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Genesis 4

Good Morning “Dwellers in a World Full of Sin”

Today we are in Genesis chapter 4.  The effects of sin are easily noticed in this chapter.

Adam and Eve have 2 sons, Cain and Abel.  Both seem productive and capable.  “Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In vs 1 we see Eve acknowledging the hand of God with the blessing of her first born son.  No doubt the boys were taught by their parents to honor Him.  

“In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.”

They both bring sacrifices for The Lord likely out of obedience to teaching they had received.  Something about their sacrifices was different though… check it out.

“The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.” Genesis‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Why was one sacrifice looked at with favor and the other was not?  In keeping with the teaching they likely received we can assume both were from the “first fruits” of their labors - the best and first.  So what was the problem?

I believe the answer lies in what God really wants from us.  He doesn’t NEED the stuff of our sacrifices.  He made it all from nothing.  Romans 12:1 urges us in view of His mercy (Jesus) to offer our bodies as living sacrifices… but even in that… He doesn’t NEED us.  So what’s the point.  What does offering ourselves as a sacrifice demonstrate?  Where did Cain go wrong?

God has an admonition for Cain… one that we all should apply.  

“Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.””
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Cain obviously doesn’t get it.  You probably know what happens next.  Check it out!

Love you all!  Dig in!