HOW CAN WE FACE TEMPTATION?
Matthew 6:13

Friends, we have reached the final study in our little series on The Lord's Prayer.  This final petition of Jesus forces us to ask the question of how we can face temptation.  I believe there are several keys to a successful approach toward temptation.

First, we need to remember our own inherent moral weaknesses.  I need to constantly be reminded that I need to guard what I look at, what I hear, the places I visit, the thoughts that come from my mind, and the words that come from my lips.  I am reminded of another little Sunday school song that God has used to remind me of this powerful truth.  I am sure that many of you remember these words:  Oh, be careful little eyes what you see, oh be careful little eyes what you see.  For the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little eyes what you see.  Other verses included, oh be careful little ears what you hear, oh be careful little tongue what you say, oh be careful little hands what you do, and oh, be careful little feet where you go.  All this is urged upon us because God is watching over us. 

Second, we need to remember that my actions affect not only me but those I love.  If I should yield to the lust of adultery, look at who is affected:  I, my wife, the other woman, my family, the other woman's family, my parents, the other woman's parents, my wife's parent, my friends, the other woman's friends, my ministry.  And above all, it affects my relationship with God.  I do not believe there is any such thing as a private sin.  All sin affects someone else beside me!

Third, we need to submit ourselves to God by surrendering our wills to Him.  Our lives need to center around obedience to Christ.  I am reminded of those words of Paul, found in Romans 6, where the author commands us to yield our bodies as instruments of righteousness rather than as instruments of unrighteousness.  We need to pray something like this, "God, help me to think Your thoughts.  Help me to do what You want."

Finally, we need to actively resist the devil.  We read these words in James 4:7, Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  We can resist by employing the Word of God.  Remember Psalm 119:11, Thy word have I treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee.  Jesus, when accosted by Satan, used the Word of God as His shield and sword and was victorious.  But, we can also resist by not giving the devil an opportunity.  In Ephesians 4:27, we read these words, and do not give the devil an opportunity.  One of the modern translations states it this way, You must not give the devil a chance (Goodspeed).  This means you and I must use precaution as to where we go and what we do. 

How can we best summarize this final petition from The Lord's Prayer?  I personally like that of John R.W. Stott, who writes:  Lord, do not allow us so to be led into temptation that it overwhelms us, but rescue us from the evil one.  With the help of God we can face temptation and not yield to its influence.

Father, Thank You for the resources You have given to us to encourage us in our struggles with temptation.  Thank You for Your Word that gives us strength and guidance.  Thank You for the examples of those, such as Daniel and Joseph, who were successful when accosted with temptation.  Lord, deliver us from evil.  For Your’s is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.  Amen.

 

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