Case study of Cain...God is patient and merciful


Introduction:   The best method for knowledge of any man is through personal discourse with such a personality. However in most circumstances, at least before a proximity is created for such intimacy, knowledge of relationship experiences of God's acquaintances can provide invaluable resource for avoidance of flaws if and when we become associated with Him. God is happy to reveal Himself, His characters and dispositions in diverse ways because He is always seeking for worshippers. We will go through a series of studies that will see us looking critically at different situations during which God showed His personality.

Text: Gen 4: 3-17

Discussion questions:

1. Why was Cain very angry?
2. How did God respond to Cain's emotional needs?
3. Doing the right things prevent sin. Discuss. 
4. Why does God ask questions when He knows the answers?
5. What can we learn about God from Cain's encounter?

Summary: When the scripture talks about longsuffering, there is no better place to notice this virtue than from the way God handled the murder of Abel by Cain. Many times, man counts that character as slackness. No; rather, He is giving us opportunities to repent. He allows the sun and the rain to shine and fall respectively, on the land of both the good and the wicked. There is thus a caveat here. We must not use the good things happening to or with us as evidence of our right-standing with God. Instead, we need to embrace the opportunities He provides through His goodness to live in obedience to Him.

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