Temptation is the tempters' cup of tea. James 1:13 states “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:” This is a self-truth. If God tempted us, He would act contrary to His Holy nature. Further in I Peter 1:16, we learn “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” This further negates that temptation is from God. Thus, His desire for us is to be holy. Including a request for God not to lead us into temptation teaches us that avoiding temptation should be one of the primary concerns of the Christian life.
Our prayer to God to "lead us not into temptation" is a plea to God to protect us, to guide us from situations and circumstances that may lure us into sinful action. What Jesus is teaching us to pray is that God will not allow or permit us to be tempted. God will certainly never allow temptation to lead us to sin, but He does allow it to strengthen us. It is best to clarify that temptation per se is not sin, but succumbing to temptation is sin. The Lord even promises that He will provide a way out of temptation. I Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” There are certain places, people, and circumstances that seem to be dangerous to us, in terms of interrupting our desire to honour God. We ask God to help keep us clear of this and to set our eyes on Him so we will not be tempted to stray.
"Temptation" sometimes also refers to trials or hardships. We know that God can use suffering in our lives to produce godly character. James 1:2–4 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” Those who seek to live a godly life will encounter persecution. II Timothy 3:12 “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” God knows that our exposure to temptation can build our spiritual strength. Our prayer is that we submit ourselves to God's will. As we cede control to God, we ask Him to keep us protected and give us the strength we need if temptation is allowed.
That God leads His people is an important theme of the Scripture. The book of Psalms is filled with pleas for God to lead us in His ways. Psalms 5:8 “Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.” Along with leading us toward good, we understand that we are asking God to lead us away from evil. The petition in the Lord’s Prayer not to be led into temptation reflects the believer’s desire to avoid the dangers of sin altogether.
David prayed a similar prayer in Psalm 141:4: " Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties."
Dr Ashwin Drummond
Laddertoheaven.co.in