The Mathematics Of Sin

THE MATHEMATICS OF SIN

James 1:13-15

INTRODUCTION

A. Understanding the mathematics of sin is as simple as adding 2 + 2.

B. Charles Stanley reminds us: “If we make rash or sinful choices, we can anticipate negative consequences (Gal. 6:7-8). In other words, you reap what you sow, more than you sow, and later than you sow (Life Principle 6).

C. In our text, James gives us an equation that leads to death.

I. DESIRE + ENTICEMENT = TEMPTATION

A. God is not a part of the equation— “God tempts no one” (v.13).

B. The devil has a role, but “The devil made me do it” won’t fly, as Eve learned.

C. The desire may be lawful, but the object may be “forbidden fruit,” as David learned when he took another man’s wife.

II. TEMPTATION + ACTION = SIN

A. Desire conceives (grasps together)

1. Eventually, lust leads us to grasp the unlawful object.

2. Before that happens, the will to act joins with the desire to act, as in the case of David with Bathsheba.

B. Joseph was tempted but resisted the temptation (Gen 39:7-9).

C. Recognizing the desire and the desirable may be a safeguard against sin if we “flee fornication” (2 Tim 2:22).

III. DESIRE + ENTICEMENT + ACTION = DEATH

A. Sin promises pleasure, fulfillment, excitement—the “good things in life, and it sometimes keeps its promise, but they are fleeting pleasures (Heb 11:25).

B. Sin has never missed a payday (Rom 6:23).

CONCLUSION

A. The equation of sin can be nullified by confession and prayer (Jam 5:16-20)

B. Sin can be stopped, but we must stop it outside the door of our heart; once inside, we may not want to stop it.