Scripture: Mt 6:13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. --- Mt 6:13

Thrust: While it's impossible for God to tempt us, it's providentially possible for Him to test us; and in the test, we ask God to help us not to sin against Him.

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I. What Is The Petition All About?

Temptation (peirasmos): threefold

• the lust of the flesh
• the pride of life
• the lust of the eye

O My Father, if it is possible; let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will. --- Mt 26:39

God will not remove temptations from us

• Jesus declares: in the world you will have tribulation (Jn 16:33)
• Paul says: No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Cor 10:13)
• Peter writes candidly: do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you (1 Pet 4:12)

But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face! --- Job 1:11

Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person. --- Job 1:12a

In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong. --- Job 1:22

Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face! --- Job 2:4-5

Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning. --- Job 42:12

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II. Why Make The Third Petition?

Father, do not let the situation of pressing temptation overpower us lest our virtue be vanquished, and our souls tarnished. But if it is Your will we be so tried, then deliver us from Satan’s clutch.

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. --- Jn 10:28

My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. --- Jn 10:29

A. We are Weak Mortals

If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into… sin. But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience… God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it. --- 1 Cor 10:12-13, NLT

He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him. --- Judges 16:20

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty [arrogant] spirit before a fall. --- Pro 16:18

B. Our Adversary is Strong

Powerful Acts of Satan

• He led 1/3 of angels into rebellion (Rev. 12:3-4)
• He withstood Archangel Michael and delayed him for 21 days before a revelation could reach Daniel (Dan 10:13-14)
• He contended with Archcangel Michael over the body of Moses (Jude 1:9)

Titles Ascribed to Satan

• Anointed cherub (Ezk 28:14)
• Ruler of the demons (Mt 9:34)
• Beelzebul, lord of the flies (Mt 12:24)
• Father of lies (Jn 8:44)
• Ruler of this world (Jn 14:30)
• God of this age (2 Cor 4:4)
• Ruler of the kingdom of the air (Eph 2:2)

Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. --- 1 Pet 5:8, NLT

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III. Why Does God Let Us Be Tempted?

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. --- Rom 8:28

Count it all joy… when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. --- Jas 1:2-3

1. To Be Like Christ

2. For Our Good

3. With Right Intention

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. --- Jas 1:12

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Conclusion

1. Know that temptations are inevitable in this world because Satan is its ruler. Know that Christ is our Redeemer who paid the ransom to buy us back. So, we don’t serve Satan and sin anymore. We serve Christ and live in righteousness.

2. Come to God in our human weakness. Know that our adversary is formidable. We must pray: Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil tempter. We must put on the full armour of God to stand against the devil’s schemes (Eph 6:11).

3. Know that not all temptations are evil. It depends on their nature, design, and outcome. It is from the evil of temptations we pray to be delivered. We look for the purpose behind the temptations and ask for strength to resist them and rejoice that ultimately we’ll become finer, firmer, better, stronger.