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

Occoquan Bible Church | Sermons

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?