The Characteristics of a Congregant in the Church of Cain Part 2

Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's fighteous 1 John 3:12


A congregant in the “Church of Cain” is someone who participates in worship but refuses to walk with a surrendered heart. They bring offerings without obedience, activity without repentance, and religion without righteousness. Cain is not just a man in Genesis; he is a mirror for every worshiper who wants God’s approval without giving God their allegiance. Now, let’s turn our consideration to the characteristics of a congregant in the Church of Cain.

Cain’s approach towards worship reveals that not all worship is accepted. Hebrews 11:4 tells us Abel’s offering was accepted because it was offered by faith. Cain’s was rejected because it was offered without faith, meaning without trust, surrender, or obedience. So, Cain’s odious offering teaches us a sobering truth: God does not accept every offering simply because it is offered. In addition, a person can consistently attend church, sing loudly, serve faithfully, give generously, and still be rejected if the heart is wrong.

The Church of Cain is full of people who want God’s blessing but not God’s boundaries.

Here is the first indication of a heart that worships without surrender; Cain brought “an offering,” but not his best. Abel brought the firstborn and the fat portions, the costly parts. Therefore, a congregant in the Church of Cain:

*Gives God what is left over, not what is first.
*Offers God what is convenient, but not what is costly.
*Desires God to accept and treat them according to their terms, and not His truth.

This is worship that is parked in performance and not submission.

The second indication is an attitude that resents correction.
When God rejected Cain’s offering, God didn’t just reject Cain; He invited him to repent. Remember God said, “If you do well,
you will be accepted?” But Cain didn’t repent; he resented.
Subsequently, a congregant in the Church of Cain:

*Hears correction as condemnation.
*Interprets conviction as criticism.
*Gets angry at God instead of getting right with God.
*Blame others for what is broken in themselves.

You see, Cain didn’t correct his worship; he centered his anger on Abel.

The third warning is jealousy toward the righteous. 1 John 3:12 says Cain murdered Abel because Abel’s works were righteous and his were evil. Cain didn’t hate Abel’s personality; he hated that Abel’s worship was positioned in purity. Consequently, a congregant in the Church of Cain:

*Is irritated by people who take holiness seriously.
*Feels exposed by the obedience of others.
*Criticizes what they should be copying.
*And prefers comparison over confession.

Cain teaches us that jealousy is often disguised as conviction.

Well, I invite you to join me next week as we continue to wrap our heads and hearts around the type of worship that is consistent with the characteristics of the Church of Cain.
 

Not a sermon, just some thoughts, 

FtGG