099. MAT 6:13. TEMPTATION DEPRECATED

Mat_6:13. Temptation Deprecated

"Lead us not into temptation."’97Mat_6:13

Let us consider,

I. The Nature of this Petition.

1. God never tempts men to evil.

Contrary to his holy and benevolent nature; Jam_1:13. But God may allow his people to be tempted, as in the case of Adam, Joseph, Peter, Paul. Adam and Peter fell; Joseph and Paul triumphed. It is desirable to be exempted from severe temptations. But the right interpretation of the text is,

2. Sore trial.

Word signifies to "pierce;" lead us not into piercing trials. God has an undoubted right to try and prove the faith, love and obedience of his people. He some times does this,

(1) By demanding extraordinary duties, Abraham to leave his house, country, &c., Moses to forsake the court, &c., of Pharaoh.

(2) By demanding great sacrifices Abraham to offer up his son.

(3) By bringing them through great adversity and affliction, as in Job.

(4) By withholding their desires, and delaying their hopes. See Israelites; Deu_8:2. And sometimes,

(5) By causing their cup of plenty to run over’97same people: Deu_8:15, Deu_8:16. Consider,

II. The Propriety of this Petition.

To pray for exemption from sore trials, is,

1. Agreeable to the feelings which God has implanted in our nature.

He has made us sensible of the difference between joy and grief, happiness and sorrow, &c.; and he expects, from the principles of our formation, that we should desire the one and be averse to the other. It is agreeable,

2. To Christ’s holy example.

He greatly feared, and offered up strong cries and groans, "If it be possible, let this cup," &c.; Heb_5:7; Mat_26:39. It is in agreement,

3. With God’s own appointment.

He has taught us to flee to him in trouble; lo cast all our care upon him; to call upon him; to trust in him, &c. Psa_50:15. Let us then consider,

III. The Spirit in which this Petition should be presented.

With,

1. A deep conviction of our weakness, and the power of our adversaries.

Peter failed here, and was overcome.

Without Christ we can do nothing."

2. Sacred resignation to our heavenly Father’s pleasure.

We may feel, and pray; but after all refer to him,

"To choose our lot, and regulate our ways."

We must submit ourselves to God, not as we will, but as he may be pleased to appoint. Paul desired the painful thorn to be removed, and prayed thrice; but God allowed it to remain, &c.; 2Co_12:8.

3. In the exercise of confidence, that God will either deliver us from, or support us in, temptation.

This confidence may be grounded on the divine promises; Christ’s intercession; and the examples of his people in all ages; Gen_15:1, Isa_41:10.

Application

(1) The people of God may expect sore trials. (2) God is their only defence. And, (3) Believing prayer their only remedy.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS