The story of Cain and Abel is a tragic tale of jealousy and murder. To discipline him, God banished Cain but spared his life. Cain married and had children, but he refused to teach his descendants about God. Evil spread through his bloodline, ultimately leading to a prideful boast of murder (Genesis 4:23). Thankfully, with the birth of Seth, Adam and Eve's third son, people began to call upon the name of the Lord, signaling hope to his generation.

Despite the darkness of Cain's line, Seth's birth brought a glimmer of hope and renewal. The description that Seth was "just like Adam" or "in his very image" (Genesis 5:3) suggests a return to God's likeness before the Fall. Abel's lineage was crucial for the future coming of Jesus Christ. The parallel of Satan bruising God's heel by causing harm to the righteous echoes the promise of the seed of the woman crushing the head of the serpent, hinting at the victory of Christ over evil.

The potential for redemption and restoration through Seth's lineage is emphasized as people pivot to calling on the name of the Lord. This is a turning point in humanity's relationship with God—a rekindling of faith and dependence on Him.

Seth's arrival is a fresh start, a new chapter in the ongoing narrative of God's plan for salvation and reconciliation with His people. His birth is so significant to Adam and Eve and everyone that they return to the Lord and begin to "worship the Lord by name" (Genesis 4:29).

Application: Children are a blessing from the Lord. No matter the circumstances of their birth, children have a purpose and are part of God's plan. Every child brings joy in the present and hope for the future.

• New beginnings are times of celebration!
• Dedicating babies is a cultural tradition recognizing God's purpose in every child's life.
• Hope for the future generation inspires worship.

Conclusion: Every believing home must teach children about God from birth. Of all the stories they are taught, children must be taught God's story. As children see adults worship, they are learning. We celebrate each child as a gift from God to be cherished and nourished. What an opportunity and responsibility!

Lesson Summary

The Genesis account of Cain and Abel is a tragic tale.

• Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy because God received his gift and rejected Cain's.
• God banished Cain but spared his life. Cain married and had children, but failed to teach his descendants about God.
• Evil spread throughout his bloodline, resulting in more violence and murder.

However, with the birth of Seth, Adam and Eve's third son, people had hope for the future and started calling upon the name of the Lord.

• Seth's birth marked a return to God's likeness before the Fall and brought a glimmer of renewal, countering the darkness of Cain's line.
• Through Seth, faith was rekindled, representing a fresh start in God's plan for salvation and reconciliation with His people.
• Seth's arrival marked a pivotal moment in humanity's relationship with God, underscoring the themes of redemption and restoration.

The narrative highlights the significance of valuing and nurturing children as part of God's plan.

• Every child is a blessing from the Lord!
• Every birth brings joy in the present and hope for the future.

Ultimately, the story of Seth's birth teaches the importance of cherishing and protecting every child as a gift from God, fostering a culture of life and hope for the future.

Lesson Plan

(Download the HBLT Handout)

Objective: By the end of a lesson on Seth's birth in Genesis 4:26-5:1-3, we will explore the concept of new beginnings by evaluating the cultural tradition of baby dedication.

HOOK: Why do parents bring babies to the church for Baby Dedication?

BOOK: Explore the scriptures about the birth of Seth and highlight the reason for hope.

LOOK: Families are joyful as they await the birth of their child. How can we ensure that Baby Dedication is a teachable moment and an opportunity to share the Gospel with young families?

TOOK: Start a Baby Dedication class in your church for parents and godparents to complete before Sunday's service. (See Teaching Like Jesus: A Practical Guide to Christian Education in Your Church, pages 164 and 165. The curriculum is in the Appendix.)

SONG: "The Reckless Love of God" with Enni Francis and Kanaan Francis https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=qbIruS1bumI&si=UcPf7oVcD5ZTCrhU

COOK: In our next lesson, we'll examine one powerful example of how to cherish and nourish children.

Teacher Nugget: Isn't it wonderful that God redeems our lives, cancels our sins, heals our hearts, and restores our relationship with Him? Let this be our banner as we remind ourselves that Romans 8:1-2 is a beautiful fact!

Children's Sermon: A New Beginning

Invite children aged 5 to 11 to the front of the church and ask them to sit in a semicircle. The pastor-teacher, with an open Bible and a puppet, sits at the opening of the semicircle and introduces the puppet, naming it to the children. After the puppet welcomes the children, they introduce themselves by saying their names. Next, ask the lesson questions; there are no wrong answers. Conclude this 10-minute children's sermon by giving children a craft project. They may return to their seats or go to a separate area where teens and adults assist in completing the project. Children present or display their crafts at the end of the service.

OBJECTIVE: By the end of a 7 to 10-minute lesson on Seth's birth in Genesis 4:26-5:1-3, children will demonstrate love for their sibling/s by decorating frames for a family photo.

MATERIALS: Wooden frames for the children to decorate, stickers or paint, and paintbrushes.

HOOK: (Puppet) Who has a brother or sister? What do you like best about having a brother or sister?

BOOK: In Genesis, the Bible's first book, God gave Adam and Eve another son, Seth. Everyone was so happy when this baby was born. They praised and worshipped the Lord to say "Thank you." Seth was a new beginning.

LOOK: What are some ways that parents celebrate their children?

TOOK: Let's decorate a picture frame. When you get home, put a picture of you or your family in the frame. Thank you for being such good listeners! (Pastor-teacher, thank God for every child. Release the children to complete their craft.)

SONG: "The Reckless Love of God" with Enni Francis and Kanaan Francis https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=qbIruS1bumI&si=UcPf7oVcD5ZTCrhU

COOK: Next week, we'll be talking about a baby born to do something special, just like you!