Genesis 4:1-16

Basic Proposition: 

Two brothers who no doubt had personal contact with God, what went wrong to lead to betrayal and murder. When we commit ourselves to the work of the Lord it is important to give our best because when we do something half hearted it is often consumed by sin.                                                   

The Action –

(The Sacrifice - Genesis 4:1-5)

1. What is more important the appearance or the action?
• Cain’s Outward (I Samuel 16:6; Luke 18:10)
• Name = Possession
2. What devotion does God require of us?
• Goal of our devotion is the Acceptance of God (2 Corinthians 5:9)
3. What type of sacrifice is pleasing to God?
• Abel’s inward faith (Hebrews 11:4; Proverbs 15:8)

The Approach –

(The Success - Genesis 4:4-7) What was the difference in the approach of Abel and Cain?  God saw Abel's faith and he took pleasure in his offering.  

1. The Men – Proud vs. Humble (Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 23:35)          
2. The Materials – Fruit of the Ground vs. Firstlings of the Flock.  (Widow’s mite)
• A Tendency – The tendency of man is to give of the extra or abundance due to a lack of faith, a greedy heart or a fear of uncertainty.  It is a tendency to be mediocre because we are often lazy and do not wish to put forth an effort to sacrifice our best to God.  (Cain’s Offering)
• A Tragedy – Mediocrity does nothing but breed discontent, slothfulness and lack of respect for God’s holiness.  It brings sin into our lives because we do not fear God as we ought to. (Irreverence - Proverbs 16:6; 19:23)
• A Trial – We must be continually asking ourselves, “Can I do, give, or be more? Is this my best?”  If we truly seek out our hearts we will know.
3. The Manner - (Duty vs. Desire)
• No Heart – Won’t Give (No Time)
• Half Heart (Rev. 3:16) - It doesn’t matter
• Whole Heart – What more can I give? (Matt. 12:28-30)  (As I gave, God blessed)

The Appeal –

(The Selection Genesis 4:7-8) God is always giving mankind a choice, He puts before him life and death. 

1. Counsel – What went wrong?  Why are you angry? You know the reason.  You did not offer your best in faith?
2. Choice – Fix it and you will be accepted and forgiven.
3. Caution – Be sure if you continue, it will reap consequences. (Sin lies at the door). (Numbers 32:23) DON’T BE TOO PROUD!

Personal Application

            My faith in God, alone, will please Him, just as Abel did. And the only way to accomplish this is through the achievement of nothing but the best, which is excellence.  Am I giving my best to the master?  “What more can I give?”  (Romans 12:1-2)