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LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION

"And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”. Matthew 6:13

We live in a world filled with challenges—financial pressures, personal battles, societal temptations—that stretch our faith and test our resolve daily. In these moments, the words of Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer resonate deeply: "Lead us not into temptation". This is more than a plea, it’s an active posture of surrender. It recognizes our human vulnerability and our dependence on God's strength to keep us from falling. This month, let’s explore what it truly means to ask God to steer us away from temptation, look at how Jesus Himself demonstrated this in His life, and discover practical ways to incorporate this prayer into our daily walk.

Temptation itself isn’t sin—Jesus faced temptation yet remained spotless (Hebrews 4:15). Sin occurs when we give in to that temptation (James 1:14-15). Our struggles—be it financial hardship, emotional pain, or spiritual dryness—can lure us into choices that pull us away from God’s perfect plan. But here’s the assurance, God doesn’t abandon us when we face these temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus provided a powerful example of resisting temptation during His time in the wilderness, as recorded in Matthew 4:1-11. Led by the Spirit into the desert, Jesus faced three significant temptations from Satan. The first was the temptation of physical need, where Satan challenged Jesus to turn stones into bread to satisfy His hunger. Jesus responded by quoting Scripture, saying, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Deut. 8:3), emphasizing the importance of spiritual nourishment over physical satisfaction. The second temptation involved the offer of power; Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and promised them to Him if He would worship him. Jesus firmly refused, declaring, "Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only" (Deut. 6:13), reaffirming His allegiance to God alone. The third temptation was a test of presumption, where Satan urged Jesus to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple, tempting God to protect Him as a show of divine authority. Jesus rebuked this challenge with the words, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test" (Deut. 6:16), asserting trust in God's protection without forcing His hand. Through these responses, Jesus demonstrated reliance on Scripture and unwavering obedience to God's will, offering us a model for resisting temptation through faith and the Word of God.

When we pray, "Lead us not into temptation," we are asking God to protect our hearts. This requires us to stay alert and mindful of what influences our minds—whether it's media, friends, or our surroundings—that might lead us away from Him. While God doesn’t promise to remove every challenge, He empowers us with the strength to stand firm and endure. Often, the path to victory involves making deliberate choices—“saying no” to shortcuts—and seeking wise guidance from others.

In Conclusion

A Daily Prayer for Strength, just as Jesus taught us, we must continually ask, "Lead us not into temptation." In our daily lives—whether facing financial stress, emotional pain, or spiritual battles—we can confidently trust that i) God is with us (Isaiah 41:10), ii) He provides a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13), and iii) His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Happy New Month, brethren in Christ-The-Light!

Pastor Olusoji Adedokun
PIC, Christ the Light Zone
APICP (Admin), LP 96 (Region 37)