James 1:14 begins with the adversative conjunction “but,” providing a direct contrast to the truth of verse 13. The closing portion of verse 13 proclaims the truth, “For God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” Indeed, our all-holy Lord God is never the cause of our sinful temptation, either directly or even distantly through our personal constitution, relational contacts, or individual circumstances. So then, who or what is the cause of our sinful temptation? In contrast to the truth of verse 13, verse 14 gives answer, saying, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” Grammatically, James 1:14-15 presents three statements that reveal a three-step process whereby sinful temptation and sinful behavior take hold upon our hearts and lives. Each of these three statements contains the relative conjunction “when,” revealing a conditional truth that when a certain event occurs, then a certain result will arise. First, verse 14 presents the character of sinful temptation -- “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” Second, the opening portion of verse 15 presents the conception of selfish desire -- “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin.” Third, the closing portion of verse 15 presents the consequence of sinful behavior -- “And sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” Through these three statements, we may observe seven progressive elements in the realm of sinful temptation and sinful behavior.
1. Desire
2. Drawing Away
3. Deception
4. Decision
5. Disobedience
6. Development
7. Destruction and Death |
