Cain's Sin Genesis 4:22-23 I. Introduction. A. Few people fully realize the ultimate consequences of sin. 1. To the world, it is attractive. 2. To the weak, it is a parasite. 3. To the ungodly, it is a pleasure. 4. To the ignorant, it is a stumbling block. 5. To God, it is rebellion. B. Adam and Eve were pure and holy when placed in the Paradise of Eden. 1. Such perfect creatures had a perfect existence. a. Do you realize the time and effort we use to improve our earthly existence? b. Nothing wrong with making life better so long as such does not lead from the Paradise of God. 2. The Lord never intended or wanted man to forfeit his right to Paradise and the tree of life. a. God wanted man to continue in this Paradise forever. b. Mankind could have lived forever if he so desired and obeyed. c. However, the Lord did not create a robot, but a living being who could think and make choices. 3. Man makes a wrong choice: Genesis 3:6. a. Separated from Tree of Life. b. Death pronounced upon mankind: Genesis 2:16-17. 4. The consequences of sin would now be borne by all humans. II. Body. A. Adam and Eve produce offspring to maintain the human race: Genesis 4:1-2. 1. God did not want to end humanity; he allowed man to populate the earth. 2. The Lord expected man to now serve him out of a willing and devoted heart(same today). 3. Adam's children offered sacrifices to God: Genesis 4:3-5a. B. Sin enters the camp of Adam's family: Genesis 4:5b-8. 1. Disobedience to God's law brings consequences. a. To Adam and Eve. b. To Cain and all others who sin. 2. Consequences of Cain's sin. a. Early step--Anger: Genesis 4:5b. (1 Solomon said: Ecclesiastes 7:9. (2 How many violent acts came from anger in the last 24 hours? (3 Note: Ephesians 4:26-27. b. His "countenance" fell: Genesis 4:5b. (1 Literally: To be hateful & gloomy. (2 Where happiness existed, now depression controls(moodiness). (3. Abel was rewarded; Cain wasn't.(Ever felt like you were mistreated or passed over?) (4. Doing right lifts the soul and lightens the burden: Genesis 4:7. (5. Sin is ever present: Satan wants you as his servant(that is how he "rules" over you). c. The act of transgression: Genesis 4:8. (1 Sinned as did his parents(now a murderer). (2 Men die in anger; cause others to die. (3 To take a human life because one has sinned(or is sinning) is horrible and nonsensical. d. One's sin will find one out: Genesis 4:9-10. (1 Cain could not hide from God. (2 Possible that lying is one of the most committed of sins. (A Our age not only does it, but often encourages others to do so. (B Need to read Revelation 21:8. (3 People lie to justify themselves and avoid the consequences of some thought or deed(from the highest government official to the beggar on the street). (4 God knows when we do not tell the truth. (5 Cain had(?) to lie to justify his deed. C. The consequences of transgression: Genesis 4:13. 1. Isolation: Genesis 4:12. a. Lost the company of his family. b. More than that: he lost the presence of Jehovah: Genesis 4:16. 2. A marked man: Genesis 4:15. a. Sin puts a mark on a person. b. Especially on his conscience if he has any morals at all. D. What are the lessons for today? 1. Do not become so angry at those with whom we disagree as to jeopardize our own faith. a. Only I control my anger. b. "You make me so made"(Rather: I let myself get so mad...) c. Jesus was angry, but He controlled it. 2. When our countenance falls, we get moody, depressed, and find fault with others. a. Not happy with faithful brethren(sometimes one's family). b. Not happy with the Word of God, the worship prescribed by the Lord, and the work of the Lord's church. c. Our unhappiness controls our actions. 3. We can become so angry and depressed that we sin: Ephesians 4:31-32. a. By taking it out on others. b. By taking it out on the brethren. c. By taking it out on the Lord. III. Conclusion. A. God punished Cain; he punishes us for our unforgiven sins. B. Note: II Corinthians 5:10.-jy