The Birth That Brings Death
The sermon teaches that sin is conceived and born through our own lust and the influence of the Devil, ultimately leading to death.
Theodore Epp emphasizes that temptations to sin do not come from God, but rather from our own sinful nature and the Devil. He explains that lust, which originates from within, leads to sin when it is not controlled, and ultimately results in death. Epp personifies lust as a harlot that conceives sin, which in turn leads to death, illustrating the destructive cycle of unchecked desires. He encourages believers to overcome evil with good, highlighting the importance of resisting temptation and focusing on righteousness.
Text
James 1:12-15
When temptations to do evil come into our lives, let us never think that they have come from God; instead, God is doing what He can to prevent us from falling into sin. However, our flesh is so weak that we disregard Him occasionally and follow evil.
James said, "Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed" (James 1:14). Notice especially the words "and enticed." Lust comes from the enemy within--the old nature; enticement comes from the Enemy without--the Devil.
James 1: 15 not only tells us more about the source of sin but also its final result: "When lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." James personified lust and sin here and spoke of conception, birth and death.
Lust is personified as a harlot who conceives and then bears a child called "sin," whose father is the Devil. Then sin also conceives and brings forth a grandchild, who is known as "death."
When a sinful desire enters the mind, it will grow in the mind until the deed is executed if it is not checked at once. As a rule, the mind eventually acts out what it dwells on.
"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" (Rom. 12:21).
Sermon Outline
- The Birth That Brings Death
- The Conception of Sin
- The Final Result
- Sin Brings Death
- The Devil's Influence
- The Enemy Without
Key Quotes
“When lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” — Theodore Epp
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- We must be aware of the enemy within and the enemy without, and take action to overcome evil with good.
- We must check our sinful desires at once to prevent them from growing and leading to sin.
- We can overcome evil by choosing to do good and resisting the influence of the Devil.