Keep us from temptation is part of the Lord’s prayer because the Lord knows our weaknesses. We can better resist temptation when it is far from us. Adam and Eve fell into sin because they relied on their strength and became easily manipulated by satan. Instead of staying away from the tree, they were not to eat from, they went and stood by it. As people, we can fall into the same trap as Adam and Eve, which shows us how vital praying for God’s help is. We may say the Lord’s prayer, but are we meditating on its words?
Jesus taught His disciples this prayer. Matthew 6: 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’[1]
Run From Temptation
In our story, the woman caught in adultery was shown mercy and compassion by Jesus. She thought she would be stoned until Jesus intervened, and she had hope. John 8:10Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” [2]
Every Christian faces temptation. Satan even tempted Jesus, as we read in Matthew 4! So, how can you and I resist the urge to give in? How can we stay strong? We just mentioned the Lord’s prayer, but what other things can you and I do?
Did you ever play with a couple of magnets as a child? If you did, you’ll remember that the closer they got to each other, the harder it was to pull them apart. Temptation is similar to that. The more you dwell on it and the closer you let it get to you, the stronger its attraction will be.
The first step you need to take is to flee from whatever is tempting you. Get as far from it as possible. The Apostle Paul gave this advice to his young friend, Timothy. 2 Timothy 2:22 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. [3]
Fill Your Mind with Good Things
The battle of temptation begins in our minds because our actions start with our thoughts. This is why the Lord calls us to spend time on good things. Philippians 4: 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then, the God of peace will be with you. [4] Let the light of Jesus guide you away from temptation. You can trust Him to keep you out of the dark.
Lord, keep us from temptation. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/light-in-sin
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.