obedient, pleasing to the Lord), then there will be an uplifted face b/c your conscience will be cleared before God.
There won’t be any more shame and you will find acceptance before God.
Remember, the difference b/t Cain & Able is faith.
What is it that makes a man right before God?—justification by faith.
Obedience would be rewarded.
God is full of mercy and grace offering the forgiveness Cain needed.
God’s counsel was to turn from his sin, repent and receive that rich mercy (already manifest toward his parents).
God desires obedience.
He wants His creatures to have the right response to His commands.
John tells us that obedience confirms our standing/acceptance before God.
I mentioned last time that this passage is not so much about murder but WORSHIP.
Worship is your life.
It is what you’re called to.
But when you’re walking in sin, you’re not worshiping God.
And God’s gift to you is the conscience which when offended makes you feel horrible.
So when you come back (God’s Way), turn from your sin—He accepts you and you encounter that great peace (thru forgiveness) that comes when you’re right with God.
B. Disobedience
God also forewarned Cain… “But...” If Cain refused to walk thru the 1st door, the 2nd door would have catastrophic consequences.
Sin is pictured as a beast that is ready to pounce on its prey.
These are the same terms that God used when speaking to Eve following her disobedience.
Her desire would be for her husband—that is to control him, to overtake him.
Sin’s desire is the same for each of us.
Its is lurking.
And whenever sin meets with the hardened heart, sin consumes, devours.
It is always this way.
Sin becomes that domineering, cruel master that consumes any time we obey its lusts.
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