Fix Your Eyes on Him

The last couple weeks we have learned about the first four people who roamed the earth: Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel. Last week, we discussed how Cain’s anger and jealousy led him to kill his brother Abel continuing in the way exemplified by his mother and father by ignoring God’s words. Cain is punished and sent away to be a wanderer on the earth. We are going to pause before we head on to the next portion of our story. This week, I want to expand upon what it means to guard our hearts from the proverb we memorized last week. Adam and Eve introduced sin into the world, and it took root in their families all because they didn’t guard their hearts and listen to what God was speaking to them.They took their eyes off the prize.

Let's read Matthew 6:19-24

We have probably heard the first part of this passage before and it makes good sense. Don’t store up material wealth, because it doesn’t last, right? Why then, does God start talking about our eyes and what we see? I think it's more than just what we physically see in front of. For example what happens when you see something you really want? Maybe wonder, fear, or amazement, jealousy or envy. 

With our eyes we see the things we want and we may begin to desire them. It reminds me of the cartoons when the bad guy robbing the bank sees all the money and dollar signs appear in his eyes. He might start salivating and his tongue might drop to the floor. What he saw, he desired. It happens to us, too.Sometimes we desire something so badly, that we will do anything to get it often at the cost of others. We look at a new phone, computer, car, piece of cake, etc. We push people out of the way to get the first piece or we spend so much time on our phone or computer, we don't pay attention to those around us. Eventually all these things lose their excitement. All the energy and time poured into getting the thing seemed like a good idea, but now it's not as exciting. It isn't worth anything. Food is always gone, technology and cars break down. Nothing lasts!

Come of our first friends in scripture, Eve and Cain are perfect examples of this. Eve gazed upon the fruit and the first thing she noticed was that it is a delight to the eye. It looked so good it was worth disobeying God. Cain saw the favor that God had on Abel and it made him jealous. Ultimately, it was unsatisfying or at least only satisfying for a short time.We have a built in desire for something more fulfilling. Some would call it a God-shaped hole that can only be filled by him, but we try to fill it with earthly treasures.We have to fix our eyes on something greater.

Read Hebrews 12:1-3 and Colossians 3:1-4.

God is the only thing that will last beyond the earth. He has overcome death and the grave and he gives us something of more value than silver or gold, he gives us life! There is nothing more valuable than our life in communion with God. Seek after this with all your heart.

Genesis 4 - Cain and Abel - Part 2

Last week, we discussed the story of Cain and Abel. In the beginning of their story we learn that God cares about what we offer to him and how it is offered. Paul told us in Romans and Philippians that we are to offer our lives to God and in doing so, we should have an attitude like Christ – no grumbling or complaining. This week we are going to follow the rest of Cain’s story and find out what happens when we don’t give ourselves fully to him.

Read Genesis 4:6-7 

Recap:

• Why is Cain angry?
• Have you ever been angry?
• How does anger affect our actions? 

Anger in itself is not a sin. God certainly gets angry with his people when they are disobedient or we ignore him. Jesus flips over the tables of people who tried to sell things in his church (John 2:13-25). God is righteous in his anger. Your parents sometimes may get angry with you if you don’t listen to what they tell you, because they love you and want to make sure you stay on the right path. Sometimes we may get angry with the way people are treated – like being mad at a bully for teasing someone. God created our emotions and anger is one of them. Sometimes things just make us mad.

• What do you think God is saying to Cain when he tells him “…sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it?”

Read Genesis 4:8

Cain’s anger leads him to kill his brother Abel.   Cain’s anger although not a sin in itself led to his brother’s murder AND Cain’s own sin which we know leads to death, separation from God (Romans 6:23). This is the God’s punishment for Cain. 

Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount that anyone who is angry with his brother is guilty of murder (Matthew 5:21-26).  I’ve never murdered anyone, but I’ve definitely been angry at someone without cause.

Why do you think Jesus holds anger and murder as the same?

In 1 John 3:11-15, we are reminded of Cain’s story. John tells us that anyone who does not love remains in death. Cain’s sin led him to take his brother’s life, AND separated himself from God. When our hearts are distracted and hateful towards others, not only are we not offering them the forgiveness that Christ offers us but we are hindered from experiencing Christ’s love as well. Paul, in Ephesians 4:26-27, explains that we must not let our anger lead us to sin. In doing, we give the devil a foothold in our lives.

It’s not even just about anger. Our “little” sins can lead us into more sin. Most of us when we do something wrong, think about it before we do it. We weigh the consequences and decided whether or not it’s a good idea. It’s starts in our minds and our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 says  “Above all else, guard your heart,  for it is the wellspring of life.” We must guard our hearts by seeking God in all areas of our life. What is an area of your life where you have let your guard down? Pray about it this week and and ask God what you should do to better guard your heart.

Genesis 4 - Cain and Abel

Two weeks ago, we discussed the fall and its effect on God’s purpose in the world. Sin and death from this time forward are now a part of our time on earth. At this point in time, humans are separated from God, unable to commune with him as they did before in the Garden. They will work for the things God used to provide. In spite of the sin of Adam and Eve, God chooses to continue the work he started through the birth of Cain and Abel.

Read Genesis 4:1-7

We first learn that Cain was a farmer and Abel a shepherd. Each of them brings to God an offering from the work of their hands. Scripture tells us that God looked upon Abel’s offering with favor, but not so much on Cain’s offering. We aren’t told why God favored Cain’s, but we find that Cain becomes very angry. Some questions to consider:

• Why do you think Cain’s offering was not favored by God?
• What do we offer to the Lord?
• Does it matter what we offer to God? Why?
• Is it important how we present our offering? Why or why not?

In the Old Testament, sacrifices and offerings were given as a way of asking for forgiveness, blessings, or in thanks to God. God required that the offering be the first fruits of the harvest or the firstborn of the flock. God desired the best of what his people were able to give. From God's reply to Cain in verses 6 and 7, we can assume that Cain did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. It wasn't the best he could give. God desires the best we can give. In Romans 12:1, Paul tells us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices. This means that we give every aspect of our lives fully to him: our worship, prayers, gifts, relationships, time, money...everything! God doesn't want a half-hearted commitment.

Our hearts and attitudes are important when we give as well. In Philippians 2, Paul tells us that we should have an attitude like Christ in all that we do. If we give with half a heart or we try to hold on to some portion of our lives, we miss out on the fullness of what Christ has to offer us. Giving ourselves fully to the work of the Lord is no easy task. Christ is our strength and foundation. When we trust in Him, He will reveal in us the parts of our lives we aren't letting go of and He will give us the strength to give it to him.

 
"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." ~ Matthew 16:25