Genesis 4:1-7

Okay, we are starting a new chapter!! This one is about Cain and Abel and the whole chapter is 26 verses, so let's see how far we get....actually I'm going to stop at verse 7! Let's see what God has to say about the different "offerings".

Read the verse and answer the following questions: (don't forget that Bible, a pen and highlighter!! You may even start with a notebook and have these questions at the front as a reference, then throughout the book, just write your answers!! Just an idea!? :-) )

1. Summarize in a few sentences what the passage is about:

2. Is there an example for me to follow?

3. Is there an error I need to avoid?

4. Is there a command for me to obey?

5. Is there a sin I need to forsake?

6. What application of this passage can I make today?


My answers and opinion:

1. Adam and Eve have two babies so far, Cain, then Abel. Cain worked the fields/soil while Abel kept flocks and they both brought their offerings to the Lord but God looked with favor on Abel which made Cain angry; God asks him why so angry, tells him to do what is right so sin is not going to take over.

2. Follow God with all my heart. Don't just give him what is in my wallet (say for a tithe) or what is convenient (say a minute here or there), give him the Best. Give him at least the ten percent even when money is tight and look for other ways to give him my best time, maybe the first hours in the morning when I am most alert and excitable, rather than at night. And when he reprimands me, master the sin.

3. Watch, diligently, for sin. If I'm going to do something wrong (or not do what is right that I know I should be doing) know that sin is crouching and waiting for me, desiring to have me. So, don't just not do what is wrong, like adultery or stealing, Do what is right like giving my all to my marriage, giving and helping to the poor, teaching the young the right ways; go the extra mile, not just what is needed to be done with the day. That all sounds a little confusing, but it's like Romans 7:15 "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do"

4. Do what is right. Find the answers in the Bible if I'm unsure what is right.

5. Don't compare myself with my brother or sister or friend, etc. If God seems to favor someone else, maybe I should look to myself and see why He doesn't favor me.

6. Pretty much what I said before about not comparing and doing what is right and going the extra mile!! Especially while my kids are watching my every move!!!

Whew that was only a few verses, but powerful in itself.