1. Two Families; Two Perspectives
Genesis 4:17-26

2. Introduction Genesis 4:1-16 Genesis 4:17-24 Genesis 4:25 – 5:32
The story of Cain and Abel
Genesis 4:17-24
The family of Cain
Genesis 4:25 – 5:32
The family of Seth

3. The Two Families Cain Seth Genesis 4:17-22 Genesis 5:3-24 Enoch Irad
Mehujael
Methushael
Lamech
Enosh
Kenan
Mahalalel
Jared
Enoch

4. The Two Families Cain Seth Genesis 4:17-22 Genesis 4:25-26
Enoch (meaning)
Dedication
Train
The response?
“he built a city” (4:17)
The perspective?
We can improve ourselves and our existence - Pride
Enosh (meaning)
Man or mortal
To be weak, sick, frail
The response?
“Then men began to call upon the name of the Lord” (4:26)
The perspective?
Man recognized his need for God - Humility
TWOT – Enosh - “OT:582
The verbal root of °§nôš is uncertain. If it is a derivation of °¹naš "to be weak, sick," the basic emphasis would be on man's weakness or mortality…”
“A major theological concept underlying the use of this word is the fundamental distinction between God and man…The word °§nôš, reminds man of his transience and of his lowly position before the Almighty.”
The question regarding Cain naming the city after his son Enoch and that name meaning training or dedication, to what training and dedication was Cain referring?
Some have assumed this was a dedication to God, but there is nothing in the text which would suggest such.
The key is observing what his descendants did. From Lamech’s sons, it would seem the training was to making life better for themselves, which they did, but without any influence from God.

5. The Two Families Cain Seth Genesis 4:17, 20-22 Genesis 4:26; 5:22-24
Physical Accomplishments
Built a city
Professional herdsmen
Musicians
Forgers of bronze & iron
A physical perspective
Spiritual Accomplishments
Called upon God
Walked with God
A spiritual perspective
Professional herdsman – Possibly “he was the first author and inventor of tents or movable habitations, which could be carried from place to place, for the convenience of pasturage for cattle.” John Gill Commentary

6. Quote
Matthew Henry
“Worldly things, are the only things that carnal, wicked people set their hearts upon, and are most clever and industrious about. So it was with this race of Cain. Here was a father of shepherds, and a father of musicians, but not a father of the faithful. Here is one to teach about brass and iron, but none to teach the good knowledge of the Lord: here are devices how to be rich, and how to be mighty, and how to be merry; but nothing of God, of his fear and service. Present things fill the heads of most.”

7. The Two Families Cain Seth Genesis 4:17-22 Genesis 5:3-24 Enoch Irad
Mehujael
Methushael
Lamech
Enosh
Kenan
Mahalalel
Jared
Enoch
(The 7th Generation)

8. The Two Families Lamech Enoch Genesis 4:19, 23-24 Genesis 5:22-24
Prideful attitude
Took TWO wives; too much man for one woman?
Boasts of 77 fold vengeance if a man takes his life.
The value he placed upon himself.
Godly attitude
TWO times text says “walked with God”
God took Enoch so he did not die
The value God placed upon him.

9. Quotations Derek Kidner Allen P. Ross
“Cain’s family is a microcosm: its pattern of technical prowess and moral failure is that of humanity.”
Allen P. Ross
“The story is about the family of the fugitive that attempts to evade the effects of the curse by ingenuity and enterprise. Their prosperity is great, but it is an empty prosperity apart from God.”

10. Consider
What do you think others thought of the men from Cain’s family?
praised for their ingenuity
esteemed for their innovations
hailed as great men who helped make life easier
Is it any different with men today?
Thomas Edison – inventor of the light bulb
Henry Ford – founder of Ford Motor Co.
Bill Gates – co-founder of Microsoft

11. Application
What do you hope to accomplish or have you already accomplished?
You may enjoy a physically successful life, as did Cain’s family, but such will not compensate for spiritual failure!
Consider
Matthew 16:24-27
Psalm 49:5-12; 16-20
What do you hope to accomplish or have you already accomplished?
Financial security? Comfortable standard of living? Retirement plan?

12. Two Families; Two Perspectives

13. Two Families; One Perspective
Genesis 6:1-8

14. Two Families Intermarrying
Who are the “sons of God” and “daughters of men?”
The text has followed two families – the descendants of Cain and of Seth.
The text has demonstrated two very different perspectives – physical and spiritual.
Thus, “sons of God” (descendants of Seth) and “daughters of men” (descendants of Cain).

15. Two Families Intermarrying
From spiritual to sensual
A mingling of the two lines began when “the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful.” (Gen. 6:2) (cf. Gen. 3:6)
This created a conflict with God – “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever” (Gen. 6:3)
Because there was no longer any difference between the families, both were now wicked! (Gen. 6:5, 12)

16. Application
When a spiritual person makes a decision from a sensual/physical perspective, he ceases being spiritual and starts down a pathway of sin!
Romans 8:5-8
Galatians 5:16-17
1 John 2:15-17

17. Three Applicable Scenarios

18. Applicable Scenarios Selecting a mate Sensual Spiritual
Samson – Judges 14:3
“she looks good to me”
Spiritual
The Worthy Woman – Proverbs 31:10-31
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” (vs. 30)
Godly adornment – 1 Peter 3:3-5; 1 Timothy 2:9-10
Adorn yourselves in a way which will attract the spiritually minded not the sensually driven.

19. Applicable Scenarios Selecting a job Physical Spiritual
Good income, benefits package, possibility of advancement, in preferred field of expertise…etc
Spiritual
Where is the nearest local church? Heb. 10:25
Spiritual condition of that local church? Rev. 2-3
Have faith that God will provide – Matt. 6:25-33

20. Applicable Scenarios Selecting Friendships
Do you believe this only applies to the young?
Spiritually weak people, regardless of age, usually do not have spiritually strong people as their friends.
Why are your friends, your friends?
“Because…” Why?; “Because…” Why?
Are your friends spiritually minded?
Do they challenge or validate your current position?
Do they rebuke you or always agree with you?
Do they counsel or console you?
Consider Proverbs 27:6
Keep asking why until you drill down to the real reason.

21. Applicable Scenarios Selecting Friendships
Your friendships have an impact upon you!
Proverbs 22:24-25
1 Corinthians 15:33
It is critical you select relationships which will spiritually improve not weaken you.
Your friendships reveal your true character.

22. What have we learned?
You may attempt to or accomplish great things physically, but walking with God is the only pathway to eternal blessings.
We walk by faith and not sight. Decisions made which fulfill the senses will always be at the expense of that which is spiritual.

23. What is your perspective?
Physical? Sensual? Spiritual?