James: Faith in ActionSample

The Life Cycle of Sin

Every living thing has a life cycle: it’s born, it grows, it matures, and then it eventually dies. Common sense, right? James tells us that sin has a life cycle too. Constantly in life there are temptations to do things that go against the way God wants us to live, like lying to avoid getting in trouble or saying hurtful things about others to make yourself feel good. Giving in to temptation is what gives birth to sin, which means disobeying God. Even worse, the life cycle of sin doesn’t end there. In today’s passage we see that sin grows and ultimately leads to death, which is what will happen to everyone who continues to be disobedient towards God. Fortunately, we have a loving Heavenly Father who sent His son to die in our place. Now, when we sin, we can say sorry and be confident that God forgives us. Praise God that we have new life through Jesus and are no longer part of the life cycle of sin!

Questions:

1. Is there a temptation in your life you find it easy to give in to? What could you do to avoid the situation that tempts you?
2. A Christian man named John Owen once wrote that if we want to spend less time being tempted, we should spend more time praying. What temptations could you ask God to help you with?
3. Do you know a trustworthy, mature Christian you could talk to about any struggles you have with temptation? Ask them to pray for you.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for giving me new life through Jesus and freeing me from the cycle of sin. Please help me to fight against temptation and to live a life that pleases You instead. Amen.