GOD’S PROTECTION
Developing a Relationship with God Part 7 of 8
Matthew 6:13
“And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from the evil one.”
Developing a Relationship with God Part 7 of 8
Matthew 6:13
“And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from the evil one.”
Jesus coupled these two phrases into one sentence because they’re related. The devil tempts believers, but he can’t make us sin. God NEVER tempts us. James 1:13 explains: God’s pure holiness, and cannot be tempted by evil. In fact, God always provides His kids a way out.
Why do we really prefer not to be delivered from temptation? Because we love fun, and sin promises fun. Temptation stirs up the blood and blazes the imagination. If we were freaked out by sin, it wouldn’t be tempting at all! If we’re honest, we’d prefer the consequences of sin to disappear, rather than temptation. Are we really asking God to prevent us from being naughty? Avoiding temptation is easier than walking away from sure disaster.
“Deliver us from evil” acknowledges our weakness and Satan’s power, which we must never underestimate. Peter challenged Jesus about His upcoming death, and Jesus swiftly ended the discussion with, “Get behind Me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:22-23). He wouldn’t even consider disobedience to the Father. Archangel Michael refused to argue with the devil. Jude, verse 9 says Michael replied to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you!”
The devil specializes in seducing us away from God. His plan is to lure us so far away from God that we’ll never return. Jesus shows us how to resist the devil successfully. Instead of being scared, Jesus threw God’s Word in Satan’s face, and the devil left Him alone (Matthew 6:3-11).
Who’s to blame for sin? James 1:14 says that each one is tempted when drawn by his own desires. The devil uses the right bait that lures us to sin. If sin brought chains to bind us, we might resist it on our own. Instead, it brings flowers and fun. It bribes us with promises of popularity and wealth.
So after sinning, let’s not blame anyone other than ourselves—or use excuses to justify our actions. This tricks the devil before he lies, “You’re too bad to be forgiven!” Immediate confessing our sin returns us into the Father’s gracious loving arms. It really makes the devil mad when we pursue right living.
Focusing our eyes on Jesus will draw us away from sin’s magnetism. This prayer draws on Almighty God’s power to keep us safe.
Take Home Nugget
Pride can lead us to honor our own name, to bow down to our own kingdom, take credit for meeting our own needs, and deny our need for forgiving grace. This prayer is all about God’s power and grace.
J.D. Griffith
The only way to overcome
Temptations that we face,
Is to be focused on the Lord,
Who strengthens by His grace.
Sper
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