Quote from Forum Archives on June 4, 2002, 11:11 am

Posted by: jnthrower <jnthrower@...>

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

THE BOOK OF JUDE

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE APOSTATE

"FOR THEY HAVE GONE IN THE WAY OF CAIN" (VS 11)

INTRODUCTION

Cain's life is synonymous with envy, hatred, and violence. However, there is more to "the way of Cain" than that. "The way of Cain" is popular today and is becoming more popular. Many today have gone or are going "in the way of Cain."

I. THE WAY OF CAIN IS THE WAY OF UNBELIEF. (Hebrews 11:4; Genesis 4:4-5)

A. HIS UNBELIEF IS SHOWN BY HIS ACTIONS.

Coming to God in a way other than that prescribed by The Lord.

1. Able's Actions Showed His Faith--The Way of Grace.

a. The Lord Had A Prescribed Place. (Vs 3)

b. The Lord Had A Prescribed Time. (Vs 3)

c. The Lord Had A Prescribed Means. (Vs 4)

d. The Lord Had Respect Unto Able's Attitude. (Vs 4)

1) His Sacrifice Looked Inward--To See Himself As A Sinner.

2) His Sacrifice Looked Upward--To See A Holy God.

e. The Lord Had Respect Unto Able's Offering. (Vs 4)

1) His Sacrifice Looked Backward--To See God's Example.

2) His Sacrifice Looked Forward--To See God's Provision.

2. Cain's Actions Showed His Unbelief--The Way of Works.

a. The Lord Did Not Have Respect Toward Cain's Attitude. (Vs 5)

1) His Sacrifice Did Not Look Inward--Full of His Work

2) His Sacrifice Did Not Look Upward--Full of Himself.

b. The Lord Did Not Have Respect Unto Cain's Offering. (Vs 5)

1) His Sacrifice Did Not Look Backward--God Was Left Out.

2) His Sacrifice Did Not Look Forward--The Cross Ignored.

B. HIS UNBELIEF IS SHOWN BY HIS ATTITUDE. (Vs 6-8)

1. He Was Dissatisfied With God's Revealed Will.

a. Cain Was Angry.

Wroth-- to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy.

b. Cain' Countenance Fell. (His Face Fell)

2. He Vented His Anger Against The Righteous.

II. THE WAY OF CAIN IS THE WAY OF SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS.

A. Cain Thought He Could Please God Since He Pleased Himself.

(Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23).

B. Self-Righteousness Leads To:

1. Arrogance - Lk. 18:11; Prov. 16:18.

2. Envy (displeasure over the advantage/success of others)

3. Hardened hearts.

4. Lying.

III. THE WAY OF CAIN IS THE WAY OF HATE. 1 John. 3:10-12.

IV. THE WAY OF CAIN IS THE WAY OF DESTRUCTION - Jude 11 ("Woe").

Conclusion

God judged Cain for the way in which he went. God will judge the apostate and those who follow them who choose to go "in the way of Cain."