HOW DO WE SIN?

I didn't ask: "why do we sin?" Don't we already know why? Well, just in case YOU didn't know, we sin because we were born in sin and born disconnected from God. The Holy Bible says that everyone born of Adam is in this condition. What I am asking here is simply: How does sinning happen when it happens? The scripture says it all begins with us, in our mind.

“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:14-15 (KJV)

When I examine the Greek text, it says everyone is tried or tested to see what they think and to observe how they will behave when they are “drawn out” or lured away. The context of the scripture is that a person is lured away from being self-controlled like fish or game is lured; it is also similar to how a prostitute seduces.

It says that man is seduced by his own private craving, longing and desire (lust) for whatever it is, which is forbidden. He is glamoured or charmed, deceived and caught by bait (enticed). The scripture says that afterwards when his craving, longing and desire seize him and take him prisoner, they assist him in giving birth to sin just like a woman giving birth to a child that had been growing in her womb. It is also similar to a seed that has sprung up and grown into a mature tree that is able bear fruit.

The scripture also says that when the sin is committed or accomplished it births death just like a baby being born from the womb. It refers to death of the body, which is the separation of soul from body. This death is literal and has the idea of the separated soul going to hell. God did say the penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23).

Thank Him for grace and mercy through Jesus Christ because if it wasn’t for these many would receive the penalty. Finally, the scripture says that we must not be deceived and be led astray (err) from the right path.

“Do not err, my beloved brethren.” James 1:16

This scripture is our assurance that we can be strong and not give in to the seduction of our secret desires. It is an encouragement and a command. Don’t do it! James would not have told us to NOT do it if this was impossible. That means it is possible to be strong enough to resist temptation and to resist sin.

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” 1 John 2:1

John wrote to believers telling them to not commit sin. John also said that just in case they sinned, they were to remember that Jesus Christ is there in Heaven pleading (advocating) our case before God. Imagine Christ Jesus talking to God right now about someone who has done some very vile and unimaginable things. Do you think Christ will run out of things to say to God about why He should extend forgiveness to such a person?

James also tells us to submit to God and resist the devil so that the devil will flee from us.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” James 4:7-8

We are told to submit to God first. We are also told to resist the devil. James is telling us to set ourselves against the devil, to withstand and to oppose him. He says in doing so the devil will run away (flee) as if he was seeking somewhere safe from harm. He then tells us to draw near to God and God will draw near to us. We draw near to God through His Word. Read it, study it and save it in your heart just like you save a document on your computer.

God Bless You!