Jan 4, Genesis 4: Cain and Abel

What a great way to start off the new year - by studying the story of Cain and Abel, sin lurking at the door, the first murder. What can I say? I have the flu, so perhaps I'm delusional at the moment.

I thought of calling this study "Juicy Genesis". When we look at Genesis as adults we see all sorts of things that we weren't told about, or didn't think about, as kids. In preparing for this week's study, I notice how much is left out of the text, how much we have to infer.

Study questions for Jan 4, 2009

Genesis 4:1-16
Cain and Abel

If you have time, skim Genesis Chapters 1-3 to set the scene.

For this study, read Genesis 4:1-7, 8-12, and 13-16.

1. In verses 1-5 what do we learn about the two brothers and their offerings?

2. Is it important to know why God preferred Abel’s offering to Cain’s?

3. Would it be a better story if we knew the root cause for enmity between the brothers?

4. Why does Cain become angry? Who is he angry at? Is his anger sinful?

5. How do verses 6-8 describe God’s response to Cain and Cain’s reaction?
The Lord –
Cain’s response –

6. Cain is told that sin is crouching at the door and he must master it. What happens when we refuse to admit that we are on the wrong track?

7. What resources do we have to overcome sin?

8. Why does God not punish Cain for murder as prescribed by the law code given to the Israelites?

9. In what way is the “mark of Cain” a gift from God?

Study notes:
New Testament passages which refer to this Genesis text:
Hebrews 11:4 ; 1 John 3:12
The name Cain derives from the Hebrew qanah, meaning to get, create
The name Abel derives from the Hebrew hebel, meaning vapor, nothingness

Dec 14: Shepherds

This week we'll be looking in Luke at the story about the angels appearing to the shepherds.

Dec 7: Joseph, the Stand-in Father

This week, weather permitting, we'll look at Matthew 1:18-25.

The full study can be downloaded for a small fee, at

http://www.jesuswalk.com/ebooks/christmas-incarnation.htm

Get ready to get ready

We are not meeting on Nov 30th. On Dec 7, we'll start a short (3-week) study on scriptures having to do with Advent and the Christmas story.

At our recent church board meeting, as a discussion opener our pastor asked us, "What words or things do you associate with the Christmas story?"

Someone said, "You'll shoot your eye out!"

Nov 23: The end and the beginning

This week we'll wrap up our study of Luke, and do some preliminary work to prep for our study of Genesis.

Here are some things to ponder:
Recapping Luke:

1. Briefly explain the most important points of the gospel as you understand it from Luke.

2. How would you describe Jesus’ character as Luke portrays him?


Looking Forward to Genesis

Thumb through your Bible’s book of Genesis. It might help if you use a Bible that has headings or labels.

1. Some of us were taught stories of Genesis as children. Do you have a fond memory of any part of Genesis?

2. What stories or people in Genesis would you like to read about?

3. Are there any parts of Genesis that are particularly disturbing or thrilling to you?

4. Is there a story in Genesis which you remember from your childhood, but that you would like to re-examine?

Nov 16: A New Understanding

Luke 24: 36-53

In verse 49, what kind of power is Jesus talking about?

Nov 9: On the Road to Emmaus

Luke 24:13-15 On the Road to Emmaus
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him.


Why were these two disciples kept from recognizing Jesus? How would their walk have been different if they had recognized him from the beginning?