LESSON TWO: WRATH

LESSON TWO: WRATH
GENESIS 4:1-16
INTRODUCTION
It didn't take long for the fallen to fall even further. Cain, envious of his brother's goodness and closeness to the Lord, lashes out in anger. Not only does he commit murder, but he attempts to cover up his sin, to hide it from God and the world. "Am I my brother's keeper?” he asks. Violence is a consequence of sin and brings with it so much destruction. How has the violence of wrath touched your life?
PART ONE: WHAT DID WE READ?
1) How did the brothers differ in their agricultural focus?
2) Does the passage explain why God looked with favor on Abel's offering, but not on Cain's?
3) What warning does God give to Cain?
4) Was the murder of Abel premeditated?
5) What is the mark of Cain?
PART TWO: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
1) Why did God prefer Abel's offering to that of Cain?
2) What is the meaning of the warning God gave Cain?
3) Why did God ask Cain where his brother was?
4) How would you answer the question, "Am I my brother's keeper?"
5) What is the purpose of the mark of Cain?
PART THREE: HOW DOES IT APPLY TO US?
1) Does God have to receive the offerings we give? What kind of offerings might God refuse?
2) Do you think that you are your brother's keeper? Are other people your keeper?
3) Cain is cursed by his actions. The ground will not produce for him any longer. In other words, his work will be fruitless. Have you ever felt that way about your work?
4) Cain complains about his punishment. have you ever received a punishment that you definitely deserved, but complained about anyway? Do you think Cain got the punishment he deserved?
5) What does it mean that anyone who kills Cain will suffer a sevenfold punishment?
PRAYER
Lord, we may not see it when sin takes hold and controls our lives, but You see it. Help us to receive with open hearts your words of reproof and warning. Do not allow us to be ruled by an anger that justifies its violence. Help us to see our brother not as our enemy, but as family. Instead of anger, give us peace, patience and perspective. When we fail and fall short, surround and lift us up with your grace and mercy. Amen.