We are introduced to Cain and Abel in Genesis 4.  They are worshipping God and both bring an offering to God.  Hebrews 11:4 tells us that Abel brought his by faith.  Cain’s offering was not by faith.  Are we going in the way of Cain when we choose the faithless way (Hebrews 11:6)?

In Genesis 4:4-5 it tells us that God had regard for Abel and for his offering, but not for Cain’s.  Cain was not happy about this. God warned Cain in verses 6-7 that he needed to change.  God told him that sin was crouching at the door.  Cain did not heed God’s warning and in verse 8 he killed his brother.  Are we going in the way of Cain when we do not listen to His warnings (Romans 6:23) and disobey (Hebrews 10:26-27) Him anyway?

In Genesis 4:9 God approaches Cain and asks, “Where is Abel your brother?”  Cain lies to God.  Are we going in the way of Cain when we give excuses and try to cover (Proverbs 28:13) our sins?

Cain was going in his own way and look where it led him.  Genesis 4:16 states that Cain left from the presence of the Lord.  Jude 1:11 warns us about going in the way of Cain.  To go in the way of Cain means to be without faith, but Romans 10:17 reads, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”  By studying God’s word, we will be equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  We can choose the faithful way (Psalm 119:30).  To go in the way of Cain means to let our emotions, like jealousy and hatred, lead us to sin; however we are encouraged in scripture to possess self-control (2 Peter 1:5-9 and Galatians 5:22-23).  To go in the way of Cain means to harden our hearts and to deny our sins; but Romans 8:13 tells us not to live according to the flesh, and Matthew 3:2 states, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Our prayer should be that we never continue in sin that would result in our removing ourselves from the presence of the Lord.  We need to strive to not be of the world (1 John 2:15-16).  We need to fill our hearts with God’s treasures (Luke 6:45).  Let us not give the devil an opportunity (Ephesians 4:27).  James 4:7 states, “Submit therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  Let us choose to not go in the way of Cain, but to cling to God’s way.

Renee Hunter
http://www.teachmethebiblecurriculum.com

Scripture taken from NASB