God's First Messages To Man (Part 3) - Zac Poonen
Forty Messages From Genesis Chapters 1 To 11
Summary
God accepts people based on the faith in their hearts, not the quality or quantity of their offerings. The speaker emphasizes that Abel's offering was accepted because of his faith, contrasting this with Cain's offering. True faith is demonstrated by giving the very best of what one has—time, energy, or resources—to God, and reconciliation with others is necessary before presenting any offering to God.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God accepts us on the basis of faith in our heartsGod looks at the person and their faith before looking at their offering, just as He accepted Abel and his offering because of Abel's faith.Genesis 4:3–4
Reconciling with others before presenting an offeringJesus taught that if your brother has something against you because you hurt him, you must leave your offering and first be reconciled.Matthew 5:23–24
The mark of true faith is giving our very bestAbel brought the firstlings and the very best of his flock, showing that a person of faith always gives their best to God rather than mere leftovers.
Beware of anger and jealousyThe first sin outside Eden was anger and jealousy, which marked Cain's face and can ruin our lives if we ignore God's conviction.
Sin is closer to us than we thinkSin is crouching at our door like a wild animal determined to tear us to pieces, which is why we must stay constantly alert.
God wants us to be overcomersGod tells Cain that he must master sin, proving that God expects us to conquer outward sins like anger and jealousy.Genesis 4:7
We are responsible for our brothers and sistersJust as the body cares for its injured parts, we are responsible to care for our brothers and sisters rather than acting indifferent like Cain.
We will have to give an account to God for everythingEven things done in secret that no man saw will one day be brought to light, requiring us to settle accounts honestly with God and man.
Sins against others are more serious than sins that harm only yourselfWhile harming yourself brings personal consequences, sinning against and hurting another person brings God's direct curse and must be made right.
We will reap what we sowSecret sins and pride lead to reaping a harvest of wandering and instability, because nothing done in secret escapes the law of sowing and reaping.
Vengeance belongs to God aloneWe must never take our own revenge against those who harm us, but instead leave room for God to repay while we respond with love.
Our children will follow our exampleJust as Cain's descendants reflected his violent path, our children and grandchildren are profoundly affected by our humility, fear of God, and example.
