Genesis Part 1 - Week 9

Day 1 

READ 

Genesis 4:1 

1 Now Adam had sexual relations with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant. When she gave birth to Cain, she said, “With the Lord’s help, I have produced a man!” 

Eve was aware that this birth was “With the Lord’s help.” The birth of Cain perhaps gave hope to Eve that she had produced the one promised in Genesis 3:15. That would be the one who would crush the descendants of the one who had tempted and deceived her. This is not the end of the story, however. But at least a man had been birthed. 

REFLECT 

What would you expect Eve to think when she gave birth to Cain? 

RESPOND 

The Scriptures do not indicate what kind of pain Eve had in being pregnant and giving birth to Cain. Part of the curse for her disobedience, however, was increased pain in child bearing (see Genesis 3:16). This fits the pattern of mothers that the birth of a child causes them not to think any longer about the pain. 

Day 2 

READ 

Genesis 4:2-5 

2 Later she gave birth to his brother and named him Abel. When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. 3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. 

Some think the difference in the offerings of Cain and Abel involved a blood sacrifice. The Scriptures do not say that, however. Notice that Cain “presented some of his crops” whereas Abel brought “the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock.” The difference seems to be that Abel presented his best and Cain did not. God did not accept Cain and his gift.  

REFLECT 

Do you think of giving your best when you consider sacrificing something to the Lord? 

RESPOND 

Visit with a friend about the difference of something that is good in contrast to that which is the best. Read Isaiah 1:10-17 about God rejecting the sacrifices of those who were not honoring him.  

Day 3 

READ 

Genesis 4:6-7 

6 “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” 

Sin was in a battle to control Cain. The contest would prove who was the master—sin or Cain. God assured Cain that he would be accepted “if you do what is right.” The word “right” is related to the word “righteous” and “righteousness.” God is completely righteous because He always does what is right. 

REFLECT 

Is it your primary concern to do what is right? 

RESPOND 

A verse for you and a friend to think about is Micah 6:8. This verse reveals three things that the Lord requires of those who believe in Him. Are you doing what this verse says is required? 

Day 4 

READ 

Genesis 4:8-9 

8 One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him. 9 Afterward the Lord asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?” “I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s guardian?” 

Cain was jealous of his brother and killed him out in the field. Just as the Lord knew the answer when he was questioning Adam; He knew the answer when He asked Cain where Abel was. Cain claimed ignorance and asked God if he was responsible for Abel. The obvious answer was yes.  

REFLECT 

Have you sometimes claimed not to be responsible for someone who was your responsibility? 

RESPOND 

Talk with someone about the extent to which a child or relative is responsible for aging parents and relatives. Read 1 Timothy 5:3-4, 16 for a basis of your discussion.  

Day 5 

READ 

Genesis 4:10-12 

10 But the Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground! 11 Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother’s blood. 12 No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.” 

God knew fully well what Cain had done and that he had killed his brother. God pronounced a curse on Cain and banished him from the area where he killed his brother. The ground had already been cursed because of Adam’s sin, but now it would be even less productive for Cain. God’s sentence was that Cain would “be a homeless wanderer on the earth.”  

REFLECT 

Have you occasionally looked for examples that actions have consequences? This is a good example.  

RESPOND 

Visit with a friend about what the Bible says about actions bringing consequences. Read Proverbs 18:21; 22:3 and 27:12. Think of examples from your own lives.