A Tale of Two Cities – Timothy Keller [Sermon]

Tim Keller sermons via Gospel in Life: What did the fall do to humanity? By tracing the descendants of Cain and by studying the city they created, we see the violence and oppression that resulted from turning away from God—including the Bible’s first instance of polygamy. However, we also see that God has not given up on humanity. God has a vision for a different kind of city—a city built on worship and grace instead of self-aggrandizement and power.

This sermon was preached by Rev. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on February 1, 2009.

[charleswafula]

So, so good! The lessons about the City of God and God’s forgiveness/mercy were illuminating. Thanks Tim. 👌🏿

[johnkim]

The story of Cain and Abel isn't just about someone murdering his brother out of jealousy but with deeper implications on how wicked human nature can be; and seeing how God deals with Cain can tell us so much about how He deals with sinners. Firstly, we see an example of how God doesn't just enforce rules or create them but is personally hurt by sin. He is hurt to unfathomable levels by the sins even though He allows such through free will and as part of His plans for the good. Secondly, we see how this isn't even an isolated crime by Cain due to the "heat of the moment" but how it's even a smaller part of the proud and selfish person he truly is. And we see how he continues to be unrepentant afterwards. God makes it clear throughout the Bible how it's not just the sinful actions; but how even having a sinful thought and/or not worshiping God are sinful. Thirdly, Cain goes out to build a city after these experiences which is very wrongfully cited by some Biblical commentators as showing the vices and indulgences of cities. Cities often get negative images among many people as being places of temptations and sins. This argument isn't valid as cities are places where we can all flourish and promote the Gospel easily to those we would've met while understanding them better, allow for rule of law and more social organization, more people can access different social services which would've been unavailable, eliminate much waste as people and resources are closer to one another, and key to innovation. But we see how Cain's unwillingness to repent and turn to God is passed down upon his future generations within his community along with how violence & hatred are engrained more into culture with such having roots in his actions. Fourthly, we see how sin may seem minor yet have multiplier effects for everyone. For the sinner, it becomes easier to sin as it can become routine and addicting. The person close to the dinner may be negatively influenced, avenge victimization of sin, etc. and we see such having effects on the entire culture at a greater level than which can be imagined. All of these negative effects have been taking place. Jesus Christ came to this world to remind us of these sins and how we need to trust in God to restore creation into the way He intended.

[philmcclain]

I have found that the early chapters of Genesis are where we reason and answer our own questions, rather than the questions that the text raises. Why? Could it be that we like Jonah produce our own narratives and answers that reflect our sense of justice?

[nickvoutsas]

It’s weird the way in which God allows evil to to always come in and change destiny. Adam and Eve then the murder of Able by Cane and Job ? God could easily destroy evil and yet it shapes us . God prunes us that we might confess that The Holy Trinity is what we believe in with our minds and soul.