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The Lord's Prayer Part 5: And Do No Lead Us Into Temptaion

This can be a confusing part of the Lord’s Prayer… “Do not lead us into temptation…”  To some it gives the connotation that God would actually lead us into temptation but that would be in conflict with James 1:12-15 12:
 “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the LORD has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” Did you know being tempted is not a sin?  It is giving into the temptation that is.
This makes it quite clear that God does not tempt anyone or lead them into temptation but what tempts us is our own evil desire. Clearly God does not tempt us. So what does this mean?  I think Leonard Goffine, a German Catholic priest, explains it well. (6 December 1648 – 11 August 1719) "We ask God to avert all temptations or at least not to abandon us when we are tempted. We cannot, indeed, be entirely free from them in this world, they are even necessary and useful for our salvation: for without temptation there is not combat, without combat, no victory, and without victory no crown." 
As Jesus has said, those who overcome shall be saved (Rev. 2:7, 2:26).  We certainly have lots to overcome in this world which is impossible with human strength alone. But if we will learn to pray and ask for our Father’s help, he will give us the strength to overcome all temptations. What great news for us!
A modern writer put it this way; “God does not tempt us to sin; but He permits us to be tempted to try our fidelity or punish our pride and to give us an opportunity of meriting rewards for ourselves by overcoming the temptations….. He is our Father who corrects us so that we can live with Him forever in heaven.  ALLELUIA!”
The scripture gives us this wonderful promise.  “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.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 13)

Do you know God as your deliverer from temptation?  You can know Him personally, by forgiving others and asking Him for His forgiveness.  Surrender your life to Him by asking Him to come into your life.  Tell Him you want to be born-again. (John 3:3-8).  He is faithful to receive you and to cleanse you of all sin and give you a new life in Christ.  He is powerful enough to forgive and clean up the worst sinners there are, since He has promised not to reject anyone who comes to Him!
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:8-10) 

Pastor Gary A. Smith
New Life Christian Fellowship
Alpena, MI

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