Lead Us Not into Temptation

Lead Us Not into Temptation, but Deliver Us from Evil

The concluding petition of the Lord's Prayer, found in Matthew 6:13, reads: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." This plea encapsulates the believer's dependence on God's guidance and protection in the face of life's trials and moral challenges.

The phrase "lead us not into temptation" is not a suggestion that God tempts us to sin, as James 1:13 clarifies: "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one." Rather, it is an acknowledgment of our vulnerability and a request for God's providential care to prevent us from succumbing to trials that could lead us astray.

The term "temptation" in this context encompasses both the enticement to sin and the trials that test our faith. As believers, we recognize that trials are an inevitable part of the Christian journey. James 1:2-4 exhorts us to "count it all joy...when you meet trials of various kinds," understanding that such testing produces steadfastness, leading to spiritual maturity.

Romans 5:3-5 further elaborates on this process, illustrating how suffering cultivates endurance, character, and hope. These virtues are not developed in ease but are forged in the crucible of adversity. The trials we face serve as opportunities for growth, refining our faith and drawing us closer to God.

The life of Job exemplifies this truth. Despite immense suffering, Job's faith was ultimately strengthened, and he gained a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty. His story teaches us that trials can lead to greater spiritual insight and a more profound relationship with God.

Importantly, God assures us that He will not allow us to be tested beyond our capacity. 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises that God will provide a way of escape so that we can endure the trials we face. This assurance is a testament to God's faithfulness and His intimate knowledge of our individual limits.

Moreover, 2 Peter 2:9 affirms that "the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials," emphasizing God's active role in delivering His people from adversity. This deliverance may not always mean the removal of trials but rather the provision of strength and guidance to navigate them.

In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus contrasts the wise man who builds his house on the rock with the foolish man who builds on sand. The storms of life come to both, but only the house on the rock stands firm. This parable underscores the importance of grounding our lives in obedience to God's Word, enabling us to withstand life's inevitable challenges.

Psalm 69:1-3 vividly portrays the psalmist's experience of overwhelming trials, yet his cry to God reflects a deep trust in divine deliverance. Similarly, Psalm 119:67 acknowledges that affliction can lead us back to God's statutes, highlighting the corrective and redemptive potential of suffering.

In conclusion, the petition "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" is a multifaceted plea for divine guidance, protection, and strength. It recognizes the reality of trials, the potential for spiritual growth through suffering, and the necessity of relying on God's power to overcome evil.

Sermon Outline: "Lead Us Not into Temptation, but Deliver Us from Evil"

• Understanding the Petition
  • Acknowledgment of human vulnerability to temptation
  • Recognition of God's role in guiding and protecting believers
• The Nature of Temptation and Trials
  • Differentiating between temptation to sin and trials that test faith
  • Biblical examples: James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5
• God's Provision in Trials
  • Assurance of God's faithfulness: 1 Corinthians 10:13
  • God's ability to rescue: 2 Peter 2:9
• The Purpose of Trials
  • Spiritual growth and maturity
  • Drawing closer to God
  • Developing endurance, character, and hope
• Building a Firm Foundation
  • The parable of the wise and foolish builders: Matthew 7:24-27
  • Importance of obedience to God's Word
• Responding to Trials
  • Trusting in God's deliverance
  • Seeking God's guidance through prayer
  • Embracing trials as opportunities for growth

Call to Action

Reflect on the trials and temptations you currently face. Are you seeking God's guidance and strength to navigate them? Remember that God is faithful and will not allow you to be tested beyond your ability. He provides the means to endure and grow through every challenge. Commit to grounding your life in His Word, seeking His presence daily, and trusting in His deliverance. Let this petition from the Lord's Prayer be a continual reminder to rely on God's power to lead you away from temptation and deliver you from evil.