In The Beginning | The Conflict Between Work and Grace

In the Beginning: (Part VI)

THE CONFLICT BETWEEN WORK AND GRACE

Genesis 4:1-9 (ESV) 1 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD.” 2 And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” 8 Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?”

Last Sunday, there were at least one hundred million Americans who watched the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs battled it out for the Superbowl LIV. No doubt, it was a great game up to the end. For many who are not really into football, they would usually watch the Superbowl because of the TV commercials. Since there are so many viewers, I think there’s also a big competition on who can come up with the most unique and memorable advertisement. Which commercial stood out for you? Unfortunately, there was one commercial that Fox Sports refused to run that night. It came from a non-profit organization, Faces of Choice. Since we all missed it, I thought it would be great to have all of you watch it right now: (facesofchoice.org)

When you look at those faces, they are a powerful reminder to everyone that we are for life and that we believe in rescuing life—and that we are against death and against murder. Sadly, matters of life and death are not always clear-cut issues today in our society. I’m even surprised that many Christians are sometimes confused about their stand on issues like abortion, euthanasia, war, or capital punishment. The truth of the matter is that if we allow the Scriptures to set our convictions on “matters of life,” it is always very clear that life in God’s eyes is sacred, while death and murder are the direct results of sin in humanity and the world. These are all clearly established for us in the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4. 

As we continue with our sermon series, “In the Beginning,” we will definitely see lots of “firsts” in our main text: the first birth, the first brothers, the first shepherd, the first farmer, the first offerings, the first worship service, the first murder, and the first cover-up. But most importantly, we will also see humans attempt to be reconnected to God. If you were here last Sunday, we studied together the fall of Adam and Eve to sin and the curses that God placed upon them because of it. Moving to chapter 4, we will find how, despite their failure, God would still bless them and give them their own children. Yes, they were thrown out of Eden, but God’s grace continued to follow them. I would like us to examine this story closely and uncover the lifelong conflict between God’s grace and the humans’ persistence to offer Him their works. In order to clearly see this distinction, we will divide our study into three basic truths:

I WE CAN PURSUE GOD IN OUR WORSHIP (vv. 1-4a)

Reading verses 1-4, we will be introduced to the first two sons of Adam and Eve – Cain and Abel. When Cain, the firstborn son, was born, it is interesting that Eve chose a name which literally means, “I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD.” This meaning is significant because this name shows her faith in what God has promised in Genesis 3:15 about “the offspring of the woman” that will bruise the head of Satan. Then, she had another son, whom she named Abel, which signifies “vanity.” Bible scholars believe that she chose this name because, by the time he was born, she was already feeling the effects of life’s pressures and its vanity. 

Besides the names, verse 2 also gives us the sources of livelihood that the brothers chose for themselves. Abel chose to be a shepherd; while Cain decided to be a farmer. This livelihood needs to be emphasized because it exemplifies the will of God right from the beginning: Adam and Eve were given work after they were created. So, when they had the privilege of raising their own children, they made sure that they were also trained to do very specific work or livelihood. I believe that parents ought to bring up their children to work. Think about it! Cain and Abel had the special privilege of enjoying the vast land-areas that God just created for them. They were definitely and adequately provided by God and their parents, but they were not allowed to be idle. They had to be trained to work and contribute to the family. 

Despite their differences in names and livelihood, both of them perfectly understood their spiritual responsibility to offer their worship to God (vv.3-4). It is safe to say that this duty was also instilled in them by their parents. You see, even with the disobedience of Adam and Eve, God continued to help them. In fact, when Cain was born, his name was a clear testimony from Eve that God was there helping them (I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD).    

In my Systematic Theology class, we have talked about the significance of Historical Theology. With Historical Theology, we establish our doctrines by studying the beliefs and practices of God’s people in the Bible. One good example of this doctrine can be seen in our text: The belief and practice of worship. Why are we worshipping today? The answer is quite obvious – it has been consistently taught and practiced in the Bible. In fact, worship is practiced since the time of Adam and Eve. There’s a great verse that can serve as a reminder to us:

Jeremiah 6:16 (ESV) 16“Thus says the LORD: ‘Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”

As Bible believers, we must recognize that we are better off walking through “ancient paths.” They are not only safer; they are less troublesome. We should not make the mistake of responding the same way the people responded during the time of Jeremiah saying, “We will not walk in it.”

Of course, when we go to the New Testament, Jesus has clearly revealed God’s heart regarding worship:

John 4:23-24 (ESV) 23 “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”  

Notice, Jesus reminded us that the Father is always seeking for true worshippers. Let’s not take worship for granted because He delights in our worship. This is certainly one significant evidence that we are pursuing Him!

II WE CAN CHOOSE THE PATHS IN OUR WORSHIP

The next truth I want to highlight from the text is the two contrasting paths the brothers took in worshipping God. This comparison is really critical because if you examine carefully, both had the same motive, which was to offer their worship to God, who has been good to them. However, the means of their act of worship were very different. 

Cain, as a farmer, decided to offer the fruit of the ground. He probably his plant-based offerings - vegetables and fruits. In contrast, Abel, as a shepherd, brought his unblemished, flawless lamb. However, with the two offerings, verse 4 says, “And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering.” 

Why is it that Abel’s sacrifice was accepted by God compared to Cain’s sacrifice? If you carefully examine the passage, it is evident that Cain understood there was a “right sacrifice” for their offering. This proof is implied in the words to Cain in verse 7, “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door.” In other words, God was telling him, “If he only did what was right, then his sacrifice could have been accepted.” You see, many Bible scholars believe that God Himself gave Adam and Eve specific instructions concerning the animal sacrifice after they have sinned. This event happened most likely at the same time with Genesis 3:21:21 “And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.”

This verse provides the reason why God would imply to Cain that he knew what the right path was, but he insisted on what he thought could be acceptable. We need to draw attention to this mindset, because this thinking has often been the biggest mistake that many people have made since the beginning. When we want to approach God, we cannot choose our own path; we cannot offer Him the fruit of our own works.

When we examine the Scriptures, the only way to God is Jesus Christ. Notice these verses:

John 14:6 (ESV) 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Acts 4:12 (ESV) 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” 

These verses are straightforward. There’s only one way or one path – only Jesus Christ. The question would be, “How about during the Old Testament times, prior to Jesus Christ?” Well, the animal sacrifices were all “foreshadows” of the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Back then, only through the blood of sacrificed animals can someone receive forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22 indicates this teaching:

22 “Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” 

Notice, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” So, when Cain failed to offer a sacrifice with the blood, it was not accepted. This truth also corrects the thinking of many regarding sincerity in their paths to God. Many times, there are people who think that because they are sincere, that’s good enough for them to be accepted by God. The reality is that even this notion falls short. Who would ever say that Cain was not sincere when he offered his sacrifice? For sure, he could have been totally sincere. But his sacrifice was still rejected. Do you know why only Jesus is the way? It is because salvation is all by God’s grace. This is us simply accepting His work for us, rather than us offering our works of righteousness for our acceptance.   

Listen to Titus 3:5 (ESV) when it says, 5 [H]e saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”

III WE CAN BE COMMENDED FOR OUR WORSHIP

Lastly, it is worth emphasizing that when Abel offered the right kind of worship, the Lord confirmed his acceptance and commended him for it. There are two passages that can establish this principle:

Genesis 4:4 (ESV) 4 “[A]nd Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering.”

This verse tells us that God visibly showed His acceptance of Abel’s sacrifice, and that Cain, on the other hand, was able to conclude that his sacrifice was rejected. This truth is reinforced in Hebrews 11:4 (ESV) 4 “By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.”

Let’s reflect on this question for a minute: When you passionately pursue God, would you agree that God has some ways to show that your life is pleasing to Him? For example:

  • Through Answered Prayers (Your prayers are more powerful)

James 5:16 (ESV) 16 “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

  • Through Adequate Provisions

Psalm 37:25-26 (ESV) 25 “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. 26 He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.”

As a father, I love this passage because it includes a promise that God would provide generously, even to my children. 

  • Through Active Protection

Psalm 5:12 (ESV) 12 “For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.”

The Lord favors the righteous by giving them a hedge of protection. Now, let me address a seeming contradiction here. Some of you might be asking, “If God protects the righteous, why did God allow Cain to murder his brother, Abel?” That’s a valid question, right? You see, what we have said out of Psalm 5:12 is a general principle. Meaning, generally speaking, if you walk with God, He will be there to protect you. There are so many examples of this protection demonstrated in the Bible. However, there are times when God has allowed the death of the righteous for more honorable and higher purposes. One perfect example is the death of great martyrs of the faith. You have many prophets in the Old and New Testament who were killed serving the Lord. Evidently, if you take the last part of Hebrews 11:4“And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.” It is not an exaggeration to say that Abel was the first martyr of the faith. He was literally killed because of his faith.

Also, it is possible that since this event happened during the beginning stage of sin, God was giving a clearer picture of what sin is capable of doing. Listen to God’s warning to Cain in verse 7, “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”

Clearly, with these words, God gave Cain enough warning that sin was like an animal waiting to pounce on him. So, he needed to overcome it. But he ignored God that he ended up committing an unthinkable crime towards his own brother.  Beloved, as early as Genesis 4, God is already sending the warning that once sin is beginning to show its ugly head, we need to be quick to terminate it. Let’s not play with it; let’s not sweep it under the rug, because soon it will take over, and we will surely regret it.

Do you see the worse consequence of sin to Cain? It is found in Genesis 4:16 (ESV): 16 “Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.”

Notice, “Cain went away from the presence of the Lord.” When you and I have chosen to live in sin, rather than the Lord. It is definitely a choice to live away from the sphere of God’s blessings. If you are there right now, I hope you will change your mind and go back to Him. It is not yet too late. Simply repent and surrender your heart to Jesus Christ. His message to all of us is summarized by Revelation 3:20 (ESV):20  “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”


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