Prayer Not To Be Led Into Temptation
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
6/23/2013 AM
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Text:
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I Peter 1;
Lord's Day 52
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Psalters: |
166, 333, 165, 385 |
- The necessity.
- Scripture ascribes temptation to Satan (Adam in Rev. 20:2; David in I Chron. 21:1; Christ in Luke 4:13).
- Satan is a roaring lion constantly trying to destroy (I Peter 5:8) and to re-capture us (II Cor. 11:14).
- Satan uses the sinful world, who are the seed of the serpent.
- But the bigger problem is ourselves - we are liable to be drawn into sin by our flesh Canons V,4.
- Sin no longer has the right to rule the redeemed saint, but sin remains a power in every child of God.
- Our proneness to sin and the weakness of our faith is so great that apart from grace we cannot stand a moment.
- The petition implies a dread of being led into temptation.
- The believer is aware that sin's tempting power is very real, and the appeal to sin is very strong.
- The petition implies an hatred of sin - the forgiven soul hates sin.
- This petition expresses our confidence in our Father's guidance of us: "lead us..."
- We ask this of our Father because we know He is in sovereign control of the situation, also of temptations.
- God tests His children, directing Satan, according to His infinite will and wisdom.
- God does so to strengthen us by teaching us.
- With this petition we mean:
- That we be given the strength to resist, to stand in the fight, and to turn to God (Canons V, 7,11).
- We are kept only by the power of God (I Peter 1:5).
- Therefore we must constantly watch and prayer, lest we enter into temptation (Matt. 26:4).
- With the trials God sends the deliverance, for which we fervently pray.
- God promises help.
- The experience of deliverance.
- It is not that we are happy and triumphant and sinless Christian warriors.
- Deliverance comes in the form of abhorrence of sin and in the form of the grace of repentance.
- Deliverance comes in asking for grace to return to Him and in the longing to be like Him.
- Conclusions.