Cain Provides a Good Bad Example—an Example to Avoid

Cain is an infamous example of the self-centered life (Genesis 4):

• He was outwardly religious but had no faith (Hebrews 11:4). That's why he got angry when God didn't bless his insincere gestures (Genesis 4:5-7).
• He ignored God's loving warnings and killed his brother (Genesis 4:8). 
• He mocked God with a ridiculous question (Genesis 4:8-9). 
• He wasn't sorry for his sins, he was only sorry for the consequences (Genesis 4:13-14). 

Scripture lists Cain with Balaam and Korah as examples of people who mocked God by their selfish disobedience (Jude 1:11). Cain hated his brother's righteous character (1 John 3:12).

Cain's bad example teaches that:

1. Faith involves external actions, but those actions must flow from our love for God (Matthew 6:1; Matthew 15:1-9). 

2. Faith involves learning, trusting, and obeying the warnings God gives us in His Word (James 1:22).

3. Faith understands that we will reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7).

4. Faith always involves genuine repentance (James 4:7-10).

Christians don't have the spirit of Cain because he belonged to Satan (1 John 3:12), but we can exhibit some “Cainish” behavior if we aren't daily examining ourselves.

To look a bit more at Cain's life, check out the Bite Size Bible Study HERE. It's a great study to do with a friend or with your small group.

And check out these one-minute devotions with additional insights about the sin of Cain:

Cain, The Ultimate Pouter

The Fifth Oldest Sin in the Book: Fake Worship

Adam: The Author of Modern Psychology

The Truth Makes Enemies

Bible Love Notes