Genesis 4:1-26 continuing…

“And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him” Genesis 4:6-7 (KJV).

When God is approached by us, and we attempt to worship Him our own way it soon becomes evident. Cain certainly was not pleased that God had rejected his offering. Had Cain been ignorant of the form required, or the attitude of his heart, yet been willing to learn and yield he would have submitted to God’s correction. He would have confessed his sin, repented, and maintained fellowship with God, and his brother Abel.

Cain may have been somewhat concerned of his rights as the elder brother (NOTE v. 7b). God reasons with Cain, and warns him of the “lion” of sin which lies at the door waiting to pounce on and devour him (1 Peter 5:8). Sin, thus, enslaved Cain because he refused to heed God’s warning. The holy threat of God must needs be carried out to the finishing of sin.