Know The Truth – How Does Sin Come Into Our Lives?
The Holy Spirit said, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 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 1:12-15. He also said, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” James 4:17. From this one concludes that God does not tempt man to sin. When we refuse to do what we know is right, we commit sin. Each of us are tempted by our own lust. It is our own lust that conceives and gives birth to sin, which results in spiritual death. However, who is responsible for my sin?
The Bible says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:15-17; cf. Matthew 4:1-11. The lust of the flesh, lust of the eye and pride of life are all of the world. Jesus was tempted by Satan. However, Jesus said, “It is written….” then He quoted Scripture to defeat Satan. We can do the same as Jesus! However, we must study in order to know the Scriptures. How can we overcome temptation, sin and Satan in our life? Peter tells us that Satan is “as a roaring lion” seeking to devour us. 1 Peter 5:8.
Some works (lusts) of the flesh are plainly seen: adultery, fornication, idolatry, jealousy, drunkenness and carousing. Will people who practice these things inherit the kingdom of God? Paul said, “…they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21. Some people became so wicked that God gave them over to their evil desires. Romans 1:18-32. These sins are still being committed today. Many people will perish because they do not love God’s Word. 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12. Did these people have a choice? Yes they did. To be saved, a person must love the truth. However, some people choose to despise truth and love untruth! God wants all people to be saved. 1 Timothy 2:4.
We need to study God’s Word daily. Peter wrote, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 2 Peter 1:22-23. It is God’s desire that we be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Jesus said, “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32. Jesus said that “…the word that I have spoke, the same shall judge him in the last day.” John 12:48.