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262-61 Supplement
paralleling ASFG 1, lesson on “COOPERATION”
GENESIS 4
Edgar Cayce’s Bible lesson on January 24, 1939, focused on Genesis and the theme of cooperation. He emphasized that even though parts of Bible history may seem ordinary or even profane, the early chapters of Genesis reveal fundamental truths about humanity’s relationship with God. To know why we exist, we must study these beginnings, for they show the unfolding of God’s plan and our place in it.
In Genesis 4, Cain and Abel illustrate humanity’s first struggle with cooperation and responsibility. Cain, the first child born of Adam and Eve, offered God “what was left over,” while Abel gave the best of his labor (Genesis 4:3–5). God reminded Cain that acceptance came from inward rightness, not outward comparison, yet Cain let jealousy rule him and murdered his brother (Genesis 4:6–8). When confronted, Cain’s question—“Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9)—still echoes today. The lesson is timeless: what we do to others is done unto God (Matthew 25:40).
Cayce noted that those who do wrong become restless wanderers (Genesis 4:12). Cain built his own environment outside God’s presence, representing separation from divine cooperation. In contrast, Enoch, the seventh from Adam, “walked with God” (Genesis 5:24), showing that the cycle can be turned back toward harmony. The Bible distinguishes between the “sons of men” (descendants of Cain) and the “sons of God” (descendants of Seth), pointing to the dual nature of body, mind, and soul.
The study draws forward to Revelation 22:17: “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” This “water of life” is the promise of God made real in Christ. Unlike the Tree of Knowledge, which led to division, the Tree of Life offers eternal cooperation with God.
Explanation of the Lesson on Cooperation
True Cooperation: Not everyone must think alike, but each must “do well” in order to be acceptable before God. Cooperation means offering our best, not leftovers, in service to God and one another.
Personal Growth: Unless our study makes us better spouses, neighbors, and friends, it profits little. Real cooperation manifests as daily kindness, patience, and service.
Spiritual Channel: As ASFG Book 1 says, practicing cooperation makes us open channels for God’s love, bringing joy and peace into our small circle of influence.
Supporting Bible Verses
Genesis 4:3–7 – The story of Cain and Abel’s offerings.
Genesis 4:9 – “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Genesis 5:24 – “Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.”
Matthew 25:40 – “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Revelation 22:17 – “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come’… let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”
Core Message:
Cooperation is not just social harmony; it is a spiritual law. To cooperate is to align body, mind, and soul with God’s will, to give our best in service, and to recognize our responsibility for our “brother.” In doing so, we partake of the “water of life” and make our world a happier place.
Bible Study Handout
Theme: Cooperation – Cain, Abel, and the Call to Walk with God
(Paralleling A Search for God Book 1, Lesson on “Cooperation”)
1. Opening Thought
“Unless we are a better person to those around us, we have not gained much from this study.” – Edgar Cayce, 1939 Bible Minutes
2. Key Scriptures
Genesis 4:3–7 – Cain and Abel’s offerings
Genesis 4:9 – “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Genesis 5:24 – “Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.”
Matthew 25:40 – Service to others is service to God
Revelation 22:17 – The water of life freely given
3. Background & Insights
The early chapters of Genesis reveal humanity’s struggle with responsibility, jealousy, and separation from God.
Cain and Abel symbolize two approaches to life: giving God the best (Abel) or giving what remains (Cain).
Cain’s failure was not in the type of offering but in the spirit behind it. His jealousy led to conflict, showing the danger of self over cooperation.
The story of Enoch contrasts this path: a man who walked closely with God, showing that harmony is always possible.
The Bible frames history as the unfolding of cooperation or separation with God.
4. Cooperation Defined (Cayce + ASFG Book 1)
Not uniformity – Cooperation doesn’t mean thinking alike but aligning with God’s will.
Responsibility – “Am I my brother’s keeper?” teaches that we are accountable for how we treat others.
Offering the Best – True cooperation is giving God and others our best, not leftovers.
Channel of Love – By cooperating, we become instruments through which God’s love flows into our families, neighborhoods, and communities.
5. Reflection Questions
(a.) In what ways do I offer God my “best,” and in what ways do I give Him my “leftovers”?
Best: When I begin my day with prayer, Scripture, or meditation, I’m offering my first and best focus to God. When I choose integrity over convenience, I give Him my best.
Leftovers: When I only pray when I’m in trouble or too tired at night, or when I give time to every other priority before Him, I’m offering what remains instead of my best.
(b.) How do I respond when others succeed or are praised? Do I feel jealous like Cain or cooperative like Abel?
Sometimes I feel a little envious when someone else is recognized, especially if I think I’ve worked just as hard. That is my “Cain moment.”
But when I rejoice in another’s success and see it as part of God’s blessings, I feel more like Abel, offering my best without comparison.
(c.) What does “Am I my brother’s keeper?” mean in my life today?
It means I am responsible for how I treat others — not just family, but coworkers, neighbors, even strangers.
It reminds me that ignoring someone’s need or being indifferent is a form of neglect. Love requires action, not excuses.
(d.) How can I better walk with God daily, like Enoch?
By creating rhythms of prayer, gratitude, and listening throughout the day, not just in the morning or evening.
By bringing God into my decisions — pausing to ask, “Lord, how would You have me act here?”
By choosing companionship with God over isolation, even in small things like driving, working, or resting.
(e.) In what specific ways can cooperation make my home, workplace, or community more joyful?
Home: Sharing chores willingly, listening more, and supporting family goals instead of insisting on my way.
Workplace: Celebrating team wins, helping coworkers without expecting credit, respecting differences in style or opinion.
Community: Volunteering, greeting neighbors kindly, supporting local efforts instead of just criticizing.
6. Life Application (Expanded with Examples)
Personal:
Set aside the first 10 minutes of each day for prayer or reflection.
Dedicate the best energy of the week (not the leftover time) to worship, study, or service.
Family:
When conflicts arise, pause and ask, “How can I cooperate instead of compete here?”
Take initiative to do one act of kindness daily for a family member without expecting recognition.
Community:
Offer to mentor someone new at work or in the neighborhood.
Support community projects — food drives, clean-ups, or small acts like checking in on a neighbor.
Spiritual Growth:
Journal weekly about moments when you succeeded (or failed) in cooperation.
Consciously pray, “Lord, make me a channel of Your love” before entering meetings, family discussions, or service activities.
7. Closing Verse & Prayer
Revelation 22:17 – “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ … and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”
Prayer:
Lord, help us to offer You our best, to walk with You in harmony, and to cooperate with one another in love. May our lives become channels of Your light, bringing joy and peace to all around us. Amen.
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