Sunday Devotional: Matthew 6:13

And do not lead us into temptation, but rescue us from the Evil One.

I have decided to look at these final two petitions together since they are connected. Both have points of interest worthy of consideration, and, hopefully they will help us contemplate God’s sovereignty, grace, and goodness to us during difficult times, especially when we consider how they relate to each other.

In the first petition, I have used the most common translation of the Greek word peirasmos, “temptation,” but it is often translated “trial.” There is a difference between the two terms. “Temptation” has a negative connotation, denoting something we know we shouldn’t do, but feel drawn to doing anyway. Every Christian, changed by the Spirit of God, and with the Spirit dwelling within, should not only recognize the temptation to sin, but should feel the conviction of the Spirit reminding him that it’s wrong, and as a result will want to resist that temptation. This is not always successful, which is why we have such an amazing, all-powerful advocate in Christ, who can stand before the Father on our behalf (1 John 1:9). On the other hand, a “test” is a trial, or a means of pushing us to see how well we are progressing in sanctification, and has the direct objective of making us more Christ-like (e.g., James 1:2-4).

But James 1:13 tells us that God doesn’t tempt us. That is, God’s intention is never to lead His people astray; His objective is always to build us up, even in times of difficulty, putting us through various situations in order that we might be strengthened and purified. Why would we ask God not to lead us into temptation if it is never God’s desire to tempt us? In this case, isn’t “Lead us not into testing” a better translation?

Before we deal with that question, let’s look at the second part: “but deliver us from the Evil One.” Many translations simply translate the Greek ponêros here as “evil.” There are a couple of reasons why I think “Evil One” is a better translation. First, the Greek has the definite article (tou ponêrou–“the evil”), which doesn’t have to have any significance, but it can indicate the adjective (“evil”) is to be taken as a definite form of evil. Second, if we consider this petition in the light of the first, this is not a request to deliver us from generic evil, but from the schemes of Satan, the one who, with God’s permission, sent severe trial upon Job, and who also sent the “thorn in the flesh” to Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7).

Our culture likes to personify evil, whether in the form of demons, or malicious spirits, but only in fiction and on TV shows. It seems few actually believe in a real devil, Satan, the accuser and tormenter. They have no problem with recognizing evil in the world, but they struggle with the concept of a personal source of all evil. Yet the Bible, and Jesus Himself, recognizes Satan’s existence, and we would be foolish to think we know better. Indeed, it is well-said that Satan takes delight in being ignored and disbelieved–it makes his job of leading people astray and into sin a whole lot easier. We should heed well the warning in 1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober; be watchful. Your opponent, the devil, prowls like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

As we just observed, even Satan’s temptations are superintended by God’s sovereign will. God is not the author of temptation, but He will certainly allow temptation into our lives, that we may do battle with Satan, that we might grow strong in faith, and learn to rely upon the power of God, and not our own strength. Of course, this isn’t Satan’s intention, but God will use Satan’s wicked purposes to bring about the good He desires (e.g., Genesis 50:20). God is certainly the author of our times of testing. He will put us under pressure, that we may be refined and sanctified.

Temptation and testing are both hard, so it isn’t wrong to ask God not to bring these things into our lives. By asking this, we recognize that these things only happen according to God’s sovereign decree. He has the power to bring testing to bear upon us, or to permit Satan to tempt us. He also has the power to give us peaceful lives, and to restrain Satan.

However, at the same time, we recognize that God tests us, and allows Satan to tempt us, for our own spiritual growth and well-being. In light of this, the second petition acts as a follow-up to the first, as if to say, “Lord, please don’t bring testing and temptation into my life, but if You should so decree that to happen, keep me strong in You, and don’t let Satan have victory over me.” The request to “deliver us from The Evil One” doesn’t necessarily imply that we can lose our salvation, but it’s asking God to help us resist the devil so he will flee from us (James 4:7). It’s asking God to rescue us from whatever Satan throws against us.

I pray that we would recognize the spiritual battle we are in, and that we would take this battle against Satan seriously. Moreover, that we would remember that God is sovereign over our trials, and even over Satan’s temptations. As we go through times of trial and testing, may we remember that the Lord is in control, and we can go to Him and humbly ask for relief, and for the strength to endure and win the battle.

Have a great week!