Lead Us Not Into Temptation

This particular sermon is entitled, “Lead Us Not Into Temptation.” And as the name implies, it concerns Jesus’ final petition in the Lord’s Prayer. This petition is simple and straightforward, but if we are thinking at all, it gives rise to a number of questions concerning the nature and purpose of temptation. The complexity of the topic can be seen in the fact that the Greek word for “temptation” in the Lord’s Prayer is elsewhere rendered “trial” and “test.” So, which is it – are they trials, tests, or temptations? Are they good or bad? Should we seek them or avoid them? And what is the source of trials, test, and temptations? Is it God, Satan, or our own desires? If they come from Satan or from our own sinful desires, is God sovereign over them? Does he use them for good in our lives? And what should be our attitude be toward trials, tests, and temptations? Should we be fearful or confident? All these questions and more are implicated by Jesus’ simple petition, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” And so we see once again that Jesus is not simply giving us something to pray, he is putting the truth in our mouths. I hope you enjoy the sermon. Thanks for listening. –Alan Burrow