“And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” - Matthew 6:13 (ESV)
The Lord’s Prayer truly covers all our needs. First, it covers our physical and material needs as we ask the Father to give us this day our daily bread. Our spiritual needs are addressed as we ask the Father to forgive our debts. As you recall, we incurred this debt through our sinfulness. The next petition also addresses our sinfulness but this time we ask the Father for protection from future sins. The phrase “lead us not into” can be understood as a plea for God to keep us from falling into the hand, power, and influence of sin as we are tempted.
The word temptation can mean either testing or trial. Trials are part of the Christian life. God sometimes allows trials to come to our lives as a means to developing persevering faith that leads to spiritual maturity and godly character.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
– James 1:2-4 (NIV)
It can also mean as an enticement to sin. Now one thing must be made clear, this petition does not imply that God will tempt us and cause us to sin.
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
– James 1:13-15 (NIV)
Notice the progression, temptation arises from our evil desire which leads us to commit acts of sin. Temptation abounds in many situations. The temptation to be proud and feel self-sufficient arises from success. Lustful desires can be aroused while browsing the Internet in the privacy of our homes and the urge to peek at an adult website pops up. The temptation of unbelief will come during times of great suffering. The temptation of self-righteousness arises as we point out other people’s flaws.
This is why we must pray this petition every day. We must acknowledge our human weakness. We must recognize this daily battle against the sinful nature. We must realize that sin is not yet completely eradicated from our lives (Romans 7:13-25). By praying, we recognize that it is Jesus Christ who rescues us from giving in to temptation. He knows our weakness for he himself was tempted.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.
– Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
And indeed the Father will answer this prayer. The Bible assures us that there is a way out of temptation and that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear.
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it.
– 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
The last thing to point out is that the heart of the one praying this petition must hate sin. The person who prays this also be doing all he can to avoid a situation whereby he is tempted. (Romans 6:1-2, Matthew 26:41). RT Kendall says, “You prove how strong you are not by how you cope when being tempted, but by seeing how far you can get from temptation.”
Let this prayer of David be our prayer :
Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
-Psalm 19:12-14 (NIV)
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