THE DIFFERENCE

Genesis 4:1-16

I. Two Different People (vv. 1, 2)

A. Cain was a farmer, and Abel was a shepherd.

B. Each had talents that could be used in the Lord’s service

(see Matt. 25:14-30).

C. God is no respecter of persons (Rom. 2:11; Acts 10:34, 35)

and we should not play favorites either!

II. Two Different Offerings (vv. 3, 4)

A. Cain offered fruit while Abel presented an animal offering.

B. If a liberal preacher had been there, he would have said, “It

doesn’t matter how you worship as long as you’re

sincere.”

C. With all of the necessary soil preparations and farming

efforts, it is very possible that Cain’s offering was more

labor-intensive, and he might have justified himself

because of his hard work.

III. Two Different Responses From God (vv. 4, 5)

A. God accepted Abel’s appropriate offering and rejected

Cain’s offering.

B. Abel’s offering was “by faith” (Heb. 11:4) and “faith

comes by hearing” (Rom. 10:17) It is, therefore, certain

that instructions were given regarding these offerings.

IV. Two Different Reactions To God (vv. 6-8)

A. Abel, no doubt, was encouraged to greater service of the

Lord.

B. Cain, on the other hand, allowed his sin to build to a

murderous climax.

V. Two Different Futures (vv. 9-16)

A. Abel was killed and went to be with the Lord.

B. Cain was cursed. (I do not think that Cain’s curse was the

beginning of the black race!)

March 23, 2002 (p.m.)