John the Baptist was thrown in prison, so Jesus returned to Galilee from Nazareth. He went to Capernaum in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali to fulfill Isaiah’s words. Jesus preaches how the kingdom of heaven is near. Jesus began to call his disciples. He first called Simon Peter and his brother, Andrew, who were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. He next called james and John who were in a boat with their gather, Zebedee.
Jesus began to travel through Galilee, preaching the Good News and healing people of diseases and sicknesses. Large crowds began to follow him and bring their sick to him to be healed.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 5: Matthew 4:12-25
12 ) Capernaum in Galilee, fulfilling Isaiah’s words that the future king would come from there.
13 ) John the Baptist baptized people in the Jordan River who came from all over Judea.
14a ) Jesus called and they immediately followed him without question. They dropped everything they were doing in the moment.
b ) It’s best to answer God’s call immediately. Life is too short to delay.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 5: Matthew 4:12-25
We’re about to embark on an exciting journey with Jesus as he begins his work. What I would give to have walked with him.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 4, Day 5: Matthew 4:12-25
Matthew begins his telling Jesus’s ministry in Galilee. John tells the story of an earlier ministry of Jesus where he himself baptized people and where we get the story of the Samarian woman at the well John 3:22 and 4:1-2.
Galilee was a very populuous area for Biblical times, which is probably why Jesus began there. He could make the biggest impact there. It was very fertile and had many wealthy citizens. Both Jews and Gentiles lived here side by side. In ancient times, there were nine cities that had 15,000 or more people who lived on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Remember that the people of Nazareth, his hometown, rejected him because they had seen him grow up ordinary (Luke 4:16-30), which is why he chose Capernaum. Plus, the disciples were there too, as we see. Jesus was the light in this region as Isaiah predicted.
Jesus waits until John the Baptist is put into prison to begin his ministry.
Do note that the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God seem to be the same thing. Bible scholars believe Matthew used the phrase “kingdom of heaven” because the Jewish people never wrote out the word “God.”
A Purpose
Jesus didn’t just randomly call his disciples. The Bible records other places where he encounters them (John 1:35-42 and Luke 5:3). Undoubtedly, Jesus knew who he would call ahead of time. Jesus calls most of the disciples when they were doing something. Jesus needed doers and action-takers.
Most rabbi had disciples so this was not unusual behavior on the part of Jesus. This is how rabbis taught other rabbis.
Just like we have guest speakers at church, they did so in ancient times, too.
Healing shows that Jesus could overcome the consequences of sin (which was death to the body).
FUN FACT: This is the first time the Bible mentions demon-possessed. It shows Jesus’s ultimate authority over the evil in the world. While Old Testament people were troubled by spirits 1 Samuel 18:10, 19:9), this is the first time it is mentioned of removing an evil one from the body.
The devil tempts Jesus three times here. First, Jesus goes to the desert and fasts for 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus was hungry so the devil attempts to get Jesus to sin by appealing to his hunger. Jesus refuses to make bread out of stone, saying instead you should live on God’s word. The devil dared Jesus to fall from the highest point of the temple, telling him the angels will catch him. Jesus tells him to not test God. Finally, the devil offered Jesus the world if he would worship him (ironic since Jesus/God already had the world). Jesus banished the devil finally, and angels came to Jesus.
BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 4: MATTHEW 4:1-11
8 )
Deuteronomy 20:1-4: These verses talk about how God goes to war against our enemies with us. It’s important to remember that God fights our battles by our sides.
Matthew 6:25-26: These verses remind us to not worry because God will provide everything we need like he does for the birds.
Romans 1:21-22: Knowing God does not get you out of temptation. You must give thanks to him and glorify him.
Hebrews 12:1-2: This verse tells us to persevere through the life God has given us with an eye on Jesus. It can be easy to loose sight of Jesus in our troubles. We must not do that.
James 1:14-15: This verse reminds us that everyone faces temptation, which can lead to sin. We are not alone.
1 John 2:15-16: It can be easy to fall into the ways of the world; the ways of the world are temporary. God alone and His kingdom is permanent. Remember this is not our home and let go of the things you love here.
9 ) Hebrews 4:12: The word of God is sharp and penetrates to the soul. Ephesians 6:17: The soul of the spirit is the word of God. God’s word is a sword so we must wield it wisely.
10a ) Relationships. I’ve very selfish and not very good at helping others and sharing.
b ) I pray to be more open and more giving, as well as have better relationships with those around me. I like to think I’m getting better but don’t we all.
11) God sent angels to attend to his son after the temptation. Who are your angels in your life whom you can count on to pick you up after a rough time?
CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 4: MATTHEW 4:1-11
Life is full of ups and downs, and once Jesus hit rock bottom with the temptation, he was picked up by the hand of God. Picture God’s hand on you when you hit a low point, and stand up tall and proud in Him.
Great bookmarks to use when looking up multiple verses!
END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 4: MATTHEW 4:1-11
Jesus endured tempation for two main reasons:
To identify with us
To show us you can overcome temptation
Note that the Holy Spirit does not tempt (James 1:13). It led Jesus to temptation so that we can grow spiritually.
Jesus was tempted by the devil; we are usually tempted by the devil’s minions. We find relief when we give in to temptation; Jesus does not. Many Bible scholars argue that is a testing since the propert translation of the Greek verb here means “to test.”
“Luther’s remark stands true that prayer, meditation, and temptation are the three best instructors of the gospel minister.” (Spurgeon)
Jesus does not eat for 40 days and nights. Humans can survive up to two months without food (they need water), Jesus would have been in a state of starvation and desperate for sustenance (which is why we see the angels tending to him at the end). When you are that desperate for food and are at the point of death, you will give in to most temptations for food. Jesus endured it all for us. Amazing!
Jesus depended on God for all things (Hebrews 5:8) as we must, too.
TEMPTATION #1
Satan is asking Jesus to prove his deity by producing bread for himself. This would have been purely selfish if Jesus had given in. We see Jesus making bread in other parts of the Bible when he feeds 5,000 people (Matthew 14:13-21), so we know he has the power. He refuses to even entertain the devil here. Instead, he quotes Deuteronomy 8:3.
Jesus uses God’s truth to defeat Satan. So must we.
TEMPTATION #2
Satan tries to get Jesus to force God to use His powers to save him. The temple was 200 feet in the air. A jump would mean certain death unless God intervened. False prophets will use these means at the End Times.
Satan has the Bible memorized. He uses this knowledge to tempt us as he always takes the words of the Bible out of context (Psalm 91:11-12) and uses them to deceive us.
We must take the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) , and we must know what the Bible says so that we ourselves are not deceived. The early Christians could not read; in this day and time in our society, we have no excuse.
TEMPTATION #3
Here, Satan offers Jesus the world. In truth, Jesus already had the world. What Satan is really offering Jesus is an escape from the cross. Jesus obeys God’s will here and tells Satan to go jump in a lake. All Satan wants is worship and recognition. We, too, must be careful of this sin.
Note that Satan does have something to give Jesus: the earthly world. When Adam and Eve sinned, humans gave Satan authority here on earth (2 Corinthians 4:4). This is what Satan is offering.
TAKE AWAY: It is not a sin to be tempted; we all face that, even Jesus. It’s a sin to give into temptation and commit the act itself.
SATAN’S WEAPONS
The only weapons Satan has against us are lies and deceit. These, however, spark fear, doubt, and unbelief in our hearts, which can ruin our lives.
Our weapons? God’s word. Many mistake Satan’s lies for God’s truth, which is where sin happens.
Obviously, only Jesus knew what happened to him in the desert. He told his story to his disciples so they could share his example with us for all of time.
FUN FACT: All of the passages that Jesus quotes are from the Book of Deuteronomy. So many people today discount the Old Testament as too antiquated and full of laws that do not apply to us. But that is not the point of knowing the Old Testatment. If it’s in the Bible, there is a reason for it to be there. God wants us to know it. That should be sufficient for all of us.
Note how God cares for Jesus by sending angels to attend to his needs after the temptation. God does the same for us. When we feel spiritually attacked, God is there. He cares for us; He picks us up; He cradles us in His loving arms. Keep those images in mind in the midst of temptation. Remember, He doesn’t give us anything we can’t overcome (1 Corinthians 10:12-14).
The devil tempts Jesus three times here. First, Jesus goes to the desert and fasts for 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus was hungry so the devil attempts to get Jesus to sin by appealing to his hunger. Jesus refuses to make bread out of stone, saying instead you should live on God’s word. The devil dared Jesus to fall from the highest point of the temple, telling him the angels will catch him. Jesus tells him to not test God. Finally, the devil offered Jesus the world if he would worship him (ironic since Jesus/God already had the world). Jesus banished the devil finally, and angels came to Jesus.
BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 3: MATTHEW 4:1-11
5a )
TEMPTATION #1
Satan is asking Jesus to prove his deity by producing bread for himself. This would have been purely selfish if Jesus had given in. We see Jesus making bread in other parts of the Bible when he feeds 5,000 people (Matthew 14:13-21), so we know he has the power. He refuses to even entertain the devil here. Instead, he quotes Deuteronomy 8:3.
Jesus uses God’s truth to defeat Satan. So must we.
TEMPTATION #2
Satan tries to get Jesus to force God to use His powers to save him. The temple was 200 feet in the air. A jump would mean certain death unless God intervened. False prophets will use these means at the End Times.
Satan has the Bible memorized. He uses this knowledge to tempt us as he always takes the words of the Bible out of context (Psalm 91:11-12) and uses them to deceive us.
We must take the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) , and we must know what the Bible says so that we ourselves are not deceived. The early Christians could not read; in this day and time in our society, we have no excuse.
TEMPTATION #3
Here, Satan offers Jesus the world. In truth, Jesus already had the world. What Satan is really offering Jesus is an escape from the cross. Jesus obeys God’s will here and tells Satan to go jump in a lake. All Satan wants is worship and recognition. We, too, must be careful of this sin.
Note that Satan does have something to give Jesus: the earthly world. When Adam and Eve sinned, humans gave Satan authority here on earth (2 Corinthians 4:4). This is what Satan is offering.
The main compromise behind each is not having faith in God or believing God and His Word. Satan tried to appeal to earthly sins, which Jesus easily overcome as the Son of God.
b ) Well, we all can be tempted when we are low (here, Jesus is very hungry). When our strength to deal with the world breaks down, this is when we are most vulnerable to sin. We all can be tempted to test God and His Word, but, like Jesus, God is not to be tested for frivolous reasons and to prove something. God tests us, not the other way around. Satan appeals to our desire for power, to feel important, and to be someone. Culture influences us to be this way, too. Again, Jesus was the son of a carpenter here on earth. We can make great changes just as we are.
6 ) Temptation 1: Deuteronomy 8:3
Temptation 2: Deuteronomy 6:16
Temptation 3: Deuteronomy 6:13
7 ) 1 Corinthians 10:13: God will never give us a temptation we cannot overcome. This gives me faith to keep on fighting when I all I want to do is curl up and not fight. Some of my favorite lyrics to this song I’m recently listening to (not a Christian song) say “Why do all the monsters come out at night? Why do we sleep where we want to hide?” We have to be careful for Satan lurks in the dark places of our life. But respite in Jesus is right around the corner.
CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 3: MATTHEW 4:1-11
I love that BSF talks about 1 Corinthians 10:13, which I mentioned yesterday in my commentary. Sin is a choice, and even when we are low, God is there holding us and giving us the strength to fight.
END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 3: MATTHEW 4:1-11
Jesus endured tempation for two main reasons:
To identify with us
To show us you can overcome temptation
Note that the Holy Spirit does not tempt (James 1:13). It led Jesus to temptation so that we can grow spiritually.
Jesus was tempted by the devil; we are usually tempted by the devil’s minions. We find relief when we give in to temptation; Jesus does not. Many Bible scholars argue that is a testing since the propert translation of the Greek verb here means “to test.”
“Luther’s remark stands true that prayer, meditation, and temptation are the three best instructors of the gospel minister.” (Spurgeon)
Jesus does not eat for 40 days and nights. Humans can survive up to two months without food (they need water), Jesus would have been in a state of starvation and desperate for sustenance (which is why we see the angels tending to him at the end). When you are that desperate for food and are at the point of death, you will give in to most temptations for food. Jesus endured it all for us. Amazing!
Jesus depended on God for all things (Hebrews 5:8) as we must, too.
TEMPTATION #1
Satan is asking Jesus to prove his deity by producing bread for himself. This would have been purely selfish if Jesus had given in. We see Jesus making bread in other parts of the Bible when he feeds 5,000 people (Matthew 14:13-21), so we know he has the power. He refuses to even entertain the devil here. Instead, he quotes Deuteronomy 8:3.
Jesus uses God’s truth to defeat Satan. So must we.
TEMPTATION #2
Satan tries to get Jesus to force God to use His powers to save him. The temple was 200 feet in the air. A jump would mean certain death unless God intervened. False prophets will use these means at the End Times.
Satan has the Bible memorized. He uses this knowledge to tempt us as he always takes the words of the Bible out of context (Psalm 91:11-12) and uses them to deceive us.
We must take the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) , and we must know what the Bible says so that we ourselves are not deceived. The early Christians could not read; in this day and time in our society, we have no excuse.
TEMPTATION #3
Here, Satan offers Jesus the world. In truth, Jesus already had the world. What Satan is really offering Jesus is an escape from the cross. Jesus obeys God’s will here and tells Satan to go jump in a lake. All Satan wants is worship and recognition. We, too, must be careful of this sin.
Note that Satan does have something to give Jesus: the earthly world. When Adam and Eve sinned, humans gave Satan authority here on earth (2 Corinthians 4:4). This is what Satan is offering.
TAKE AWAY: It is not a sin to be tempted; we all face that, even Jesus. It’s a sin to give into temptation and commit the act itself.
SATAN’S WEAPONS
The only weapons Satan has against us are lies and deceit. These, however, spark fear, doubt, and unbelief in our hearts, which can ruin our lives.
Our weapons? God’s word. Many mistake Satan’s lies for God’s truth, which is where sin happens.
Obviously, only Jesus knew what happened to him in the desert. He told his story to his disciples so they could share his example with us for all of time.
FUN FACT: All of the passages that Jesus quotes are from the Book of Deuteronomy. So many people today discount the Old Testament as too antiquated and full of laws that do not apply to us. But that is not the point of knowing the Old Testatment. If it’s in the Bible, there is a reason for it to be there. God wants us to know it. That should be sufficient for all of us.
Note how God cares for Jesus by sending angels to attend to his needs after the temptation. God does the same for us. When we feel spiritually attacked, God is there. He cares for us; He picks us up; He cradles us in His loving arms. Keep those images in mind in the midst of temptation. Remember, He doesn’t give us anything we can’t overcome (1 Corinthians 10:12-14).
The devil tempts Jesus three times here. First, Jesus goes to the desert and fasts for 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus was hungry so the devil attempts to get Jesus to sin by appealing to his hunger. Jesus refuses to make bread out of stone, saying instead you should live on God’s word. The devil dared Jesus to fall from the highest point of the temple, telling him the angels will catch him. Jesus tells him to not test God. Finally, the devil offered Jesus the world if he would worship him (ironic since Jesus/God already had the world). Jesus banished the devil finally, and angels came to Jesus.
BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 2: MATTHEW 4:1-11
3a ) Jesus was in the desert sent by the Spirit to fast and face temptation by the devil.
b ) John 4:34 tells us that Jesus came to do the will of the Father and to finish God’s work of dying on the cross, cleansing us from sin so that we can be with God. Hebrews 2:14-18 tells us that Jesus suffered temptation so that we can be helped when we experience temptation. Jesus shared in our humanity to give us an example on how to live. It helps me know if Jesus can overcome, then so can I.
4a ) Eve doubted God’s word and His goodness. The serpent used this against her. In addition, the serpent knew that God wouldn’t kill them, and since Eve had no concept of what “death” was since nothing God had created had died, she had no idea. However, she doubted God’s word at the end of the day; Jesus did not.
b )
Differences:
Jesus used God’s words as his defense and answer to the devil
Eve knew God’s word, but let the devil twist it
Eve gave in to her physical needs; Jesus used will power
Jesus told Satan to leave him
Similarities:
Both were tempted
Both were alone
CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 2: MATTHEW 4:1-11
Matthew moves from this beautiful picture of Jesus’s baptism where God descends and commends His Son to this horrible picture of Jesus fasting and being tempted by the devil. This illustrates the Christian life perfectly. We can go from the highs of our lives to the next instant horrific lows. It should give us comfort that Jesus experienced this as well.
END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 4, DAY 2: MATTHEW 4:1-11
Jesus endured tempation for two main reasons:
To identify with us
To show us you can overcome temptation
Note that the Holy Spirit does not tempt (James 1:13). It led Jesus to temptation so that we can grow spiritually.
Jesus was tempted by the devil; we are usually tempted by the devil’s minions. We find relief when we give in to temptation; Jesus does not. Many Bible scholars argue that is a testing since the propert translation of the Greek verb here means “to test.”
“Luther’s remark stands true that prayer, meditation, and temptation are the three best instructors of the gospel minister.” (Spurgeon)
Jesus does not eat for 40 days and nights. Humans can survive up to two months without food (they need water), Jesus would have been in a state of starvation and desperate for sustenance (which is why we see the angels tending to him at the end). When you are that desperate for food and are at the point of death, you will give in to most temptations for food. Jesus endured it all for us. Amazing!
Jesus depended on God for all things (Hebrews 5:8) as we must, too.
TEMPTATION #1
Satan is asking Jesus to prove his deity by producing bread for himself. This would have been purely selfish if Jesus had given in. We see Jesus making bread in other parts of the Bible when he feeds 5,000 people (Matthew 14:13-21), so we know he has the power. He refuses to even entertain the devil here. Instead, he quotes Deuteronomy 8:3.
Jesus uses God’s truth to defeat Satan. So must we.
TEMPTATION #2
Satan tries to get Jesus to force God to use His powers to save him. The temple was 200 feet in the air. A jump would mean certain death unless God intervened. False prophets will use these means at the End Times.
Satan has the Bible memorized. He uses this knowledge to tempt us as he always takes the words of the Bible out of context (Psalm 91:11-12) and uses them to deceive us.
We must take the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) , and we must know what the Bible says so that we ourselves are not deceived. The early Christians could not read; in this day and time in our society, we have no excuse.
TEMPTATION #3
Here, Satan offers Jesus the world. In truth, Jesus already had the world. What Satan is really offering Jesus is an escape from the cross. Jesus obeys God’s will here and tells Satan to go jump in a lake. All Satan wants is worship and recognition. We, too, must be careful of this sin.
Note that Satan does have something to give Jesus: the earthly world. When Adam and Eve sinned, humans gave Satan authority here on earth (2 Corinthians 4:4). This is what Satan is offering.
TAKE AWAY: It is not a sin to be tempted; we all face that, even Jesus. It’s a sin to give into temptation and commit the act itself.
SATAN’S WEAPONS
The only weapons Satan has against us are lies and deceit. These, however, spark fear, doubt, and unbelief in our hearts, which can ruin our lives.
Our weapons? God’s word. Many mistake Satan’s lies for God’s truth, which is where sin happens.
Obviously, only Jesus knew what happened to him in the desert. He told his story to his disciples so they could share his example with us for all of time.
FUN FACT: All of the passages that Jesus quotes are from the Book of Deuteronomy. So many people today discount the Old Testament as too antiquated and full of laws that do not apply to us. But that is not the point of knowing the Old Testatment. If it’s in the Bible, there is a reason for it to be there. God wants us to know it. That should be sufficient for all of us.
Note how God cares for Jesus by sending angels to attend to his needs after the temptation. God does the same for us. When we feel spiritually attacked, God is there. He cares for us; He picks us up; He cradles us in His loving arms. Keep those images in mind in the midst of temptation. Remember, He doesn’t give us anything we can’t overcome (1 Corinthians 10:12-14).
Cain got married and had sons who got married and had sons of their own. Lamech, one of the descendents of Cain, committed murder as well. Eve gave birth to another son named Seth.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 4, Day 5: Genesis 4:17-26
14) They lived in tents and raised livestock. They invented musical instruments, such as the harp and flute, and learned to play them. They learned to work bronze and form tools. They built cities.
15) Seems like the murder tendency runs in the family and that revenge is acceptable. Inferring from Cain’s relationship, it is probably not a close relationship and their activities make it seem more man-centered than God-centered. Lamech boasts and claims a greater retribution than God could deliver — a clear sign of self-centeredness rather than God-centeredness. From the murder, we can infer that they were okay with committing crimes.
16) Seth replaced Abel and the hope is that he will be closer to the Lord than Cain, God-fearing, and loving of God. God will answer those who call on His name.
17) Personal Question. My answer: God offers us grace no matter what we do or how much we turn from Him. Faith is what matters more than what you bring to Him. He wants your heart more than a token gift.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 4, Day 5: Genesis 4:17-26
The Bible is moving on, quickly running through many generations here so that we have a record of Adam’s line (and Jesus’s) before we move on to Noah in Genesis Chapter 5, our next lesson.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 4, Day 5: Genesis 4:17-26
Necessity demanded that Adam’s sons marry his daughters. The gene pool of humanity was pure at this point. However, as time went on, God decreed there no longer be marriage between close relatives because of the danger of inbreeding.
Other examples of sibling marriages: Abraham married his half-sister Sarah (Genesis 20:12).
Advancement of Man Amidst Spiritual Decline
We see humanity’s rapid advancement here. Cities were founded (Genesis 4:17), homes were built, music and the arts were innovated, and metalworking began.
The name Lamech may mean conqueror. He was the seventh from Adam on Cain’s side. Lamech’s arrogance (Genesis 4:23-24) is a contrast to Enoch, who was the seventh from Adam on Seth’s line (Jude 14).
Biblical first: Lamech was the first bigamist in history, going against God’s original plan for one man and one woman to become one flesh (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-8). The names of his wives and daughter show the emphasis in his heart: Adah means, “pleasure, ornament, or beauty.” Zillah means, “shade” probably referring to a luxurious covering of hair. His daughter’s name was Naamah, which means, “loveliness.” Lamech’s culture was committed to physical and outward beauty.
Lamech boasted about his murder, believing he could deliver a greater retribution than God. This shows just how far man has fallen and how far they have pulled away from God in a short amount of time.
The Devolvement of Humanity
The city was Cain’s city; the focus of Lamech was his beautiful wives and his own perceived strength. But for all of Lamech’s boasting, neither he nor his descendants are ever heard of again in the Bible. He came to nothing.
Adam and Eve had many children who were not specifically named in the Biblical record, but Seth replaced Abel in some sense and was the one to whom the promise of a deliverer from the seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15) would be passed.
Some have called Genesis 4:26 the first revival, because it was the first indication of a spiritual resurgence after a clear decline.
Cain lures Abel out to the fields and murders him. God knows what happened and questions Cain, who claims he has no idea where Abel is. God curses Cain to be a restless wanderer on the earth and that no food will grow for him.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 4, Day 3: Genesis 4:8-12
7) Cain lures Abel out to the fields.
8 ) Again, God gives humanity (in this case, Cain) a chance to confess their sins and accept responsibility for what they have done. Cain basically spits in God’s face with his denial.
9a) Because then we would have to admit that we are wrong, and for some reason, that’s exceedingly difficult to do.
b) Personal Question. My answer: A big impact. Definitely less ill will towards others and smoother relationships all around.
10) God always provides us a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). Sin is a choice. Oftentimes, God will “speak” to us (like our conscious) in an effort to get us to not sin. Still, it’s a choice to choose God or choose sin.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 4, Day 3: Genesis 4:8-12
It amazes me how people lie outright to God even though God knows the answer. You can almost feel how sin has consumed Cain since he has no remorse for what he has done. Here’s where the saying, “I’m not my brother’s keeper” comes from.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 4, Day 3: Genesis 4:8-12
Cain Murders Abel
This was premediated murder, even worse that murder. Still Cain could have changed his mind. It was too late; evil and sin had consumed his heart.
Biblical First: Murder. Cain knew how to kill animals. And it seems man inherently knows how to kill others.
So ends Eve’s hope of Cain as the redeemer.
Cain was supposed to be his brother’s keeper. After all, he was the oldest son; he was supposed to look after his brother.
Cain killed out of jealousy alone, which shows just how poweful it truly is.
Jude 11 warns us of the way of Cain, or unbelief and empty religion that leads to sins such as persecution, murder, and revenge.
People will have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5).
God’s Punishment of Cain
We see blood crying out to God from the ground in Numbers 35:29-34 where the blood of unpunished murderers defiles the land.
The blood of Abel spoke; the blood of Jesus speaks, of grace and redemption as sin is judged (Hebrews 12:24).
Cain’s curse was worse than Adam’s. If farming was hard for Adam (Genesis 3:17-18), it would be impossible for Cain. Adam was merely driven from Eden (Genesis 3:24); Cain would find no resting place on earth (a fugitive and a vagabond you shall be on the earth is other Bible translations).
Eve gave birth to Cain and then Abel. Cain was a farmer; Abel was a shepherd. Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to God. Abel brought his choicest fat portions from the firstborn of his flock to God. God looked more favorably upon Abel because of this. This angered Cain. God saw Cain’s heart and spoke to him about his anger, offering advice to turn away from sin.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 4, Day 2: Genesis 4:1-7
3) Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to God. Abel brought his choicest fat portions from the firstborn of his flock to God. Abel brought God his best, while Cain just brought God some of his crops. God wants our best always.
4) Abel brought his best to God because he loved God and had a heart for God. Cain did not. Abel had faith according to Hebrews; Cain apparently did not.
5a) Cain was angry that Abel’s gift was accepted by God and God showed Abel more favor. He was mad because Abel made him look bad. He blamed Abel and not himself. He was full of pride.
b) Personal Question. My answer: I usually get defensive at first. It takes me a minute to admit I was wrong. This is human nature. As a broken human, we want to be right and think we are right because we are proud. It is from our broken nature.
6) Personal Question. My answer: God knows our hearts. He knew Cain was thinking about wrong-doing against Abel, and in His infinite mercy, He tries to prevent Cain from following through and giving in to sin. God never gives up on us. He has hope for us up until the choice to sin has been made.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 4, Day 2: Genesis 4:1-7
No one likes leftovers, especially God. Cain it seems brought God his leftovers. We learn that God wants our best always, whether it’s tithing to the church or giving our best to others as Jesus did.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 4, Day 2: Genesis 4:1-7
Biblical First: This is the first mention of sex in the Bible. In other versions of the Bible besides NIV (BSF’s chosen version), the term know is used for this moment. “To know” is used often in the Bible in this sense (Genesis 4:17, 4:25, 38:26, Judges 11:39, 1 Samuel 1:19). It shows how sex is used to enhance the bonding between man and woman. Most likely, Adam and Eve did have sex before the Fall.
The name Cain meant, I’ve got him or Here he is. Eve probably thought that Cain was the seed that God promised, the deliverer who would come from Eve (Genesis 3:15). There is a sense in which Eve said, “I have the man from the LORD.”
The fact that Cain grew crops and Abel was a shepherd shows that man did not spend hundreds of thousands of years as hunter-gatherers. They always farmed and tended animals.
Some Bible scholars believe that Cain brought his offering to the tree of life because cherubim guarded the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24), and cherubim are always associated with the dwelling place or meeting place with God (Exodus 25:10-22). It’s possible that Cain, Abel, and later others met with God at the tree of life, where the cherubim guarded access to the tree and prevented any from eating its fruit. However, this is not proven.
While some may say that Abel’s sacrifice of animals was why he was favored due to the blood aspect, grain offerings are accepted in the Old Testament ( Leviticus 2) as well. God’s favor is a heart matter, not a physical matter.
Cain’s Sinful Heart
(Hebrews 11:4) clears up the matter. Abel had faith; Cain did not.
The fat of the animal was prized and was to be given to God when the animal was sacrificed (Leviticus 3:16-17 and 7:23-25). The burning of fat in sacrifice before God is called a sweet aroma to the LORD (Leviticus 17:6).
In the beginning, one animals was needed as atonement for each perons. Later, at the Passover, it will be one lamb for a family. Then, at the Day of Atonement, it was one lamb for the nation. Finally, with Jesus, there was one Lamb who took away the sin of the whole world (John 1:29).
Summary of passage: God curses the serpent for his beguilement of Adam and Eve to crawl on his belly and eat dust and God put enmity between the serpent and man for all time. Literally, this is humans not liking snakes (especially women). Figuratively, this is humans not trusting Satan and having an inborn wariness of him.
God punished woman by greatly increasing her pains in childbirth; woman will desire her husband who will rule over her.
God punished Adam by cursing the ground so painful toil is now required to eat of it. The ground will produce thorns and thistles. And now death is introduced since “for dust you are and to dust you will return.”
Adam names Eve and God makes them clothes and banishes them from the Garden of Eden so that he won’t be able to eat from the tree of life. He places cherubim and a flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life.
Questions:
13a) “Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
b) “I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
c) “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”
14a) The serpent is Satan and her offspring will be Jesus. Jesus will ultimately defeat Satan (crush his head) even though Satan will wound Jesus (strike his heel). “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20)
b) With garments of skin
15a) Everyone dies. We are all sinners through Adam. Jesus was sent to redeem his people, bring grace, and offer justification through his death so that we may have eternal life.
We were born sinners. But Jesus can redeem us. The results and consequences for us today are we have a choice: to choose or reject Jesus. Choose Jesus=life. Reject Jesus=death.
b) Jesus.
Conclusions: We see here that God never abandoned us, even when we sinned. He always had Jesus planned to save us. It’s hard to comprehend: why would God create us if He knew we would Fall? Only God can answer that. He must think we are worthy in some way. Sometimes I wish I believed but a piece of that worthiness.
I had never thought of us being born with a wariness to Satan before. So we’re born with a natural rebelliousness towards God but a natural distrust of Satan. Again, we must choose. Naturally, we gravitate towards serving ourselves (like children). But we learn to choose and no choice in life is more important. The outcome of our life depends upon this choice.
Summary of passage: When Adam and Eve ate the fruit, their eyes were opened and they realized they were naked; so they covered themselves with fig leaves. They hid from God when they heard Him in the garden so God called to them, “Where are you?”
Adam said he was afraid cause he was naked and explained that the woman gave him some fruit and he ate it when God asked how he knew he was naked. The woman said the serpent beguiled her and she ate as well.
Questions:
10a) They realized they were naked. Remember, some scholars believe Adam and Eve were clothed in light until the moment they sinned. So imagine the light snuffed out and now they needed something else to clothe them.
b) They hid from Him amongst the trees. Because they were ashamed of being naked. They felt guilt for disobeying. They were afraid of dying. They were afraid of the consequences of disobedience. They were embarrassed at their own inadequacy.
11a) “The woman you put here with me–she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Technically, yeah, that’s what happened. But Adam is trying to put the blame on Eve when he clearly disobeyed as well by partaking of the fruit. He could have said, “No.” However, he didn’t lie to God about it. He also did not repent. God is giving him the chance and Adam missed it. He does not accept responsibility for his role in the Fall.
Also, note how, essentially, Adam is blaming God by saying, “The woman you put here with me…” As if it’s God fault for creating a companion to Adam and he wouldn’t have sinned otherwise.
b) “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Mostly because the serpent did deceive her and she admits she ate it. She didn’t lie. However, being deceived, listening to the serpent in the first place instead of God, is a sin as well (Romans 1:25: “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie…and served created things instead of the Creator”)
c) Both of them. Adam for not explaining to Eve better not to eat the fruit and for standing by while the serpent beguiled her. Adam for eating the fruit Eve gave him. Eve for even talking to the serpent, for doubting God and His word, and for eating the fruit. Both sinned equally. Both are responsible. Both fell from God.
You could say the serpent (devil) but we have Free Will to choose. The devil offered. Adam and Eve accepted. The serpent didn’t force them to take a bite.
12) Personal Question. My answer: Honestly, probably very similar. I’m good at the good stuff. Bad at the little sins. Very bad. Something I need to work on.
Conclusions: Good emphasis on responding to sin. We all do it ever since Adam and Eve and I think what matters most to God is how we respond to it. Whether we truly repent and whether we mend our ways. We can still give glory to God through our confession and our sincere desire to do better. Joshua 7:19-20: “Give glory to the Lord…tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.”
Side Note: God addresses Adam first as the head and one could argue it is Adam who bears the brunt of the responsibility for the sin since Adam is the head of woman. Interesting since in popular culture you always hear how it was Eve’s fault.
Summary of passage: The crafty serpent asked Eve, “Did God really say not to eat from any tree in the garden?” Eve tells him they can eat from any tree except from the tree in the middle of the garden or they will die. The serpent plants doubt, saying surely you won’t die; you will just be like God, knowing good and evil.
So, Eve took some and ate it and gave some to Adam (who was with her the whole time) and ate it as well.
Questions:
3) the devil or Satan
4a) Adam was to care for the trees in the garden and he was free to eat from any tree in the garden except the tree of knowledge of good and evil because if he ate from that, he would die.
b) Yes. Why else would God plant it and why would he instruct Adam to eat from any tree (including the tree of life) Verses 9 & 16. Everything God does has a purpose. God gave man Free Will–to choose life or death. And man chose.
5a) The serpent planted doubt. He questioned God’s words by asking, “Are you sure God said that?” It made Eve wonder if God did indeed say that. Then he questions God’s word and twists it by saying Eve wouldn’t die if she ate it. Why would God do such a thing? Then the serpent does speak some truth by saying their eyes will be opened. They just wouldn’t be opened how the serpent says. Finally, he tempted by saying “You will gain knowledge of good and evil” and be equal with God.
b) First, Eve talked to the serpent. Then she listened to the serpent. Then she believed the serpent. Then she gave in to her desire for wisdom and partook of the fruit.
c) God first and foremost. God’s truths. God’s words. God’s goodness. God himself really.
6a) Jesus used God’s truths to defeat the devil. Granted, Eve didn’t have the Bible to use but in a way she had something just as powerful: a personal relationship with God. Eve doubted God’s goodness; Jesus never did. Eve doubted God’s ways; Jesus never did.
Of course, Jesus was God on earth and Eve was merely a human so it’s hard to compare.
But the serpent does use the same methods: lust of the flesh; lust of the eyes; and pride.
b) No. James says after desire (temptation) has conceived (been planted), then it gives birth to sin (one sins) and sin leads to death.
Because Eve coveted the fruit didn’t mean she sinned. She only sinned when she ate the fruit (disobeyed God’s commands). At any moment before then she could have walked away. But she didn’t.
The definition of sin according to Webster’s Dictionary is “a transgression of the law of God”. Transgression means a violation of a law or command; to go beyond the limits.
According to my bible dictionary (Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary by Douglas and Tenney) sin is “revolt against the holiness and sovereign will of God. It is a condition of the heart and the outworking of that condition through one’s words and actions.”
We are all tempted (“to entice to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain” says Webster’s). Satan tempts to undermine our faith. God tests (not tempts) to strengthen our faith.
c) Personal Question. My answer: To quit God’s work and purpose for my life. Some days it’s just not worth it. It’s a constant temptation. I’m also tempted to say mean things or not be giving. Constant temptation to not do as Jesus would do. Temptation to do what I want to do and not what God wants me to do.
Conclusions: We discussed the whole sin versus temptation thing in Acts last year except we were asked if it was okay to doubt (see lesson HERE).We are human. We will be tempted. Constantly by the devil. But we have Free Will to say no. God always offers us an out (1 Corinthians 10:13) so we can stand up to the devil. God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.
From Eve we can learn the common steps the devil uses to make us sin: he plants doubt in our mind; he makes us question God’s word; he entices with something seemingly better. This pattern we need to be aware of so we don’t fall into sin. So we can stand up to the devil and say “NO!” in God’s name. So we don’t lose sight of God like Eve did.
Interesting Side Notes: Note that God instructed Adam to not partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge. Then God created Eve. Eve must have been told by Adam but she was not instructed by God. Hence, she was chosen by the serpent to tempt as she was the weaker link. We don’t know what Adam said to Eve but Adam was standing right there. He knew it was wrong. Eve disobeyed God and Adam.
Also, if Adam had been chosen to eat first, Eve might have had an out by saying she was only obeying her husband, the head of the household. Hence, God allowed Eve to be tested first.
Eve doesn’t even seem to know the name of the tree and exactly what God said since she uses the word “touch” instead of “eat” as God did. This is not an excuse. But it does fall upon Adam to communicate to her God’s commands.
Eve was truly deceived by the devil; Adam sinned in full knowledge of what God had said. (Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:22; 1 Timothy 2:14).
I was always told it was Eve’s fault man sinned. But upon close examination Adam bears most of the burden. He was right there (Genesis 3:6) the entire time. At any moment either one could have ran from the serpent. But neither did. It just shows how powerful and cunning the devil truly is. And what we must fight against daily.
If Adam and Eve could be tricked and disobey–those who actually walked with God–then we must be extra vigilant and strong in the Word in order to resist.
