Genesis Four describes the nature and consequence of sin and is placed here in the Genesis narrative to highlight that aspect in the lives of two of the children of Adam and Eve. Throughout Scripture, we are repeatedly told that the nature of sin and its wages are death. We are also told that all have sinned; each inherits a sinful nature from our parents. Due to the rebellion of our first parents, sin passes to each subsequent generation and will continue to do so until the Lord Jesus returns.
Sin will manifest itself in numerous ways throughout our lives. If we are not paying attention, we will become prey to the efforts of the Evil One. This chapter highlights what happens due to sin in the lives of God’s creatures. First, there is a hatred of God’s law. That is displayed in the life of Cain, who rejects the proper method of approaching God. We are not told how Cain knew it was wrong, but that information was likely passed on from his parents as they watched the example of it at the close of Gen. 3. Second, and as a result of the first, there is a hatred of one’s neighbor. In this case, Cain hated his brother due to jealousy. This anger is left unchecked, leading to the third issue: actual transgressions carried out. That is demonstrated through the actions of Cain in murdering his brother.
The chapter closes with Adam and Eve having another son and naming him Seth. Seth will be the godly line for the rest of the narrative. That godly line was originally Abel, and Seth is his replacement. The evil actions of men will not undo the promise of Gen. 3:15.
Applications:
It is essential to know and understand God’s moral law and seek to love it and obey it. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Christians who love God will love his law and commands and be obedient to them.
The effects of sin, if left unchecked, will end in ruin. So, guard your hearts against the deception of sin and cut it off before it ruins you.
Be encouraged by the fact that the promises of God will not be deterred by the wicked, sinful actions of men.
Learn:
The sequence of events that led to the murder of Abel.
1:1-14
The gospel of Matthew begins with a genealogy ending with the birth of Christ. Matthew’s genealogy is designed to show us the kingly line of Christ and is divided neatly into three 14-generation cycles.
1:18-25
This section highlights the birth of Christ. The critical aspect of the narrative is found in 1:18, where we read that his name “will be called Jesus for he will save his people from their sins.” At the very beginning of the earthly ministry of Christ, we have a clearly stated purpose for his advent: the salvation of sinners. The whole purpose and mission of the Savior is to give his life a ransom for sin.
Applications:
Matthew gives the kingly line of Christ prominence. We are called to adore him as King, which means he rules and reigns over us in this life. Like the reading in Gen. 1, we see the divine sovereign add to himself our humanity to be a King who will serve and save his people. The humiliation of the King of heaven who made all things is made like us to rescue us from our sins.
The comfort of the truth of Scripture is highlighted for us in this first chapter. Matthew repeatedly quotes from the Old Testament, and here, in this chapter, we see him doing so to demonstrate that the birth of Christ was foretold of old. The Bible is no ordinary book. It accomplishes all that it says.
Learn:
Matthew 1:18-25 is the first of two accounts of the birth of Christ. The other is in Luke 2.
The meaning of the name “Immanuel” is “God with us.”
Read: Genesis 1
The opening chapter of the Bible starts with a grand declaration, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” There is no defense of God’s existence. There is only a statement that God created all things, visible and invisible.
God determined to create all things in the space of six days, and the account of it is given to us in 1:3-31. The following is a summary of the days of creation:
Day One: Light; Night and Day (1:3-5)
Day Two: Sky and water (1:6-8)
Day Three: Land and vegetation (1:9-13)
Day Four: Luminaries (1:14-19)
Day Five: Fish and fowl (1:20-23)
Day Six: Animals and humans (1:24-31)
In each of these acts of God, take note of the phrase, “And God said.” It is God who created by the word of his power and without means of any kind. He called all things from nothing in the space of six days, and all very good (Heb. 11:3; WSC Q9).
Of particular interest is the creation of man (1:27, Cp. 2:5-7). Humanity is the crown jewel of God’s creation, and they are distinct from all the other things that God determined to create. In the creation of man, he formed him from the dust of the earth, breathing into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul. Man was made in the image of God and created in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. He was given commands by God (1:28-31): Be fruitful and multiply, and take dominion over the other aspects of God’s creation.
Assignment: Memorize those things created by God in the order they were made.
The Morning Devotional for February 23, 2022 The Westminster Shorter Catechism Q90
Q. 90. How is the Word to be read and heard, that it may become effectual to salvation? A. That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence, preparation, and prayer; receive it with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.
Q3 What do the scriptures principally teach?
The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man. (2 Tim. 1:13, 2 Tim. 3:16)
Prayer: Our God in heaven, we thank you that you have given us your Word. Left to ourselves, we would not know what you require that we may live to glorify you. We are thankful that you have revealed yourself in creation, but that alone would not be enough for us to know what you require. Though we see your majesty displayed in the sun, moon, stars, seasons, and all that you have made, we would not understand them without that special revelation you have offered to us in the Bible. Through it, we hear from you, and we are told what we must believe to be reconciled with you. In your Word, we are told what is required of those made in your image. Please help us, therefore, to ponder deeply those things that are found in your Word and grant to us a willing heart and mind to obey you in all that you have commanded us. We pray these things in the name of the Savior, our Lord. Amen.
Read: Genesis 4
Read: Genesis 1
The Morning Devotional for February 23, 2022
