GOD'S FIGHT

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Matthew 6:13

What do you think about when you think about temptation?

What thoughts come to mind when we think about evil?

Whether you see the evil in this world as primarily housed in impersonal structures or if you believe there is a demon behind every individual decision to rebel, Jesus addresses the evil that is both personal and structural in our world in this prayer. 

To pray this prayer is to be conscripted into war—war against the flesh, the world, and the devil.

LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION

We pray that God would not lead us into temptation. Does this mean that God is the author of temptation? 

Surely not! “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire’ (James 1:13–14).” And yet we pray, "Lord, lead us not into temptation"! 

Where are you tempted in this season of your life? Have you named it? Are you being tempted to find your satisfaction in the ‘stuff of life’? Are you being tempted to relapse into your old coping mechanisms? Are you being tempted to compromise at work?

Stop and pray right now and ask God to lead you not into your particular version of temptation.

DELIVER US FROM EVIL

We also pray that God would deliver us from evil. 

Some translations will read: the Evil One. And this text can very well mean that and theologically makes perfect sense. 

Peter reminds us: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). And so evil is not just an impersonal force, but a real personal entity. 

Wesley Hill in The Lord’s Prayer reminds us: “What we need to be rescued from isn’t just the devices and desires of our own wayward hearts, as real and dangerous as those are, but also the malevolence of a personal being bent on your suffering.”

Stop and pray right now and ask God to deliver you from the evil One.

We can be comforted that God has not left us to our own devices as we fight the evil that comes from within us, is institutionalised, and personal. 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand, therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:10–18

Lord, may it be so.