Genesis 4:1-15, God Questions Earth's First Killer

God Questions Earth’s First Killer, Genesis 4:1-15

A. God’s Questions Cain (vv. 6, 7, 9, 10)

B. These Are Questions That Show God’s Interest in Our Feelings

1. (v. 6), “Why art thou wroth?” (angry)

2. “Why is thy countenance fallen?”

3. Notice how the LORD phrases these two facts as questions (i.e., rhetorical questions), in an attempt to give Cain an opportunity to acknowledge his sin, repent, and obey.

4. God is so gracious always giving us another chance to obey Him.

a. (Genesis 4:7) God spoke to Cain in loving warning

b. God in His mercy was counselling Cain on how to be acceptable to God and doing what is right.

c. God wants Cain to repent of his attitude toward God and to walk with God in faith, humility, and submission, like Abel his brother.

d. God is looking to produce a change of heart and a change of mind in Cain.

C. These Are Questions That Reveal the Cause of the First Murder

1. Every act starts as a thought

a. Romans 12:2

b. 2 Corinthians 10:5

c. Ephesians 4:26-27

d. Matthew 5:21-26

e. James 1:14

2. John wrote about Cain’s downfall (1 John 3:10-16)

D. These Are Questions Intended to Change Cain’s Life

1. God acts out of love

2. Loving instruction followed these questions

3. (v. 15)

4. God bestows amazing grace on Cain.

a. Exodus 34:6-7

b. Wiersbe makes a fascinating point that "Cain became a “walking sermon” on the grace of God and the tragic consequences of sin. What a picture of humankind today: restless, hopeless, wandering, defeated!" Sadly, apparently none of Cain's line heard and heeded the sermon!

c. God meets us where we are

d. God wants us to repent

e. God calls us to look to Him in faith