The Fatal Attraction…of Sin/James 1:13-16
According to what James has said up to this point
we are to count trials as joy based on the fact that God has in mind
our growth. When we
respond to them in a God honoring way we grow and mature in
Christ-likeness.
Let’s look at what happened when Adam and Eve
sinned? Genesis
3:8-13 (ESV)
What did Adam do when confronted with his sin?
Adam blamed God. What did Eve do when confronted with her sin?
She blamed the serpent. This
seems to be our practice as humans.
Not much has changed.
1- The
Problem (vs. 13)
We have in this text the word tempted. We read some
weeks ago the same word in the original language that was translated
trial. Both words come
from the same Greek word. However
in some cases the word is translated trial and in others it’s
translated temptation. What
makes the difference is the context and the outcome.
Even in a wrong initial response we see the love
of God: even if we begin to respond in the wrong way, God promises to
provide a way to escape sin. When
we have fallen into the pit of temptation God throws us a rope.
1 Cor. 10:13 (ESV)
With every trial comes a double possibility.
If we respond correctly, God is honored and we are
strengthened. If we
respond inappropriately, God is dishonored and we drift into sin.
One results in God being glorified, the other in our sinning.
The lie from sin is we can’t help the way we
are. This is the pinnacle
of human depravity. Not
only do we blame others, but in our sad state we go so far as to blame
God.
2- The
Process (vs. 14-15)
According to James, temptation has a five step
plan to kill us.
The
Examination of Sin’s Seduction
Step 1-
Our Mind is Lured Away (vs. 14)-
Rather than blaming God, James says we are to
blame. We are tempted
when lured away by our fleshly desires.
Our fleshly desires lie to us.
They say things like: It’s
just a little sin. God
will forgive you. In a
week or two you will have forgotten all about it.
These are lies. Sin
is a very serious thing and so are the consequences, many of which
last a lifetime.
How has God provided a way of escape?
I believe Paul gives a big clue in Philippians.
Philip.
4:4-8 (ESV)
Step 2-
Our Desires are Enticed (vs. 14)
Our desires are entangled.
Our flesh is now leading the way.
We have given the control of our lives to our fallen and
corrupt nature. Our mind
has determined and our flesh is listening.
Rarely do we turn back once we reach this stage.
If we are going to win the battle over sin we must engage a God
honoring decisive attitude before we ever get this far.
Step 3-
Our Sinful Desire Conceives (vs 15)
Our desire has entered to door of the harlot.
As a result, sin is conceived. Your flesh tells you, you have a
right to something. This
is also the thought that some forbidden fruit will meet a need that
God has deprived you of. Genesis
3:1-5 (ESV)
Step 4-
The Birth of Sin in Our Lives
Our lives are disrupted and in turmoil because
sin has been born. There’s
no turning back now. Now
you are up all night rocking and feeding and cradling this bundle of
misery. There will
forever be consequences for the choice you made.
Our flesh says, God will forgive you, which is true but, like
Satan in the garden, that’s only half the story.
Step 5-
Our Sinning Brings Death (vs 15)
Enslavement to sin brings spiritual death.
If a person continues a lifestyle of sin, they show that their
allegiance is not to God but to self or Satan.
The truth is they are not Christians.
They are not God’s children they are children of the Devil.
1 Cor.
6:9-11 (ESV)
Much of our problem with temptation and sin lies
in our misconceptions. With
half-truths and lies we have hardened our hearts.
We have not listened to our consciences.
We have not listened to the Holy Spirit.
The good news is when we fall we have a sinless
Savior and Lord. He knows
us inside and out.
It’s as if James is saying the same thing John
tells us. 1 John 2:1-6 (ESV)
The bottom line is we must fight against temptation. Take the
opportunity to grow in the trial rather than fall in the temptation
