Genesis 4
Genesis 4
It has been a steep fall since Genesis chapter 3. Adam and Eve were not born with sin in their hearts, but the story of Cain and Abel shows just how deep the root of original sins goes in our hearts. Let’s dive into this situation and learn what God is teaching us.
Why was Cain’s offering not regarded by the Lord, but Abel’s offering was? The text doesn’t tell us much, so we have to be careful not to read our opinions into the text. There is one detail that clues us into why Cain’s offering was not accepted. “Able also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions” (V4). It’s not that Able brought something more valuable, but he gave the Lord his best. What about in your life - are you just giving the Lord something to check a spiritual box, or are you giving the Lord your best because he’s worth it?
Notice that God gives Cain a way out before he kills his brother. Verse 7 says,
“If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”
Let’s look at this in our context today. Christ has given his very life for you to be accepted! He has given us the most precious and costly gift so that we can be forgiven and freed of sin. Therefore, offer him the best of your heart and life. Not to be accepted, but because you’re accepted through the sacrifice of Jesus.
Family Discussion
1. What is “Original Sin” and what are some ways you’ve seen it?
(Answer: “the moral corruption we possess as a consequence of Adam’s sin, resulting in a sinful disposition manifesting itself in habitually sinful behavior.” gotquestions.org
2. What would it look like for you to give God your “best”?
By: Joe Weaver
It has been a steep fall since Genesis chapter 3. Adam and Eve were not born with sin in their hearts, but the story of Cain and Abel shows just how deep the root of original sins goes in our hearts. Let’s dive into this situation and learn what God is teaching us.
Why was Cain’s offering not regarded by the Lord, but Abel’s offering was? The text doesn’t tell us much, so we have to be careful not to read our opinions into the text. There is one detail that clues us into why Cain’s offering was not accepted. “Able also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions” (V4). It’s not that Able brought something more valuable, but he gave the Lord his best. What about in your life - are you just giving the Lord something to check a spiritual box, or are you giving the Lord your best because he’s worth it?
Notice that God gives Cain a way out before he kills his brother. Verse 7 says,
“If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”
Let’s look at this in our context today. Christ has given his very life for you to be accepted! He has given us the most precious and costly gift so that we can be forgiven and freed of sin. Therefore, offer him the best of your heart and life. Not to be accepted, but because you’re accepted through the sacrifice of Jesus.
Family Discussion
1. What is “Original Sin” and what are some ways you’ve seen it?
(Answer: “the moral corruption we possess as a consequence of Adam’s sin, resulting in a sinful disposition manifesting itself in habitually sinful behavior.” gotquestions.org
2. What would it look like for you to give God your “best”?
By: Joe Weaver
1 Comment
I think parenting young children is an easy way to see original sin. The tantrums of almost-two-year-olds when they don't get their way, and the teenager-like taunting defiance of traumatized six-year-olds ... both situations remind me so much of my own heart's too-much wanting things to go a certain way, and of the natural human tendency to go our own way instead of God's way.