BROTHERLY HATE

TEXT: GENESIS 4:1–5:32

INTRODUCTION

How do you react when someone suggests that you have done something wrong? Do you move to correct the mistake? What about when the critic is someone in your family?

This reading describes Adam and Eve’s immediate family. It focuses mostly on Cain, the first son—his choices and what God thought of them. Cain killed his brother, Abel. Our experiences today mirror what occurred between these two brothers, however horrifying, because theirs is the story of what can happen when anger and jealousy rule.

Tangles in the ties that bind—reacting to criticism, jealousy, sibling rivalry—all appear in this passage. The lessons bear remembering, so you’d better go slow.

Cain’s failures hinged on his reaction to God’s rebuke (Genesis 4:6-7). We don’t know why God rejected Cain’s sacrifice. But instead of listening to God, learning, and changing his ways, he reacted impulsively. Cain was wrong, yet he would not accept responsibility for or deal with it. He countered God’s correction with anger and denial.

After Cain’s sacrifice was rejected, God gave him the chance to right his wrong and try again. God even encouraged him to do so, but Cain proudly refused. The rest of Cain’s life is a startling example of what happens to those who refuse to admit their mistakes. It also shows what happens when we blame others for our problems and allow anger to build.

As you read this passage, learn from Cain’s mistakes. Then the next time someone suggests you are wrong, especially God, take an honest look at yourself, and make the necessary changes.

DISCUSSION

1. What should be the attitude of a Christian when corrected, chastised, or rebuked for an anomaly. (Gal 2:11-15, Luke 19:8-9 )
2. Read Jn 10:10, how can a believer be intentional about the hoax and agendas of the devil to manipulate the thoughts. (Matt 15:19, 2 Cor 10:3-6, prov. 4:23)
3. Briefly share your experiences on how you have rejected godly rebuke and its after shocks.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A broken heart and spirit is one God will never reject.

Memory verse: proverbs 4:23