I’m working on a devotional book that includes the Lord’s Prayer.
In one line, Jesus says,
“And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13)
I’ve heard a lot of chatter about this line.
For one, God does not lead us into temptation. But, He does allow it to happen.
But, James 1:13 puts it plainly: Temptation is not of God.
Sin is not of God.
If you are walking in sin today, God did not put you in it.
You did.
James 1 continues with;
“but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”
ALL of us have been tempted. Jesus was even tempted in the wilderness. (Matthew 4: 1-11)
Today, if you are being tempted, it is your day to conquer! And, say as Jesus said, ““Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”
