The Progression of Sin

	In our text, James is writing to believers, those that have already been born-again. When we are born-again, the struggle against sin does not end; it's really just the beginning. The flesh will still try to dictate and dominate our lives. There will always be war between the flesh (old life of sin), and the Spirit-fill life (new life in Christ). Gal. 5:17 In our text, James is explaining to us the progression of sin. He is tracing the results of unholy temptation. Notice: the order is first - Evil desire, then Sin, then Death. Believers are two natured individuals. We are flesh and Spirit. It doesn't matter how many years we've been saved, an evil nature is still within us. Many have claimed to get to a point in God whereby the sin nature is rooted out and they are now incapable of sinning. We don't have to follow them around long to find out that their teaching is false. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (I John 1:8). Only Jesus could say, "Satan cometh and hath NOTHING within Me" (John 14:30). Jesus had only one nature and that was a divine nature. Even though we're saved, many unholy cravings, longings, and evil desires are still deep within our individual natures. The devil seeks to trigger or stir up these desires by outside influences of sight, sound, smell, taste, feelings, and ego. All types of unholy suggestions and imaginations flies over, around, and through our minds. These wicked imaginations are called LUST (I John 2:16). Martin Luther well said, "You can't stop birds from flying over your head, but you can stop them from building a nest in your hair." Many godly saints have testified of having horrible doubts and unholy thoughts. The devil is quick to respond and say, "you can't be saved and think like that." But deep inside, these saints knew that these doubts and thoughts did not come of themselves. Therefore, they rebuked them and carried on in the name of the Lord. Inner cravings and suggestions that come to the mind, if they are contrary to the Word of God, they must not be entertained. They must be driven away immediately and cast from the mind (2 Cor. 10:5). James is letting us know that lustful cravings or evil desires can become impregnated. "When lust hath conceived" - Conception can and will take place. Conception takes place when there is the joining or union of two opposites. When the lust (desire, craving) of the old nature within - INTERNAL, joins with the outward temptation that faces us - EXTERNAL, and we allow this courtship to hang around and develop in our mind, it won't be long before lust will become pregnant or conceive. Then when lust comes to term (or is carried out into action) "it brings forth sin." It will bring forth the birth of the act that was placed in the mind. Sin will be born. Sin having been born, has it's own life, development, and pleasures. Sure, there is a lot of excitement and gratification that comes with sinful indulgences, that is why so many continue in it. Many have a false idea that they can cast off all restraints and live as they please, living life to the fullest possible extent; wine, women, song, eating, drinking, and being merry. One thing they seem to forget is that the pleasures of sin are only for a season (Heb. 11:25). After sin, there awaits an eternity of endless regret, remorse and bitter agonies of divine retribution (Luke 16:25). Unless the life of sin is terminated by repentance (I John 1:9), sin will have its development until it becomes full grown. No! Sin does not end with the speaking of an evil word, or the committing of an evil deed. But just as night follows day, death follows sin. "When sin is finished, it brings forth death." If you are unsaved, you can't live as you please and then in the end expect God to show mercy. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Gal. 6:7). James says, "Do not ERR, my beloved brethern." To err means to wander; roam about; to stray. Don't think that somehow you can get away with sin. Your sin WILL find you out (Num. 32:23). If you are a child of God, sin will not affect your sonship, but it can cause death to your fellowship with God (I John 1:6). This death of fellowship can result in God not hearing and answering your prayers (Isa. 59:1,2); mighty storms in your life (Jonah 1:7); loss of joy (Psm. 51:12); missed blessings (Prov. 28:13); spiritual spankings (Heb. 12:6); and even physical death (I John 5:16). God knows how to deal with hard headed, spiritual children who insist on running out of spiritual bounds. You cannot have fellowship with God and permit (practiced, continual) sin to happen in your life. If sinning to you is no big deal, I question your salvation. However, if the slightest sin grieves you, makes you sick, and vexes you on the inside (2 Pet. 2:7,8), then it's a pretty good chance your nature has been changed and you are Saved. It's holiness and purity that validates the life of the believer. If you are walking in victory over the works of the flesh, it's only because the Spirit of God (New Man) within you, has the flesh (*Old Man) under His feet and into subjection. To God be ALL of the glory. For this can only be done through His power. Never forget, in your walk of victory, it may seem like the old man of sin is dead, but if you begin to neglect the Word of God, Prayer, and Fellowship with other believers, you will find that he is very much alive. The flesh is always watching and waiting for an opportunity to catch the believer off guard and lead him or her into sin.* In this warfare of the flesh against the Spirit, the one you feed the most will dominate. *Stay close to the Lord in your relationship with Him. Never follow from afar off!* Beloved, "yield not to temptation, for yielding in sin. Each victory will help you some other to win. Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue, look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through." In every moment of temptation, you have been given an invitation to come to the Lord in prayer (Heb. 4:16). He will help, strengthen, and aid you. He will carry you through. He will make you more than a conqueror. Build up your relationship with Him and you'll be able to put to death the progression of sin in your life! Through Jesus Christ, you can walk in VICTORY. Hallelujah!
	♦ Our Cry ♦
	"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be ANY wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23,24 "Order my steps in Thy Word: and let not ANY iniquity have dominion over me." Psalm 119:113
	♦ God's Response ♦
	"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10 "If ye abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." John 15:7
	♦ Our Shout ♦
	"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 15:57 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

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