Lead Us Not Into Temptation

Lead us not into temptation…

James 1:13-15 NKJV

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. [14] But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. [15] Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, [21] envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

All of the "works of the flesh" give the enemy an opportunity to tempt us to sin. You may not be tempted by everything on the list is Galatians 5 but the enemy knows you very well and knows in what ares you are most vulnerable. However, Galatians 5 also provides another list for believers.

Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV tells us to "flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." The most effective technique to fight temptation is avoidance. Don't do things or go to places that are sure to tempt you. Rely on Proverbs 16:9 and listen to the Lord's leading in your life.

Proverbs 16:9 NKJV

A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

But our part has to be obedience to the Lord's leading. There are three basic responses to temptation that have been provided to avoid temptation. Resist using the Word of God and the Sword of the Spirit, flee in a figurative sense as in 2 Timothy 2:22, flee in a literal sense as Joseph did in Genesis 39:11-12.

2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Genesis 39:11-12 NKJV

But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, [12] that she caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me." But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside.

by Author

In times of temptation it is helpful to pray and think about Psalms 23

Psalm 23:3 NKJV

… He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

God has provided us with His "full armor" for daily wear, see Ephesians 6:10-18. We need to "dress for success²" each day as we go out into the world. Then we are prepared to stand firm.

Ephesians 6:13 NKJV

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

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 Peter 5:8-9 NKJV

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. [9] Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

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