So let’s see the progress of Adam and eves decision to question, doubt, and disobey God. In genesis one and two we learned about God‘s plan for creation. In genesis three we see how man corrupted God‘s plan through free will. And now we will see just how fast that one decision avalanches into the depths of sin.
Read Genesis 4:1-16
So where are we now? Adam and Eve were kicked out of the garden. They were no longer able to walk with God face-to-face and know him as intimately as before. But they could still pray to him, make offerings to him, and take comfort in knowing that he was there.
That is similar to where we are now. However, we have the gift of Jesus to accept or reject. They are still living in a world of animal sacrifice to cover their sin.
- What is 4:1-16 about?
The purpose is to gain insight into the way wrong attitudes lead to sinful actions. Also to see how God desires to help us resist temptation and overcome evil.
2. What wrong attitudes in Cain might have made God reject his act of worship?
Note that the author doesn’t tell us the exact nature of canes offering. The text does say that Cain brought “some” fruits, and that Abel brought fat portions from the “first” born.
Some clues::
Hebrews 11:4; By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
1 John 2:9; 9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.
1 John 3:12 12 Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.
3. Describe how Cain treated God in…
4:5 – very angry
4:7-8 – Ignored him
4:9 – Lied and blew him off
4:13-14 – whines, tried to lay on guilt
4. What do you learn about Cain’s character from the way he treated and spoke of his brother (see 4:8-9)?
5. Do you in any ways treat God or other people as Cain did? If so, how?
God?
Others?
*It is important to note that before Cain ever acted on the evil desires brewing in his heart, God showed up and spoke truth into his life. God’s grace preceded Cain’s sin, offering a way out of the temptation.
6. a. Cain’s attitudes toward God and man landed him in the situation of 4:12-17.
What happened to Cain?
How is modern life without God like Cain’s situation?
7. Does the story of Cain suggest any matters for prayer, repentance, and/or action on your part? If so, what insight is relevant?
How do you need God’s help in this area?
See Ephesians 3:16-21;
Philippians 2:12-13.)
What are your plans for prayer and/or action?
8. What aspects of His character does God display?
4:5 – Can’t be fooled. Judgement?
4:6-7 – Teaches, points out sin
4:10-12 – Shows him his conscience
4:15 – Shows mercy
* Cain is told that sin is crouching at the door and he must master it. What happens when we refuse to admit we are on the wrong track?
How does God protect Cain? Verse 15 and 16
In what way to see in God‘s protection of came in the midst of punishment give us encouragement?
*But notice what happens next. Just as God came to counsel Cain before the sin, He comes to talk with him after the sin. God is offering Cain the opportunity to repent, “Where is Abel your brother? … What have you done?”
Where have we heard this?
After Adam and Eve sinned, God came with the question, “Where are you, Adam?” God knew exactly where Adam was, just as He knew exactly where Abel was. His questions were not offered in order to discover information, but as an invitation for Cain to respond with repentance.
9. What signs of humanity’s decay do you observe in Cain’s descendants?
4:19 (compare 2:24) 2 wives compared to God’s ideal
4:23-24 – did God say 77 times or Lamech? Focused on vengeance
Matthew 18:22
*Big question* So why did God not accept Cain’s offering?
Some people think that Cain’s and Abel’s offerings were meant to atone for sin, and that God rejected Cain’s because grain could not atone. Other people believe the offerings were for thanks, worship, and devotion, and that God rejected Cain’s because of his inner attitudes.[
Genesis (LifeChange Book 16). The Navigators. Kindle Edition.
Genesis (LifeGuide Bible Studies) Hummel/Hummel God’s Creative Call
The Gospel Project – https://www.gospelproject.com