Your Environment Doesn’t Dictate Your Direction Series

Introduction:

We have already seen the impact of Adam’s fatal decision, which plunged mankind into sin, as well as the effect of the curse upon the lives of Adam and Eve. In this lesson, we will examine the variety of lessons learned by Adam and Eve, as well as by every parent, from the heartbreaking decisions made by Cain.

I. LESSON #1 - CHILDREN ARE OFTEN A PARENT’S BIGGEST BLIND SPOT.

Eve was already aware of God’s promise that she would produce the Deliverer of mankind in Gen. 3:15. Therefore, when Cain was born, her natural assumption was that Cain was to be the promised Messiah!

1) Instead of being the Messiah or even the forbearer, Cain became the first murderer.

2) Every parent must realize that they, as well as their children, have inherited a fallen nature. That simply means that children are capable of great wickedness, as we all are.

3) It also means that we are prone to misjudge our children and can be just as wrong as Eve was in her expectations.

II. LESSON #2 - LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON.

It’s interesting to note about Adam’s first two sons, that Abel had a different occupation (shepherd) from his father, while Cain followed in his father’s footsteps. The significance is alarming when recognising that he not only followed in the footsteps of his dad in his occupation but in his rebellion, as well! As Adam chose to intentionally disobey God’s clear and definite commands, so did Cain!

Years have gone by and Cain and Abel have both reached maturity. It would be natural to assume that both boys had been instructed by their father on how God had clothed their parents after the fall. It can also be safely assumed that Adam further instructed them on how they were to approach the Lord in a way that was pleasing to Him. Abel chose to do so by duplicating the deed initially performed by God, that of killing an animal and shedding its blood. Cain, however, continued his rebellion and chose to give an offering contrary to what God wanted. He chose to please himself by making an offering of what he had personally produced!

This may, in fact, have been the first significant manifestation of what had been in his heart all his life – rebellion. One of the biggest heartbreaks of a parent can often take place after their child graduates from high school. They may have appeared to be the model child in the home until they are granted the freedom to live as they please! Then they make a mad dash for everything their parents and pastor are against. Why the sudden change? In reality - there is no sudden change of heart. They have been rebelling for a long time in their heart, but never had an opportunity or the courage to demonstrate it.

III. LESSON #3 - CHILDREN CAN?T RIDE ON THE COATTAILS OF THEIR PARENTS!

Genesis 4:4, 5. Cain made a quick discovery about his relationship with God:

1) It was a personal relationship and had nothing to do with what his parents were or what they had done.

2) Many consider themselves safe from Hell, simply because they have an uncle who was a Baptist preacher or a father who is a deacon.

3) Cain’s heritage did him no good whatsoever and he was forced to see that HE was responsible for coming to God in God’s prescribed way.

IV. LESSON #4 - FACIAL EXPRESSIONS ARE GOD?S WINDOW TO THE HEART.

Genesis 4:5, 6. It is important that God chose to inform Cain that He could tell his spiritual condition NOT by what He saw in his heart, but by what He saw on his face.

1) It is for this reason that parents and leaders NEVER tolerate a child rolling his eyes or making any facial gestures indicating that they are not pleased about something.

2) God set the stage for how we are to handle those under our sphere of influence. He immediately rebuked Cain because of his countenance.

3) The fact that it did not succeed in changing his heart’s attitude, is not because of what God did, but because of what Cain chose to be.

V. LESSON #5 - BEING ANGRY AT GOD IS A DANGEROUS CROSSROADS. God continued His rebuke of Cain, for his rebellion in bringing a gift that he knew God was not pleased with, by offering a warning. Why did Cain continue after God had rebuked him and even warned him? Because he had taken the dangerous position of being angry with God. It all started with a desire to worship God in his own way. Then it became an attitude. It will conclude itself in the murder of his brother.

VI. LESSON #6- THE BEST OF HOMES CAN PRODUCE THE WORST OF CHILDREN.