Untitled Sermon (5)

Lead Us Not into Temptation: A Prayer for Deliverance

Bible Passage: Matthew 6:13

Summary: In Matthew 6:13, part of the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray for deliverance from evil, recognizing our need for divine protection and guidance in spiritual warfare.

Application: This passage can help Christians confront the reality of evil in their lives, encouraging them to rely on God's strength for deliverance from temptation and sin, while also promoting a deeper prayer life focused on seeking God's will.

Teaching: The sermon will teach that acknowledging our vulnerability to evil is essential for spiritual growth, and that prayer is a powerful tool for resisting temptation and seeking divine guidance.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme points to Christ as our ultimate deliverer. Just as we pray for protection from evil, we recognize that Christ has conquered sin and death, providing us with the strength through His Spirit to resist temptation.

Big Idea: Through prayer, we seek deliverance from evil, affirming that Christ is our source of strength and victory over temptation.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, using Logos can help you explore the linguistic nuances of 'evil' in the original Greek, as well as cross-referencing other texts where deliverance is emphasized. Look into the broader context of spiritual warfare in the New Testament, and consider examining relevant commentaries that discuss the implications of prayer for resisting evil.

1. Acknowledge Our Weakness

Matthew 6:13a

Perhaps we can start by acknowledging our vulnerability to temptation and the need for divine guidance. Jesus’ instruction to pray 'Lead us not into temptation' highlights our dependence on God's wisdom to steer us away from paths that may lead to spiritual harm. This point can emphasize how conscious reliance on God's direction through prayer is necessary to overcome the seductive allure of sin.

2. Anticipate Divine Deliverance

Matthew 6:13b

You could use this part to explore God's promise to deliver us from evil, which is crucial for maintaining spiritual resilience. Jesus' prayer reminds us of the reality of spiritual warfare and the power of divine intervention. This point may encourage believers to trust in Christ’s victory over sin, empowering them to face challenges with the confidence of being protected by His strength.

3. Adopt Christ’s Victory

Matthew 6:13

Maybe wrap up by focusing on Christ’s victory over sin and evil, underscoring why He is our ultimate deliverer. This point should draw on the assurance that through Christ's triumph, believers have access to the strength needed to resist temptations. Consider urging the congregation to deepen their commitment to prayer, not just as a plea for help, but as an affirmation of faith in His power.