It's a very odd thought, when we read this verse, that Jesus taught us to pray for the Father not to lead us into temptation - as if God might even consider doing that!
The Greek word for 'lead' (eisphero) has a sense of being brought or carried inward, into ourselves. But looking to our Lord Jesus, who was tempted severely in all ways by satan (the tempter – Matt 4:3) we may see in this phrase a request: that when satan seeks to lead us into areas within us that he perceives as weak, our Father would help us to stand firm under the attack, and face the temptation, as Jesus did, with the truth of God's Word – “It is written…”, and to take James' advice (“Submit to God: resist the devil and he will flee from you” - James 4:7).
This is the way to victory over temptation, so that we do not sin. It is a vital prayer for protection – 'Lord, do not let us be carried into areas of weakness without the strength that You have provided to be overcomers'. God has given us full armour that we must put on daily, and He has promised that we would not be tempted beyond what we can bear, but will provide a way for us to stand up under it (to resist the temptation).
Tempting vs Testing
We are not invulnerable, and the enemy is aware of our areas of weakness. Paul (1 Tim 6:9) and James (1:2, KJV) warn of 'falling' into a trap of temptation as if it was something that might catch us unawares, something that we cannot prevent. But God does not tempt anyone (James 1:13). The tempter is our adversary, the accuser, the one who deceives, as he did so subtly with Eve in the Garden, sowing doubt and rebellion through worldly sin, lusts and deception – “Did God say…?” (Gen 3:6).
In contrast, God tests or proves His people to keep them from sinning (Ex 20:20), and to look for commitment to love Him and to depend on His provision. Abraham was tested in his faith (Gen 22) through offering Isaac, and Israel was tested many times in the desert to humble them through hunger or thirst, to show them that man should live by His Word, and to prove what was in their hearts concerning obedience (Deut 8:2).
Even when they provoked Him, worshipping foreign gods (idolatry), He reminded them that if they sought Him with all their hearts and souls, they would find Him (Deut 4:25-31). When God tests people, he does so to build them up, to bring them back into the path He has prepared to bless them. All His ways are just and faithful (Deut 32:4).
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death (Prov 14:12). When satan tempts people, like he did Eve, it is to bring them down, and ultimately to kill them.
Victory and Opportunity
I had a Christian friend who, at a conference in San Francisco, was persuaded to join colleagues to go out for the evening. It was suggested that they should go to a bar with almost naked dancers. He thought hard how to get out of this, and said he would only be in San Francisco once and really wanted to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge for his children.
So they called him a 'spoil-sport' but changed their plans, went to the bridge and had a quiet meal afterwards. This wisdom led to victory over the temptation, and also became an opportunity to share about the holiness of God with colleagues.
Deliverance from Evil
We do also need to be delivered from the evil ways of those who submit to wickedness, especially subtle things like gossip, half-truths, and accepted worldly actions and images. This deliverance is also part of our Father's protection for us. If we are conformed to this world's ways, we are enemies of God and likely to be deceived by temptation into seeking riches, power, reputation or selfish lifestyles independent of God – all idols that replace the holy nature of God in our lives.
Many have chosen the evils of corruption or violence to achieve their goals. Along with continuing 'normal' human activities that exclude God, these are features characteristic of the days of Noah, that Jesus commented on as evidence of the days before His return. While there is much good in the world, and compassion for those in need (as we saw following the Grenfell Tower tragedy), we can see evil, rebellion and wickedness increasing sharply in recent decades. We do need to be delivered (Greek rhusai, rescued) from the evil one also.
Choose to Stand in the Lord
God is not mocked. Faced with temptations, like our Lord Jesus, we have a choice. In His love and mercy for His Creation, He has given guidance, instruction, and full armour against the dark powers of this world that tempt us, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph 6:12-18) so that we can be strong in the Lord, and stand our ground under attacks of temptations and trials of many kinds.
We need His strength in these end days before our Lord returns, and He calls us again to be witnesses to Him, but in His strength, His provision, and under His protection. Thank you, Abba.
Author: Greg Stevenson