Delivered From Temptation

Ruth

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

—Matthew 6:13

Every day is a battle. It’s not always a battle we see or understand. But because of our allegiance to Jesus, we are in a battle for our hearts and minds. Our Enemy would love nothing more than to disrupt, distract, and even destroy the good work God is doing in our lives.

We are tempted to despair.

Tempted to doubt.

We’d rather give up or give in.

We are tempted to coast.

Tempted to become weary.

We’d rather take it easy than be obedient.

Which is why Jesus, when He taught His disciples to pray, told them to pray for help in their times of weakness. In Matthew 6:13, Jesus said to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Is Jesus suggesting that God leads us into temptation? God certainly allows tests and trials into our lives for our good and for our growth. But God does not lead us toward sin or into sin (James 1:13).

Jesus was reminding us that every day really is a battle. Sin is up close and personal. It wages war against us and in us. We are to pray not to be enticed by sin when we encounter it. Jesus taught us to ask God for perspective. Wisdom. Protection. And most importantly, His power.

Where are you most tempted right now? What daily encounters have enticed you?

The good news is that we are not in this fight alone. The battle is not ours. It is God’s. And He has given us everything we need in Christ to overcome the temptations we all face.

Remember, because we are in Christ, we don’t fight for victory. We fight from a place of victory. Victory is already ours. Greater is He who is in us than He who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

So keep your eyes on Jesus. Root your life in His love. Be built up in the power that is yours in Christ. For He has promised to deliver you from every temptation.

Father, lead me not into temptation today. As I encounter sin, help me not be enticed by it. In Christ, You have already set me free from the power of sin. Your victory is mine. Fill me with Your strength and wisdom today as I seek to serve You in all I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where are you most tempted right now?

What is one way you can ask God to help you overcome sin?