What is temptation? It is an invitation or suggestion to sin. It touches all of us, younger and older. It can come subtly or openly. It can come suddenly or gradually. It can come persistently. It will be here with us until the Lord takes us home. But what does this phrase mean? "Lead us not into temptation"? Surely God does not lead us into temptation. Dr. A. T. Robertson, a noted Greek scholar, translated the phrase this way: "Do not allow us to be led into temptation". Saint Augustine translated it the same way. We could say, "Keep us from situations where temptation will be too strong for us. Defend us from the attacks of Satan, the attractions of the world and from our own wrong desires." When we fail to pray this simple child-like prayer from our heart, we are exposing ourselves to unnecessary upset and failure. Is Satan behind every temptation? The answer could be "Yes and No". Satan certainly brings temptation but it also has two very strong allies. One is the world around us - the world of men away from God, the world of greed and materialism. It is filled with lies, deceit and dishonesty. It can however be tremendously attractive. Then there is our old nature which is within us. It wants to please itself. It is attracted by the world. It shows up in jealousy, in a critical spirit, in bad temper and hatred. A spark of temptation can set all these things aflame. The solution? A cry to our Heavenly Father – "Deliver us from evil". He can do it. He wants to do it. He waits to do it. He is only a prayer away. Turn to 1 Corinthians 10:13 and read it over and over until its truth grips your heart. Then when you are tempted, call on your Heavenly Father. "Deliver me, Lord. Save me. Rescue me now. Strengthen me. Keep me. May I have victory now! I am your child. Thank you Father." Ask the Saviour to help you... He is willing to aid you. HE WILL CARRY YOU THROUGH. |
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