Of course, we must be careful when we read the words, “lead us not into temptation.” We don’t assume that God ever tempts us to sin. That is against his nature, and against His Word, as we read in James 1:13:
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desires, he is dragged away and enticed.”
Nonetheless, we know that God does allow us to be tempted so that our faith might be strengthened and we might depend even more upon Him. Thus, Job was allowed to face trials, and Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to face the temptation of Satan. These
tests were not from God, but God allowed them for His purposes.
If temptation is unavoidable – and such trials can be used by God for our benefit - why should we ask God to keep us from them?
A helpful explanation is found in the Greek use of “into.” Note that Jesus doesn’t say, “lead us not to temptation,” but “lead us not into temptation.” A.C. Deane writes:
In Greek the movement "into" denotes a change for the person approaching not merely of outward position, but of inward condition. To "enter into" the Kingdom of God is much more
than to stand within the Kingdom; it is to yield to its claims, to be dominated by it, to take its law as the law of one's being.
We all face temptation. But entering into temptation, that is, yielding to it and allowing it to master us, can be avoided. And that’s what we ask God to keep us from doing.
As Jesus asked for his disciples,
“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” - John 17:15
Junior Soldier Enrollment Sunday program materials and sermon by Major Christine Rock, Territorial Youth Spiritual Formation Director (http://www.sacrossconnections.com/crossLinks/JS%20enrollment%20Camp/2006%20Enrollment%20Sunday%20message.pdf)
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