Last time we talked about forgiveness and the Lord’s expectations of us in this matter. Today we move on into an area that challenges all Christians everywhere, and that is temptation. We are all tempted, as was Jesus Christ Himself, but God does make a way for us to resist temptation.
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13a NIV)
God’s Word says that God cannot be tempted; neither does He tempt anyone. (James 1:13) So, what does Jesus mean when He says, “lead us not into temptation?” The New Living Translation renders this as, “don’t let us yield to temptation.” making this read more as, help me resist the Devil, rather than don’t make me sin.
The Bible says that God is “an ever present help in time of need” (Psalm 46:1). And those that earnestly seek Him will find Him (Proverbs 8:17). Temptations besiege us every day. In the day and time we live in every evil thing is abundantly available. Things that would have shocked people even fifty years ago, and certainly would never been talked about in public, are aired on television talk shows and even in the mainstream media.
While it is true that “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9), society is becoming increasingly accepting of alternative lifestyles, and airing our dirty laundry is big business. Amongst all this acceptance and calling evil good and good evil, Christians are more challenged than ever in trying to maintain a holy lifestyle. Many things we avoid for the sake of the name of Jesus that we bear earn us some not-so-flattering labels — narrow minded, a prude, Bible thumpers, etc. When the abnormal becomes the norm, we need God more than ever. The arguments are convincing — we are not hurting anyone so how can this be wrong? — and it seems at times that more are against God than for God.
These are the times we call out to our God, “don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” I think Paul gives excellent advice in Ephesians 6:13-14 saying, “having done all to stand, stand therefore.” And in Romans 14:4 he said, “[We] shall stand: for God is able to make [us] stand.” (Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA))
There is no doubt that we can withstand the attacks of the enemy. God gave us the promise in His Word, saying “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Indeed.
Lord, Satan has perverted everything in this world that You have created, but we are not blind to his tactics. Reveal his schemes to us God and protect us. Oh God, hide us in the shadow of your wings; guide us and keep us until Jesus returns or You call us home. Amen.
Part Twelve will be our last journey on the path of understanding The Lord’s Prayer as we commit to Him the glory that befits our King.
Yours in Christ,
Sonya Richards
(To Access the rest of “The Lord’s Prayer” mini-series, please click here!)