We concluded our series called "Learning to Pray" this week by studying the final phrase of Jesus' model prayer. You'll find the text at Matthew 6:13.
"Lead us not into temptation" doesn't mean what many people may thing it means because the word translated as temptation doesn't refer to the 1001 sins that we struggle with. It would make no sense to ask God to not lead us into sin. Why would he do that? He wouldn't.
Temptation here means trials or circumstances which test our faith. Some of those circumstances are the natural result of living in a fallen world (sickness, death, persecution, etc.). So this phrase carries with it the sense of asking God to give us the grace to walk through those valleys, trusting him.
But there's another kind of testing. It's the kind God uses to reveal the darkness that is in our heart. Sometimes we know it's there. Other times, we don't. Regardless, at times, God takes us through trials to refine us. So this phrase also carries with it the desire that God find nothing unholy in us...that we are living in such close obedience that God need not refine us further.
"But deliver us from the evil one" points us to the fact that we have an enemy committed to our destruction, namely Satan. Jesus has already broken his grip on humanity and has determined Satan's future destruction. But in between, Satan is going to do all he can to destroy God's people.
But there's no need to worry. Disciples have the Holy Spirit living within. We have the same power to resist Satan as Jesus had when he walked on earth. This phrase carries with it the confident faith that God will take us through whatever attack Satan may throw at us.
Next Sunday, we're focusing on thanks. Although I'll have a sermon ready, I'm hoping not to need it. Instead, I've invited the people to bring stories of God's goodness. Things they are thankful for. That should give us plenty reason to worship.
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