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.
Genesis 4:8. Adam and Eve knew God better than any other people in the world! They had enjoyed His fellowship in the garden and had received many revelations from Him. They were blessed to have a godly son like Abel, as well as their third son, Seth. But Cain was so different! The reason for the huge spiritual difference between Cain and his other brothers can only be found in the free will of man! God chose to bless Cain with a wonderful home and godly parents, but Cain chose to ignore his spiritual heritage and to remain lost.
VII. LESSON #7 - FAMOUS LAST WORDS – “MY CHILD WOULD NEVER LIE.” Genesis 4:9. When confronted by God, Cain chose to try and lie his way out of the problem.
Something that every parent needs to keep in mind in rearing their children, is that their kids are human beings with a fallen nature and are capable of lying, and even worse!
1) Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister.
2) Jacob lied to his father about being Esau.
3) David lied about his affair with Bathsheba.
4) Peter lied about knowing Christ.
If all of those godly men could lie - so could any child!
VIII. LESSON #8 - NO HOME IS EXEMPT FROM TRAGEDY.
Genesis 4:10. The murder of Abel by his own brother demonstrates that no home is safe from the worst of nightmares becoming a reality. David was forced to endure the rape of his daughter, the murder of his oldest son, the death of an infant son and a rebellion led by another son!
IX. LESSON #9 - PARENTS NEED TO STAY OUT OF GOD’S WAY WHEN HE IS DEALING WITH THEIR CHILDREN.
Genesis 4:15, 16. Notice that when God was dealing with Cain, He bypassed the parents altogether because Cain was considered to be a responsible adult. Too many parents want to bail their kids out of any and every problem, robbing God of a wonderful opportunity to help that child get turned around spiritually.
X. LESSON #10 - CHILDREN USUALLY COPY OUR WORST, NOT OUR BEST.
Genesis 4:24. Who is this Lamech? He was a descendant of Cain who wounded a man who eventually died. This is a good representative of how far-reaching our sins can be, as well as a good example of what our kids will most naturally imitate from our lives. Our kids won’t try to copy the good things in our lives, such as soul winning and tithing, if they see negative things, such as a critical spirit and jealousy.
Conclusion:
So how do all of these lessons apply to our lives today:
1) Your Actions Reveal Your Heart
CAIN'S SELFISH HEART WAS REVEALED BY HIS ACTIONS.
2) You must approach God God’s way.
CAIN'S SACRIFICE WAS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO GOD.
3) Little issues undealt with can grow into more destructive issues.
CAIN'S STRONG SELFISHNESS TURNED TO HATRED, AND HIS HATRED TURNED TO MURDER.
4) All sin is punished by God.
CAIN'S SIN CAUSED GOD TO PUNISH HIM.
Adapted from a lesson by Mark Tossell
