One of the most practical issues we face is dealing with temptation. The book of James hits this issue head on. Let’s check it out:

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 1:13-15)

First, James has us consider the source of temptation. He wants to make it very clear that God is not to be blamed.

God does at times test us, in order to strengthen us and teach us to stand. But the idea that God would induce us to sin is warped and antithetical to his nature.

God does allow us to experience temptation — again, to strengthen us. But this is far different than being the source of it.

So what is the source of our temptation?

James doesn’t mince words: In verse 14 he says, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” Desire can be a good or a bad thing, but here, James is referring to dark, evil impulses and desires, which flow from our corrupted hearts.

Jesus says, “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.” (Mark 7:21-22).

In other words, all sinful behavior comes from evil desires within the heart. We have a heart problem.

James, who grew up near the Sea of Galilee, uses the image of fishing when he says each person is “lured and enticed” by his own desire. The word “enticed” carries the image of bait. “Lured” has the meaning of being dragged away, like a hooked fish.

One question that arises is, “Where is Satan in this process?” He’s around. He is holding out the bait and taking advantage of sinful desire in our hearts.

But if you are a child of God through faith in Jesus, you do not have to take the bait. God has given you the power of his Spirit, and a new nature, and you are no longer enslaved to sin. See Romans 6:1-14.

In verse 15 James moves to another metaphor, that of growth. He says, “Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”

A mom becomes pregnant and gives birth to a baby, and that baby grows to be an adult. Desire gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, leads to death. This is the typical progression of sin, and the terrifying result of it.

As someone once said, “Sow a thought, reap an action; Sow an action, reap a habit; Sow a habit, reap a character; Sow a character, reap a destiny.”

Who can break this awful cycle? Only the power of the Holy Spirit, and we do not have the Holy Spirit until we repent and trust in Jesus. Only the Spirit can cleanse our hearts and give us new desires and new power to obey.

Jesus forgives every sin and provides power for living.

Dr. Thurman R. Hayes is senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Suffolk. Follow him on Twitter at @ThurmanHayesJr.