Lead Me Not Into Temptation

Minister:
Date: PM
Text: Ephesians 6; Lord's Day 52
Psalters: 166, 179, 156, 385
  1. The fear of danger.
    1. Sin is a power, against which we need protection.
      1. We are not finished with sin yet; the danger has not passed and we are fools to think that the battle is finished.
      2. Those who are forgiven must still be on guard and fight every second against a dreadful power.
    2. Two things are required to pray this petition sincerely.
      1. First, we must have an attitude of enmity against sin and the evil one; the forgiven soul hates sin.
      2. Second, we must have a certain fear of sin in order to pray this petition sincerely.
  2. This petition expresses our knowledge of our Father's power.
    1. We ask this of our heavenly Father because we know He is in sovereign control of all, including temptations.
      1. We believe that the world of temptations is under God's control – over against a dualism (God and Satan fighting).
      2. God sets us before temptations to sin in order to teach us.
      3. Thus, God does it to reveal the power of His work of grace to us and in us.
    2. With this petition we ask:
  3. With the trials God sends deliverance, for which we are praying.
    1. God promises help.
    2. The experience of deliverance.
    3. May our awareness of how easy it is for us to fall cause us to be constant in our praying and watching.