The Lord’s Prayer
6-8-2011 Vol. 4 Part 9
Psalm 143:6-12 NKJV I spread out my hands to You; My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah Answer me speedily, O LORD; My spirit fails! Do not hide Your face from me, Lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies; In You I take shelter. Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. Revive me, O LORD, for Your name's sake! For Your righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble. In Your mercy cut off my enemies, And destroy all those who afflict my soul; For I am Your servant. Father God we praise your name, you are our one and only God, the creator and ruler of all things. We ask that you reach out and touch our loved ones that may not know you, or have gone astray and not living the way you desire them to live. We praise your holy name! You are awesome! Thank you Jesus! Amen!
Lead us not into temptation:
Have you ever really thought about this part of the Lord’s Prayer? Scripture states that God does not test us. James 1:13 NLT And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and He never tempts anyone else. If God never tempts us then why do we pray this, “Lead us not into temptation”? It kinda makes you think the Bible is contradicting itself. We do get led into trials to test our faith, but that is not being led into temptation. After all Jesus was led into the wilderness. Matthew 4:1 NLT Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. It is through trials and tribulations that make us stronger and more faithful Christians. Are we led into these trials by our flesh or Holy Spirit? I think we are led by both. James 1:14 NLT Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. We put ourselves in situations more than being led by the Spirit into them. Our human inherited sin nature is one of our biggest enemies when it comes to temptation. Galatians 5:17 NLT The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. We must be always aware of this and not put ourselves into situations where we are tempted to do wrong. Things that would lead us away from God like what is in Galatians 5:19-21 NLT When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. When trials and tribulations come along, stand fast so you can pass the test, because you will be rewarded for your faithfulness. James 1:12 NLT God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
Have you ever thought or wondered why Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted? After all Jesus is God, and He is pure and holy. Do you think Satan could have possibly thought he could cause Jesus to sin? This temptation by the devil shows us that Jesus was human, and it gave Jesus the opportunity to reaffirm God's plan for his ministry. It also gives us an example to follow when we are tempted. Jesus temptation was an important demonstration of his sinless nature. He would face temptation and not give in.
Jesus wasn't tempted inside the Temple or at his baptism but in the wilderness, where he was tired, alone, and hungry, and thus most vulnerable. The devil often tempts us when we are vulnerable, when we are under physical or emotional stress (for example, lonely, tired, weighing big decisions, or faced with uncertainty). But he also likes to tempt us through our strengths, where we are most susceptible to pride. We must guard at all times against his attacks.
The devil's temptations focused on three crucial areas: (1) physical needs and desires, (2) possessions and power, and (3) pride. (1 John 2:15-16 NLT Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.) Jesus did not give in. Hebrews 4:15 NLT This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. He knows firsthand what we are experiencing, and he is willing and able to help us in our struggles. When you are tempted, turn to him for strength.
God allows certain events to happen in our lives. Take Job for instance. God allowed Satan to put Job to the test to try and get Job to curse God. Job 1:11-12 NLT But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" 12 "All right, you may test him," the LORD said to Satan. "Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don't harm him physically." So Satan left the LORD's presence. Why do you suppose God allowed this to happen? Was it to prove a point to Satan or show us what true faithfulness is? God knew what the outcome would be. Job stood fast in his faithfulness to God. I think God allowed this to happen to show Satan that there are humans that have great will power to resist evil and also for us to have an example of what true faithfulness is when we have a difficult situation going on in our life. The book of Job is an inspiration to me when things aren’t going well. All I have to do is think about Job and what he went through and my problem is then diminished into a tiny speck. If you have never read the book of Job, I strongly suggest you read it and then recall it when things aren’t going well in your life.
What about Abraham? What kind of trial was this when he was told to sacrifice his only son? It was a trial of obedience and what was in Abraham’s heart. When he was about to kill Isaac, an angel of the Lord stopped him, and told him “Now I know that you fear God”. Genesis 22:12 NLT "Don't lay a hand on the boy!" the angel said. "Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from Me even your son, your only son." Again I ask you this, God knew what the outcome would be, so who’s benefit was this for? It was a trial of temptation. Abraham had to be tempted not to obey God at some point during the journey to Moriah. What human father couldn’t have the thought of not killing his only son? Temptation can reveal what is in our heart by showing us our willingness to do things we hadn’t imagined we’d do. We all have areas of our heart in need of God’s sanctification, and these areas can be revealed to us through temptation.
Can temptation of life issues be used to cleanse and sanctify us as Christians? Life’s issues, meaning a person traveling away from home whether it be for business or pleasure. (Like visiting a friend in another state for a few days.) When a family person travels away from home, Satan is right there tempting you to do immoral things. Thoughts enter the mind that normally would not in the home setting. Things like carousing with business acquaintances, bar hopping with your friend you haven’t seen in a long time, entering into immoral establishments, drinking too much, etc. What keeps a strong Christian person from sinning in these situations? It is reviewing what is most important to them: their spouse, children, family’s future, reputation, the love of God, etc. A review of these most important things should be enough water to douse the flames of temptation. If it isn’t, then there is a problem. See Galatians 5:19-21 above.
Can temptation exercise our will? Paul tells Timothy this pertaining to training; 1 Timothy 4:7-10 NLT Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." 9 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. 10 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. Never really thought about this much but this is very true. Thinking of my past life when I was living for Satan and then giving my life to Jesus, the temptation was very great at first with some things. As I grew as a child of God, the temptation of these things diminished to the point where it wasn’t an issue anymore. So temptation does exercise and strengthen our will to say no, like working out strengthens an athlete.
Can temptation be used by God to remind others of His grace and goodness? We have to answer that question with the events that Job endured. What comes to mind when you think about Job? Patience in waiting for God to answer questions, perseverance knowing God will not abandon you, position with God’s love for you, and peace by trusting in God. How we handle temptation in difficult situations can be a beacon of light for those around us. Think of Job and the four P’s when great tribulations arise, and Jesus Christ will shine through you.
So good things can come out of temptation, but we don’t want to go looking for ways to be tempted. We are human and we will fail without going out and looking for temptation, this is why we pray, “Lead us not into temptation”. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NLT If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure. If we go out looking for ways to test our faith, we may end up in a situation we can’t get out of, and besides that, being a Christian isn’t about looking for temptations.
There are six stages of temptation. Let’s take fornication or unwed couples living together as an example.
1.) Deceit; we don’t recognize it at first, even if it appears wrong. Rationalizing of the situation begins and we become comfortable in the presence of the temptation.
2.) Delight; Satan and our flesh encourage us to have a passion or desire for the thing we have been mulling over in our mind. We begin entertaining the desire in our mind in the form of pictures and thoughts.
3.) Desire; it is natural to desire what one delights in, so the next stage is full blown desire. We want the benefit or pleasure that we believe the source of the temptation can bring to us.
4.) Deliberation; we play with this thing in our mind. We weigh the pros and the cons, we think about the consequences, but not very seriously, we figure out how this thing can fit into our lives.
5.) Defeat; this occurs when we cross the line, we reach out to possess that which we have desired. Our deliberation becomes a decision.
6.) Despair; anyone who gives in to temptation, especially a major one, goes through a period of despair. The shame that comes after knowingly choosing to sin is overwhelming. If there is no shame and despair then this question has to be asked pertaining to the example above. Where do you stand with God? See Galatians 5:19-21 above.
Although we may feel guilty after being tempted, but we need to remember that temptation itself, is not sin. We sin, when we give in and disobey God (Ten Commandments). Remembering this will help us turn away from the temptation before committing the sin. There are four steps to combat temptation:
1.) Fight; resist the devil. James 4:6-10 NLT But He gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, "God opposes the proud but favors the humble." 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor.
2.) Follow; Jesus defeated temptation in the wilderness and we are to follow his example. 1 Peter 2:21-22 NLT For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps. 22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.
3.) Flee; run from situations that can lead us into temptation. 2 Timothy 2:22 NLT Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Romans 13:14 NLT Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. Joseph ran when Potiphar’s wife wanted him to sleep with her. Genesis 39:12 NLT She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, "Come on, sleep with me!" Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house.
4.) Food; when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness He quoted the Word of God each time He was tempted, it is written… it is written… it is written… We have to feed ourselves the Word of God to have the strength to say no to temptation. If we aren’t in the Word of God on a regular basis by reading it, taking it in, meditating on it, taking notes, we aren’t feed our spirit and providing it the vitamins and minerals to keep our spirit strong. We not only have to exercise to be strong, we also have to eat the correct spiritual diet.
We have to have the Word of God in our heart. Psalm 119:11 NLT I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Each day we need to put on the armor of God to fight off temptation.
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God!
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth,
Unless you are Born Again, you cannot enter into Heaven, the Kingdom of God."
Bill
Last Week’s Trivia: How many foxes did Sampson catch, and what did he do with them?
Answer: Answer: Judges 15:4-5 NKJV Then Samson went and caught three hundred foxes; and he took torches, turned the foxes tail to tail, and put a torch between each pair of tails. 5 When he had set the torches on fire, he let the foxes go into the standing grain of the Philistines, and burned up both the shocks and the standing grain, as well as the vineyards and olive groves. You will have to dig out your Bibles and see why he did this.
This week’s Trivia: What sin can never be forgiven?
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