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“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
These are the words of Jesus Himself in the pattern prayer we often call “the Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:13).
Let us look at what the Word of God says:
> “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
> — 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)
This song gathers together the central New Testament revelation about temptation, spiritual warfare, and God’s faithfulness to deliver. It ties the prayer of Jesus (Matthew 6:13), the warning of Paul (1 Corinthians 10:13), the command of James (James 4:7), the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11), the exhortation of Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:41), the high priestly ministry of Christ (Hebrews 4:15), and the assurance of Peter (2 Peter 2:9).
The central theme is this:
God does not abandon His people to temptation. He provides grace, a way of escape, spiritual weapons, and a faithful High Priest so that we may stand, resist, and overcome.
This is not theory. This is spiritual warfare at the most practical level: how you deal with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the pride of life, the subtle schemes of Satan, and the weakness of your own humanity.
### a) The Prayer of Jesus – Matthew 6:13
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He gave them a pattern, not a ritual. One of the central petitions was:
> “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
> — Matthew 6:13
Here Jesus assumes several things:
1. There is such a thing as temptation.
2. There is a real personal being called “the evil one” (Greek: ho ponēros) – Satan.
3. God is sovereign over the circumstances in which temptation occurs.
4. We are to be actively dependent on God for protection and deliverance.
These words were spoken in the Sermon on the Mount to Jewish disciples living under Roman occupation, in a world full of religious hypocrisy, political oppression, and moral corruption. Jesus equips them with a prayer that recognizes the reality of spiritual conflict and human weakness.
### b) Paul and the Corinthian Church – 1 Corinthians 10:13
The church in Corinth was a troubled church:
To that church Paul writes:
> “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful…”
He is addressing believers under pressure from their environment, their culture, and their own carnal nature. They are not unique in their trials, but they are in danger of imagining that their situation is exceptional and therefore excusable.
Paul confronts that deception with three truths:
1. Your temptation is common.
2. God is faithful.
3. There is always a way of escape.
### c) James and the Scattered Believers – James 4:7
James writes to Jewish believers scattered among the nations. They are facing trials, persecutions, inner conflicts, and worldliness. James addresses double-mindedness, friendship with the world, and spiritual adultery.
He gives this clear directive:
> “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
> — James 4:7
This is warfare language. Submission to God and resistance to Satan are two sides of one spiritual act. You cannot resist the devil effectively if you are not submitted to God.
### d) Paul’s Revelation of Spiritual Armor – Ephesians 6:11
To the Ephesian church, living in a city filled with occult practices and demonic activity, Paul reveals:
> “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
> — Ephesians 6:11
Here temptation is part of “the wiles” (methods, stratagems) of the devil. God does not leave us defenseless; He gives us armor.
### e) Jesus in Gethsemane – Matthew 26:41
In the garden, just before the cross, Jesus warns His disciples:
> “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
> — Matthew 26:41
They are on the edge of the greatest spiritual crisis of their lives. Their failure here will not be for lack of warning, but for lack of watchfulness and prayer.
### f) The High Priest Who Was Tempted – Hebrews 4:15
The writer to the Hebrews, addressing weary believers tempted to turn back, reveals:
> “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
> — Hebrews 4:15
Jesus knows temptation from the inside, yet He never sinned. Therefore He can both sympathize and empower.
### g) Peter’s Assurance – 2 Peter 2:9
Peter, warning about false teachers and judgment, inserts this ray of hope:
> “Then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment.”
> — 2 Peter 2:9
God’s ability to judge the wicked is matched by His ability to deliver the godly.
All these passages converge in the theme of the song: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
Not a vague wish, but a well-grounded biblical expectation.
### a) “Temptation” – Greek: *peirasmos* (πειρασμός)
The key word in Matthew 6:13 and 1 Corinthians 10:13 is *peirasmos*.
*Peirasmos* has a wider range than our English word “temptation.” It can mean:
The related verb *peirazō* means “to test, to try, to tempt.”
Context determines whether the emphasis is on testing (often neutral or positive, as in proving faith) or tempting (soliciting to evil).
James clarifies this distinction:
> “Let no one say when he is tempted (*peirazō*), ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”
> — James 1:13
God may permit *peirasmos* as testing, but He does not originate evil suggestions or solicitations to sin. Satan is the tempter (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5).
So when we pray, “Lead us not into *peirasmos*,” we are saying:
This harmonizes perfectly with 1 Corinthians 10:13: God sets the limit and provides the escape.
### b) “Deliver” – Greek: *rhýomai* (ῥύομαι)
The word “deliver” in “deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13) is *rhýomai*.
*Rhýomai* means:
It is used in:
This is not a weak, passive word. It implies a powerful intervention. God does not merely advise us how to escape; He rescues, He draws us out, He snatches us from the grip of danger.
So, taken together:
The lyrics echo this:
“Lead us not into temptation / But deliver us from the evil one… / The Lord knows how to rescue the godly / From every trial and every snare.”
### Stanza 1
> Lead us not into temptation
> But deliver us from the evil one
> You never tempt us beyond what we can bear
> When trials come, You always make a way out
> So we can stand strong under it
> Keep us safe from the enemy’s schemes
This stanza combines Matthew 6:13 and 1 Corinthians 10:13.
#### a) God’s Sovereign Protection in Temptation
“You never tempt us beyond what we can bear” reflects the truth:
> “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able…”
> — 1 Corinthians 10:13
Note:
This deals with a common lie in spiritual warfare:
“I cannot help myself. My situation is unique. My temptation is too strong.”
The Word of God says otherwise: it is common, and God is faithful.
#### b) “A Way Out” – The Escape Route
“When trials come, You always make a way out / So we can stand strong under it.”
Paul says God will:
> “…with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
> — 1 Corinthians 10:13
Notice:
So God’s “escape” can be:
#### c) The Enemy’s Schemes
“Keep us safe from the enemy’s schemes.”
This resonates with Ephesians 6:11:
> “…that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
The Greek word is *methodeia*, from which we get “methods.” Satan is systematic. He watches, studies, and plans. He uses:
We are not called to be ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11), but to stand against them with the armor of God.
### Refrain
> And lead us not into temptation
> But deliver us from the evil one
Every return to this refrain is a fresh act of humility and dependence. The mature believer never outgrows this prayer. Spiritual maturity does not mean self-confidence; it means deeper God-dependence.
### Stanza 2
> No temptation has overtaken you
> That isn’t common to everyone
> God is faithful—He won’t let you be tested
> Beyond what you can endure
> He’ll provide the way of escape
> So you can stand up under it every time
This is a close paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 10:13.
#### a) “Common to Man”
“No temptation has overtaken you that isn’t common to everyone.”
Isolation is one of Satan’s greatest psychological weapons. He whispers:
Scripture contradicts this. Your temptations belong to the common stock of human experience. Others have faced them. Others have overcome them. God has already provided grace for them.
#### b) Tested Versus Destroyed
“He won’t let you be tested beyond what you can endure.”
God permits testing to refine your faith (1 Peter 1:6–7), but He does not permit overthrow for those who trust Him. The testing is limited by His wisdom and governed by His faithfulness.
### Stanza 3
> Submit yourselves to God
> Resist the devil and he will flee from you
> Draw near to God and He will draw near to you
> Put on the full armor of God
> Stand firm with truth, righteousness, and faith
> The shield that puts out all the flaming arrows
This stanza weaves James 4:7–8 and Ephesians 6:11–16.
#### a) Twofold Strategy: Submit and Resist
“Submit yourselves to God / Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
Notice the order:
1. Submit to God – align your will, your attitudes, your lifestyle under His authority.
2. Resist the devil – actively oppose, refuse, and stand against his suggestions and pressures.
Many try to resist without submitting. That is a recipe for defeat.
#### b) Draw Near to God
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
Temptation often gains power in distance from God. The more we neglect prayer, the Word, and fellowship, the more exposed we become. Closeness to God is protective. It restores spiritual sensitivity.
#### c) The Armor of God
“Put on the full armor of God / Stand firm with truth, righteousness, and faith / The shield that puts out all the flaming arrows.”
Paul lists:
The “flaming arrows” are:
Faith, based on God’s Word, extinguishes them. You answer every lie with God’s truth.
### Stanza 4
> Watch and pray so you don’t fall into temptation
> The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak
> Jesus Himself was tempted in every way
> Yet never sinned—He understands our struggle
> He’s our high priest, full of mercy and grace
> Run to Him for help in your time of need
This stanza brings in Matthew 26:41 and Hebrews 4:15–16.
#### a) Watch and Pray
“Watch and pray so you don’t fall into temptation.”
Failure to watch and pray is the direct cause of many spiritual collapses. The disciples slept; then they fled in panic when Jesus was arrested.
Two disciplines are required:
#### b) The Weakness of the Flesh
“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
The believer has a renewed spirit that desires God, but still lives in mortal flesh with its weaknesses, habits, and limitations. To ignore the weakness of the flesh is presumption. To excuse sin because of weak flesh is unbelief. Jesus calls us to realism: willing spirit, weak flesh, therefore watch and pray.
#### c) The Sympathetic High Priest
“Jesus Himself was tempted in every way
Yet never sinned—He understands our struggle
He’s our high priest, full of mercy and grace
Run to Him for help in your time of need”
Hebrews 4:15–16 reveals:
The throne is a throne of grace, not of condemnation, for those who come through Jesus.
In temptation, your primary resource is not your willpower, but your High Priest.
### Stanza 5
> The Lord knows how to rescue the godly
> From every trial and every snare
> Stay alert, keep watching, keep praying
> Victory is ours through the One who overcame
> He crushed the enemy, broke the power of sin
> In Him we stand delivered, free, and safe
Here 2 Peter 2:9 is combined with the victory of Christ.
#### a) The Lord Knows How
“The Lord knows how to rescue the godly / From every trial and every snare.”
You may not know how. He does. His knowledge is practical. It is not theory. He knows:
Your part is trust and obedience.
#### b) Stay Alert
“Stay alert, keep watching, keep praying.”
This is New Testament vigilance:
#### c) Victory in the Overcomer
“Victory is ours through the One who overcame
He crushed the enemy, broke the power of sin
In Him we stand delivered, free, and safe”
The foundation of all our victory is the finished work of Christ:
We are not trying to achieve a victory; we are enforcing a victory that Christ already won. We stand in Him:
### Final Refrain
> And lead us not into temptation
> But deliver us from the evil one
The entire theological structure of the New Testament about temptation is summarized in this prayer. It is a daily, humble, confident appeal to the faithfulness of God and the finished work of Christ.
The teaching of Scripture is not given for theory, but for practice. Let us consider some practical steps.
### 1. Align Your Theology About Temptation
First, we must reject unscriptural ideas:
We must embrace biblical truth:
Make a conscious decision: I will agree with the Word of God, not with my feelings or Satan’s accusations.
### 2. Establish a Lifestyle of “Watch and Pray”
Second, we must cultivate vigilance:
Combine:
Do not wait until you are in the middle of a temptation to begin praying. Sow into your future by praying ahead of time.
### 3. Practice Submission and Resistance
Third, we must apply James 4:7:
You cannot resist in silence only. Spiritual warfare is often vocal. Use the sword of the Spirit by speaking the Word.
### 4. Put On the Armor and Use the Escape
Fourth, we must daily “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11–18):
Then, take the way of escape when it appears:
When you sense the pressure building, look deliberately for the way of escape. Expect it. God promised it.
### Proclamation (Confession of Faith)
Say this aloud, thoughtfully and deliberately:
> I proclaim that God is faithful.
> No temptation will overtake me except what is common to man.
> God will not allow me to be tempted beyond what I am able.
> With every temptation He provides a way of escape,
> so that I may be able to endure and stand.
> I submit myself to God.
> I resist the devil, and he must flee from me.
> I draw near to God, and He draws near to me.
> I put on the whole armor of God:
> truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation,
> and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
> Jesus, my High Priest, was tempted in every way as I am, yet without sin.
> He understands my weakness and gives me mercy and grace to help.
> The Lord knows how to deliver me, a godly one in Christ,
> out of every trial and every snare.
> In Jesus, the enemy is defeated, the power of sin is broken,
> and I stand delivered, free, and safe.
> Therefore I can pray with confidence:
> “Father, lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from the evil one.”
> Amen.
### Prayer
Father,
In the name of Jesus, I acknowledge my weakness and Your faithfulness. I renounce every lie that says my temptation is too strong or my case is hopeless. I ask You today: order my steps, govern my circumstances, and keep me from the snares of the evil one.
Lord Jesus, my High Priest, I come to Your throne of grace. I receive Your mercy for every past failure, and I ask for fresh grace to help in my present battles. Teach me to watch and pray. Show me the way of escape in every situation, and strengthen me by Your Spirit to take it.
Holy Spirit, fill me afresh. Make me sensitive to danger, quick to submit to God, and bold to resist the devil. Clothe me with the full armor of God. Let the Word of God live in my heart and on my lips as a sharp, two-edged sword.
Father, I thank You that You know how to rescue the godly out of temptations. I trust Your wisdom and Your power. I declare that my life belongs to You, and I choose to walk in the victory of Jesus Christ over sin, Satan, and the world.
In the mighty name of Jesus,
Amen.
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