Lead Us Not Into Temptation (2)

-We all face temptation

1 Corinthians 10:12–13 ESV

12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 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.

-temptation is something we all face and will continue to face until we are received into glory

-It is for this reason that Paul laid out the armor of God in Eph 6 -

-Why is it that we are in this on going war?

-Before Christ we were sons of the devil, friends of the devil and enemies with God

Romans 5:10 ESV

10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

but once we are in Christ, once we have become born again and have received forgiveness of sins we become children of God, friends of God, and enemies of the devil

1 Peter 5:8 ESV

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

-We know that evil exists, we know that Satan is real and is instigating evil, how do we know? The Bible tells us so. Also, why is it that we can have so many advancements in our culture, that we have superb technology but we cannot overcome evil decisions, sinful decisions, whether it be lust or slander

-We struggle with temptation because sin entered through the world by Adam and now we all are born with sin natures - Romans 5 -

-We pray that God would help us as we are tempted because:

We are Incapable to Overcome Temptation by Our Own Strength

-Jesus knew His disciples were unable to withstand temptation on their own strength

John 17:15 ESV

15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.

-and as we read here in Luke 11:4 - it is a prayer that God would protect and strengthen us as we are tempted

-If we are in Christ why is it that we are still give into temptation?

Alistair Begg - when you are in Christ sin no longer reigns, but it remains - that struggle that is

-because of our sin nature and because we remain in a sinful world

-while Satan does tempt us, he does not force us to sin - we sin when we act upon the temptation

James 1:14–15 ESV

14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

-But why pray, Father, lead us not into temptation, how could God lead us into temptation?

James 1:13 ESV

13 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.

-It is not a prayer of that God would not lead us to temptation since He cannot, but that God would lead us away from temptation, that He would grant us strength to not yield to temptation

We Need to Be Watchful

-While we pray that God would protect us from temptation, that He would help to lead us away from it, we cannot place ourselves into tempting situations

Genesis 4:7 ESV

7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

1 Peter 5:8–9 ESV

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV

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.

-God has provided what we need to escape temptation:

Ephesians 6:10–20 ESV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 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 firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Psalm 1 ESV

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Psalm 119:9 ESV

9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.