Cain and Abel – Sin Crouching at the Door
VBC Albuquerque · Sep 7, 2024
This sermon analyzes the story of Cain and Abel to illustrate two strategies of demonic temptation toward believers. Through the presentation of offerings, the sermon shows the difference between those who give out of gratitude to God (like Abel) and those who give to earn God's approval or gain recognition (like Cain). The sermon warns against the dangers of jealousy and rivalry, and encourages believers to examine their hearts regarding the motives and purposes behind their actions.
The first section presents the context of the sermon as part of the Spiritual Warfare series, focusing on two demonic strategies to tempt believers. The first strategy is to distance people from God through doubt and disbelief in God's promises. The second strategy is to lead believers to find excuses for sin rather than confess and receive forgiveness. The sermon uses the story of Cain and Abel to illustrate how demons lie in wait at every door in our lives—through thoughts, decisions, and actions—with the intent to destroy our spiritual life, family, friends, and church community.
The second section develops the theological point about two different offerings through Hebrews 11:4. Abel offers in faith in God's promise of salvation and with gratitude for God's grace, while Cain offers as a means to earn God's acceptance and prove himself to others. The sermon parallels this with the images of the tax collector Zacchaeus (grateful) and the Pharisee (self-righteous). Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, so that no one can boast. God's choice of the younger (Abel, Isaac, Jacob, David) rather than the firstborn shows that no one can pride himself before God.
The third section develops the theme of jealousy and rivalry. When Cain's offering is rejected, he becomes jealous and angry. James 3:13-18 teaches the harmful consequences of jealousy: it leads to disorder and every evil practice. The sermon points out that jealousy often springs from discontent with what God has given, desire for what others have, and doing work to gain human praise rather than to love God. Cain's jealousy toward Abel leads to Abel's death—an illustration of God's warning that sin is crouching at the door.
The fourth section emphasizes God's mercy. Before Cain sins, God warns him (Genesis 4:6-7) not to condemn but to teach, explaining clearly the cause, action, and consequence so Cain might understand. The sermon stresses that we bear responsibility for our own thoughts and actions and cannot blame circumstances or others. Although God punishes Cain for the grave sin of killing his brother, God places a mark on him for protection from being killed, giving him opportunity to repent and change.
The final section applies the message to the present life of the church. The sermon declares that we are all Cain, but Cain-like ones who have been forgiven and redeemed through Christ—a greater Abel than the ancient Abel. The Holy Spirit seals those who believe in God today, confirming them as beloved children of God who have been redeemed. The blood of Christ speaks better than Abel's blood (Hebrews 12:22-24), and we are called into the communion of saints, angels, and Jesus Himself.