James 1:15

Then. That is, the next step.

Lust. Literally, “the lust,” here, evil lust (cf. v. 14) which finds sin appealing. “Lust,” or “desire,” of themselves need not be identical with “sin.” There are natural and legitimate desires that God placed in man at creation, such as the desire for food, for physical comfort, for parenthood, and for social acceptance. However, when man seeks to satisfy even these basic wants in ways contrary to God’s plan, he flirts with sin and allows himself to be enticed into sinful acts. See on Matt. 4:1-4.

Conceived. If nourished and cherished, unbridled desire eventually gives birth to sinful acts.

Bringeth forth. Gr. tikto, “to give birth,” “to produce.”

Sin. Here is the proof that when evil desire (“lust”) is allowed to control the mind the end result can only be sin.

Finished. Or, “completed,” “come to maturity.” Before it is fully developed, sin may, because of its deceitful nature, easily be mistaken for something good. But when it is “finished,” or “full grown,” its destructive results become obvious.

Death. Sin destroys friendships, family circles, promising futures, and self-respect.

No matter how subtle the camouflage, sin’s inevitable result is deterioration and death (see on Rom. 6:23), both spiritual and physical. The “death” here referred to is not simply the first death, which comes to all (see on Rom. 5:12; cf. 1 Cor. 15:22), but the second death, annihilation (see on Rev. 20:6). God is not the author of death, but of life. Hence He is not the author of sin, which brings forth death. Death, in whatever form it exists, is to be traced to sin, and sin naturally and inevitably produces it.