The Lord’s Prayer - "Not Into Temptation"
When we put Jesus in the lead, we can focus on Him. When we do that, we can stay on track and walk right past that temptation knowing that there is something better at the end of the path that we are on.
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The Lord’s Prayer - "Not Into Temptation"
Temptation lurks around every corner. Everywhere we go it seems that there are distractions that draw us away from our daily walk with God. When we give our life to God temptations don't disappear. But, by being diligent and understanding where they come from, we can learn to control them. It's important to recognize that temptations do not come from God. The book of James says this:
James 1:13
"Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone."
There is a difference between a test and a temptation. Tests are difficult circumstances that we all face which are placed in our lives to make us better, stronger Christians. Tests challenge us, build us up and make us more mature as believers. They strengthen our relationship with God.
A temptation, on the other hand, will try to tear you down. It is Satan working in your life trying to derail you from your walk with God. Temptations come about because it is our nature to want more than what we have. Satan knows that and he uses our own desires in an attempt to draw us away from God.
James 1:14-15
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
Mature Christians know how to follow God when they are tempted. Believers have to keep their eyes on Jesus and not on themselves. Our goal is HIS glory, not our own.
When we put Jesus in the lead, we can focus on Him. When we do that, we can stay on track and walk right past that temptation knowing that there is something better at the end of the path that we are on. Hebrews 12:2 calls this “Fixing our eyes on Jesus.”
I call it, “Keeping my nose in His Word.” The follower of God does exactly that. By keeping our eyes on His Word we can follow God wherever He leads us. When we walk in His footsteps, He navigates us through the temptations and evil desires of this world.
Psalms 119:92
“If Your law had not been my delight, Then I would have perished in my affliction.”
Pray that you can ignore the temptations that we all face and keep your focus on God. He will help you do that.
