The Heart of True Worship | Dr. Stephen Conley

Text:  Genesis 4:1-26   The Righteous Attitude of Worshipping God (Genesis 4:1-4) God graciously provides Adam and Eve with two sons: Cain and Abel. Abel is portrayed as the one who brought an acceptable offering to the Lord with the right heart attitude. In the New Testament, Abel's offering and his actions toward God are declared as righteous (Hebrews 11:4; 1 John 3:12b).   The Ruinous Outcome of Worshipping Self (Genesis 4:3, 5-24) Cain worshipped God on his terms with a selfish attitude of pride. Cain's angry response to God's correction and murder revealed his worship of self. God's warning and condemnation was also mingled with grace. In the New Testament, "the way of Cain" is portrayed as a pursuit of personal gain marked by evil (Jude 11; 1 John 3:12a).   The Redemptive Plan of Our Sovereign God (Genesis 4:25-26) Even in the midst of murder and revenge, God's plan to save His people cannot be thwarted. God appoints the line of Seth for the Messiah to come and call true worshippers to Himself. Consider Christ, "the mediator of the new covenant," who atoned for our sin with His own blood (Hebrews 12:24).