Reading: Genesis 4.

 

Moses now begins to describe the growth of mankind. Chapters 4 and 5 show two family lines – Cain’s line which comprise unbelievers, and Seth’s line which comprise believers. The effects of sin become very evident with Abel’s murder.

 

Children born to Adam and Eve. Cain’s family line is recorded. God curses Cain for murder.  He then “went out from the presence of the LORD” (vs 16).  Cain has a family, but they do not obey or worship God; they develop skills; but are proud and violent.

Adam and Eve have another son; Seth has a son and “began to call on the name of the LORD.”

 

Gen 4:4 says “And the LORD respected Abel and his offering”. Note the order: God respected Abel first, and then his offering. God first looks at Abel’s heart and motivation before looking at his worship. Hebrews 11:4 says “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain”. Abel’s sacrifice was motivated by true faith which made his offering acceptable. True faith is the free gift of God’s grace and the special work of the Holy Spirit. True faith acknowledges we are sinful and can do nothing to contribute to our salvation. True also acknowledges that must be cleansed by God through Jesus Christ. The order of acceptable Christian worship therefore has two steps: first in true faith and prayer we must humble ourselves before God, repent and seek forgiveness of our sins and seek salvation only through Jesus Christ. Only then can we offer an acceptable sacrifice of thankfulness to God.

 

Key text: Hebrews 11:4 says “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain”.

 

Question: Gen 4:16 says “Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD”. In other words he turned his back to God. What are the results of Cain’s decision?