TEMPTATION

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.

James 1:13-16

James uses the figure of human reproduction as a simile to explain how one becomes guilty of sin. (He states emphatically that God is not the source of temptation.)

THE SIMILARITIES

STRONG DESIRE

The desire within to reproduce the human race draws

men and women together.

The desire within to sin draws a person to temptation.

UNION

When a man and woman come together a baby is conceived.

When one yields to temptation sin is conceived.

BIRTH

A baby is born

Sin is "born" (comes alive).

RESULT

A baby born results in physical life.

Sin, once alive, results in spiritual death.

*  *  *

How important it is to control strong desires.

When desires are held in check, there is no union, and no offspring.

How important it is to keep heart and mind pure.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9