Perpetuation of sin

Sin is dangerous. Ignoring God's rebuke is dangerous. It is dangerous for you and the generations that follow. If you're reading this today and know there are things in your life that God doesn't like, make a decision today to get rid of it because it will get hold of you and destroy you, your faith and your family. Don't believe me? Think i'm being over-dramatic or too harsh? Then lets look at the Bible and consider the generations that followed Cain....

*17*Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. *18*To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. *19*And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. *20*Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. *21*His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. *22*Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah. 

*23*Lamech said to his wives: 

Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; 

you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: 

I have killed a man for wounding me, 

a young man for striking me. 

*24* If Cain’s revenge is sevenfold, 

then Lamech’s is seventy-sevenfold.” 

We do not know much about some of the generations that are in-between Cain and Lamech, but look at the perpetuation of sin that occurred in the generations between Cain and Lamech. Considering that they would of known and understood that they are descended from the first ever people on the planet who walked with God, look how far away from God’s perfect plan they wander; Lamech has not one wife but two for a start, this clearly does not reflect God’s design that two become one flesh (- what do 3 become?) Then look at Lamech’s speech, or i would call it a boast; how he murdered someone for injuring him, how he seeks revenge and seems to have a lust for vengeance. 

The generations between Cain and Lamech are not mentioned much beyond their capabilities, they certainly do not mention that any of them have faith in God (maybe they did but it doesn't seem to be as signifciant a part of their life as their accomplishments). Yet we get this snippet about Lamech, which clearly shows the level of degradation humankind had got into. 

It all stemmed from pride. Cain was proud and would not accept instruction, down the line this led to Lamech's pride in murdering someone! can you see how sin gets out of hand?

You may not see your wrongdoing as a big deal. it is. It is a big enough deal to separate you from God (who is supremely holy), and warrant the death of an innocent man who willingly went through torture so you and your descendents could be free from the entanglement of sin. 

Temptation, pride, disappointment, even success can quickly descend into sin. It can overcome you if you do not allow God or His people to correct you. If you choose to go your own way instead of God's then you can see your life, and the lives of those who come after you descend into wickedness. If Cain had listened to God’s warnings, if we listen to God’s warnings instead of doing what we want, how different our lives and the lives of those around us could be. 

So, the question is, what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind you? 

How your descendants turn out could well depend on your obedience to God today.