"My Brother's Keeper..." Genesis 4:9 I. Introduction. A. Early in history of man certain questions had to be settled. 1. These same questions remain--not because they are unanswered--but because the answer is not accepted. 2. So man repeats the question--starts search all over again. B. A continuing inquiry: Genesis 4:9. 1. Background of question. 2. Cain had been asked a question as well. a. Lied in his answer--tried to offer an explanation. b. God knew the answer: as we often know the answer to one we ask. C. There are some questions that do not deserve an answer. D. There are some questions that cannot be answered. E. There are other questions in which the answer is implied. II. Body. A. God's question needed an answer, even though God knew the answer. 1. Cain needed to recognize what he had done. 2. Needed to be able to accept punishment for what he had committed. 3. As he had been responsible for seeing that no harm came to his brother, he was responsible for his actions. B. The Old Testament holds an answer to the question. 1. Moses' attitude toward Egyptian harming his Hebrew brother. 2. The feelings of Reuben toward Joseph. 3. Even the prophets of God: their concern and warnings. a. They felt it strongly! b. Extended to men like David, Hezekiah. C. The New Testament is more explicit. 1. After all, Jesus Christ is the supreme example. 2. Jesus used parables, encouragements, and warnings to let disciples know what being a brother really means. 3. Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees. 4. Parable of the Samaritan. 5. The Lord included: Matthew 5:44. D. The disciples of Christ learned and taught this in a powerful way. 1. James 2:14-16. 2. I John 3:17. 3. James 5:19-20. E. There are some things for which one cannot be his "brother's keeper." 1. When the brother refuses the help. 2. When the brother separates himself from other brethren. 3. When he wants one to approve false doctrine or evil practices. 4. In areas in which only the individual can be his own keeper. F. Remember, God only asked "Where is thy brother?" 1. Cain's answer was an answer of lying and guilt. 2. Is it my place to know where my brother might be? a. To the best of my knowledge. b. In an interest of his soul. 3. Too often, we know where to find the brother, but cannot seem to reach him to bring him back to what is right. a. In many cases, the brother knows as well or better where he is at. b. But we must still feel the obligation to try to rescue him! III. Conclusion. A. Cain knew what had happened to his brother. B. Cain made it so he could not help Abel. C. While life exists--there is hope--when we find a brother in need of help and we are allowed to help--enthusiastically do so.-jy