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‘The way of Cain.’
Jud_1:11
I. In his refusal to offer to God the appointed sacrifice for sin.—God had specially appointed the offering of animal sacrifices by men. The strongest proof is given in Hebrews: ‘By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.’ Faith has always respect to a testimony borne by God or a command enjoined by Him. If there had been no Divine prescription of animal sacrifices, Abel’s offering could not have been the result of faith. Cain’s unbelief was manifested in preferring his own way, and bringing only the fruits of the ground. The spirit of Cain is manifested by all who refuse to accept redemption through Christ’s blood, of which Abel’s offering was the primeval type.
II. In his enmity toward Abel and in its tragic result.—In all cases of self-sufficiency there are two distinguishable phases: undue appreciation of one’s self and undue depreciation of others. The one is vanity, the other is envy. The sin of murder sprang originally from the root of wounded self-esteem. We have not now the murdering of individuals for their faith, but all who seek to injure the reputation of those who are serving the Lord are going the way of Cain.
III. In his disregard of the warning given him by God.—Cain thought he could take care of himself. He had firmness enough to resist temptation. He went on defiantly in self-confidence, and was at length hurried to the murder of his brother.
IV. In his repudiation of responsibility for Abel.—His motto was, Let every man take care of himself. He was utterly careless about his brother.