James 1:14
Verse
Context
Good and Perfect Gifts
13When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.14But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed.15Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But every man is tempted - Successfully solicited to sin, when he is drawn away of his own lust - when, giving way to the evil propensity of his own heart, he does that to which he is solicited by the enemy of his soul. Among the rabbins we find some fine sayings on this subject. In Midrash hanaalam, fol. 20, and Yalcut Rubeni, fol. 17, it is said: "This is the custom of evil concupiscence, יצר הרע yetser hara: To-day it saith, Do this; to-morrow, Worship an idol. The man goes and worships. Again it saith, Be angry." "Evil concupiscence is, at the beginning, like the thread of a spider's web; afterwards it is like a cart rope." Sanhedrim, fol. 99. In the words, drawn away by his own lust and enticed, ὑπο της ιδιας επιθυμιας εξελκομενος και δελεαζομενος, there is a double metaphor; the first referring to the dragging a fish out of the water by a hook which it had swallowed, because concealed by a bait; the second, to the enticements of impure women, who draw away the unwary into their snares, and involve them in their ruin. Illicit connections of this kind the writer has clearly in view; and every word that he uses refers to something of this nature, as the following verse shows.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Every man, when tempted, is so through being drawn away of (again here, as in Jam 1:13, the Greek for "of" expresses the actual source, rather than the agent of temptation) his own lust. The cause of sin is in ourselves. Even Satan's suggestions do not endanger us before they are made our own. Each one has his own peculiar (so the Greek) lust, arising from his own temperament and habit. Lust flows from the original birth-sin in man, inherited from Adam. drawn away--the beginning step in temptation: drawn away from truth and virtue. enticed--literally, "taken with a bait," as fish are. The further progress: the man allowing himself (as the Greek middle voice implies) to be enticed to evil [BENGEL]. "Lust" is here personified as the harlot that allures the man.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But every man is tempted,.... To sin, and he falls in with the temptation, and by it, when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed; the metaphor is taken either from fishes, who are enticed by the bait, and drawn out by the hook; or from a lascivious woman, who meeting with a young man, entices him, and draws him away after her to commit iniquity with her: by "lust" is meant the principle of corrupt nature, which has its residence in the heart of man; is natural and hereditary to him, and therefore is called his own; he is conceived and shapen in it; he brings it into the world with him, and it continues in him, and is called his own heart's lust, Rom 1:24. Now this meeting with some bait, which entices and draws it out, or with some external object, which promises pleasure or profit, a man is allured, and ensnared, and drawn away by it, and so the temptation begins: thus, for instance, covetousness was the predominant lust in Judas; this meeting with an external object, or objects, which promised him profit, he is at once enticed and drawn away to betray his Lord and master for the sake of it: so sin often promises pleasure, though it is but an imaginary, and a short lived one; which takes with a man's own lust, and corruption within him, and so he is allured and drawn aside; and to this, and not to God, should he attribute temptation to sin.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:14 Like hooks for fishing or traps for hunting, desires . . . entice us into sin and drag us away from faithfulness to God.
James 1:14
Good and Perfect Gifts
13When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.14But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed.15Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Principles of the Most Holy War
By Keith Daniel3.2K1:10:27Spiritual WarfareGEN 4:10JAS 1:14JAS 3:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of the tongue and the importance of refraining from engaging in harmful conversations. He highlights the need for holiness and warns against the deadly poison of unruly speech. The preacher also discusses the declaration, devastation, desperation, compassion, confusion, and conclusion of war, emphasizing the need for the church to be on its knees in prayer. He urges ministers to boldly preach about the increasing iniquity in the last days and the resulting coldness of love. The sermon concludes with a call for the church to be an army on its knees, relying on the weapons and armor provided by God to save the nation.
The Door of Temptation Swings Both Ways
By Shane Idleman65848:17PSA 68:6MAT 26:41JHN 8:34JHN 14:6ROM 6:16ROM 13:141CO 10:13GAL 5:16EPH 4:27JAS 1:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of overcoming temptation by focusing on three key strategies: enduring temptation by saying no, closing the door to sin by cutting off provisions for the flesh, and avoiding planning ahead for sinful desires. The message highlights the need for repentance and a genuine relationship with Christ to experience true transformation and victory over sin.
Defining Sin
By A.W. Tozer0Nature of SinFree WillISA 14:14LUK 22:42ROM 6:16JAS 1:141JN 3:4A.W. Tozer explores the nature of sin, emphasizing that for an act to be sinful, it must be a voluntary choice made with moral knowledge. He illustrates this with the example of Lucifer's rebellion against God, highlighting that sin is the conscious transgression of God's law. In contrast, Tozer points to Christ's submission in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He chose to align His will with the Father’s, demonstrating the conflict between human will and divine will. This distinction between the choices of Satan and Christ underscores the divide between righteousness and sinfulness. Tozer reassures that submitting to God's will does not negate our ability to choose, but rather fulfills our purpose as beings created in God's image.
Sin . . . Exceeding Sinful
By C.H. Spurgeon0The Nature of SinVigilance in FaithROM 6:23JAS 1:14C.H. Spurgeon warns against taking sin lightly, emphasizing that while new converts may initially have a tender conscience, the world can desensitize them over time. He illustrates how familiarity with sin can lead to a dangerous complacency, where even small sins are rationalized and dismissed. Spurgeon urges Christians to recognize the true nature of sin, which is deadly and destructive, reminding them that even the smallest sin contributed to the suffering of Christ. He calls for a vigilant attitude towards sin, encouraging believers to view it as exceedingly sinful and to flee from it as they would from a serpent.
Expostulation
By William Cowper0PSA 119:9PRO 24:8ROM 6:11ROM 8:1ROM 13:14PHP 4:8COL 2:3COL 2:10JAS 1:14The preacher delves into the concept of 'Provision' (pronoia), emphasizing the importance of not making plans that open the door for sin's entry. He highlights the need to carefully consider and eliminate any subtle provisions made for sinful hindrances in our lives, urging believers to deny both gross appetites and refined carnal attitudes. The sermon stresses the significance of guarding our hearts and minds against sinful behaviors by making no provision for the flesh, as sinful behavior often stems from wrong ideas and lustful desires allowed to linger. The preacher uses various biblical examples and quotes from theologians to illustrate the dangers of toying with temptation and the necessity of staying alert to avoid falling into sin.
The Sole Pupose of Creation
By Norman Grubb0ROM 7:17ROM 8:9ROM 8:181CO 8:62CO 5:21GAL 2:20COL 1:26JAS 1:141JN 1:9Norman Grubb preaches about the revelation that God is the foundation of all truth, emphasizing that the universe and all its inhabitants are dependent forms of God. He explains that suffering and evil in the world serve a love-purpose and are necessary for us to experience the glory that follows. Grubb delves into the purpose of manifesting God's invisible self through His sons, highlighting the divine-human brotherhood and the eternal destiny of believers to reveal God's nature in His universe.
(New Wine in New Wineskins) 12. Why Christians Fall
By Zac Poonen0Spiritual GrowthOvercoming SinJAS 1:14Zac Poonen addresses the reasons why Christians fall into sin, emphasizing the distinction between being tempted and actually sinning. He explains that while our old self has been crucified with Christ, the flesh still tempts us, leading to moments of falling rather than deliberate sin. Poonen identifies key factors contributing to these falls, including a lack of the fear of God, faith, awareness of the flesh's weakness, and the importance of fellowship within the body of Christ. He encourages believers to press forward in their spiritual journey and to dethrone their soul-life to avoid falling into sin, ultimately reminding them of God's promise to keep them from falling.
There Are No Moral Accidents
By Russell DeLong0GEN 1:26DEU 30:19JOS 24:15PRO 16:9JHN 8:32ROM 6:231CO 10:13GAL 6:7JAS 1:14REV 3:20Russell DeLong delivers a powerful sermon on the consequences of our choices, emphasizing that there are no moral accidents and that our will determines our destiny. He highlights the freedom of will given by God, the importance of making righteous choices, and the inevitable principle of reaping what we sow. DeLong stresses the need to align our will with God's standards to overcome any challenges or unfavorable circumstances. He concludes with a call to repentance, urging listeners to choose Christ and change their ways to experience forgiveness, regeneration, and a new beginning.
A Little Thing?
By C.H. Spurgeon0The Sacrifice of ChristThe Seriousness of SinISA 53:5ROM 6:23JAS 1:14C.H. Spurgeon warns against the danger of underestimating sin, emphasizing that even Christians can become desensitized to its seriousness. He illustrates how seemingly small sins can lead to significant consequences, comparing them to little foxes that spoil grapes and tiny insects that can cause great destruction. Spurgeon reminds us that sin is not trivial; it caused immense suffering to Jesus, who bore the weight of our transgressions. He urges believers to view all sin as exceedingly sinful, as it ultimately led to the crucifixion of our Savior. By recognizing the true nature of sin, we can cultivate a deeper aversion to it and a greater appreciation for Christ's sacrifice.
A Life of Godliness and Gratitude
By David Wilkerson0GratitudeGodlinessPSA 33:1PSA 37:41TH 5:16JAS 1:14David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of rejoicing in the Lord as a command rather than an option, urging believers to maintain a heart of gratitude regardless of circumstances. He outlines three steps to cultivate a life of rejoicing: removing obstacles, recognizing the importance of joy, and practicing it consistently. Wilkerson reminds us that true satisfaction comes from God alone, and that a transformed heart desires what God desires. He warns against worldly distractions that can fill the void meant for divine joy, and encourages continual exercise of rejoicing to strengthen our spiritual lives. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to a life marked by godliness and gratitude.
Watch the Branch Wither
By Ray Comfort0MAT 3:10ROM 6:6ROM 8:131CO 6:92CO 5:17GAL 5:24HEB 4:12JAS 1:141JN 1:9Ray Comfort preaches about the importance of addressing the root of sin in individuals rather than focusing solely on specific sinful behaviors like homosexuality or fornication. He emphasizes the need for a deep transformation of the heart through God's Law, leading to a true rebirth in Christ where old sinful nature is destroyed. Comfort highlights that true believers, whether struggling with heterosexual or homosexual temptations, must reckon their old sinful nature as dead and engage in a continuous battle against sin. He urges Christians to use God's Law as a sharp axe to attack the deep roots of sin, rather than just pruning the visible branches of sinful behaviors.
Where Sin Occurs God Cannot Wisely Prevent It
By Charles Finney0Sin and ResponsibilityGod's Moral GovernmentISA 5:4LUK 17:1ROM 14:12JAS 1:14Charles Finney emphasizes that while sin is an unavoidable reality under God's moral government, it remains inexcusable for the sinner. He explains that God's governance is based on moral persuasion rather than coercion, allowing individuals the freedom to choose sin despite the weight of moral motives against it. Finney argues that God's wisdom and goodness ensure that He does all He can to prevent sin without compromising His nature, and that ultimately, the responsibility for sin lies with the individual. He concludes by urging listeners to recognize their moral agency and the importance of aligning their hearts with their conscience in order to find peace with God.
Genesis 3:1-24
By John Calvin0GEN 3:1PSA 139:7ISA 65:25ROM 5:12JAS 1:14John Calvin preaches about the consequences of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, highlighting the rebellion and disobedience of Adam and Eve, leading to the introduction of sin and its effects on humanity. He emphasizes the cunning deception of Satan through the serpent, the lack of true repentance and humility in Adam and Eve's responses, and the shift from innocence to shame and fear. Calvin also delves into the concept of original sin, the corrupt nature of man, and the need for repentance and dependence on God's grace for salvation.
The Struggle With Temptation
By Charles Stanley0MAT 26:411CO 10:13HEB 2:18JAS 1:141PE 5:8Charles Stanley delves into the concept of temptation, explaining that it is the enticement to exceed the boundaries of God-given desires. He emphasizes that God has instilled in us natural desires for food, intimacy, and relationships, but the challenge arises when we misuse these desires outside of God's intended boundaries. Stanley highlights the importance of recognizing that feelings of temptation can be controlled, refused, and redirected towards healthier activities, reassuring that God will not abandon us in the midst of temptation.
2 Peter 2:19
By John Gill0True Liberty in ChristFalse TeachingsJHN 8:34ROM 6:16GAL 5:1JAS 1:142PE 2:19John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:19, emphasizing the false promises of liberty made by deceitful teachers who offer a carnal freedom that leads to sin rather than true Christian liberty, which is freedom from sin and obedience to God. He warns that these teachers, who are themselves enslaved by corruption and sin, cannot genuinely provide the freedom they claim to offer. Gill illustrates that true liberty is found in serving God and living righteously, contrasting it with the destructive nature of the false liberty that caters to carnal desires. He concludes that those who are overcome by sin are in bondage and cannot promise freedom to others, as they are captives themselves.
The Occasions and Allurements of Sin
By Thomas Brooks0SinConsequences of SinTemptationJAS 1:14Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of engaging with the occasions and allurements of sin, warning that those who flirt with temptation while praying for deliverance are acting foolishly. He illustrates this with the analogy of someone putting their finger in fire and expecting not to get burned. Brooks cautions that even seemingly pleasant temptations can lead to severe consequences, ultimately proving to be more harmful than anticipated. The sermon calls for a proactive approach to avoid sin rather than a reactive one after falling into it.
Idols in the Heart
By David Wilkerson0RepentanceIdolatryEZK 14:3JAS 1:14David Wilkerson addresses the hidden idolatry in the hearts of respected elders of Israel who sought guidance from the prophet Ezekiel. Despite their outward appearance of godliness, God revealed that they had set up idols in their hearts, indulging in secret sins that obstructed their relationship with Him. Wilkerson emphasizes that these hidden sins act as stumbling blocks, preventing true communion with God, and that only through wholehearted repentance can one regain discernment and hear God's voice clearly. The sermon calls for self-examination and the removal of any enticements that hinder a steadfast walk with God.
The Christian in Complete Armour - Part 12
By William Gurnall0Spiritual WarfareFaithPSA 37:2PSA 119:37PRO 28:20ZEC 3:2ROM 6:14EPH 6:16HEB 11:29JAS 1:141JN 2:151JN 5:4William Gurnall emphasizes the necessity of faith as a shield for Christians to quench the fiery darts of the wicked, which represent the temptations and attacks from the enemy. He describes the nature of these enemies as wicked and united, and explains that faith not only helps resist these temptations but also extinguishes their harmful effects. Gurnall encourages believers to recognize the power of faith in overcoming both enticing and frightening temptations, asserting that true faith leads to victory over sin and the world. He urges Christians to engage in prayer and expect God's help, reinforcing that faith is essential for spiritual warfare.
The Tenth Commandment
By A.W. Pink0Inner PurityCovetingEXO 20:17JAS 1:14A.W. Pink expounds on the Tenth Commandment, emphasizing that it forbids not only the outward act of coveting but also the internal desires and inclinations of the heart. He explains that concupiscence, or unlawful lusting, is the root of sin, and that God’s law extends to our thoughts and imaginations, holding us accountable for our inner life. Pink highlights the importance of recognizing these hidden sins, as they lead to overt actions, and stresses that true obedience to God involves purity of heart. He concludes that the Tenth Commandment serves as a guard for the other commandments, revealing our sinful nature and pointing us to the grace found in Christ. Ultimately, it calls believers to seek cleansing from secret faults and to rely on God's grace for true transformation.
Heart Wars
By Paul West0ROM 8:132CO 10:5EPH 6:12HEB 9:14JAS 1:14Paul West delves into the concept of the new heart promised by God in the Old Testament and given to believers through Christ in the New Covenant. He emphasizes the importance of collaborating with God to mortify the flesh's affections and lusts, as the flesh is conditioned in Adam and susceptible to Satanic temptations. Paul highlights the need to guard the heart against intrusions that aim to corrupt it, by taking every thought captive and looking consistently unto Jesus to prevent the formation of strongholds that can enslave believers to former lusts.
Nibbling at Satan's Golden Baits!
By Thomas Brooks0Deceitfulness of SinSpiritual VigilanceHEB 3:13JAS 1:14Thomas Brooks warns about the deceitful and alluring nature of sin, comparing it to Delilah's betrayal of Samson. He emphasizes that sin can appear enticing while ultimately leading to spiritual death and separation from God. Despite the dangers, many are so bewitched by sin that they would rather lose everything than let go of it. Brooks urges believers to be vigilant and avoid engaging with the temptations that Satan presents as golden baits.
He Did Evil, Because He Prepared Not His Heart
By F.B. Meyer0Heart PreparationSpiritual Vigilance2CH 12:14PSA 51:10PSA 57:7JAS 1:14F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of preparing one's heart to seek the Lord, as illustrated in 2 Chronicles 12:14. He warns that without a fixed determination to follow God's will, individuals are vulnerable to temptation and sin. Meyer highlights the importance of a whole-hearted commitment to God, urging believers to be vigilant and to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance for steadfastness. He draws parallels to David's prayer for a renewed spirit, underscoring that true preparation comes from divine assistance. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a resolute heart that is unwavering in its pursuit of righteousness.
Four Important Distinctions We Need to Know
By Zac Poonen0ROM 5:131CO 10:13HEB 4:15JAS 1:141JN 3:8Zac Poonen preaches on the topics of Temptation and Sin, emphasizing the difference between being tempted and sinning, using Jesus as the ultimate example of overcoming temptation without sin. He also delves into the concept of the Old Man and the New Man, highlighting the new nature within disciples that loves purity and hates sin, but may struggle due to lack of spiritual nourishment. Poonen discusses Conscious and Unconscious Sin, explaining the presence of sin in our personalities and the need for continuous cleansing through the blood of Jesus. Lastly, he touches on Mercy and Grace, encouraging believers to seek both forgiveness for past sins (mercy) and empowerment to overcome future temptations (grace) through the promises in God's Word.
It Pierces and Winds Itself Into Every Corner and Chink
By Thomas Brooks0Spiritual VigilanceThe Nature of SinJAS 1:14Thomas Brooks emphasizes the pervasive and penetrating nature of sin, illustrating how it infiltrates every aspect of our lives, including our thoughts, judgments, and affections. He warns that sin corrupts our understanding and poisons our will, ultimately debasing our lives and affecting our duties and mercies. The sermon serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance against sin's subtle encroachments.
The Nature of True Christianity
By Derek Melton0PSA 51:17MAT 20:22JHN 12:241CO 1:251CO 1:27GAL 5:24JAS 1:14Derek Melton preaches about the importance of crucifying the flesh with its affections and lusts, highlighting the alarming trend of Christians living in carnality and secularism, failing to distinguish themselves from unbelievers due to their love for worldly things. He emphasizes the need for believers to daily take their old nature to the Cross, surrendering their sinful desires to experience the power of resurrection and victory in Christ. By choosing the bitter cup of Christ over the sweet cup of the world, believers can produce spiritual fruit and find strength in weakness, humility, and servanthood, as God values brokenness and contrition over worldly wisdom and accomplishments.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But every man is tempted - Successfully solicited to sin, when he is drawn away of his own lust - when, giving way to the evil propensity of his own heart, he does that to which he is solicited by the enemy of his soul. Among the rabbins we find some fine sayings on this subject. In Midrash hanaalam, fol. 20, and Yalcut Rubeni, fol. 17, it is said: "This is the custom of evil concupiscence, יצר הרע yetser hara: To-day it saith, Do this; to-morrow, Worship an idol. The man goes and worships. Again it saith, Be angry." "Evil concupiscence is, at the beginning, like the thread of a spider's web; afterwards it is like a cart rope." Sanhedrim, fol. 99. In the words, drawn away by his own lust and enticed, ὑπο της ιδιας επιθυμιας εξελκομενος και δελεαζομενος, there is a double metaphor; the first referring to the dragging a fish out of the water by a hook which it had swallowed, because concealed by a bait; the second, to the enticements of impure women, who draw away the unwary into their snares, and involve them in their ruin. Illicit connections of this kind the writer has clearly in view; and every word that he uses refers to something of this nature, as the following verse shows.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Every man, when tempted, is so through being drawn away of (again here, as in Jam 1:13, the Greek for "of" expresses the actual source, rather than the agent of temptation) his own lust. The cause of sin is in ourselves. Even Satan's suggestions do not endanger us before they are made our own. Each one has his own peculiar (so the Greek) lust, arising from his own temperament and habit. Lust flows from the original birth-sin in man, inherited from Adam. drawn away--the beginning step in temptation: drawn away from truth and virtue. enticed--literally, "taken with a bait," as fish are. The further progress: the man allowing himself (as the Greek middle voice implies) to be enticed to evil [BENGEL]. "Lust" is here personified as the harlot that allures the man.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But every man is tempted,.... To sin, and he falls in with the temptation, and by it, when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed; the metaphor is taken either from fishes, who are enticed by the bait, and drawn out by the hook; or from a lascivious woman, who meeting with a young man, entices him, and draws him away after her to commit iniquity with her: by "lust" is meant the principle of corrupt nature, which has its residence in the heart of man; is natural and hereditary to him, and therefore is called his own; he is conceived and shapen in it; he brings it into the world with him, and it continues in him, and is called his own heart's lust, Rom 1:24. Now this meeting with some bait, which entices and draws it out, or with some external object, which promises pleasure or profit, a man is allured, and ensnared, and drawn away by it, and so the temptation begins: thus, for instance, covetousness was the predominant lust in Judas; this meeting with an external object, or objects, which promised him profit, he is at once enticed and drawn away to betray his Lord and master for the sake of it: so sin often promises pleasure, though it is but an imaginary, and a short lived one; which takes with a man's own lust, and corruption within him, and so he is allured and drawn aside; and to this, and not to God, should he attribute temptation to sin.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:14 Like hooks for fishing or traps for hunting, desires . . . entice us into sin and drag us away from faithfulness to God.