Scripture to Read: Genesis 4:9-10
On the heels of yesterday’s devotion and seeing how Cain made no response to God’s loving confrontation, we need to ask ourselves, “How do we overcome the darkness of temptation?” The answer is that we need to respond the way God sought to lead Cain to respond. We must turn to God, and we must resist the devil, knowing the devil has to flee (James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8-9). The good news is that God, in His lovingkindness, ALWAYS provides a way of escape for us in any temptation we face (1 Corinthians 10:13). We must choose that way of escape that God provides for us. Again, as we read in James 4:7, we must submit to God and not submit to temptation. Cain made the wrong choice, got caught up in his desires, and was overcome by sin (James 1:14-16). After Cain killed his brother, God lovingly confronts Cain again in Genesis 4:9-10. What a beautiful picture Genesis 4:9-10 is of God’s grace and mercy being offered to Cain so he could repent of his sin. But, even when God lovingly confronted Cain, Cain totally disrespected God by asking, “am I my brother’s keeper?” Cain’s response clearly shows that his anger and pride were still controlling him. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:21-22 that anger and murder are the same. God also shows us in Ephesians 4:26-27, Ephesians 4:31 and in Colossians 3:8 that anger must be put away (cast aside) from us because 99.9% of our anger is unrighteous.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about how to overcome temptation and stay away from sin?
2. How are you choosing the way of escape each day that God provides for you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!