Review the planks of Genesis

Creation
Humanity
Evil
Redemption
Civilization

Civilization is the plank but there’s a distinct culture that forms from the people of God and those who are not.

By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil. —1 John 3:10
We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. —1 John 3:12

Plank 5 - Civilization

Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering… —Genesis 4:1-4

An Event becomes an Institution

Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. —Genesis 4:16

Cain is religious

…but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. —Genesis 4:5

Cain is indignant

Cain is unsubmissive

“…but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” —Genesis 4:6-7

Happiness comes when we are rightly related to Him

Sin will destroy you

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body —Romans 6:12

Cain hates righteousness

Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. —Genesis 4:8

Cain is a liar

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” —Genesis 4:9

Cain disregards life

He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” —Genesis 4:9

Our theology will always impact our morality.

Cain is impenitent

And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.” —Genesis 4:10
“Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” —Genesis 4:14

Cain is unthankful

Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.” —Genesis 4:13

God is gracious

Then the Lord said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. —Genesis 4:15

Cain is defiant

Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. —Genesis 4:17

To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. —Genesis 4:18-19
Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah. —Genesis 4:20-22

Lamech said to his wives: “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. If Cain’s revenge is sevenfold, then Lamech’s is seventy-sevenfold.” —Genesis 4:23-24

Take home truth

Sin will always lead to ruination, but God continually offers restoration

Small Group Study Guide

Ice breaker: What is one tehnological advancement has been a game-changer for you? What techonolgy could you do without?

What’s the main idea or “plank” of Genesis 4?
What do you notice about humanity and technology?
What are some characteristics of Cain? What are some characteristics of God? Is this relevant for us today?
Where do you see the Gospel or a picture of Jesus in Genesis 4?
How does Genesis 4 impact your present situation? Your life and relationships? Be as specific as you can.

Prayer time

Spend time praying for those who are part of civilation. Pray for those who you who are far from God.