Lead Me Not Into Temptation

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 NLT 

The Nature and Purpose of Temptation 

“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.” James 1:13 NLT 

Temptation Is Inevitable But Victory Is Provided 

Temptations are not avoidable and God has not stopped the devil from tempting His own. This is why Jesus included in the Lord's Prayer: 

“Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13 NLT). 

It is a cry to God, knowing the flesh cannot overcome temptation. The flesh lusts after sin because 

“the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will” (Romans 8:7 NLT).

Jesus demonstrated the practical solution by using the Word of God to overcome temptation (Luke 4:1-14 NLT). 

Temptations are inevitable, but God has provided tools in His Word to navigate these situations. First, understand that even Jesus was tempted and this shows temptation respects no anointing or walk with God. Temptation comes as a test to strengthen our grip on God. Jesus Himself was tempted but never yielded to sin. 

“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” Hebrews 4:15 NLT 

The Power of the Word Over Temptation 

Notice throughout Jesus' temptation, simply claiming "I am the Son of the Most High" would not have sufficed and it wouldn't have stopped the temptation. Using the Word of God, He overcame. This differs greatly from merely quoting Scripture; it requires living a life rooted in Scripture. Even Satan knows Scripture, yet that doesn't stop him from being the accuser of the brethren. Jesus proclaimed God's reality with boldness and power from within. These are our strongholds in Christ Jesus. Being rooted in Christ and not trusting the flesh is what enables us to stand against the winds of temptation. 

Practical Steps for Victory 

• Watch and Pray: Stay alert through prayer to avoid falling into temptation. Use 
  
• God's Word: Speak Scripture as Jesus did live it, don't just quote it. 
  
• Rely on Christ's Sympathy: He understands our struggles and provides strength. 
  
• Flee Sin: Stay grounded in Christ and run from temptation. 
  

In our next study, we will examine "Watch and Pray" more deeply. Stay rooted in Christ and flee from sin. God bless you richly