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Cain and Abel…When you read these names, a certain story comes to mind. Of all the stories in the Bible, this one is among the most well-known. Most would recall it as a story about murder. This is the general perception by those outside the church and even those inside the church. What is missing, though, is the real point.

As Alex Moore preached on this story, he pointed to the underlying heart behind the whole matter. Why was Abel’s offering accepted while Cain’s was not? Why did Cain murder his brother? This passage leads us to understand that God is exhorting you to do what is pleasing to Him so sin has no dominion over you. As the Scripture makes evident, Abel’s offering was by faith and in a right heart attitude. He gave the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. Abel gave his best. Contrary to his brother, Cain was not interested in pleasing God. His heart was not in the right place. He simply brought an offering. God came to Cain in his anger and warned him to not allow sin to rule him. This warning was not heeded, and the result was the fruit of his heart.

We can please God by living a life of faith-filled worship. This is exampled by the offerings in Genesis 4:1-7. Abel sought to worship God faithfully, and he was commended accordingly. Our own lives are living sacrifices. This means every aspect of our lives should be in subjection to God. It takes faith to give God our best. When we are with our local church, are we thinking about how we can serve God by serving others? When us married men get home from work, are we thinking about serving our wife rather than serving ourselves?  While we walk by faith, let us trust in our faithful Creator. Right fruit will bear from our right hearts.

To please God, we must also heed the consequences of sins dominion. Cain’s actions in Genesis 4:8-16 bear the results of sins dominion. Cain had no regard for God’s warning, and instead he allowed sin to dominate him. When Cain killed his brother, he was outwardly displaying what was inwardly taking place. As we read of this story, we must examine our own hearts. Are we any better than Cain? Do we believe that our own sins are just as evil? Any sin which has dominion in our lives is taking the place of God’s rightful dominion. If this is the case with yourself, now is the best time to seek help. Otherwise, the path of Cain is close at hand. Heed God’s warning and seek His favor which He even shows to those in their sins.

The embodiment of God’s favor to us is shown in His Son, Jesus Christ. He died for us while we were still sinners. Through Jesus we have forgiveness for our sins and can have a right relationship with God. Let us seek to live as Abel, who lived by faith in his Creator. He still speaks though yet dead.