Chaos

Posted by Karah

Pause

This week, you’ll study Genesis 4 in-depth. Read over the entire chapter, prayerfully asking God to open your mind to what He has to teach you.

Last week you learned that God’s perfect world was no longer perfect. Sin had entered the world and left its mark on everything. In Genesis 4, we find a world mired in sin and characterized by murder, malice, and antagonism. Read Genesis 4:1-12 in your Bible.

“If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”

—Genesis 4:7

Reread verses 6-7, then fill in the blanks on the chart below.

 

Verse                                     Cain’s Attitude           God’s Response

Genesis 4:5-6

 

Genesis 4:8-9a

 

Genesis 4:9b-12

 

Ask yourself:

Look at verse 7. If you were writing it in your own words, what would you say?
How did God demonstrate His redemptive nature to Cain in this passage?
God gave Cain a chance to do what was right, but Cain chose to let sin fester in his heart, which led to murder. When have you chosen to allow sin to fester in your heart?

The Point

God always seeks to offer redemption, but people often choose their own destruction.

 

Respond

Even in a world where sin had been given free reign, God was reaching out and inviting people to turn away from sin and follow Him. Praise Him for how He has done the same thing in your life! Be specific in your praises.

Consider how easily a bad attitude can lead to destructive sin. In what ways does your attitude need to change? What will you do today to make your attitude more honoring to God?

For further study, read 1 Peter 5:8-9. Journal about how these verses compare with Genesis 4:6-7.

Behind the Story

Cain’s destructive downfall began with a poor attitude, which escalated into destructive sin. In these verses, God is closely involved with Cain, instructing him and responding to his every move. However, even with God’s clear warning and wise advice, there is no evidence that Cain ever repented of his attitude or his sin. His poor choices continued to affect his family for generations.

 

Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions