January 2, 2022: Justice, Vengeance, and Mercy, Sunday School Lesson Standard International
The sin of Adam and Eve (see Genesis 3:6) was followed by God’s curse (see Genesis 3:14-19). The couple experienced a twofold separation. They were separated geographically from the garden and spiritually from God (see Genesis 3:23-24). Adam and Eve had lived happily in innocence and fellowship with God in the garden. After they sinned, they felt guilty (see Genesis 3:7-10) and sought relief by placing the blame on others (see Genesis 3:11-13). Then God cursed the serpent for the part he played (see Genesis 3:14-15), pronounced sorrow and pain in childbirth on Eve (see Genesis 3:16) cursed the ground, and declared that Adam would have to till the ground in sweat in order to provide food for him and his family (see Genesis 3:17-19). In Genesis 3:20-21, we have Adam naming his wife Eve and God making them coats of skin to replace the fig leaves they used to hide their nakedness. Genesis chapter 3 ends with Adam and Eve being expelled from the Garden of Eden, and God provided Cherubims and a flaming sword to prevent anyone from entering the garden (see Genesis 3:22-24). Our lesson begins with chapter 4.
THE BIRTH OF CAIN AND ABEL (Genesis 4:1-2)
IV. THE WORSHIP OF CAIN AND ABEL (Genesis 4:3-7)
A. The two offerings (Genesis 4:3-4)
B. The anger of Cain (Genesis 4:5-6).
V6 Even though “Cain” had treated God improperly with his offering, the LORD was still sensitive to his situation.
C. The divine warning (Genesis 4:7).
V7 In essence, God was saying “Cain, if you do well and come before me in faith as your brother did, you will be accepted just like he was.” God is no respecter of persons (see Acts 10:34);
In the last phrase of this verse, God added “and thou shalt (or must) rule over him (sin).” This means that Cain still had time to get his head straight. God was encouraging him to get his head in order and “rule over him (sin)” instead of letting “sin” control him. All was not lost yet. Note: God’s point is clear. Anger is a dangerous animal that can devour us, but it does not have to be that way. We can control our anger and not allow it to fester and cause us to hurt others (see Ephesians 4:26).

Ronald Jasmin Assistant Pastor of Corona Baptist Church in Mt Juliet, TN and Cornelius Hill Pastor of Ephesian Primitive Baptist Church Nashville, TN Christian Business Connection
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