February 18, 2021

Read Genesis 4

Scripture: Genesis 4:7- sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it

Observation: Here we see Abel giving his first fruits to God while Cain gave his leftovers. The real issue was in Cain’s heart. His giving didn’t come from one of faith but grudgingly. Instead of repenting, Cain let bitterness, jealousy, and anger take root in his heart. But God didn’t leave Cain to wander off into the darkness. He approached him and warned him that sin was crouching at the door. Get rid of the anger and the bitterness, but Cain didn’t and it led him to kill his brother. 

Application: People were created with emotions but we can’t let those emotions take us captive and lead us into sin. Cain murdered his brother because he couldn’t master his anger. He believed the problem wasn’t him, rather it was Abel. As I look to rule over temptation today, it starts by looking at myself and what I can change about me. I can’t change others, but I can change my actions and my attitude. That change comes from seeing how loving our God is.

Prayer: Father, I need your strength today. Sin is constantly crouching at my door trying to devour me. Give me an extra measure of your Spirit today to stand strong and rule over temptation. Thank you for your grace and forgiveness through Jesus. Amen.