Prayer Not To Be Led Into Temptation

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