Biblical Prayer: Lead Us Not Into Temptation

Okay, we're continuing our study in biblical prayer. This is part 12. Okay, part 12, lead us not into temptation. This is the next petition in the model prayer. We've examined the purpose of prayer. We've looked at false teaching.

We're currently looking at the model prayer in Matthew chapter 6. And this is where Jesus gives us an inspired pattern for praying. And there is a priority in it, starting with the very first, of course.

And the preface of the prayer even is important because it reminds us who we are praying to. And that's why it begins, our Father who is in heaven. We've looked at all the petitions. First petition was, hallowed be thy name.

And this is where you can see the priority. Then thy kingdom come. Third petition, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Fourth petition was, give us this day our daily bread. And then last time we were together, it was forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Tonight, we move to the sixth petition, and do not lead us into temptation. And I should mention that depending on which commentator you're reading, some of them include the second half of this, but deliver us from evil, and they count it as one.

Others count it as two. I'm counting it as two. Why? I just want to. Okay. No, I think it just makes sense to count it as two, even though they are related, of course. So why should we pray, lead us not into temptation?

And I open with that because this is, it's actually a controversial question. Because here you have in James chapter 1 verse 13, let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by God. For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself does not tempt anyone.

So the question is, why would we pray, then lead us not into temptation? But then we come to Genesis 22 verse 1, and it came to pass after these things that God did tempt Abraham. Do we have a controversy here?

Do we have a contradiction? Well, we know that can't be, because the scripture never contradicts itself. So we want to start by asking the question, then, what is temptation? And here's where the difference comes in.

We see that the term is used in two different ways in scripture, and this is common. We see this, that one word can have two distinct meanings or two different applications. Firstly, the term can be used to try or to test.

Tempting means to try or to test. For example, this is Genesis 22, when God tested Abraham. Remember, he brought him out into the wilderness, and after Abraham passed the test, what did he say? Now I know that you will give up your only son, etc.

All right? So when Abraham passed the test, it demonstrated to all that Abraham trusted God, and that was the purpose of the test. The test was not for God's benefit. Did God know ahead of time that Abraham was going to pass the test?

Of course he did, all right? So why did he test him, then? Well, for Abraham's benefit, for Isaac's benefit, and for your benefit. All of us who are here today who read the scriptures, it's for our benefit, showing that Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only son.

The second way in which tempting is used is to entice to do evil, and this is the primary way that we see it used. Satan tempting Christ in the wilderness is a perfect example of that. What was Satan's goal in coming to Jesus when he was fasting, all right?

Satan's goal was to cause Christ to sin. Why did he want to cause Christ to sin? Because if Christ sinned, salvation for mankind was doomed, all right? So he tried to foil the plan of God. That's exactly what Satan was trying to do.

So what is temptation? Well, interestingly enough, the Bible uses both meanings in referring to how mankind can respond to God. Does that sound unusual? Anybody scratching your head right about there and saying, what do you mean how mankind responds to God?

I'll give you an idea. In Malachi chapter 3 verse 10, bring the whole tithe into the storehouse so that there may be food in my house. Test me now in this. Do you get the implication? Well, let me finish the verse, then we'll talk about it.

It says, the Lord of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. If you've ever been in a church that focuses on getting money, you'll hear this verse used, because look at what he says.

God is actually saying, I want you to test me. Test me. If you tithe of your income, if I will not provide for you, I'll open the windows of heaven and pour out for your blessing until it overflows. So it's in this case that it's okay.

God has given you permission to test him. And again, you can see how this could be used by the name it and claim it crowd. But that doesn't mean that it's not a principle. The other meaning is found in Psalm 78 verses 40 and 42.

And this is the psalmist says, how often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and grieved him in the desert. And again and again, they tempted God and pain, the holy one of Israel. You can see this is the second use of the word.

This is where they tempted God. All right. They did not remember his power the day when he redeemed them from the adversary. This is where mankind is constantly tempting God because mankind is constantly disobeying his commands and proceeding along his life as though God wasn't even there.

So there's the temptation. So with that as a little bit of an introduction, we can ask the question, what does it mean then lead us not into temptation? And I'm going to refer back to my good old friend, Thomas Watson.

No, we were not contemporaries. Thomas Watson said, the meaning is that God would not suffer us to be overcome by temptation, that we may not be given up to the power of temptation and be drawn into sin.

And I like the way he describes that. So that when we pray this way, when we pray lead us not into temptation, we acknowledge certain truths about God. And we're going to list a couple of them. Firstly, we acknowledge God's universal providence.

We know that God is sovereign, but sometimes we don't realize or don't make the application that that means that he's sovereign over providence as well. Providence is with things that happen to us in our daily lives.

God is sovereign over his creation. Now, I emphasize that because there are false teachers out there that say that God isn't in control of evil, Satan is. And they make a duality out of it saying that, well, you know, you ever see those little cartoons, you know, where the devil is on one shoulder and the little angel is on the other, right?

They still have those cartoons? Okay. Anyway, false teachers actually teach something similar to that. They say, oh yeah, God is in control. He's the one who brings good into your life. The bad that comes into your life, that's only Satan.

God has nothing to do with that. And that would be denying the sovereignty of God, especially over providence. Remember, Joseph told his brothers, what you meant for evil, God meant for good. So we can see that there, you see the two parts of it.

God sovereignly causes Joseph using the wicked acts of his brothers, the evil actions of them. They meant it for evil, but God used those evil actions for the good, not only of Joseph, but for the whole of the tribe of Israel.

So when God allows temptation, he's not enticing us to sin. There's always a reason for him. And whether it be a testing or whether it be polishing the brass, so to speak, and using it in our sanctification, he is putting us to the test.

And that testing is under his sovereign control and has limits. And that's very, very important. So if you start denying God's sovereignty over providence, then you come into a situation where you're in the circumstances that he does not know you were there, and that he has no control over them, which is patently non-biblical.

This verse, 1 Corinthians 10, 13, is a verse that every Christian should memorize, know it by heart. No temptation has overtaken you, but such as is common to man. And God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also that you may be able to endure it.

How can God make such a promise? Because he is sovereignly in control of everything that happens to you. But notice what it says. No temptation has overtaken you, but such as is common to man. Frequently in a counseling situation, somebody will say, well, Pastor, there's no way you can know what I'm going through.

Nobody knows what I've been going through. According to the scripture, nothing is happening to you, but such has happened to somebody else. And God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able.

There's that one, and you've heard me say this before, that you will not be tested beyond what you are able. So when you say, I can't handle this, it's a lie. You can, according to the word of God. And what does he do?

He, with the temptation, will always provide the way of escape. Why? So that you can endure it. Go ahead.

Can I give a caveat to that comment? Maybe. Sure, go ahead. Feel free to correct me after her. Because I've been in the same situation with talking with people. And I say, you know, we have that saying, God never gives you more than you can handle.

And I say, well, yes and no. You know, with him, we're able to handle anything. And we have to recognize he's in the midst of it. In our own power, we can't. In our own power, we're dead in the water most of the time.

And so I try to encourage people that, you know, when Peter is talking about, you know, the various trials, various trials that are causing them grief, you know, but it's testing the genuineness of their faith.

Those trials are, you know, we have this God-given faith that brings us, you know, to faith, you know, to regeneration. And the faith is a gift, but our faith still has to grow. And so those areas of deficiencies where we're not trusting God fully, we're trusting ourselves, he'll put us through those trials to recognize how we're leaning too much on our own strength and not fully on him.

So it's saying the same thing. I was just going to say that. I wouldn't.

Call that a caveat. I would. That's just a further explanation of it. Because notice what it says, but such is as common to man. And he doesn't say, but you're faithful, but God is faithful. So the whole reason that we can endure the temptation is because God is faithful, not because we're so good.

Okay. And what is the good, the faithfulness of God? But he will provide a way of escape that you may be able to endure. Remember too now, and let me be very clear on this, this promise is to believers.

If you've not come to faith in Jesus Christ, this promise isn't for you because he's made no such promise. So when we pray in this way, we acknowledge truth about God. Second truth is we acknowledge that we have tempted God to wrath and deserve severe and overwhelming temptation.

Prior to coming to Christ, we tempt God every single day. We tempt him by disregarding his word, by forsaking his sacrifice on the cross. Just think of how many ways we poke our finger in God's eye. All right.

So we tempt God to wrath and we deserve severe and overwhelming temptation. In the long run, we deserve to be turned over to Satan. Apart from salvation in Jesus Christ, that's exactly what we deserve.

We deserve wrath and judgment. Third, when we pray this way, we're acknowledging God's mercy, that he is merciful enough to us that he will provide the way of escape. Even though we have provoked him to wrath, he extends mercy through Jesus Christ.

And that's exactly what this petition is. It's pleading for mercy. Lead us not into temptation. That's, if you look at it, that's what you're doing. You're asking for mercy not to be led into the jaws of temptation, so to speak.

So now we want to look a little bit at the nature of temptation. Temptation comes from three major sources, the world, the flesh, and the devil. And we need to keep in mind that these three sources do not work independently, but are very, very close allies.

Okay. It's the condition of the flesh that allows temptation from both the world and the devil to do its damage. It's the condition of the flesh that allows temptation to do its damage. The world system promotes and fosters the devil's plans.

And the devil uses the weakness of the flesh and the entitlement of the world in his temptation. So when we talk about the world of flesh and the devil, we're not talking about three separate and distinct things.

They do work in concert with each other. There's also two serious mistakes that are made, usually by believers. The first is to blame all your values on him. Oh, the devil made me do it. The devil was just so strong that I couldn't resist him.

This downplays the seriousness of the depravity of your soul. It ignores the effects of the sinful world, and it downplays the need for repentance. And it replaces repentance with the need for deliverance, which we can provide for a fee.

That was sarcasm, just for those who don't know me. The second is to underestimate his work. First Peter 5a, be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Remember, we are in spiritual warfare. And as powerful as the devil is, he can't force you to sin. Second Corinthians 2, 9 to 11, for to this end, I also wrote that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things.

But whom you forgive anything, I forgive also. For indeed, what I have forgiven, I am forgiving anything. I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ, in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.

Don't underestimate him, because we have the devil's playbook. It's given to us right in the word of God. We know exactly what he's up to and how he entices to sin. And one of the cardinal rules of law is ignorance is no excuse.

That's even in secular law today. But we see also the subtlety of temptation. And I'm going to give some examples of the subtlety of temptation, so we won't be ignorant of his schemes. Firstly, the devil observes human nature.

Let me back up a minute. When I say the devil knows human nature, and I refer it to the individual, it's using the term devil in a generic sense, the devil and his minions. Because quite frankly, there's probably nobody here who has gotten the attention of the devil himself, because we're just not that important enough.

He's got some big fish out there that he's aiming for. But that doesn't mean that the temptation is any less for us. Also, his timing, oh wait, you know what, I didn't finish up on that. The devil observes human nature.

He knows the weaknesses of mankind. And if, how many people here have read this group tape letters? Quite a few. If you haven't read it, I thoroughly, you know, would implore you to read it. It's good.

It's somewhat lighthearted, but it kind of gives the idea of how a demon spirit would work on a particular individual. Again, it's obviously all fiction, but it's, I think it's very helpful. So he knows your individual weaknesses and how to approach you.

And it's not going to be the same for everybody. His timing is impeccable. He knows when to attack, when you're at your, probably your weakest moment. His temptation may come in the form of religion. How often is this true?

Look at how many false religions there are in the world, religions that take you away from Christ. You can't say that the devil is not responsible for that, for that in certain ways. His temptation is usually gradual.

He knows how to test the waters, the old story of the frog in the kettle. You know, you put a frog in a hot pot, he jumps out. But if you put him in a warm pot and slowly heat it up, you can have frog legs for dinner.

They're very good, by the way. Temptation may come from those we least expect. Temptation may come from our family, from our friends, trusted co-workers. And so we have to be very careful about where those who we associate with.

Also on the timing, you said that the devil will get us at our worst, but he also will get us at our best as well. When we're at the mountaintop experience, he's definitely got you and the excellent fact in that when you go to a, ever been to like a retreat and for a weekend, you're all focused on Christ and you're singing the songs and you're reading the scriptures and everybody's praising God, you go home and boom, you're slammed.

Very good point. Spiritually ignorant, lazy, and proud people are more susceptible to his schemes. I just put those in because they are some of the sins that would lend themselves most to falling prey to the devil's schemes.

He can lull you into a false sense of security by leaving you alone for a period of time. This kind of ties in with you. You, things are going well, oh yeah, I got no, not a problem in the world. Things that couldn't be greater, you know.

Boom. Jaws 2, right? Remember that commercial? Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water. He can divert you from giving the best by giving you success in the mediocre. How many Christians spend so much time on mediocre, I'm not even talking sinful activities, but just nominal activities instead of focusing on giving the Lord your best.

He tempts by misinterpreting Christian liberty. Oh, come on, you can do that. There's nothing wrong with it. He convinces that spirituality is measured by external rules and regulations. That's at the heart of every man-made religion, is what you can do.

You have to do this, you can do that, and if you do this, then you follow. And that's why we keep emphasizing Christianity is a religion of the heart. He will use the scriptures to try to prove he is right.

Isn't that just what he did to Jesus? And what did Jesus say every time? It is written. It is written. He will encourage doctrines that are pleasing to men. Right? Just think, just think of all the things that, you can live like a king's kid.

You should have all the money that you want. You should have the nicest cars, the nicest clothes. There you go. He tempts by presuming upon God's grace. Oh, go ahead, you can do this because God's a forgiving God.

He'll forgive you. It doesn't matter that you're going into sin. He'll forgive that sin. He is subtle in that he convinces men there's plenty of time. Good thoughts. He is subtle in that he tempts men to doubt their salvation.

If he can't cause a Christian to fall, because he's elect, he causes them to doubt their salvation, which renders them ineffective. He's subtle in that he tempts men to doubt their usefulness to God. Oh, what do I have?

You know, I can't preach. I'm not good with my words. I don't have resources. And just talk them down. Look closely at the nature of Satan's temptations. He's the accuser of the brethren. He lays the plot, entices men to sin, and then accuses them before God.

Revelation 12 .10 is where he's before the thrones, and he accuses day and night, it says. He's constantly. Isn't that just what he did with Job? Does Job serve you for nothing? Thomas Watson said, the devil is first a tempter, then an informer.

First a liar, then a murderer. I wish I had said that. No, it just struck me as being really good. God's purpose and Satan's purposes are not the same, even in the temptation. Satan tempts to entice you to sin.

God allows the temptation to try or test us. And the end of temptation, allowed by God, is always wise and holy. Yes?

I would just like to add to a point that you made before. I think also that Satan also tempts us by, if we don't understand God's attributes fully, especially if we've been through a time of suffering.

Sometimes he will coerce us or convince us that God is exactly like those who have hurt us or have sinned against us, especially if we don't have a good understanding of scripture, I would say.

That's, you're absolutely, you're right on point with that. That's an excellent point. That's why it's so crucial that we're not ignorant of his schemes, but that we understand how he's going to come to us and accuse us, but also the need for us to understand theology.

You know, for too long, theology is put on a shelf, and that's only for pastors and theologians and whatnot. But every Christian, I think it was R .C. Sproul that wrote the book. Everybody's a theologian.

Just a question of whether you're a good one or a bad one. And we need to be good theologians. By temptation, your love for God is tested. Remember Satan to God and Job, put forth your hand now and touch all that he has, he will surely curse you and to thy face.

But look at the good result. Job arose, tore his robe, shaved his head, he fell to the ground, and he worshiped. And he said, naked I came from my mother's womb, naked I shall return there. The Lord gave, the Lord has taken away.

Blessed be the name of the Lord. Through all this, Job did not sin, nor did he blame God. And this, we look at everything that Job went through, and here we are 3 ,000 years later at least, and look at we're still using Job to study by.

And he's an encouragement to how many people. By temptation is your courage tested. It's easy to say I love God when all's going well, but are you really ready to suffer or die for Christ? You know, in this country we talk about that, but very few people in the United States have had to die for their faith.

God allows his children to be tempted to keep them from pride. Peter was a proud man. Though everybody else leave you, I will not. And what did Jesus say? Satan has been asked permission to sift you like wheat, but I pray for you.

And when you are restored, that tells you something. When you are restored, you will help others. He was humbled by his failure. God permits temptation so that we may comfort one another. It's easier to comfort someone when you really understand, when you've gone through the same thing as them.

All right? And my wife and I have experienced that numerous times from things that have happened in our lives, coming into ministry and seeing other people going through similar circumstances, and we can empathize with them, and it's only because we went through the hard times.

We are told to avoid putting ourselves in the path of temptation. Romans 13, 14. This is, all right, I don't always give homework assignments. This is a homework assignment, all right? If you don't have this verse memorized, memorize it.

I'm going to give a test next week. Actually, I'm not teaching next week, so you're going to get a treat next week. Eli Aiella is going to be speaking to us next week from here. And if you've never heard Eli speak, you're in for a big treat.

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lust. What that verse is saying is stay away from sin. Don't put yourself in a position where you're to be tempted to sin, and that's why we need to memorize that.

That and 1 Corinthians 10, 13, those two verses. Therefore, when you pray, pray like this, lead us not into temptation. Questions? I'm trying to remember the point you had earlier when you said, lead us not into temptation, and you used temptation as like when we tempt God.

Does that also apply, like leading us not to like tempt God? Yeah, yes, that's a part of it. Because every time we walk in a manner that's displeasing to God, we're tempting Him from executing judgment on us.

And the reason He doesn't smite everybody is because He's a patient and long-suffering God. When Adam and Eve sinned, what could God have done? He could have struck them dead right on the spot and eliminated mankind completely.

But He's patient. Don't try God. Don't presume upon His patience and His mercy. Okay?