Temptation Leads to Sin which Leads to Death

James 1:13-15

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Today we will conclude our study of James 1:13-15 by covering then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

I like the way James puts it – then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin. It is not a sin to be tempted – we will all be tempted.  It is a sin when we allow temptations to dwell in us – to be nurtured in us – so that sin is conceived.  We give birth to sin when we harbor temptations within us.

We have all heard or read this passage many times I bet – Romans 6:23a – For the wages of sin is death. We earn death when we sin.  That smacks me hard – because I have been working since I very young – cutting grass – officiating sports – working as a Soda Jerk (no puns) – etc. – earning a wage.  Apparently – I have been working since before I can remember – to earn death!  I was born with a sin nature and that nature has been working overtime – and the wage for my sin – is death.  To read it as James puts it – sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

I don’t want to leave us here – with sin and death – so I have to give us some Good News.  Let’s go back to Romans 6:23 and read the whole verse. Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Thank you Jesus – for paying my debt of sin – the wage I earned.  Your death on the cross has paid my debt in full!

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.

Monday we will begin to look at 1 Corinthians 1:25 – For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.