1. When God created Adam and Eve, He told them to "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish [fill] the earth" (Genesis 1:28). 2. In Genesis 4:1-2 we read about the birth of Cain and the birth of Abel. 3. Concerning their professions,: a. Abel was a shepherd b. Cain was a farmer. 4. Eventually, Cain killed Abel (Genesis 4:8). 5. We are especially concerned with something that contributed to this murder. 6. In our lesson we are studying several principles that relate to "the worship of Cain and Abel."
Discussion:
I. LET US FIRST EXAMINE WHAT CAIN AND ABEL DID AND GOD'S RESPONSE
A. Cain and Abel both presented offerings to the Lord. 1. Cain's offering was "of the fruit of the ground." 2. Abel's offering was "of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof." B. God responded by: 1. respecting Abel and his offering 2. not respecting Cain and his offering. C. An additional passage, Hebrews 11:4, explains what took place. 1. Abel offered his sacrifice "by faith." 2. This implies that faith was lacking in Cain's offering. 3. Since faith is based on God's Word (Romans 10:17), we conclude that Abel followed God's instructions while Cain did not. 4. It is interesting that Abel still speaks, even though Cain killed him.
II. WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM "THE WORSHIP OF CAIN AND ABEL" THAT WILL HELP US TODAY?
A. We need to listen to and apply the Lord's instructions for worship (John 4:23-24). 1. Worship is directed to the Father. 2. The Father seeks to be worshiped by "true worshipers." a. Abel stands out as a true worshiper. b. Cain stands out as a false worshiper (Matthew 15:8-9). 3. True worshipers worship the Father "in spirit and in truth." a. "In spirit": to worship from the heart, to be sincere, to have the proper attitude and disposition b. "In truth": according to God's will as it is revealed in the New Testament. B. We need to participate in the acts of worship that are authorized in the New Testament, including: 1. "praying" (1 Corinthians 14:15; Acts 2:42) 2. "giving" (1 Corinthians 16:1-2) 3. "eating the Lord's Supper" (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Acts 20:7) 4. "teaching the Scriptures" (Acts 20:7; Acts 2:42) 5. "singing" (1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). C. As we worship we must comply with the instructions in Colossians 3:16-17.
Conclusion:
1. "The worship of Cain and Abel" is recorded for our benefit (Romans 15:4). 2. Let us: a. worship "by faith" as Abel did b. avoid Cain's mistake.
