Abel
& Cain Contrasted
*
In
the Old Testament, Abel's faith is not described in detail, but it is contrasted
to Cain's lack of faith, which is described in detail. Read
Genesis 4:1-16.
1.
Why does God look favorably on Abel and his offering but not look favorably on
Cain and his offering?
2.
Why do you think Cain becomes very angry and downcast? Toward whom is he angry?
God's
Invitation & Warning
*
Whatever Cain had done wrong before, Cain still has a choice. If Cain chooses
to do right, he will be accepted by God. If he chooses to do wrong, sin is ready
to overtake him. God tells Cain, "but you must master it" (4:7).
Cain must not let sin overtake him.
Cain's
Response
*
However, instead of doing what is right, Cain murders his brother Abel (4:8).
3.
Why does Cain murder his brother Abel?
†
"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. Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the
world hates you." (1 John 3:12-13, NIV)
God's
Dialogue with Cain
*
God invites Cain to confess his sin, but Cain lies and repudiates (refuses) responsibility
for his brother (4:9). However, Cain cannot
hide his sin (4:10). Injustice cries out.
God knows.
*
God is the Judge. He declares his punishment on Cain (4:11-12).
4.
What are the consequences of Cain's sin (4:11-14, 16)?
5.
How does Cain respond? What is he sorry about? (Is he sorry about his sin?)
The
Faith of Abel
*
So Cain is certainly not in the "Hall of Faith!" But Abel is (Hebrews
11:4).
6.
How do you think Abel's attitude was different from Cain's? What was Abel's attitude
toward God?
The
Faith of Enoch
*
Enoch was the son of Jared (Genesis 5:18),
a descendent of Seth. Read Hebrews 11:5-6.
†
"Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away."
(Genesis 5:24, NIV)
*
Like Abel, Enoch wanted to please God. Enoch wanted to live in obedience and fellowship
with God.
Discussion
Questions
7. What can we learn about God from his interactions with Cain?
(Genesis 4:7, 11-12, 15)
8.
What do you think was the worst of the consequences that Cain suffered? Why?
9.
We may not be like Cain (a murderer!), but our attitudes may be similar to his
in some ways (this applies to Christians too). What attitudes of Cain could be
present in us? How can our attitudes change?
10.
Enoch "walked with God." What does "walking with God" look
like in the Christian life?
Reflection/Application
†
Whatever we have done
in the past, God gives us the choice to respond appropriately. Doing right leads
to God's acceptance. Not doing right puts us in danger of "sin crouching
at our door." Doing right involves a right attitude toward God, including
a desire to please Him. "And without faith, it is impossible to please God"
(Hebrews 11:6).
†
If you are struggling with belief in God, or faith in Jesus Christ as the way
of salvation, doing right involves an earnest seeking of the truth. Keep seeking,
and respond appropriately.
†
As Christians, doing right involves a whole-hearted trust in God, and an earnest
desire to please Him. Our "pleasing offering" is our lives (Romans 12:1).
Identify a specific wrong attitude or behavior in your life, and "master
it" (control it; turn from it) by God's grace.
