"If You Build It, He Will Come": Seeking First the Altar of God, Not the City of Man (Gen. 4:17-26)

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"If You Build It, He Will Come": Seeking First the Altar of God, Not the City of Man (Gen. 4:17-26)

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April 7, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 4:17–26

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Worship is why we are here.

When God made us, he created us in his image to worship him. Yet, fallen in Adam, we will not worship God rightly unless God makes us worship him rightly.

Indeed, this is a major point in Genesis 4. The chapter begins with worship, as Adam’s children bring sacrifices to God. And the chapter ends with worship, as Seth calls upon the name of the Lord. And in between, the story of Cain’s family line is also about worship . . . if we have eyes to see.

This Sunday, we will see how Cain’s city-building project is one that exalts the glory of man, not the glory of God. Likewise, the music that fills Genesis 4:17–24 is a testimony to the way humans will sing praise to what they love most. And unless and until God intervenes and gives them a new song, they will sing praises to themselves about themselves.

Even for the church of Jesus Christ, we need the grace of God and the truth of his Spirit to lead us to worship God rightly and righteously. And more, we need the Word of God to teach how we are to worship God. Wonderfully, we have already been taught that worship centers on Jesus Christ and is empowered by the Spirit of Truth. Because Father has given us the Son and the Spirit, we can gather in confidence that our praises will be accepted and pleasing to him. And in that confidence, we will gather for worship on Sunday.

To prepare for Sunday, please read Genesis 4, Psalm 33, and John 4. These passages come together to teach how to worship God truly. And on Sunday, as the Lord allows, I will look forward to gathering with you to do just that.

For His Glory and your joy in Jesus,

Pastor David

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Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 4:17 – 26)

What have we seen so far in Genesis 4? How does the place of the story inform the context? What about the people (i.e., the two seeds)?

Where does Genesis 4:17–24 take place? How does that inform our understanding of the passage?

What does the building of a city indicate? In Scripture, who is renowned for building cities (see Gen. 10:11; 11:4–8; Exod. 1:11; Num. 13:22)? Who is renowned for building altars (Gen. 8:20; Gen. 12:7–8; 22:9; 26:5; 35:7; Exod. 17:5; 24:4)?

If city-building is an evidence of unbelief, what do we discover about the other products invented / created in Genesis 4?

What does the building of a city suggest about the people in Cain’s family? What do their names indicate?

What is the story of Lamech? In what ways does this serve as a warning to us?

Compare the teaching of Jesus in relationship to Lamech (Matt 18:21-22). What do you notice?

What is the Christian ethic when it comes to revenge and justice? Consider Romans 12:17-13:4.

The passage finishes with a return to Adam, Eve, and Seth. What does it mean to call upon the name of the Lord? And how does the wickedness of Lamech relate?

What do we learn about worship in Genesis 4? And how should we prioritize our lives accordingly?

What are you building? And where are you putting your trust?

More from Genesis 4-11: Salvation & Judgment

Reversing Babel: Seeking the Spirit of Christ By Avoiding the Spirit of the Age

July 14, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 11

What is a Nation? Seven Truths from the Table of Nations

July 7, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 10

Dear OBC Family, On Thursday, America celebrated 248 years of independence from England. With fireworks, cookouts, and a host of other American celebrations, Americans remembered the historical origin story of our nation. Or, at least, most did. Today, cultural amnesia afflicts many in our country and as a result, many who enjoy the fireworks may not know what the celebration is for. In fact, many might not even know or appreciate what it means to be a nation independent from other nations. Yet, such a separation from England marks a key feature of world history—not only for America but for all nations. Indeed, since the Tower of Babel, God has ordered the world to be divided into nations, made up of different languages, cultures, and clans. And in fact, the whole story of redemptive history includes the way that God superintends nations and brings the gospel to them. This means that knowing our place in God’s story means knowing our place among the nations, but especially in the country we call home. Scripture is not silent about nations and God’s purposes with them. Nor is it silent about what God expects of us in our own nation. And one of the most illuminating passages on this subject is Genesis 10. On Sunday, we will consider The Table of Nations and what God has to say to us about nations and his purposes with them. As you have time, read Genesis 10 and 11, as both are needed to understand the division of the nations that comes about after the flood. Pray for our time together and pray for our nation. On Sunday, we will consider further what our responsibility is in our nation—both now and until Christ returns to earth. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. For His Glory and your joy in Jesus, Pastor David Discussion & Response Questions ( Genesis 10) 1. How much thought have you given to the idea of ‘nations’? What has been most (un)helpful? 2. What place do nations play in the Bible? In redemptive history? In God’s plans in the world today? 3. What is the common source of nations? Why does this matter? What happens if this common origin is lost? 4. What brought about the division among the nations? Why is this a good thing? 5. What is God doing among the various nations of the world? What does that teach us about our respective nations? 6. What is the relationship between Babel (Genesis 11) and the division of nations (Genesis 10)? Why is the order seemingly reversed? 7. How does God use the various nations in redemptive history? What does the Day of Pentecost mean for the nations? 8. Who is the desire of the nations? What role does the church have in bringing the gospel to the nations? 9. If earthly nations are not ultimate, what is our responsibility for them? What role do you play in blessing your nation?

Finding a Faithful Older Brother: What Shem, Ham, and Japheth Reveal about Christ and the Cosmos (Ge

June 30, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 9:18–29

Dear OBC Family, I have to make a confession: When I started to prepare for this week’s sermon on Genesis 9:18–29, I didn’t think much of the passage. Or, at least, I didn’t quite know what to make of it. This last section about Noah does not have the same drama as the flood, it’s not that long, it’s something of a transition passage, and its curse on Canaan and blessing on Shem does not seem to have an immediate application today. At least, that’s how I thought about Genesis 9 when the week began. As I write this email, however, I am now convinced that this little section of Genesis 9 is more than a transition from Noah to the nations. The section is not a transition at all. Rather, it is the foundation for understanding three different kinds of people that fill the world today! And more, by reading this passage carefully, it helps us to know who we are and how we might be blessed and not cursed. That is to say, this passage does more than tell us something about the past. It tells us something about the Lord of all creation who fills heaven and earth and how we know him and be like him. That is what this passage has for us. And as we prepare for Sunday, I would ask you to read Genesis 9 and to pray that God would give us insight into what it means to be a true child of God! On Sunday, I will share more. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday! For His Glory and your joy in Christ, Pastor David Discussion & Response Questions ( Genesis 9:18-29)Consider how the events immediately after the Flood mirror Genesis 1-3. What does this new beginning look like, and how is it marred? How does the vineyard mirror Eden? In what ways is it similar, and how is it different? Consider the sin, covering, curse, and blessing that unfolds in Genesis 9. How is this similar and distinct from Genesis 3? What are the interpretations of Ham’s sin? What are you biblically persuaded of, and why? Look for repetition regarding Canaan. Why is this significant? Compare and contrast Noah’s sons, and the blessings given to Shem and Japheth, and the curse given to Ham. Historically, how has the curse of Ham been misrepresented? Why does the priestly role of Noah play a part in understanding the drama of Genesis 9:18–29? How does the Bible speak about wine? What is the biblical ethic of wine for the Christian? What does Scripture teach about nakedness and covering nakedness? How might application of this text differ between the first audience with Moses, and the church today? How should we respond to this text?