In Genesis 4, we learn of Cain’s offerings to God, where Cain’s offering was rejected, but Abel’s was accepted. Cain’s reaction to God’s disapproval was anger, leading to the first murder in the Bible—Cain killing his brother, Abel, in the field. The story emphasizes how unchecked anger and sin lead to separation from God and one another. Despite Cain’s sin, God still approached him with a warning, telling him that sin was crouching at the door and that he must master it (Genesis 4:7). But Cain did not heed this warning and instead allowed his pride and anger to take root, eventually resulting in violence (Matt. 5:21-22).
1. Mortify the Flesh Before it Mortifies You (Genesis 4:1-8)
One of the key lessons from this passage is the importance of examining our hearts and recognizing the dangers of sin before it leads to further destruction. Cain’s anger and violence started with his internal rebellion against God’s ways. Likewise, our actions, whether big or small, begin with the condition of our hearts. Like Cain, allowing anger, jealousy, or pride to take root can lead to devastating consequences. But there is also the opportunity for repentance, as we are reminded by the mercy shown to Cain despite his grievous sin. We must mortify the flesh before it mortifies us (Rom. 8:13).
i. Daily Examine Yourself (2 Cor. 13)
The first step in mortifying the flesh is daily examining your heart. Like Cain, when we let anger, jealousy, or pride take root, it leads to sin. To prevent this, we must regularly check our hearts and identify sinful inclinations before they become destructive actions.
ii. Walk in Humility while Seeking Accountability
Humility is key in fighting sin. By walking in humility, we remain open to accountability from others. Cain’s downfall began with his pride and refusal to accept God’s correction. We must resist the urge to defend our actions and instead seek accountability from others to keep us on the right path.
iii. Look for Warning Signs and Attack the Root
Sin often starts small but grows if left unchecked. We must look for warning signs and not wait for sin to escalate. God warned Cain that sin was crouching at his door, but Cain failed to heed the warning. We can avoid the destructive consequences that follow by addressing the root of our issues—anger, bitterness, or pride.
iv. Practice Proactive Obedience
Obedience is a proactive choice, not a passive one. Instead of waiting for sin to overwhelm us, we must obey God’s will. This requires intentionality in our daily decisions, walking in faith and trust that God’s way is best.
v. Live in Gospel Power
Ultimately, we cannot fight sin on our own. We must live in the power of the Gospel, relying on the strength Jesus provides to overcome temptation and live in obedience. The grace of Christ empowers us to make choices that align with God’s will and to put sin to death in our lives.
2. Confess Your Sin, Repent, and Trust in the Blood of Jesus to Cover You (Genesis 4:9-16)
Cain’s response to God’s questioning revealed his pride and refusal to repent. God, however, showed mercy even in the face of Cain’s sin. Likewise, we are called to confess our sins, recognizing that we fall short of God’s standards. But just as God provided mercy to Cain, He offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ. When we repent and turn away from our sins, we can experience God’s grace and mercy. This process of turning from sin and trusting in the work of Christ on the cross allows us to be forgiven and restored. We must trust in Jesus’s blood to cover our sins. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate payment for our sins, and it is through His blood that we are made clean. This powerful act of mercy calls us to live differently—examining our hearts, repenting when needed, and walking in the freedom He provides.
Conclusion
Even in the Old Testament, the gospel shines through in this passage. The story of Cain and Abel is not just a tale of jealousy and murder; it’s a reminder that sin leads to separation, but God’s mercy and grace are available through the blood of Jesus Christ (Heb. 12:24). We can all remain in our sins or turn to Christ for salvation. This sermon reminds us that God offers forgiveness, but we must humble ourselves, repent, and trust Jesus’s work on the cross. Believers must constantly work to mortify the flesh, walking in humility, accountability, and the power of the gospel.
