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Cain and Abel: Genesis 4
Cain and Abel were sons of Adam and Eve (Genesis 4). Abel was a shepherd, while Cain was a tiller of the ground. One time, they both brought a sacrifice to the Lord. Abel brought the the best of his flock, and Cain brought an offering from the fruit of the ground. God respected Abel’s offering, but did not accept Cain’s. Cain was angry because of this, and eventually he rose up and killed Abel. He was cursed for this and had to become a wanderer on the earth.
The reason God respected Abel’s sacrifice is because Abel did it by faith (Hebrews 11:4). This implies that Cain did not offer his by faith. Whether he offered an improper sacrifice, or simply did not give his best, we are not told. Whatever it was, it was not by faith; so he displeased God. The only way we can please God is to do what He says by faith (Hebrews 11:6).
Cain was driven by his anger to commit even more sin (cf. 1 John 3:11-12). He did not control his anger as God warned him about (Gen. 4:6-7). This should serve as warning to us today also. After this, Adam and Eve had another son, named Seth, who would preserve a lineage through which God would work. Chapter 5 follows this line of people.
Discussion
1. Why was Abel pleasing to God in his offering? Why was Cain’s offering rejected? How does this help us today in thinking about serving and worshipping God?
2. How can we do things by faith today? What is faith? Why is it so necessary in pleasing God?
3. Why did Cain kill Abel? What could Cain have done to control his anger? What did God mean when He told Cain that sin’s “desire” was for him? How does one master sin?
4. Who is Seth? What role does he play in God’s plan?
5. Discuss the phrase “and he died” in chapter 5. Why does death play such an important role in the Bible?
6. Who is the only person not to have died in this chapter? Why didn’t he die? Discuss what that means.