Evil After Expulsion
Genesis 4:1-8
[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 contrary to you, but 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.
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Where do we continue to see God’s grace in this passage? What do these verses invite us to do?
2. What was wrong with Cain’s offering, and what are some implications for our worship?
3. Why was Cain “very angry,” and what does that tell us about his heart?
4. What is God’s message to Cain in vv. 6-7, and how does he respond?
5. What are some of the effects of anger that you have witnessed in your life?
6. What does the story of Cain and Abel tell us about life after the Fall?
References: Isaiah 55:6-7; Genesis 1:28; 3:20; 2 Samuel 24:24; Hebrews 11:4; Proverbs 21:27; James 1:20; 4:7-10; Ecclesiastes 7:9; Ephesians 4:26; 1 John 3:12; Jude 11.