Genesis 4:1-7 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” 2And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. 3In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”
Facing Front
Third in a Series, “Living Forward”
1) Living Sideways: the sin crouching at your door
a) Jealousy/envy
b) Insecurity, approval addiction
c) Judgment of others
2) Facing front; how we rule over it
a) Run your own race, following Jesus
b) Increase your assists
c) Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude
Key verse for the week
If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it. -Genesis 4:7
Questions for conversation and reflection
When and how has living sideways been a challenge for you? What do believe are your particular gifts that you use to run your race?
Possible next best steps for you
· Take the spiritual gifts discovery assessment at stlukesmethodist.org/spiritualgiftsdiscovery
· Welcome others to the table by preparing the elements for our weekly communion services. Contact Nancy Walker at newtimes621@outlook.com.