Jesus instructs us to pray “lead us not into temptation” because he wants us to avoid falling into sin. As humans, we have a sinful nature and are prone to give in to temptation. Jesus knows the spiritual dangers we face and desires to protect us from stumbling. By praying this, we are asking God to guide us away from situations where we are likely to be tempted and to deliver us from the schemes of the devil.
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches his disciples how they should pray. In Matthew 6:13 and Luke 11:4, he specifically includes the petition “And lead us not into temptation.” This indicates that resisting temptation is an important part of the Christian life that requires God’s help and protection. Jesus wants us to regularly ask the Father to keep us from being led into compromising situations and to strengthen us to endure temptation when it inevitably comes.
Why is this request necessary? The Bible clearly teaches that temptation is dangerous for several reasons:
1. Temptation Appeals to Our Sinful Nature
As fallen humans, we have a constant struggle against the desires of the flesh that wage war against our soul (1 Peter 2:11). When we are tempted, it excites our innate sinful passions. James 1:14 explains, “each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” Unless we are on guard, temptation subtly lulls us into a false sense of satisfaction with sin.
2. Temptation Leads to Sin and Spiritual Death
The end result of persistent temptation is disastrous. James 1:15 warns, “Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” Succumbing to temptation leads down a treacherous path that leads to spiritual decay. Sin drives a wedge between us and God, quenching the Spirit in our lives.
3. We Cannot Resist Temptation in Our Own Strength
Due to the weakness of our flesh, we do not have the power to overcome temptation on our own. When tempted, we are like sheep being lured to the slaughter. Jesus knew that without divine help, temptation will inevitably lead to sin. As Martin Luther once said, “A Christian can no more avoid temptation than stop breathing.”
In light of these dangers, we desperately need God’s help to avoid and endure temptation. The apostle Paul pleads in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” Our only hope is to humbly depend on God rather than trusting in our own strength.
Jesus instructs us to pray “lead us not into temptation” because he cares deeply about our spiritual welfare. He does not want us to sin and grieve his Holy Spirit. Some key biblical reasons Jesus commands us to pray this include:
1. God is Able to Protect Us from Temptation
God is all-powerful and capable of keeping temptation at bay. During Jesus’ ministry, he repeatedly demonstrated his authority over the devil and sin. As believers, we have access to this same divine power. When we submit ourselves to God and humbly rely on him, Scripture promises “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
2. God is Our Refuge and Fortress
The Bible depicts God as a hiding place and mighty fortress who can shield us from spiritual attack. In him, we are safe. Psalm 27:5 declares, “For in the day of trouble he will conceal me in his shelter; in the secret place of his tent he will hide me; he will set me high on a rock.” As we draw near to him, God will protect us and prevent us from being tempted beyond what we can handle.
3. God Desires to Sanctify Us Through Temptation
God can also use temptation to strengthen our faith and refine our character. James 1:2–4 exhorts, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” By relying fully on God when tempted, we can become more like Christ. Still, we must be vigilant since temptation can also lead to sin if we are not careful.
4. The Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Resist Temptation
Jesus promised his followers would receive the Holy Spirit to help them stand firm in the face of temptation. God’s Spirit produces self-control and enables us to flee sinful desires (Galatians 5:16–17). When we are filled with the Spirit, he will lead us away from compromising situations. However, we must faithfully walk in step with the Spirit each day.
5. God Promises the Tempted Will be Rewarded
For the believer who endures temptation, there is an eternal reward. James 1:12 declares, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” When we lovingly obey God, he will strengthen us through every trial. Our faith will be refined, producing maturity and Christ-like character.
Based on these powerful promises, we can confidently approach God and cry out, “lead us not into temptation!” While temptation is inevitable, He is able to protect us from its dangers, empower us to stand firm, and bring good from it. As we resist the devil, depend on the Spirit’s help, and draw near to Christ, we can avoid falling into sin when tempted.
Still, some may ask why God allows his children to be tempted at all if he has the power to stop it. Wouldn’t it be easier if God simply eliminated temptation rather than enabling us to endure it? Scripture offers several reasons why God permits us to be tempted:
1. Temptation Tests the Genuineness of Our Faith
God allows temptation and trials to refine our faith and prove its legitimacy. 1 Peter 1:6-7 explains, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” As we rely on God’s strength to resist temptation, our faith is purified and shown to be authentic.
2. Temptation Teaches Us to Hate Sin
As we struggle against temptation, it helps us see the ugliness of sin. We learn to despise the sin that so easily entangles us. Paul laments in Romans 7:15, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Wrestling against our sinful desires keeps us from being deceived and helps us long for righteousness.
3. Temptation Makes Us Depend on God
Facing temptation reminds us that we desperately need God’s help. It drives us to prayer and teaches us to rely on divine strength rather than our own. James 4:7-8 instructs, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” Regularly crying out to God for help cultivates humility and reliance on Christ rather than ourselves.
4. Temptation Prepares Us to Comfort Others
When we endure temptation, God equips us to come alongside others who face similar battles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” The trials we overcome allow us to minister God’s comfort to fellow believers.
5. Temptation Conforms Us to Christ’s Image
As the Son of God, Jesus experienced every human temptation yet never sinned. Hebrews 4:15 tells us, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” As we resist temptation, we are increasingly molded into Christ’s image. Our growth in godly character brings glory to the Father.
6. Temptation Causes Us to Long for Heaven
Struggling against sin in this fallen world makes us yearn for the perfection of heaven. We cry out along with Paul, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24). Our trials remind us that this world is not our home. We can look forward to an eternity free from temptation and sin in God’s presence.
While God has wise and loving purposes for allowing temptation in the lives of believers, we are still instructed to pray for protection from temptation. Jesus wants us to daily acknowledge our dependence on the Father’s mercy, care, and divine power to deliver us from evil. Though God permits temptation to strengthen our faith, we must still vigilantly guard our hearts since the tempter seeks our destruction. As we stay close to our Good Shepherd, he will lead us away from treacherous temptations that could cause us to stumble.
What are some practical ways believers can avoid temptation based on biblical truths? How can we take proactive steps to resist temptation with God’s help? Here are a few key principles for avoiding temptation:
1. Submit Every Area of Life to God
In order to remain upright, we must fully surrender every part of our lives to God – including our thought life, priorities, habits, relationships, sexuality, finances, and use of time. Romans 12:1-2 exhorts, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Total surrender protects us from yielding to temptation in key areas of vulnerability.
2. Renew Your Mind with Scripture
We must continually saturate our minds with God’s truth to recognize and resist deception. Psalms 119:11 declares, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” As we read Scripture, we are equipped to discern and reject thoughts that tempt us. Biblical truth exposes Satan’s lies and half-truths.
3. Avoid Compromising Situations
One critical way to resist temptation is by avoiding situations where we know temptation thrives. For example, if certain friends always pressure you to gossip, limit time with them. Proverbs 4:14-15 warns, “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.” Be proactive about identifying and avoiding tempting environments.
4. Fill Your Mind with Pure Thoughts
We must make no provision for the flesh by controlling our thought life. Philippians 4:8 instructs, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Replace impure thoughts with meditating on God’s splendor. Stay busy filling your mind with that which is excellent and praiseworthy.
5. Rely on the Holy Spirit’s Power
Actively yield to the Holy Spirit each day so you can receive divine power to overcome temptation. Galatians 5:16 promises, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” As we submit to God and obey his Word, the Spirit empowers us to reject sin.
6. Put on the Armor of God
Daily putting on the full armor of God described in Ephesians 6 enables us to firmly stand against the enemy’s schemes. Ephesians 6:13-14 instructs, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore…” When clothed with God’s truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and Spirit, we are ready to resist temptation.
7. Delight in the Lord
As we find satisfaction in God, temptation loses its appeal. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). Staying focused on God’s goodness prevents us from being enticed by the fleeting pleasures of sin. He is the only one who can truly fulfill our deepest longings.
8. Stay Alert and Watchful
We must be vigilant, sober-minded, and on guard against the enemy’s schemes. 1 Peter 5:8 cautions, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Take temptation seriously and do not let your guard down. Staying alert to Satan’s attacks is key to avoiding deception.
9. Put Sin to Death
Ruthlessly crucify sinful desires that wage war against your soul. Colossians 3:5 commands, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Refuse to entertain sinful thoughts or behaviors. Nip temptation in the bud before it gives birth to death.
10. Prayerfully Depend on Divine Help
Consistently cry out to God for wisdom, discernment, protection, and strength to resist temptation. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Through prayer, call on God’s power to break temptation’s grip. Staying connected to Christ is key.
The next time you are tempted, prayerfully meditate on God’s Word, submit to his Spirit’s control, and run to the Father for help. When we rely on divine power rather than ourselves, God promises to provide a way of escape from temptation. As we resist the enemy, we can rest in God’s ability to keep us from stumbling. 1 Corinthians 10:13 declares, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
In summary, Jesus instructs believers to pray “lead us not into temptation” because he cares deeply about our spiritual protection and growth in grace. Temptation is dangerous since our flesh is weak. But armed with God’s truth and Spirit along with other key spiritual disciplines, we can stand firm when tempted. As we humbly depend on Christ’s strength, we will be rewarded and molded further into his image. God promises to always provide a way out so we will not be crushed by temptation’s weight if we rely fully on Him.