One petition at a time, we have worked our way through the Lord’s Prayer. This week’s focus will be on the final petition: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (Matt. 6:13). Luke 11:4b reads, and lead us not into temptation.
Take a minute and consider the connection between the petition of Matt. 6:12: forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors and the prayer’s last petition of 6:13. As we are blessed with God’s forgiveness and grow more mature in our willingness to forgive others, the last thing we want - is to be enticed into those same old sins again.
Do you see any similarities in the petitions, Your kingdom come and deliver us from evil?
In an earlier lesson, we shared some ideas from Andrew Murray’s, With Christ in the School of Prayer regarding God’s kingdom.
The following is a summary of some of his comments:
Our Father is king of His kingdom, we are His children and heirs of all His riches. However, we are still living in enemy territory. During time of war and danger, the thing we want most is for His kingdom to come in all its’ glory. We can think of nothing else. “Your kingdom come” becomes the battle cry of the redeemed here on earth! AND… “deliver us from evil” could serve as the second line of that battle cry.
ASSIGNMENT:
1. Read Genesis 3. It is interesting that the first account in the Bible that describes an actual encounter and conversation between humans (Adam & Eve), and between that first couple and their God …also describes an encounter with ____________, Why do you think God want us to hear that story so early in creation history?
In Genesis 3, we learn about:
Temptation
Sin
Blaming others
Sin’s consequences
2. There is something else we learn in 3:15, what is it?
It is interesting that God provides Adam and Eve with their first glimpse of the remedy for their (and our) sin before he explains the consequences. The wording of this verse may be a little confusing – but essentially, God is describing the struggle that will go on between Satan and mankind - all through history. He also introduces His plan for man’s redemption –that Jesus Christ would eventually crush the serpent’s head and provide hope for the world.
3. Read Deuteronomy 8:1-19. What does Moses say is the reason that God led the Israelites around in the desert for 40 years?
4. Moses is preparing Israel for what lies ahead as they go in and live in the Promised Land. He issues a warning, what is it? In what ways is this warning applicable for us today?
5. What does Moses say Israel can expect if/when they forget and disobey the Lord God?
As we conclude our study today, look at the list below and circle possible areas that you think would most likely cause temptation/sin in your own life. You may think of others you could add.
Gossip An unforgiving heart
Pride Bitterness
Sexual temptation Laziness
Indifference to others Selfishness
Discouragement Unwholesome talk
Self-pity/worry Anger
It can be helpful if we are able to identify our vulnerabilities and ask our Father for courage in resisting Satan’s pull in those areas.
Lord, teach us to pray…Your kingdom come… deliver us from evil.
