This is the final episode of a three-part video series on the LORD’s Prayer. The focus is on the Petition, Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen Matthew 6:13.
Click on the link at the bottom of this article to view the video. It is adapted from our publication, The LORD’S Prayer, A Study Of Application.
Study temptation and pride.
Two words, temptation and pride, dominate the discussion behind this final verse in the LORD’s Prayer. Temptation and pride will, if not handled Biblically, pull us into evil; that is, sin. Some of you, like me, may have asked, “Why would Jesus lead us into temptation?” and perhaps, “What is the evil from which we are also asking the LORD to deliver us?” To answer these important questions, we must take a serious look at pride and how it plays a vital role in not only understanding the meaning behind Matthew 6:13 but also how it plays a similar role in each of our lives.
Loins are not a removable fashion accessory.
The sin of pride is camouflaged in many ways. Pride goes deeper than just being puffed up by one’s appearance, achievements, or abilities. Pride includes our actions and thoughts which are in opposition to what is written in the Bible; it is sin. Pride is the motive behind those inner thoughts that get us in trouble which lie metaphorically within our loins.
Observe, in this teaching, the vital differences between the secular phrase, “belt of truth,” and the deeply spiritual and accurate contextual words, having your loins girt about with Truth. You will learn of this when you study the Armour of God discussed as it relates to the sixth chapter of Ephesians.
It is pride that plays a big part in the reason why so many reject God’s Word. An example of pride and how to deal with it is expressed in 2 Corinthians 10:5.
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge [word] of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
Take notes as you journey through the pictorial, tragic fall of lives once highly blessed and favored by God and observe how they were destructively changed because of the ruinous, rebellious sin of pride. This was among those who were at one time perfect, sinless, and/or, through the “hand of God,” had achieved greatness. These include:
- Lucifer (Satan) whom God said was PERFECT: Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created … Ezekiel 28:15
- Adam and Eve’s creation about which God said … it was very good. Genesis 1:31
- King Josiah about whom God said … And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart … 2 Kings 23:25
- King Nebuchadnezzar who was one of the greatest kings of the Chaldean dynasty which was known for its military power and the splendor of its capital, Babylon.
Study ways you and I might enter into temptation and learn how to avoid these same pitfalls as you view, through the eyes of Adam and Eve, how they entered into temptation. Examine God’s blueprint to learn principles to avoid these same pitfalls and meditate on how we are instructed, through Biblical examples, to resist, not bind, the Devil by employing the weapons God provides.
Satan is very real.
Through every New Testament writer and within seven Old Testament books are recorded facts about the reality of Satan. Satan, the Devil, IS real and is equipped with a mind, a will, and emotions. He is a created, very powerful enemy whom we are to RESIST through Jesus Christ Who is the only One greater and more powerful than is Satan:
… greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1 John 4:4
Study to shew yourself approved.
Each of the three parts of this teaching on the LORD’s Prayer builds on the other. If you haven’t already viewed Part 1 and Part 2 of this series, please do so before you STUDY Part Three 3. Part 3 is designed for those who are ready for a deeper examination of some of the above-mentioned Biblical topics. Jesus said to His inner circle:
What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Matthew 26:40-41
Will YOU STUDY as a workman (2 Timothy 2:15) … for one hour?
Please let us know if we can pray for you or if you have any questions regarding this teaching.
