There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks

to him and bad when it turns away from him.

~ CS Lewis

11Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain.pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” 22Later Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.she gave birth to his brother Abel.

There were probably other children born in this time There were probably other children born in this time

span, but because they are not significant to the span, but because they are not significant to the plot, plot,

they are not mentioned.they are not mentioned.

11Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain.pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” 22Later Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 33In In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offeringthe soil as an offering to the LORD. to the LORD. 44But Abel But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, offering, 55but on Cain and his offering he did not but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. look with favor.

We are not given much information about the We are not given much information about the directions directions

that were given to the people in this. Obviously, that were given to the people in this. Obviously, some some

instruction had been given about sacrifice and basic instruction had been given about sacrifice and basic obedience.obedience.

11Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain.pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” 22Later Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 33In In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offeringthe soil as an offering to the LORD. to the LORD. 44But Abel But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, offering, 55but on Cain and his offering he did not but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. look with favor.

Documentary hypothesis: (Wellhausen Documentary hypothesis: (Wellhausen hypothesis)hypothesis)

This information is given for educational This information is given for educational purposes and is included as an apologetic. purposes and is included as an apologetic. It is not endorsed in the least and is viewed It is not endorsed in the least and is viewed as a denigration of Scripture.as a denigration of Scripture.Tradition attributes the Pentateuch to Tradition attributes the Pentateuch to Moses, but this is not reasonable. Moses Moses, but this is not reasonable. Moses could not have recorded his own death. could not have recorded his own death. Some sections are definitely Mosaic, while Some sections are definitely Mosaic, while other writers are unknown. (Deuteronomy other writers are unknown. (Deuteronomy 31:9)31:9)

11Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain.pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” 22Later Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 33In In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offeringthe soil as an offering to the LORD. to the LORD. 44But Abel But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, offering, 55but on Cain and his offering he did not but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. look with favor.

Documentary hypothesis:Documentary hypothesis:Jahwist ~ 950BC in Judah (½ Genesis & Jahwist ~ 950BC in Judah (½ Genesis & Exodus plus Exodus plus fragments of Numbers) fragments of Numbers)Elohist ~ 850BC in Israel (1/3 Genesis, ½ Elohist ~ 850BC in Israel (1/3 Genesis, ½ Exodus plus Exodus plus fragments of Numbers) fragments of Numbers)Deuteronomist ~ 600BC in Jerusalem Deuteronomist ~ 600BC in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy)(Deuteronomy)Priestly source ~ 500 BC in Babylon (1/5 Priestly source ~ 500 BC in Babylon (1/5 Genesis, good Genesis, good parts of Exodus, Numbers and all of parts of Exodus, Numbers and all of Leviticus)Leviticus)

click on blue for source linkclick on blue for source link

11Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain.pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” 22Later Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 33In In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offeringthe soil as an offering to the LORD. to the LORD. 44But Abel But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, offering, 55but on Cain and his offering he did not but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. look with favor.

There was something else going on with Cain here. There was something else going on with Cain here. It wasn’t just his offering that was improper.It wasn’t just his offering that was improper.

Leviticus 2, grain offerings are encouraged.Leviticus 2, grain offerings are encouraged.Leviticus 19:23-24; 23:40; 27:30: fruit was offeredLeviticus 19:23-24; 23:40; 27:30: fruit was offered

11Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain.pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” 22Later Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 33In In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offeringthe soil as an offering to the LORD. to the LORD. 44But Abel But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, offering, 55but on Cain and his offering he did not but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. was downcast.

angry ~ very hot (James 1:19-2o)angry ~ very hot (James 1:19-2o)

Rather than reform his ways, Cain responds Rather than reform his ways, Cain responds with with anger which in the end, is actually directed at anger which in the end, is actually directed at God, God, but about to be taken out on Abel.but about to be taken out on Abel.

How often does anger bring about good How often does anger bring about good results?results?

11Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain.pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” 22Later Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 33In In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offeringthe soil as an offering to the LORD. to the LORD. 44But Abel But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, offering, 55but on Cain and his offering he did not but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. was downcast. 66Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry?Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? Why is your face downcast? 77If you do what is right, If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” have you, but you must master it.”

““crouching ~ “reclining”: sin can be a very crouching ~ “reclining”: sin can be a very patient hunterpatient hunter

Do not think that you can simply “rebuke” it Do not think that you can simply “rebuke” it away.away.

Delilah ~ “day after day” she nagged him.Delilah ~ “day after day” she nagged him.

It was the first time that Bathsheba was on her It was the first time that Bathsheba was on her roof?roof?

11Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain.pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the She said, “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” 22Later Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 33In In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offeringthe soil as an offering to the LORD. to the LORD. 44But Abel But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, offering, 55but on Cain and his offering he did not but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. was downcast. 66Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry?Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? Why is your face downcast? 77If you do what is right, If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” have you, but you must master it.”

Flat out do the right thing: “Thy will be Flat out do the right thing: “Thy will be done.”done.”

Sin/temptation must be mastered Sin/temptation must be mastered because it never goes away.because it never goes away.

What do I desire first and foremost?Really? Keep being refined!Really? Keep being refined!

You can stop this at any time, not that You can stop this at any time, not that it won’tit won’t get more difficult as the process get more difficult as the process progresses.progresses.

Go to the rescue! Galatians 6. Go to the rescue! Galatians 6. Take the shunning out of repentance.Take the shunning out of repentance.

James 1:13-15When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert. Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry.” We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test the Lord, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did —and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. I Corinthians 10:1-13I Corinthians 10:1-13

No one is No one is exempt exempt

from from vulnerability!vulnerability!

For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert. Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry.” We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test the Lord, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did —and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. I Corinthians 10:1-13I Corinthians 10:1-13

No one is No one is exempt exempt

from from vulnerability!vulnerability!

No, the devil No, the devil can’t make you can’t make you

do it!do it!

88Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.”the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

11stst or 2 or 2ndnd degree? degree?

99Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”brother Abel?” “ “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” keeper?”

A slam on shepherding?A slam on shepherding?

99Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”brother Abel?” “ “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” keeper?” 1010The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. ground. 1111Now you are under a curse and driven Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. your brother’s blood from your hand. 1212When you When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you.you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.”

Hiding sin behind fig leaves, under dirt Hiding sin behind fig leaves, under dirt or with carefully conceived plans does not or with carefully conceived plans does not

work.work.

Like in the Garden, God gives a chance to Like in the Garden, God gives a chance to fess up.fess up.

(note on literal interpretation)(note on literal interpretation)

99Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”brother Abel?” “ “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” keeper?” 1010The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. ground. 1111Now you are under a curse and driven Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. your brother’s blood from your hand. 1212When you When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you.you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.”

You are now a scavenger, or perhaps a You are now a scavenger, or perhaps a shepherd.shepherd.

No one is going to want you around!No one is going to want you around!

99Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”brother Abel?” “ “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” keeper?” 1010The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. ground. 1111Now you are under a curse and driven Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. your brother’s blood from your hand. 1212When you When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you.you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” 1313Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is more Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is more than I can bear. than I can bear. 1414Today you are driving me from the Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence;land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”finds me will kill me.”

Is there any indication of grief or repentance over Is there any indication of grief or repentance over killing his killing his brother? brother?

He is merely bummed about the consequences. He is merely bummed about the consequences.

99Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”brother Abel?” “ “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” keeper?” 1010The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. ground. 1111Now you are under a curse and driven Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. your brother’s blood from your hand. 1212When you When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you.you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” 1313Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is more Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is more than I can bear. than I can bear. 1414Today you are driving me from the Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence;land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”finds me will kill me.” 1515But the LORD said to him, “Not so; But the LORD said to him, “Not so;

99Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”brother Abel?” “ “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” keeper?” 1010The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. ground. 1111Now you are under a curse and driven Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. your brother’s blood from your hand. 1212When you When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you.you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” 1313Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is more Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is more than I can bear. than I can bear. 1414Today you are driving me from the Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence;land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”finds me will kill me.” 1515But the LORD said to him, “Not so; if anyone kills But the LORD said to him, “Not so; if anyone kills Cain, he will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Cain, he will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the LORD put a mark on Cain so that no one Then the LORD put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him. who found him would kill him. 1616So Cain went out So Cain went out from the LORD’s presence and lived in the land of from the LORD’s presence and lived in the land of Nod,Nod, east of Eden.east of Eden.

Cain’s descendents . . . verses 17 – 26.Cain’s descendents . . . verses 17 – 26.

17Cain lay with his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a city, and he named it after his son Enoch.

“Ah ha! Where did Cain get his wife?”

17Cain lay with his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a city, and he named it after his son Enoch. 18To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methushael, and Methushael was the father of Lamech. 19Lamech married two women, one named Adah and the other Zillah. 20Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock. 21His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute. 22Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron. Tubal-Cain’s sister was Naamah. 23Lamech said to his wives,

“Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words.

I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me.

24If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.”

17Cain lay with his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a city, and he named it after his son Enoch. 18To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methushael, and Methushael was the father of Lamech. 19Lamech married two women, one named Adah and the other Zillah. 20Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock. 21His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute. 22Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron. Tubal-Cain’s sister was Naamah. 23Lamech said to his wives,

“Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words.

I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me.

24If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.”

17Cain lay with his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a city, and he named it after his son Enoch. 18To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methushael, and Methushael was the father of Lamech. 19Lamech married two women, one named Adah and the other Zillah. 20Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock. 21His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute. 22Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron. Tubal-Cain’s sister was Naamah. 23Lamech said to his wives,

“Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words.

I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me.

24If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.”

Technology advances and the human heart continues to wander.

25Adam lay with his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, “God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.” 26Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time men began to call on the name of the LORD.

Sin ~Sin ~It is always there, lurking, content to wait It is always there, lurking, content to wait

until a “more opportune time.” until a “more opportune time.” Its promise is always false, often with a Its promise is always false, often with a

monkey’s paw twist.monkey’s paw twist.It reaches to you, wanting to have you.It reaches to you, wanting to have you.It must be masteredIt must be mastered

Study, practice, teamwork, desire Study, practice, teamwork, desire refinementrefinement

Two threads: Death and life. Choose lifeTwo threads: Death and life. Choose life

Colossians 3:1-17Colossians 3:1-17Calibrate, kill, clothe, cooperateCalibrate, kill, clothe, cooperate