Cain and Abel – Sibling Rivalry to the Extreme
Bible Study Lesson from Genesis 4:1-16
“Am I my brother’s keeper?“.
Brothers argue and brothers fight but this is a story about two who took sibling rivalry to the extreme.
This is the Bible story and study lesson about Cain and Abel as told in Genesis.
The Anger of Cain
Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard.
So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.
Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?
If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up?
And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”
Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.
Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”
He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground. – Genesis 4:4-10 NASB
Extreme Anger of Cain
This is where it all started – sibling rivalry! The sons of Adam and Eve set a precedence that has lasted to this day.
Ever have a fight with your brother or sister? If you have any siblings I’m sure you have had some real whoppers! I know I have.
But, most of the time our differences and sibling rivalry can be resolved without physically hurting our brothers or sisters. Cain took his jealousy and anger to the extreme and committed murder – thus making him an outcast in Eden.
Why Did God Reject Cain’s Sacrifice?
In these verses, Abel offered a blood sacrifice while Cain only offered fruits and vegetables but it’s not clear why God rejected Cain’s offering. It could have been that God was not pleased with the attitude in which Cain gave.
Spirit of Giving
When an offering is given grudgingly it does not have the same effect as a gift that is given with gladness. So, it’s possible that Cain gave with the wrong attitude and with the wrong motive in mind.
God knows our hearts and He knows why we are giving.
We should give of our money, our talents and our time with a willingness to please God and not just because we feel “obligated” to put our “10%” into the offering plate on Sunday.
God Gave with the Right Attitude
Let’s give back to God with joy. After all, everything we have belongs to Him in the first place.
God willingly gave his only Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross so that we may live and be forgiven from sin.
Our gifts pale in significance but God appreciates them for the thought and attitude in which we give.
Other Lessons from Cain and Abel
[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”0310340756″ locale=”US” src=”https://makingchristknown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/51KFnvbo4BL.SL160.jpg” tag=”bobpardphot-20″ width=”111″]There are many lessons which come from the story of Cain and Abel such as the banishment from Eden and the mark God placed on Cain.
I encourage you to read all the verses and contemplate the meaning behind each one.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like more information about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16 .
Read Entire Passage Here:
New American Standard Bible
New King James Version