The Lord’s Prayer
And do not lead us into temptation. Matthew 6:13
Some might think this petition indicates God is capable of tempting us. However, it is not in our Father’s nature to tempt, for He is a holy God. In James’ letter we read, “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.” (1:13)
And so, we find Martin Luther explaining this Sixth Petition, “God indeed tempts no one; but we pray in this petition that He would guard and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our flesh do not deceive us or lead us into misbelief, hopelessness, or any other shameful or sinful acts; and, although we are tempted by them, we ask that we win in the end and keep the victory.” We know that temptations come from our sinful nature (James 1:14; Mark 7:21-23), unbelievers (Proverbs 1:10), and the devil (Revelation 12:9). And since we are weak by nature, it is very important to seek God’s help to overcome temptations.
Looking at the word “temptation” used by Jesus in this petition, it is helpful to note that in the original language this word can mean trial and adversity, as well as temptation to sin. Whenever God allows adversity to come, the devil uses it to tempt us to sin. Whereas God uses it to strengthen our faith.
Job is a good example of this. In the book of Job, we read how God allowed the devil to severely afflict Job, causing him to lose almost everything, including his health. With every adversity, the devil was trying to get Job to renounce God. But listen to what Job said after undergoing afflictions, “But He (God) knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” (1 Peter 1:6,7)
Into temptation lead us not.
When evil foes against us plot
And vex our souls on every hand,
Oh, give us strength that we may stand
Firm in the faith, a well-armed host,
Through comfort of the Holy Ghost! Amen.
The Lutheran Hymnal 458:7