Week 82 - Free Weekend Program for Children

Date: March 4, 2025

Text : Genesis 4: 8-16

Theme : Self destructive Power of Bitterness and the Call to Faith in Christ

Last week, we saw how Cain became dejected because God said no! as he sought personal validation, approval, praise and acceptance through the flesh - self effort. To make things worst, he became deeply frustrated, distressed and in great despair - no hope.

Our validation, approval, and acceptance come solely through the shed blood of Christ. In Christ, we find our true value. Our sense of self-worth are not found in external things - family name - fame, achievement or possession; it may feel like it, but such validation is built on quick sand. It won’t last. John 4:13-14, that’s why rich people, including celebrities commit suicide; the emptiness is real.

For a Christian, the cross reveals exactly how much we are worth in the eyes of the eternal King of glory, as stated in 1 John 4:10 and 1 Peter 1:17-18. Imagine that someone will give up His life just to save you and that person is God.

Unfortunately, Cain was blinded by rage, envy, and bitterness. He couldn’t see with the eyes of faith, and though God warned him, he couldn’t hear. This is what Satan does best—he blinds many 2 Corinthian 4:4; and sometimes believers to the reality of faith in Christ. He wants us to live by what is physical, we are under pressure to perform and achieve (to prove our self) but without faith, it is impossible to please God.

Ultimately, Cain killed Abel because he couldn’t bear the joy, peace, holiness, and freedom that Abel was enjoying.

We will all face rejection and failure from time to time. Maybe a job we earnestly desired, a lost business opportunity, bad investment, broken relationship, death of loved one etc.

Sometimes, our flesh can overwhelm us, and we fall under the weight of sinful desires and pride, much like Peter did when he began to sink after taking his eyes off Christ.

Always remember this: the only saving grace is in Christ. Cry out to Him; confess your sins to Him—don’t go with excuses. No, go with the truth! The problem is not with someone else; the problem is within us. We are not saved by focusing on the sins of others, but by acknowledging our own sins and wickedness - unbelief. Then, we must rejoice because Jesus saves (Romans 10:13).

Don’t try to kill your brother through slander, malicious gossip, bitter envy, backstabbing, or hatred. Don’t betray him with the kiss of Judas.

We must take our pain and frustrations to God. Let Him convict, reproof, and correct us Job 13:15, fixing our eyes on the atonement and receiving forgiveness. This brings times of refreshing, and He will give you grace to overcome.

Finally, though man is limited, God is not. The blessedness of someone else cannot alter the plan and purpose of God for our lives. Nothing can change God’s ordained will for us; in Christ, “we only loss dirt for diamonds”. This is how we defeat envy, jealousy, and resentment. "All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose."

Elkanah could not help Hannah. It was beyond him. Isaac couldn’t manufacture another blessing for Esau. Jacob honestly acknowledged that he was not God and made this clear to Rachel. Though they all sincerely sought to comfort those they loved, the truth is, a Christian will only find true fulfillment in Christ. Nothing else can satisfy, no matter how grand or lofty it may appear.

I will repeat John 4:13-14 Jesus said to the woman at the well, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I give him will never thirst; but the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."

We must bring our desires to God in prayer. The Holy Spirit enables us, so don’t shy away. Don’t let anyone sweet-talk you into mediocrity. There is a God in heaven who rules over the affairs of men. Abraham knew this. He asked, and the Lord responded with kindness (Genesis 15:2-4), Hannah got Samuel, Peter was honest about his needs, he asked the Lord for clarification (Matthew 19:27-30), the older brother of the prodigal son was sincere, he wants a party with his friends (entertainment); nothing wrong with that. The Lord affirmed His promise in Isaiah 45:19. He has not called believers to worship Him in vain.

Trust God! Don’t be like Balaam (self-centered) don’t seek your own reward - “preferred option” vehemently. If the Lord has shut a door, don’t try to crack open a hole in the window and crawl in. You don’t need it! "We crack windows open" to escape sin, not to have our own way - get what we want.

Let God give you what He wants and you will be amazed, it doesn’t matter who goes first, look to the Lord even if it takes 100yrs like Abraham & Sarah. Pray continually, asking God to do His will in your life, not yours. Pray for the grace to live for His glory, not your own. This is how we overcome—by looking to Christ.

Unfortunately, Cain gave no heed to these truths. He killed his brother, and his problems only grew worse. The earth was already cursed, and now he would face even greater hardship, trapped in an endless vicious cycle with no fruit—no love, peace, joy, or faithfulness.

The scripture says that "the way of the transgressor is hard." Pray that the Lord will help you keep your eyes on Christ, trusting Him. He is the path of righteousness (John 14:6).

In conclusion, sin brings enough reproach, but God has not called us to add to it. We have no power to save anyone, but we can show compassion through prayer and possible benevolence as they struggle under the weight of sin and its consequences.

For us, we must cast our cares and burdens upon the Lord. We should not harbor envy, jealousy, unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, or hate—these are wicked demons. We must continually nail them to the cross of Christ through sincere confession and repentance.

Someone once said, “A bird may fly over your head, but you are responsible for preventing it from building a nest in your hair.” Shave off the hair if that helps. Similarly, thoughts of malicious bitterness and hate may pass through our minds, but we must not allow them to take root in our hearts. Persistent prayer will prevail and love will reign over hate

Cain failed miserably at this, but now we have the opportunity to learn from his example. If we fail, we will destroy ourselves and hurt many others along our path in life. As Hebrews 12:15 warns, we will leave behind a trail of bitterness—poisoned waters. People may begin to avoid us, not necessarily because of poverty or envy, though we may convince ourselves of that, but because of the toxicity we carry.

May God help us.

It’s amazing how the Lord refreshes our souls as we learn to share the gospel with others, teaching biblical truths in ways that benefit both the teacher and the children. As 2 Timothy 2:6 says, "The hardworking farmer should be the first to enjoy the fruit of his labor."

Thank you for praying for us.

For more, please use the link below for our midweek and weekend messages by Evang. Heshimu Colar https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/thegospelfa/sermons/speakers/Heshimu%20K.%20Colar/