Genesis 4 — Do What is Right

by | Aug 26, 2020

READ Genesis 4

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you furious? And why do you look despondent? If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:6-7)

In today’s reading, we see the differences of heart between Cain and Abel.  They presented God with offerings from their labor.  Cain presented some of the land’s produce and Abel presented some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions.  The Lord respected Abel and his offering but He didn’t respect Cain and his offering.  

What was the difference?  The writer of Hebrews clearly explained why:  by faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts. (Hebrews 11:4). Cain made an offering out of obligation, satisfying the requirements of God, with no personal relationship with God.  Abel’s offering was made in faith, showing his deep desire to worship God in spirit and truth.  Abel didn’t offer God the leftovers of his labor.  He gave God the firstborn and the prized “fat” of the animals because he wanted to give God the best.

Are you doing what is right before God?  Sin will always knock at the door of our hearts.  Satan will do whatever he can to break your relationship with God.  If we try to battle Satan on our own power and strength, no matter how good our motives are, we will stumble.  That is why God gives us the Holy Spirit to fill us up with instruction, guidance, wisdom, comfort and whatever we need to overcome sin.  When sin lies at the door, what are we to do?  We must rule over it.  We prevent sin from ruling over us when we allow God to master us first.  Without God as our master, we will be slaves to sin.  If sin has been stealing your joy recently, then go to God in prayer, repent of your sin, and turn back to God.  Let God have the throne over your life and enjoy the Holy Spirit filling you with a desire to worship the Lord out of delight, rather than duty.

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