The Way of Cain

Jude 11

Introduction

1.    Story of Cain and Able

2.    2 ways – Matthew 7:13-14

3.    Man follows Cain or Able

The Way of Cain is:

1.    The Way of Human Opinion

a.    Cain introduced the human element into worship

b.    Matthew 15:7-9

c.    God’s way is above ours – Isaiah 55:8-9

d.    It is not in man to direct his steps – Jeremiah 10:23

e.    God requires – John 4:24 – spirit and truth

2.    The Way of Willful Ignorance

a.    2 Peter 3:5

b.    God cannot accept our thank offering when we refuse the sin-offering

c.    John 6:66 – Many stop following Jesus

d.    Acts 7:57 – they stopped their ears

3.    The Way of Unyielding Pride

a.    Genesis 4:5 – Cain was very wroth

b.    There was no repentance

c.    1 John 3:12 his works were evil, brothers righteous

4.    The Way of Divine Condemnation

a.    Why was Cain’s offering rejected?

                                          i.    Prompted by evil – 1 John 3:12

                                        ii.    Not by faith – Hebrews 11:4

                                       iii.    He did not do well – Genesis 4:7

b.    Lessons to learn

                                          i.    Offering & offeror stand or fall together

                                        ii.    We ought to love one another – 1 John 3:14 (brother’s keeper)

                                       iii.    Not based on value of sacrifice

                                       iv.    Faith was the difference

Conclusions

1.    Many today are in the way of Cain

a.    Woe unto them

b.    Jude 12 – spots, without water, withered fruit

c.    Twice dead

d.    V. 13 – their shame, wandering stars, blackness of darkness