Introduction

The account of Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, is a profound illustration of selfishness in the Bible. His account, found in Genesis 4, serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of self-centeredness and its consequences. Cain's actions and attitudes provide insight into the spiritual and moral implications of selfishness.

Biblical Account

Cain and his brother Abel were the first children born to Adam and Eve after their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. As they grew, Cain became a farmer, while Abel was a shepherd. In Genesis 4:3-5 , we read about their offerings to the Lord: "So in the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD, while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell."

Selfishness in Cain's Offering

Cain's selfishness is first evident in his offering. Unlike Abel, who brought the best of his flock, Cain merely brought "some of the fruits of the soil." This suggests a lack of genuine devotion and a self-centered approach to worship. Cain's offering was not given with a heart of gratitude or reverence, but rather out of obligation or self-interest. The Lord's disregard for Cain's offering highlights the importance of the heart's posture in worship and giving.

Cain's Reaction and Sin

Cain's selfishness further manifests in his reaction to God's rejection of his offering. Instead of examining his own heart and actions, Cain becomes angry and despondent. The Lord addresses Cain in Genesis 4:6-7 , saying, "Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it."

Despite God's warning, Cain's selfishness blinds him to the opportunity for repentance and correction. Instead, he allows his anger and jealousy to fester, leading to the premeditated murder of his brother Abel. In Genesis 4:8 , it is recorded, "Cain said to his brother Abel, 'Let us go out to the field.' And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him."

Consequences of Cain's Selfishness

The consequences of Cain's selfishness are severe and far-reaching. After the murder, the Lord confronts Cain, asking, "Where is your brother Abel?" to which Cain responds with the infamous retort, "I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?" (Genesis 4:9). This response further underscores Cain's self-centeredness and lack of responsibility for his actions.

As a result of his sin, Cain is cursed by God and becomes a restless wanderer on the earth. Genesis 4:11-12 states, "Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth."

Legacy of Cain's Selfishness

Cain's legacy is one of warning against the perils of selfishness. His account is a reminder of the importance of humility, repentance, and the need to master sinful desires. The New Testament also references Cain as a negative example. In 1 John 3:12 , believers are admonished, "Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous."

Cain's life serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of selfishness and the importance of aligning one's heart and actions with God's will.Genesis 4:9
And the LORD said to Cain, Where is Abel your brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Growth and Power of Sin
... a time, come in again with a rush, and Cain is swept away by them. Hatred left to
work means murder. The heart is the source of all evil. Selfishness is the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the growth and power of.htm

1 John iii. 11, 12
... Where love is not the animating principle, there rules selfishness with hatred in ...
children of the devil, in whom hate governs as in Cain their representative. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iii 11 12.htm

1 John iii. 12-15
... As Cain hated and murdered Abel on account of the contrariety between the godly ... The
world and the children of God are, like love and selfishness, in perpetual ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iii 15-dec.htm

The Epistle of Judas
... religion and selfishness, as Judas recalls in ver.16. A passionate denunciation
of their practices (11-13). 11 Woe to them! they go the road of Cain, rush into ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of judas.htm

2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan
... Cain despised his brother, and so, immediately after, he despised God. ... But when
covetousness and selfishness and insolence meet together, what is wanting to ...
/.../homily vii 2 timothy iii.htm

Persecution in the First Centuries.
... For the same reason that Cain slew Abel, did those who sought to throw ... and holiness
of His character was a constant rebuke to their selfishness and corruption. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /2 persecution in the first.htm

Persecution in the First Centuries
... For the same reason that Cain slew Abel, did those who sought to throw ... and holiness
of His character was a constant rebuke to their selfishness and corruption. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 2 persecution in the.htm

'Is it I?'
... The essence of every evil is selfishness, and when you have that, it is ... Cain killed
his brother from jealousy; David besmirched his name and his reign by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/is it i.htm

Woes on the Pharisees
... He rebuked the selfishness that extorted and misapplied the widow's gifts ... first innocent
blood was shed, when righteous Abel fell by the hand of Cain, the same ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 67 woes on the.htm

Endurance
... he who goes through the world with a single eye to duty, without selfishness, without
vanity ... and rose against them, for the same simple reason that Cain rose up ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xxi endurance.htm

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