1 John 3:12

Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother

The world’s hatred of the godly

I. A reference to the example of Cain.

1. His character--“he was of that wicked one.” He inherited his disposition. He was under his influence. He did his will. Had anyone warned Cain of the danger to which he was exposed, there is no doubt he would have treated it as the grossest insult. The fact proves there is no iniquity to which Satan will not prompt, and which he may not one day induce us to perpetrate. We are, therefore, farther warned to resist his encroaches upon our minds. They are deceitful and gradual. We need to be ever watchful against his devices. Let us remember the counsel of the apostle (1 Peter 5:8).

2. The conduct of Cain--“he slew his brother.” How shall the deed be designated?

(1) It was unnatural. Nature was outraged by the force of violent temptation.

(2) It was irremediable. Satan will ever endeavour to plunge us into some iniquity that cannot be recalled.

(3) It was extreme in its enormity. We cannot give life, and without a Divine permission we should not take it away.

(4) It was a sin which once committed ensures the bitterness of the offender’s future life. Cain soon found reason to cry, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.” No doubt Satan sought to persuade him repentance was vain, and forgiveness impossible.

3. But how are we to account for it? “Wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.” It was envy that first moved him to the unparalleled iniquity. His offering was rejected, while Abel’s was accepted. He was mortified by the distinction, and would be avenged. It is very instructive to mark the progress of his mind under the influence of his envious feelings. The first notice is, “He was wroth.” It is then added, “His countenance fell.” So “he rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.” What an instructive history! It is the progress of envy till it ended in fratricide. We need to be watchful over the movements of our own minds. Impressions may be guided or removed if early dealt with, but if they are allowed to strengthen, it is impossible to restrain them. We may be borne away by them as by a resistless torrent.

II. A reflection founded upon it--“Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.” The world, of which Cain was a type, hates the godly, who are represented by Abel.

1. Surely, then, they who know the history of the world and the Church should not marvel. It begins with Cain and Abel. The same spirit has appeared in all ages, in all places, and under all circumstances. It has been carried on upon the wide theatre of nations, the narrower scene of communities, within the circle of friends, and in the bosom of families.

2. The causes of the enmity of the world to the Church remain as they were at the beginning, and therefore we should not wonder at it.

(1) One is the exclusive claim of truth. It asserts its own supremacy. “He that is not with Me,” says Christ, “is against Me.” This is intolerable to the world, and it hates the assertion of it.

(2) Another cause is the nature of the truth asserted. The gospel offers a way of salvation that gives no credit to man.

(3) We must add the life which the gospel requires is still more offensive than the ground on which it offers salvation (see 1 Peter 4:4).

3. Important purposes are served by the hatred of the world, and therefore we need not wonder at it. It belongs to God to make the wrath of man to praise Him. He brings good out of evil, light out of darkness, and joy out of sorrow. It shows what man is. His “mind is enmity against God.” Thus the grace of God is exalted. That alone can change the human heart. At the same time the believer is thus subjected to a wholesome influence. As he is useful and holy so does the world watch him with a malignant eye. He needs to remember the injunction “watch unto prayer.”

(1) Do not fear the world. With Cain it may persecute the righteous Abel. But the God of Abel lives and has prepared mansions of rest and glory above.

(2) Do not provoke the world. “Give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.” “With well-doing put him to silence.” (J. Morgan, D. D.)