What to pray: Lead us not into temptation

LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL. The thought of God leading someone into temptation seems wrong to some. How could God, who is too holy to look on sin, lead anyone to sin. They may also quote from James, where we read, “Let no one say when he is tempted . . . and He Himself tempts no one.” The current Pope suggests the following translation: “Do not let us fall into temptation.” Only a person who hates sin and loves righteousness can pray in this manner. 1. THE INDISPUTABLE FACT THAT GOD LEADS HIS CHILDREN INTO TRIALS AND TEMPTATION. Gen 22:1,2 “After these thing, God tested Abraham . . . ” Matt 4:1-4 “And Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil . . . ” This is a reality that we are led into trials in our Christian lives. “That’s what life is: endless choices between belief and unbelief, obedience and disobedience. But, O mighty God, forbid that I would yield. Hold me back from stepping inside the temptation [John Piper]”  2. THE INCREDIBLE REQUEST ‘LORD DO NOT LEAD US INTO TEMPTATION’ Does this not seem to go against what we have just seen that God leads us intontemptation? The Lord who tells us to put on the armour of God is the One who leads us into the battle. As God’s children we know our weakness. They know that while they have hatred for sin and they have a deep desire to please God, yet they fail Him so often. This petition is: I love you Lord, I hate sin. I know my sin and weakness; please do not take me near sin and temptation, for I fear my own weakness. I remember the times I have failed you before. He leads us into trials so that our faith and love may be tested and refined more and more as we progress in our pilgrimage. 3. THE INEVITABLE PRAYER ‘BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL’  When we are very ill, we inevitably ask for help. Surely when we are being tested, we will cry out from the depths of our soul. Ps 69:1 Save me O God, for the waters have come upto my neck . . .  Ps 21:1 I lift up my eyes to the hills from whence my help comes. We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to His children.  1Cor 10:11-13.

Jesus has lovingly taught us how to prayer. Let us put this great prayer into practice.