“Sin, grace, and the cry”
SERMON Title: Sin, grace, and the cry
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 4:1-16 (ESV)
Introduction:
As we continue on in the story, we see how the fall of Adam and Eve segregate them from God. The punishment of sin brings about a loss of privilege of abiding close to God’s presence and shalom, and the sense of security and rest they were meant to enjoy.
In today’s passage, we will explore what life looks like outside of God’s providence. We see how sin naturally grows (metastasizes); we see how sin intensifies and spreads throughout humanity; and we see how sin destroys relationships. Though the stark reality of human sinfulness without the Lord’s favor is shown, sin does not have the last word – the Lord’s graciousness and authority does.
Overview:
The sin of Cain (“a heart issue”)
The context in which the killing of Abel is due to worship. Both brothers desired to offer up worship to God through sacrifice.
Why does God show acknowledgement for Abel’s offering but not Cain’s? (Gen 4:4)
The Lord acknowledges the posture and the heart behind the offering.
To obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22)
Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7)
For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Psalm 51:16-17)
The offering is represented by the life and the heart that lifts up the offering before God. Abel’s offering was lifted up by faith. (Hebrews 11:4)
Sin hides
We may not realize the grasp of sin until we actively and intentionally seek it out (Gen 4:7)
We may explain away or generalize our sins as those that everyone struggles with – in the process of, dimming the problem and its powerful effects in keeping us enslaved
We need to surround ourselves with people who can keep us accountable so they can help us see our blind-spots and help us identify our hidden sins.
Sin grows
Sin can grow and control you.
Sin is a heart issue that tends to hides itself and if it is left unchecked, it will always grow into a bigger sin.
The grace of God
God intervenes in the face of our ugly sins through the use of the Spirit and of people around you.
The Word also illuminates what is needed to overcome the sins.
Still, God’s grace does become enough even when you choose to sin (in the case of Cain killing Abel).
God becomes the protector of Cain and that is God’s grace and mercy.
The crying blood
God hears our cries in response to the destruction of sin, and He is not slow in His promise to comfort us.
God’s justice has come and will come, because of Jesus’ power over death and punishment.
Sermon reflection questions:
What are your reasons or motivations in which you come before God to worship? Is it out of faith, of habit, of obligation, or in seeking God’s favor?
What are the sins you hold in your heart today and you need to identify in order to confess before the Lord?
How will you choose to surrender the injustices and the wrongs you have committed before the Lord so He may vindicate you with His righteousness today?
