Jude 1:11 (KJV)_”Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.”

I’ve had this thought in my spirit for a while now, and I hope to articulate it the way God would have me to. If there is one thing for certain, we’re living in perilous times, and they worsen as I write this article. Satan continues to unleash the seductive spirits into the world in hopes of damnation to our eternal souls, and his hand is to the plough at this very moment. I believe the way of Cain is a spirit that can get buried deep inside of a person, and it seeks to forever drive us out of the presence of God Almighty, and into the Land of “Wandering.” I wish to expose this spirit in hopes of maybe helping someone see the dangers of this destructive device satan uses against the child of God.

For the sake of my article I’ll call it, -“The spirit of Cain.” Cain is an interesting person to study because of the infamy of his legacy. His life is such a devastating tragedy, Jude warns the Apostolic Church thousands of years later “Woe unto them! For they have gone in the way of Cain! One may ask, -“what is the way of Cain?” It’s common to conclude Cain rebelled against God and had hatred towards his brother, but he had buried within his spirit a depraved sense of being. Let’s break it down in hopes of gleaning from his tragic end!

I.) The way of Cain: Seeking Religion on your “OWN TERMS.”
Cain is the first male to be born with the inherent nature of sin. No doubt, his parents set him and Abel down and explained what took place in the garden of Eden. I believe Cain knew Truth, I believe Cain knew the consequences of sin, I believe he knew how to worship Jehovah. Yet, there was something inside of Cain that caused him to “want to be religious, but on his terms.” Personally, I believe Cain’s problem, was Pride and a haughty spirit. I believe Cain wanted to live for God, he proved this by bringing JEHOVAH an offering, but in His pride it caused him to bring an offering that “he thought” would be acceptable. The problem with a haughty spirit is you become intoxicated in your own deceitful heart. No matter what someone else say’s, The Pastor, Your Boss, “they’re wrong and you are right!” We see this in the heart of King Saul: He disobeyed God by sparing King Agag, and the spoils of the flock, yet because of his blind arrogance, He reasoned with Samuel that his actions were rightfully justified. The spared flock was to give an sacrifice offering unto the Lord. In Saul’s mind he was justified by allowing the men to sacrifice those flock, yet in reality He disobeyed the word of God. This is why Samuel said, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” Obedience to the word of God trumps our own version of serving God! If it doesn’t line up to the word of God line upon line, then we are always wrong. God’s word will stand, Heaven and earth shall pass, but His word shall remain the same. Let God be true and every man a liar! So woe unto the way of Cain that say’s “I can serve God on my terms.” A question to ask yourself, -Am I obeying the word of God, Do I justify my actions when I know they’re contrary to His word, do I find myself thinking “I am always right?” Many people today no longer simply quit going to a church that preaches truth, they no longer leave on good terms with the Pastor. Today, the spirit of Cain is nestled in the hearts of people that leaves them bashing the church, and murdering the True Saints of God with their tongue. They go on to find a church who allows them continue living in “their version of Christianity.” We need to check ourselves, we may be heading in the way of Cain!

II.) The way of Cain: Am I easily Offended?
We see the story line unfold in Genesis, and we see Cain sought to be religious on his terms, and we conclude in his arrogance he was sure that the Lord would accept his form of worship. Yet, as we read Cain’s offering is rejected by God, and Abel’s is accepted. Cain become offended that God didn’t accept his offering. If I could use my imagination, I believe Cain threw a raging fit like we see unrestrained men do in this world. His entire demeanor changed and God visibly saw Cain’s offended heart come to life. This is one of the most crucial cross roads of a persons life: When the Word of God rejects your offering, life style, ways of living, way of worship, -Are you offended, or are you convicted? I’m going to boldly proclaim your answer will determine your eternal residence: Whether it be Heaven or Hell! When the Word of God goes forth, Hebrews 4:12 say’s ” It is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” The Word of God brings out what’s buried deep in our hearts. When God rejected Cain’s offering, he brought to life what was buried deep within: It pierced it, and broke it to pieces, but Cain chose to get offended instead of convicted. A good measuring rod for our soul: When our Pastor or the Man of God brings forth the Word, and it doesn’t set well with us, maybe it makes us squirm a little on the pew, maybe it hurts, Do we get offended at Him, or does it CONVICT US? Does it drive us to the altar, or out the door? Do we choose Repentance, or do we choose Offense? I promise the answer to this question can very well determine where we will spend eternity!

I could honestly continue this thought for hours, but I wish to be courteous. I want us to see how the Spirit of Cain works, and how it can get nestled into our spirit if we don’t keep our hearts right and continue to pursue a life worthy of Heaven. Cain’s tragedy is he passed up Repentance even though God gave him a warning and space to get his heart right. He let him know, sin was waiting at the door if he continued the path he was on. He became bitter towards God, and became jealous and bitter towards his brother. That bitterness turned to hatred, which led to Murder. The spirit of Cain drove him out of the presence of God, and sin put a mark on him that followed him all his days: Such a tragedy. I plead with all of us to examine ourselves this morning, and make sure our heart resonates with the heart of God.

David said “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.”

We must pray this prayer on a daily basis. When the Word of God pricks our heart, Always choose Repentance over Rebellion!

God Bless, JDS