Lead us Not Into Temptation

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:13)



This is part of the “model prayer” that Jesus taught to His disciples. The idea of being “lead” into temptation presented a problem for me because it seemed cruel that the God would actually lead us into temptation and in James 1:13 we read “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;” So further research was needed. What I found was very interesting.

In the Greek, this term “temptation” is an enticement and provocation to sin. Pretty basic, right? But there is also an association with deep or open sea – an indication of the level of overwhelm that occurs when we are given to temptation. There is a disastrous depth to temptation that is to be avoided. It is likened to being in the depths of the open sea, without hope of rescue.

Our first line of defense is to ask the Father for His mercy - to ask that He not leave us to our own devices, leaving us susceptible to give in to the sinful desires that rise up in us. You see, temptation arises from what is within us. James 1:14 says “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” It is not that we are helpless against the pressures from the world; it is that the desires that are within us, if we give in to them, can move us to indulge in the sins that meet that desire. Practical examples: we are not all drawn to gambling, we are not all given to excessive drinking, we are not all given to gluttony or physical abuse. But if the sinful desires reside within us and we are not subjecting ourselves to the authority of God by the power of His Holy Spirit, we can be drawn away and enticed by these things.

May you be encouraged, challenged, and motivated by these words:

1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Romans 12:2 - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Galatians 5:16 - But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Psalm 119:11 - I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Ephesians 6:10-13 -  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.