Week 81 - Free Weekend Program for Street & Vulnerable Children

Date : 22 Feb. 2025

Text : Genesis 4: 1-16

Theme : True Worship - Equal Acceptance Before God.

Though Adam and Eve were sent out of the Garden of Eden—away from their comfort zone and unable to enjoy the fruits of the tree of life (Fruit of the Spirit in Christ) —God was still with them. As Christians, He remains with us even as we suffer the consequences of our actions. Just as your mom will still tuck you into bed after a heavy spanking, even though the pain lingers, God is with us in our struggles.

Eventually, Adam and his wife had children—Cain and Abel. Their corrupt nature was passed down to their children. Every child is born with sin; sin lives in us all. There are no "innocent" children—sin is in everyone. This is why we strive in prayer, teaching the gospel to you, because none of you is without sin, and no one is saved except by the grace of God in Christ Jesus.

As time went on, Abel became a shepherd, and Cain became a farmer. They went to work, just like some of you are learning to do chores around the house. Even though the earth is cursed, there is no room for idleness. We all must work. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."

From observation, it seems that Nigerian kids are among the happiest. Why? Because you’re not caught up in the fantasy of the internet, envying the so-called "best life" of Western kids. Many Nigerian youths fall into this trap, wrecking their souls as they fantasize and seek to scam others, especially Westerners, through clever lofty speeches and sometimes, deceitful means.

There’s nothing wrong with the internet; we can learn a lot from it. But we must work with what God has provided for us and not sit idle, speculating and imagining lives that aren't available to us at least for now. It’s ok to work with our hands, something practical while we DREAM BIG, trusting God, Work is not a curse. There is dignity in labor, and work honors God. He is not pleased with idleness, we see it in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12. You must all learn this as you grow up, especially if you are someone who have tasted the pleasure of work and the reward it brings Ecc 5: 12. You will have passionate hatred for idleness and unproductive lofty speeches because it leads to wasted life and self-destruction, idle people will feel deeply uncomfortable with you because you challenge them and you leave no room for excuses, if they sit around without tangible work at hand, whatever it is, as long as it’s honest.

Both Cain and Abel were successful in their work and brought God offerings. However, while Abel gave an offering out of gratitude, acknowledging that it was by God's grace, Cain's offering was made out of pride. Abel recognized God's role in his success, saying, "Look what the Lord has done." Cain, however, said, "Look what I have done! I worked hard, and I achieved this!" His offering was a display of his own effort, skill, and talent, as Evangelist Heshimu pointed out, it was all for show - vain glory.

True worship acknowledges and appreciates the grace of God in salvation through the blood of Christ alone. False worship, on the other hand, acknowledges personal effort, seeking to share glory with God. As Isaiah 42:8 says, "I am the Lord; that is my name. I will not yield my glory to another."

God accepted Abel's offering and approved him, but He rejected Cain's. Cain became furious. His rejection made him miserable and desperate for love and acceptance. His anger led to bitterness, and bitterness led to hatred. Unable to lash out at God, Cain transferred his anger to Abel, the one whom God had approved.

This situation reminds us of Satan. After God cast him out of heaven for rebellion, self-exaltation, and pride, Satan went after Adam and Eve, attempting to destroy them through disobedience. Sadly, he succeeded to a large extent.

Next week, we will continue to learn about Cain—how he killed his brother Abel and what this means for us as we learn the gospel truth

I love what Charles Spurgeon said about children: “Begin early to teach, for children begin early to sin."

Thank you for praying for us. We are not ignorant of the enemy's schemes, but we know that God is faithful (2 Timothy 1:8-15).

For more teachings from our weekend program, please use this link: [Sermonaudio](https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thegospelfa/sermons/speakers/Heshimu%20K.%20Colar/)

Visit our website: [Sgafoundation.org](http://sgafoundation.org)