I. Lesson Review (Genesis 4:1-8)
A. Cain and Abel each had a way of worshipping God
- Genesis Chapter 4 records a church service - a worship time
- Cain with his best efforts, and good works, to show he was a good person
- Abel with his best lambs - giving them to die in his place, for his sins
- But worship is not a DIY event
- God has certain expectations that sinful men must follow, or else they are rejected
B. God RESPECTS Abel’s offering
“And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering.” - Genesis 4:4
“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous.” - Hebrews 11:4
C. God REJECTED Cain and his offering (Genesis 4:5)
“But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect.” - Genesis 4:5
- Because Cain was trying to worship God HIS OWN way
- This is the Gospel - the lamb of God being slain for sins of guilty people
D. Cain became very angry, full of wrath and fury (Genesis 4:5)
“And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.” - Genesis 4:5
- Angry at God!
- Angry about rejection by God
- Cain had been SO worshipful, so religious, so pleased with himself
- He expected God to be pleased with him and his offering as well
- Remember… this is a man in the middle of worship, and yet he becomes full of rage!
II. Message - Overcoming Anger
A. Do YOU ever get angry?
- We all struggle with anger
- The question is: what do we do with it?
B. God’s Counsel to Cain (Genesis 4:6,7)
“And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” - Genesis 4:6,7
- God asks “Why are you angry?”
- God shows Cain the solution - “If thou doest well”
- God warns of the danger - “sin lieth at the door”
C. The Danger of Uncontrolled Anger
- Anger gives the devil an opportunity
- Anger can lead to greater sin
- Cain’s anger led to murder
D. How to Overcome Anger
- Acknowledge it - Don’t deny your anger
- Analyze it - Why am I really angry?
- Align it with God’s Word - Is my anger justified?
- Act rightly - Do what God says, not what you feel
E. Biblical Principles
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” - Ephesians 4:26
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” - Proverbs 15:1
III. Conclusion
A. Anger is a natural emotion, but how we handle it matters
B. Uncontrolled anger destroys relationships and lives
C. God offers wisdom to overcome the wrath within us
D. Jesus gives us power over sin when we surrender to Him
E. Will you let God help you overcome your anger today?
For more information, contact Bible Baptist Church of Ballincollig at www.biblebc.com