Session 5
the descriptions of Cain and Abel.
1 The man was intimate with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain.
She said, “I have had a male child with the Lord’s help.”
2 She also gave birth to his brother Abel.
Now Abel became a shepherd of flocks, but Cain worked the ground.
3 In the course of time Cain presented some of the land’s produce as an offering to the Lord.
4 And Abel also presented an offering ?- ?some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions.
The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering,
5 but he did not have regard for Cain and his offering. Cain was furious, and he looked despondent.
6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you furious? And why do you look despondent?
7 If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted?
But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door.
Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”
Guide the group to call out how these verses describe Cain and Abel.
God had given Adam and Eve work in Eden.
He now gave Cain and Abel responsibilities.
Each one played an important role in caring for their family.
Verse 3 reveals that they each also had a responsibility to honor God for His blessings. Offerings.
Highlight the role of attitude in God’s choice.
Talk about how Cain reacted to God’s response to his offering.
angry, burning. Face fallen, despondent.
Highlight that God told Cain that He would not have rejected him if he had done what is right (v. 7). Both had good jobs, vocations. Both offered. Cain even showed initiative by offering first. The difference seems to be in the attitude behind the gift.
if you do well, good attitude, will be accepted. Face lifted up, and not fallen.
Sin is compared to a crouching lion, on the hunt. Waiting for a bad attitude.
The attitude and emotions can, and should be mastered.