Blood BrothersParaugs

The Power of Ignoring Temptation

In Day 2 of this study, we talked about how the wrong heart led to disappointment after Cain compared his offering with Abel’s offering. He wasn’t focused on pleasing God, but on himself. The wrong heart led to the wrong motives, and he became angry. Remember: It’s not wrong to be angry; it’s wrong to sin while angry! His anger took over, so God gave him a warning:

“Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” - Genesis 4:6-7 (NIV)

Whenever I read sin is crouching at your door, I picture a hungry lion ready to devour its’ prey. Imagine you turned around right now to see a lion behind you, how would you respond? As serious and terrifying as that would be, it’s nothing compared to the danger of sin in your heart.

Cain was angry because he had the wrong heart, which led him to the wrong motives. What do the wrong motives lead to? Let’s continue the story:

Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”

“I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” – Genesis 4:8-9 (NIV)

I can’t even imagine saying that to my own parents, let alone God Himself! That’s the power of ignoring temptation; anger doesn’t just become deeply rooted in your heart; but look at what the wrong motives led him to do! The wrong motives lead to the wrong actions. Cain was dead inside from his actions, and his brother laid on the ground lifeless! Do you see the power of anger? It all started from a “harmless” selfish heart.

Don’t ignore temptation. Instead, recognize it for what it is; like a hungry lion getting ready to devour you. What does it devour? Your joy, your thoughts, your peace, your hope. It kills all that and so much more. There’s no place for it in your heart. If you’re angry, bring it before God. Abel brought the best portions from the firstborn of his flock (the very best a shepherd can give). Now think about this: the very best you can give to God is giving Him your deepest of struggles and letting Him transform your heart. Don’t just ignore temptation! Take captive every thought, including every thought that makes us angry, and make those thoughts obedient to Christ.

Prayer: Dear Lord, as I read this, you’ve highlighted some areas in my life where I need to change the course of my thoughts. I know if I’m on the wrong path, they’ll devour me. So Lord, I pray instead that you would fill me with your goodness and love, and remove the anger from inside of me. I give it over to you right now. In Jesus’ name, amen.