In James 1:12-15, the Lord expresses the process that occurs that leads to temptation, and if is not checked, ends with eternal death.
Following is the passage: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”
Taking it all in order, the first truth is that it is a blessing to be tempted. This is true, of course, only if you resist the temptation, and thus prove yourself to God. Such a Christian becomes more capable, and shows himself worthy of the crown of life God promises to the faithful.
The second truth is that God is not part of the process of actual temptation. His character is such that He can not sin, it is so foreign to His character, that temptation is not a part of His character or practice.
The third truth is that temptation comes exclusively by two things, lust and enticement. Who supplies the enticement? The devil. He did so to Jesus in Matthew 4:1-11, when he enticed the Lord with the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. (cf. 1 John 2:16). Who supplies the lust? Man himself. Lust is inordinate desire. That is, desire that is inappropriate. The devil supplies something we want but should not. The two come together, and we are tempted.
The fourth truth comes as an outgrowth of temptation. It is not sin to be tempted. Jesus was tempted in Matthew 4. But, He resisted the desire rather than entertain it. He did nothing wrong.
When the desire is entertained, the sin takes place. Temptation can lead to sin. It is not God’s fault. It is our own fault. We have a choice to make. We sin or we do not sin.
Finally, the fifth truth is the outcome of sin. As James noted, “sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” Sin is what separates us from God. It is the reason that the Father had to send the Son to the world. It is the devil’s goal, and outcome we as Christians seek to avoid.
Have you sinned? It’s not God’s fault. It is your fault. The devil sent the enticement, and you acted on it. You made the choice. Now, another choice is needed. REPENT!
Jesus said, “…unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Turn away from sin and serve God!
