THE STORY OF THE WORLD IN A NUT

THE STORY OF THE WORLD – IN A NUT SHELL GENESIS 4: 1 -16

“Our relationship with God affects everything. If we’re not right with God, you’ll find yourself at odds with everyone else – including yourself. ” (Charles Swindoll) CAIN & ABEL = • THE SERIOUSNESS OF SIN. • THE AMAZING GRACE OF GOD. • THE ONLY SOURCE OF SALVATION.

THE SERIOUSNESS OF SIN – “Sin is crouching at your door, eager to control (overthrow, have, devour) you. ” (v 6) Sin is a predator – it needs to be seen for what it is & not underestimated. Crouching = hiding, looking smaller & less dangerous. Sin hides itself intellectually = “Only terrible people do terrible things. The average person is pretty good. ”

“In the heart of the ordinary lurks a monster. ” (Hannah Arendt about Adolf Eichmann) Sin hides itself personally = your sin looks much smaller to you than it does to others. Pride & critical spirit = perfectionist. Bitterness = moral outrage. Ruthless = sharp business sense. Workaholic = extremely productive. Addiction = I can stop if I want to. Stingy = prudent.

Sin hides its power & intent – it’s not just a choice, it’s a power. It never wants to serve & bless you. It wants to take you over – harden, poison, embitter & destroy you. “Watch out, sin is crouching. . ” = Do you not know the danger? Do you not know there are evil things crouching and ready to spring on you. What is the matter with you?

THE AMAZING GRACE OF GOD He graciously initiates – “Why are you so angry? ” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? ” (v 6) He wants Cain to see that the real problem is his sin - not Abel or God. He graciously affirms – “Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be it’s master. ” (v 7 b)

So how can we master/overcome our sin? Be aware of your ‘small’ sins. Spend quality time in God’s Word = His truth, His will & His promises. Use it as a weapon. Spend quality time in prayer – “Help me to know the sins lurking in my heart. . ” (Ps 19: 12) Spend quality time in a Christian community – humble yourself to ‘criticism’ & correction.

He graciously seeks repentance – “Where is your brother? Where is Abel? ” (v 9) “Am I my brother’s keeper? ” = no repentance = God’s punishment (cursed, banished & homeless) = Cain’s grief (vs 9 -14). God still offers an unrepentant Cain grace, mercy & protection (v 15). “I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. ” (Ezek 33: 11)

THE ONLY SOURCE OF SALVATION “Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. Abel bought a gift of the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel & his gift, but he did not accept Cain & his gift. ” (vs 3 -5) It was Abel’s faith that made his offering more acceptable than Cain’s. (Hebrews 11: 4) Cain’s (productive & successful) faith was in his own work & effort (being approved) = worship was a means to salvation.

Abel’s (empty & worthless) faith was in the work & grace of God, promised in Gen 3: 15 = worship was a response to salvation. “Cain gave reluctantly out of his income. Abel gave joyfully out of his capital. ” (Ray Ortland) Non acceptance = anger, envy & murder. Cain’s refusal to repent = God takes him to the blood of his brother “which cries out for vengeance. ” (Heb 12: 24) = condemnation.

Repentance = God takes us to the blood of Jesus “which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance. . ” (Heb 12: 24) “If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful & just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. ” (1 John 1: 9)

“So Cain, left the Lord’s presence…” (v 16) “On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! … But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me you evil doers. ” (Matthew 7: 21 -23) The Good News is that because of God’s grace you can write your own ending! Sin is serious – ADDRESS IT. God’s grace is amazing – ACCEPT IT. God’s way is the only way – TAKE IT.