Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Lead Us Not Into Temptation, But Deliver Us From Evil

Matthew 6:13 NIV

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

I. TWO PETITIONS, ONE REQUEST (v. 13)Two Aspects of One Plea

"The sinner whose evil in the past has been forgiven longs to be delivered from its tyranny in the future."John Stott

Think about the flow of the Lord's Prayer:

• We've prayed for forgiveness for past sins (v. 12)

• Now we pray for deliverance from future sins (v. 13)

The Natural Flow

1. God's holiness to be respected (v. 9)

2. God's kingdom to be realized (v. 10)

3. Our daily needs to be met (v. 11)

4. Our forgiveness to be received (v. 12)

5. Our victory over temptation and evil (v. 13)

II. THE NATURE OF EVIL (v. 13b)Evil or The Evil One?

The Greek word translated as "evil" is ponēros. This word can be translated:

• “Evil” (as in evil in general)

• “The evil one” (as in Satan specifically)

The Reality of Evil

Whether or not Satan is behind all the evil in the world doesn't change the fact that there is evil in the world.

God as Our Protector

The source of protection from such evil is God, whose kingdom believers are taught to pray will be realized on earth.

III. LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION (v. 13a)

"Lead us not into temptation..."

A Theological Puzzle

Does God tempt us?

James 1:13 NIV

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

The MeaningTrials vs. Temptation

James 1:2 NIV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

Here's the key: Trials are not the same as temptation.

• Trials = External circumstances that test our faith (can strengthen us)

• Temptation = Enticement to sin (can destroy us)

IV. WE NEED A GUIDE (v. 13)Trusting the Guide

• We don't know the way on our own

• The journey is long and we're tempted to doubt

• We need a guide who knows the terrain

• We're asking God to be that guide

V. DELIVERANCE (v. 13b)

"...but deliver us from evil."

God as Our Deliverer

Not:

• "God, make sure I never face hard times"

• "God, give me a comfortable life with no challenges"

But:

• "God, when I face trials, deliver me"

• "God, when temptation comes, give me a way out"

• "God, when evil threatens, protect me"

The Promise of Deliverance

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

VI. WHO DO YOU TURN TO? (Application)Two Paths

PATH 1: Turn to God

Result: The trial strengthens your faith, deepens your dependence on God, and refines your character.

PATH 2: Turn to Something Else

Result: The trial leads you into sin, distances you from God, and damages your soul.

The Critical Moment

The critical moment is that first moment of adversity—when the trial hits, when the temptation comes, when the hardship begins.

Building the Habit

This is why Jesus teaches us to pray this prayer daily.

The Complete Prayer

Matthew 6:9–13 KJV 1900

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.