Show Fresh Respect

Recognize Life is a Gift Genesis 4:12

Even thought Adam and Eve sinned God still allowed them to fulfill their purpose and He was still a part of every day. This serves as a reminder for us that even though we sin God still allows us to fulfill our purpose and He is still intimately involved in every day.

These verses tell us that Cain and Abel grew up to do different jobs. Cain worked the ground and Abel the sheep. What jobs do we have represented here this morning? Does God favor one job over another? Is a doctor better than a trash collector?

Beware of Self-Centeredness Genesis 4:3-8

I read several ideas on why God favored Abel’s offering and not Cain’s. Some where quite interesting. Why do you think God accepted Abel’s offering and not Cain’s? What does that say to you about your offerings to God? (Cain’s relationship was not right with God.)

When our relationship is not right with God, who do we tend to focus on? (Self) When we a focused on ourselves, how does it affect our relationships with others? Through Cain and Abel we see a very dramatic result of the affect of self-centeredness, murder. Food for thought: What has your self-centeredness cost?

Notice in verse 7 that God reminds Cain that if he does right he will be accepted. He then warns Cain that sin is waiting and desires him and then includes a but, but sin must be mastered. This but changes the entire picture. With this we move from hopeless slave to sin to a master of sin when we allow God to live in and through us.

Accept Accountability for One Another Genesis 4:9-12

God gave Cain the opportunity to confess what he had done and seek forgiveness. Just as his father had done, Cain instead looked for a way to make his actions the responsibility of someone else. I can’t begin to tell you the number of times one of my boys has responded that he hit his brother but it was his brothers fault because he was calling him names. How often do we justify the wrong things we do by saying to ourselves and God that the person had it coming because _________ (fill in the blank)? Blaming others for our actions is yet another symptom of self-centeredness.

These verses show us the number of times God encourages Cain to change his heart and attitude. It also reminds us that when we refuse to redirect our focus to God from self, there will be judgment for our rebellion.

Turn to the Lord Genesis 4:13-16, 25-26

In verses 13-16 Cain continues to be self-absorbed. He never shows remorse for murdering his brother and instead complains about his punishment. Even through Cain’s continued whining and self-absorption God show mercy. God reassures Cain that he will not be murdered and marks Cain as a safeguard against harm. After all that God has done for Cain, he still chooses to leave God’s presence for good instead of seeking repentance. Notice Cain complained about his punishment but never once asked God how can I make things right.

God did not end the story of Adam and Eve but instead blessed them with another child so that they could fulfill their purpose. Notice that with the birth of their grandson the people began to call on the name of the Lord.

The recurring theme of this story, for me, was the fact that even when we sin, even when we are self-absorbed, God’s desire is to restore us first and foremost. The warning for us in this story is to check our focus.

Challenge: This week focus on seeing others through God’s eyes instead of our own. As we do so, pay attention to the changes that occur in our hearts and in our lives.