100. MAT 6:13. DELIVERANCE FROM EVIL

Mat_6:13. Deliverance From Evil

"Deliver us from evil"’97Mat_6:13.

It is highly probable that this petition especially applies to the- preservation of the child of God from the power of the devil, who goeth about seeking whom he may devour We shall apply this petition, however I. To the Evil One. II. To this evil World. III. To our evil Hearts; and, IV. To the Evil of future Misery.

Then in this petition we may seek,

I. Deliverance from the Evil One.

Satan is evil in the deepest degree, he is opposed to all that is holy and benevolent in the character and works of God; he is a foul, polluted, dark, malignant spirit. He is a liar and a murderer from the beginning; saints are exposed to two sources of danger:’97

1. From his wiles.

Thus Eve, and thousands besides’97he tries to deceive, allure, &c.’97his subtlety and craft eminently fit him for this’97Jdg_1:2. From his fierce attacks.

Hence we read of the "fiery darts of the devil." He is compared to the deadly serpent’97roaring lion, &c. His horrid temptations are likened to a "flood;" Isa_59:19. Now we require deliverance from the Evil One’97we need the help of God, wisdom and prudence from above, the power of the Most High. God must be our shield; he alone can deliver us, &c.

The petition of the text may apply,

II. To this evil World.

Satan is called the god of this world, here he has his empire, and millions of willing subjects; his empires opposed to God’s kingdom in the world; they are at utter and interminable variance. The world is a scene of danger to the Christian. Christ was well aware of it; and therefore prayed that they might be kept from it, &c.; Joh_17:15. This petition implies that they may be delivered from,

1. Its evil maxims and principles.

"Ye are not of the world."

2. Its evil spirit and customs.

"Be not conformed," &c.

3. Its evil associates and practices.

"Come out from among hem," &c. "May be kept unspotted," &c. "Have the victory over it." "Tread it under their feet," &c. "Crucified to the world," &c.

This petition may include,

III. Deliverance from the Evil of our own Hearts.

"The heart is deceitful above all things," &c. "Flesh lusteth and warreth against the spirit," &c.’97constant conflict; Christian not sufficient in his own might to overcome it; the grace and power of God necessary; spiritual light to discern, and spiritual strength to overcome it; blood of Christ to cleanse it, &c. How very desirable that the heart be filled with heavenly love, and that the peace of God which passeth all understanding, keep it always by Christ Jesus: sanctified wholly, &c.; 1Th_5:23; Eze_39:25, &c.

The petition may include,

IV. Deliverance from the evil of Future Misery.

In hell there is misery unmixed’97unceasing’97eternal. This will be the portion of the wicked and ungodly, who despise divine mercy, and reject the gospel of Christ. How anxious we ought to be, to be completely delivered from the sentence and the fear of the wrath to come; guilt removed; pollution cleansed; and a title and meetness to eternal life procured. God can deliver us; desires to do so; and if we trust to his merciful provisions as revealed in the gospel, he will assuredly save into his eternal kingdom and glory.

Application

(1) Cultivate a lively sense of the danger to which we are exposed. (2) By fervent believing, and constant prayer, seek deliverance from them.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS