Cain and Abel

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Cain and Abel

Date: Jan. 11, 2015

Passage

Genesis 4:1-15 (ESV)

1 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD.” 2 And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 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, and you must rule over it.”

8 Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 And the LORD said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. 11 And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” 13 Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” 15 Then the LORD said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 4:7

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, and you must rule over it.”

First, if you do what is right (1-7). Cain and Abel were two sons of Adam and Eve. Cain was a crop farmer and Abel kept flocks. Both brought an offering to the LORD. Abel seems to have taken care to bring his best (4). Abel's offering was accepted but Cain's was not. Cain was angry. God visited and encouraged Cain to do what is right and he would be accepted. Cain's problem was not God but with the sinful anger in his own heart. Where do we go when sinful desires arise in our hearts?

Second, improperly handled sin (8-15). The Lord's word was an opportunity for Cain to repent. However, Cain responded by murdering his brother. The Lord visited Cain and asked for Abel's whereabouts. It was another chance to repent but Cain lied. The LORD confronted Cain, cursed him and made him a restless wanderer. The ground would no longer yield crops for him. It would be a constant reminder of his terrible actions.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for visiting us even as we struggle with sin. Help us to do what is right.

One Word: Do what is right

God’s Judgement of His People

Hosea 5:1-15

Key Verse: 5:15

Today's Question

What does the tenth commandment forbid?

See answer and references