Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 31, 2023

The First Worship Service and the First Murder

Genesis 4:1-15

1. The First Worship Service: A Rejected Offering and a Warning 1-7

• births of Cain and Abel
• occupations of Cain and Abel
• offerings of Cain and Abel (Heb. 11:4)
• rejection of Cain’s offering and his response
• warning from the LORD (Heb. 4:12)

2. The First Murder: A Homicide and Its Consequences 8-15

• Cain kills Abel (1 John 3:12)
• dialogue with the LORD and pronouncement of curse
• Cain’s protest and the LORD’S mercy in the midst of judgment
• the land of wandering east of Eden (Jude 11)

3. So What?

• Because of your complete ruin, look away from yourself and look to the LORD for help. (Heb. 4:16)
• “The blood of Abel cried for vengeance; that of Christ for remission” (Erasmus) (Heb. 12:24)
• “While Eve is talked into sin, Cain will not have even God talk him out of it, nor will he confess to it, nor yet accept his punishment.” (D. Kidner)
• “Give to our God immortal praise; mercy and truth are all His ways; wonders of grace to God belong, repeat His mercies in your song.” (Watts, “Give to Our God Immortal Praise”)