Read: Genesis 4:11-26

In Genesis chapter 4, we come across the aftermath of Cain’s dreadful decision to murder his brother Abel.  Cain was cursed by God because of it; and the curse created far reaching effects on future generations in his own family.  Cain inherited his father Adam’s sinful nature; and we begin to see that sinful nature get passed down, even to Cain’s descendant Lamech.  Cain was also “marked” by God so that he would be protected from anyone who wanted to avenge Abel’s death.  But the mark was also a constant reminder to Cain, and to his own grandchildren, of the terrible decision he made as a young man; which was made even worse because of the fact that people in those days lived nearly 1000 years.  However, just like we do today, Cain had the opportunity to make whatever choices he wanted to, whether good or bad; god-honoring choices or sinful ones.  If we look at Cain’s example, we should understand that the things that we do, even in our youth, can have an effect on our future and legacy.  So what do you want your legacy to be?  What will be said about your character?  This very path will be paved by the decisions you make now as a teenager.  We are all trail blazers in some way, but the question is, will you blaze a trail of holiness, or will you blaze a trail of corruption?  The choice is yours.   

Discussion Questions:

• When your generation becomes the “old school” generation, what will they say about it?  What will characterize your generation?
• What does the word legacy mean?

• Why did God curse Cain in vv. 10-12?  Was that fair or unfair?
• What did the mark that God put on Cain mean in vv. 15-16?
• According to v. 19, who was Lamech?
• Read vv. 23-24.  How was Lamech similar to his ancestors Cain and Adam?
• Read Joshua’s decree at the end of Joshua 24:15.  What does this say about Joshua’s values?  Would you agree or disagree with him?  Why or why not?
• Read Psalm 22:30.  Is this important or not?

• What do you want said about you (while living, and also in future generations)?  What don’t you want said about you?
• Imagining that you’ll grow up to have a family; what values would you want your family pass on?  What don’t you want them to pass on?
• Based on the last year, or the last couple years of your life; what legacy are you creating now?