MATTHEW 6:9-13

A temptation can be a difficult situation or a pressure. Contrary to popular belief, God is not the source of our temptation (James 1:13). When we are under pressure, it is important to realize that God is not trying to entrap us.

Satan is called the tempter (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). Then why did Jesus instruct us to pray that the Father would not lead us into temptation? This was simply a request for guidance so that we could be delivered from evil.

Jesus himself was tempted by Satan (Matthew 4, Luke 4). He trusted God fully for provision, protection, and purpose. The Father would no more lead us into temptation than He would withhold our daily bread. But as it says in James 4:2, "Ye have not because ye ask not."

Both "give us our daily bread" and "lead us not into temptation" are simply requests for what has already been provided for us. This part of prayer serves as a reminder to us of God's promised protection (Psalm 91) and gives us an opportunity to release our faith and receive what has already been provided.

"No temptation has seized you but such as is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it"
(1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV).

The victory demonstrated by Jesus is available to us. "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ"
(1 Corinthians 15:57). He has given it to us. Believe and receive it.