The Process of Sin

Sin can always be avoided if proper preparations are made for it, but sin catches us unaware or with our guard down.  Romans 7 “For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me.”  The sin is tempting the desires of the flesh to fulfill an appetite.   James describes the process in James 1:14-15 It reads, “ But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. And desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” The birth of sin is when desire conceives. It occurs at the moment the heart intends to satisfy the desire. All that lacks is the opportunity, but once given, it is as good as done. Desire, itself is not sinful. It is critical to recognize that what we do with the desire will determine if it gives birth to sin. Even Jesus was tempted in all points as we but without sin. Being tempted to do wrong is not sinful. Exchanging the desire for that which is pure, good, lovely, or of good report will produce the fruit of the Spirit.

Sin is fully grown when we carry forth the will and purposes of the heart. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. In a similar vein, Jesus tells us that from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. The thoughts and intents of the heart will produce after its kind. Then, whatever we have habitually practiced, whether of sin unto death or of obedience unto righteousness, we develop a second nature. If it’s sin, we become by nature children of wrath (fit for the wrath of God), but if it is obedience, we become this new creation of God, born and led along by the Spirit of God.