Do Not Lead Us Into Temptation

DO NOT LEAD US INTO TEMPTATION. Matthew 6.13. (MKJV)

Notice today’s text in the New King James version. It says, “Do not lead us not into temptation”. This would give you the impression that it is God who leads you into temptation! But the Bible teaches us clearly that, “when tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me’. For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone” (Jas 1.13).

The apostle James explains ‘how and why’ we sin? “Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (Jas 1.14,15).

While God doesn’t lead you into temptation, the Bible teaches that He can both ‘allow you to be tempted or keep you from being tempted!’ Look with me at today’s text in two other versions of the Bible which make these principles clear: ‘Don't allow us to be tempted. (GOD’S WORD VERSION) ‘Keep us from being tempted’ (CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION). Both are in God’s power and so we pray, “Do not lead us into temptation”.

Think of some sin that you have committed in the past. You told a lie, stole money, or committed adultery. Had circumstances been different, you wouldn’t have been tempted and committed those sins. Think of Achan not having seen ‘the tempting gold bar’ (Jos 7.21) or King David not having spotted ‘the tempting bathing beauty, Bethsehba!’ (2 Sam 11.2). Here lies the importance of praying to our Father every day, ‘Lead us not into temptation’ or ‘Don't allow us to be tempted’ or ‘Keep us from being tempted’! Don’t take this prayer lightly. Jesus wouldn’t have asked us to pray this prayer if it wasn’t for our safety. Keep praying it without ceasing and you may stay away from sin!

One other point of importance to us is: The word ‘temptation’ is translated ‘trial’ in some versions. Trials are our common experience. They may be severe at times. The Lord teaches us that we can and we need to pray to our Father in heaven to ‘keep us from trials’ or not to allow them in our lives! Surely He will deliver you from many.

Pray and practise with me: Dear Lord, I thank You for teaching me to pray daily, ‘Lead me not into temptation (and trials)’. Hear my prayer O, Father, Amen.