‘Temptation’ suggests an appeal to do something forbidden, with many examples. However, the word Jesus used when telling us to pray “lead us not into temptation” can also mean a ‘trial’ such as Jesus experienced in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1ff) or that James describes as a spiritual character builder (James 1:2-4). Trials can be temptations only if we respond to them in a sinful way.
This is what Jesus wants me to pray about: that our Father does not lead me into trials that become an irresistible temptation that leads to sin. God also promises:
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
The way of escape will be there, yet praying to be delivered from trials that will overcome me is important. I cannot do it myself or I would not need Jesus. Besides, this prayer reminds me that I cannot rely on my own strength and need His power to defeat sin. It is a prayer of humility.
It is also a prayer that reminds me to keep short accounts with God. If I harbor sin in my heart, it ruins my usefulness, stifles my joy, and robs prayer of its power. “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” (Psalm 66:18)
Sin is the biggest reason for unanswered prayer and often, sin is not noticed or called sin. We tend to put it in categories, calling the worst sins those that we do not do, and excusing others as ‘forgiven’ without realizing that gossip, holding grudges, judging others, or envy puts us apart from God in the same prison cell as murder, adultery, and robbery. Nothing makes our prayer life more difficult than sin. ‘Big’ or ‘little’ — both cross the line.
Resisting temptation requires spiritual discipline and divine resources. Think of Joseph’s trials. He was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused by an adulterous woman, and unjustly imprisoned by a jealous husband, yet knew that God was with him all those years and in all situations. He could eventually say to his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to . . . preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil to destroy Him. He passed those tests using Scripture truth as His defense. This reveals my part in defeating sin.
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11)
Jesus, You said that in this world we will have trouble. Trials will come but it is not God’s will that I let them become temptations. I need Your wisdom and strength to even recognize a temptation, never mind overcome it. I also need great willingness to say NO to selfish or self-protecting responses and trust You to use all trials to shape my life and teach me greater reliance on You. Help me see trials also as a way to bring You glory. And because You say US, may all Your children also see trials according to Your purposes rather than letting them lead them into temptation. Deliver us, dear Jesus, from the evil one.
MORE HELP: What do these verses say about resisting temptation: Matthew 26:41, Ephesians 6:10–18, and James 4:7?
No comments:
Post a Comment