Humility and Dependence: Overcoming Temptation Through Prayer

 

Summary

In our journey through the Sermon on the Mount, we are learning to live with great confidence, not because of our own strength, but because of God's insurmountable presence and His kingdom. As we delve into the Lord's Prayer, we reach the sobering words, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." These words remind us of our fragility and vulnerability, highlighting the dangers of overconfidence. In our spiritual journey, overconfidence can lead to spiritual narcissism, where we mistakenly believe we are superior or more in touch with the divine than others.

The Bible provides numerous examples of overconfidence leading to downfall, such as Goliath's arrogance against David and the Israelites' complacency at Mount Sinai. Even the disciples, like Peter, displayed overconfidence, believing they could withstand trials without faltering. Jesus warns us to "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation," acknowledging our human frailty and the spiritual forces that are beyond our control.

We live in a world where evil is real and powerful, and we must recognize our limitations. The story of Eve in Genesis illustrates how overconfidence can lead us astray. Instead of relying on God, we often think we can handle temptations on our own. However, Jesus teaches us to pray for deliverance from evil, acknowledging that we cannot overcome it by ourselves.

In our daily lives, we encounter temptations and spiritual battles that require us to lean on God and seek support from others. Having a "temptation buddy"—someone who takes our spiritual well-being seriously—can be invaluable. Together, we can pray and rely on God's strength, recognizing that He is more powerful than any force we face. As we pray, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," we trust in God's ability to rescue us and guide us through life's challenges.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Danger of Overconfidence: Overconfidence can lead to spiritual narcissism, where we believe we are superior to others in our spiritual journey. This mindset can distance us from God and make us vulnerable to temptation. We must remain humble and recognize our need for God's guidance and strength. [02:33]

2. Biblical Warnings Against Complacency: The Bible provides examples of individuals and groups who fell due to overconfidence, such as the Israelites at Mount Sinai and Peter's denial of Jesus. These stories serve as warnings for us to remain vigilant and rely on God's strength rather than our own. [04:31]

3. The Reality of Evil: Evil is a powerful force that we cannot overcome on our own. Acknowledging our vulnerability and praying for deliverance from evil is crucial in our spiritual journey. We must trust in God's ability to protect and guide us. [07:01]

4. The Importance of Community: Having a "temptation buddy" or a supportive community can help us navigate spiritual challenges. Sharing our struggles and praying together strengthens our resolve and reminds us that we are not alone in our journey. [10:26]

5. Relying on God's Strength: In moments of temptation and spiritual struggle, we must turn to God, who is more powerful than any force we face. By praying for His guidance and deliverance, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and trust in His ability to rescue us. [11:06]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:31] - The Insurmountable Kingdom
- [00:47] - Sobering Words of the Lord's Prayer
- [01:19] - Our Fragility and Vulnerability
- [02:05] - The Overconfidence Effect
- [02:48] - Spiritual Narcissism
- [03:49] - Biblical Examples of Overconfidence
- [04:31] - Warnings from Scripture
- [05:05] - The Disciples' Overconfidence
- [06:00] - Jesus' Warning to Watch and Pray
- [06:30] - The Genesis of Overconfidence
- [07:01] - Praying for Deliverance from Evil
- [08:23] - The Reality of Spiritual Forces
- [09:39] - Personal Experiences with Temptation
- [10:12] - The Role of a Temptation Buddy
- [11:06] - Trusting in God's Strength

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Matthew 6:13 - "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."
2. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 - "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
3. Genesis 3:1-6 - The story of Eve and the serpent.

Observation Questions:

1. What does the phrase "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" suggest about our human nature and our need for divine assistance? [00:47]

2. How does the story of Goliath and David illustrate the dangers of overconfidence? [03:49]

3. In what ways did Peter's overconfidence manifest during his interactions with Jesus, and what was the outcome? [05:33]

4. How does the story of Eve in Genesis 3 demonstrate the consequences of overconfidence in one's own judgment? [06:30]

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of overconfidence relate to spiritual narcissism, and why is it important to remain humble in our spiritual journey? [02:48]

2. What lessons can be learned from the biblical examples of overconfidence, such as the Israelites at Mount Sinai and Peter's denial of Jesus? How do these stories serve as warnings for us today? [04:31]

3. How does acknowledging the reality of evil and our vulnerability to it change the way we approach our spiritual lives and our reliance on God? [07:01]

4. In what ways can having a "temptation buddy" or a supportive community help us navigate spiritual challenges and avoid the pitfalls of overconfidence? [10:26]

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when overconfidence led you to a spiritual or personal setback. How can you use that experience to remain humble and reliant on God in the future? [02:33]

2. Consider the biblical warnings against complacency. How can you stay vigilant in your spiritual journey and avoid the traps of overconfidence? [04:31]

3. How do you currently acknowledge the reality of evil in your life, and what steps can you take to pray for deliverance and protection from it? [07:01]

4. Identify someone in your life who could serve as a "temptation buddy." How can you initiate a conversation with them about supporting each other in your spiritual journeys? [10:26]

5. In moments of temptation, what practical steps can you take to rely on God's strength rather than your own? How can prayer play a role in this process? [11:06]

6. Think about a specific area in your life where you might be overconfident. What changes can you make to ensure you are seeking God's guidance and strength in that area? [06:00]

7. How can you cultivate a mindset of humility and dependence on God in your daily life, especially when facing challenges or temptations? [11:21]

Devotional

Day 1: The Perils of Spiritual Overconfidence
Overconfidence in our spiritual journey can lead to a dangerous form of spiritual narcissism, where we mistakenly believe we are superior to others in our faith. This mindset distances us from God and makes us more susceptible to temptation. The Bible warns us through various stories, such as Goliath's arrogance and Peter's denial, that overconfidence can lead to downfall. We must remain humble, acknowledging our need for God's guidance and strength to navigate our spiritual path. [02:33]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your spiritual life do you find yourself feeling overconfident? How can you practice humility and reliance on God today?


Day 2: Vigilance Against Complacency
The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals and groups who fell due to overconfidence, such as the Israelites at Mount Sinai and Peter's denial of Jesus. These stories serve as warnings for us to remain vigilant and rely on God's strength rather than our own. Complacency can lead us away from God's path, making us vulnerable to temptation and spiritual downfall. By staying alert and prayerful, we can guard against the dangers of complacency and maintain a strong connection with God. [04:31]

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (ESV): "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have become spiritually complacent? What steps can you take to remain vigilant and rely on God's strength?


Day 3: Acknowledging the Reality of Evil
Evil is a powerful force that we cannot overcome on our own. Acknowledging our vulnerability and praying for deliverance from evil is crucial in our spiritual journey. We must trust in God's ability to protect and guide us through the challenges we face. The story of Eve in Genesis illustrates how overconfidence can lead us astray, reminding us of the importance of relying on God rather than our own strength. By praying for deliverance, we acknowledge our dependence on God and His power to rescue us from evil. [07:01]

Ephesians 6:12-13 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."

Reflection: How do you perceive the presence of evil in your life? What specific prayers can you offer to seek God's deliverance and protection today?


Day 4: The Power of Community in Spiritual Battles
Having a "temptation buddy" or a supportive community can help us navigate spiritual challenges. Sharing our struggles and praying together strengthens our resolve and reminds us that we are not alone in our journey. In our daily lives, we encounter temptations and spiritual battles that require us to lean on God and seek support from others. By building a community of faith, we can encourage one another and rely on God's strength to overcome the challenges we face. [10:26]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Who in your life can serve as a "temptation buddy" or spiritual support? How can you reach out to them today to strengthen your spiritual community?


Day 5: Trusting in God's Strength
In moments of temptation and spiritual struggle, we must turn to God, who is more powerful than any force we face. By praying for His guidance and deliverance, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and trust in His ability to rescue us. Jesus teaches us to pray for deliverance from evil, recognizing that we cannot overcome it by ourselves. By relying on God's strength, we can face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [11:06]

Isaiah 40:29-31 (ESV): "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God's strength? How can you actively seek His guidance and deliverance in your daily prayers?

Quotes


"way we are learning together from our teacher Jesus from the greatest teaching ever delivered the seron On The Mount we're learning that we can live with great confidence because what's insurmountable is not our Frailty or our problems or the world around us it's God and his kingdom that is present with us all the time and so we have one phrase a day been learning how to pray our way through that great prayer that's at the center of all this and when we come to the end of it our words that are quite sobering may be a bit scary lead us not into temptation but deliver Us from Evil." [00:20:03]

"we are not as tough as we think we are more vulnerable we are more fragile we live in a universe with forces spiritual forces far beyond us now we all want to live with confidence confidence is a good thing but actually overconfidence is one of our primary problems in the field of social psychology there's something that's now called the overconfidence effect and it plays out all over the place one quite famous study done by a GU name senson found uh obviously if you look at any trade 50% of people will be above average 50% of people be below average intelligence social skills American drivers 93% of us believe we are above average drivers." [00:105:20]

"and of course that creates a world problem that's why so many people text I can handle it I can do that and this overconfidence is a real problem when it comes to spirituality and not just Christian spirituality there was an article I read not long ago I think the author was Scott Kaufman and he talks about uh Eastern forms of spirituality yoga mindfulness and he poses the question if yoga was created to quiet the ego and reduce self-centeredness why are there so many pictures of yoga poses on Instagram he says I've read the literature I'm pretty sure the intent was not for physically attractive people to show how they could twist themselves into pretzels." [00:151:92]

"and now when we come to the Bible and uh seeking to follow God uh overconfidence is a real problem there you see it in some places with people who just ignore God Goliath sees David says I'm want to feed your carcass to the birds and the wild animals David Trust God so he says to go I want to feed your carcass to the birds of the wild David was not much of trash talking yet but he had confidence in God however often people who are quite devoted to God have this problem of overconfidence and spiritual narcissism so the Apostle Paul when he's writing to the Church of cor he talks about Israel when they're at Mount Si wonderful thing things happen but then some really bad things happen when they were complacent and he says these things happened as an example written on as a warning for us so if you think you're standing firm be careful that you do not fall no temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humankind and God is faithful he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear but if you think you're standing firm precisely in that moment I'll do it Frey well and we see this over and over in scripture this this a vulnerable ability of the overconfident." [00:220:87]

"Jesus is talking to uh his disciples and one day James and John have their mom come up to him and say can my son sit one in your right one in your left and he poses the question are you able to drink the cup that I will drink could you go through the baptism these are uh metaphorical references to suffering and their response is oh yes sure we can do that as deep spiritual overcoming they have no idea on the night before he's betrayed he's with his disciples and he says all of you are going to fall away and Peter says not me notice the comparison notice the hubris and I'm sure Peter was quite sincere in the moment even if everybody else runs away from you I will never do that and Jesus says uh before the crows three times you're going to Peter's respond no even if I have to die that's a form of spiritual overconfidence that's why Jesus tells them in the garden that evening uh statements very similar to this statement in the Lord's prayer Watch and Pray so that you will not be overcome by Temptation because the spirit is willing I know your heart's in the right place but the flesh um our habits our Humanity just the patterns and dynamics that are deeply deeply embodied in us are running the wrong way and on our own we're going to fall." [00:301:75]

"and so Jesus says now uh in the Lord's Prayer as we come to kind of the end of it and we might be tempted to think wellow I'm in great shape now because I'm praying um pray this God lead me on into temptation deliver me from the evil one or deliver me from evil for evil is real and it is more powerful than me and I cannot handle it I am fragile and I am frail and I'm vulnerable to it and we live this close to we do this all the time when we're driving a car because that's such a powerful and dangerous thing people that do a best parenting we live this close and we live in a moral and spiritual reality." [00:405:28]

"I don't know what your history is when you think about the evil one and evil Powers uh it was not talked a lot about directly in my tradition when I was growing up I just met today with my good friend Gary Moon he grew up in a real different tradition was talked about a lot and they were quite comfortable having these confrontations he had an uncle Otis who was a faith healer Gear's got a million stories about him one time at a Revival service man came up to him who said that he had a demon and Uncle Odus said what your name and the demon said liar and otus said are you telling me the truth lion demon and Gary who became a psychologist said he double binded the demon because if the demon says no I'm not telling you the truth well then it's not the L demon but if he says yes I'm telling you the truth if he's a liar he's got to be lying so either way yeah now I didn't grew up in that kind of tradition I didn't I didn't have those kind of confrontations but I will tell you the older I have gotten as I've gone through life I just watched this in the lives of others and myself somebody is an addict and if they tell you this story there's a power at work and addiction that is beyond just chemicals and they can tell a 100 stories a 100 moments a 100 decisions I can handle this and if a relapse come very often that will be what I can handle this a woman loses her marriage and uh gets involved in a relationship that just leads to heartbreak and there'll be a 100 moments 100 words 100 comments 100 little lions get crossed I can handle this all so subtle so uh apparently Bland or mild or non-dramatic long time ago the first time somebody asked for me and other people uh to pray for him lay hands on him for uh us to pray for him to be delivered to do an exorcism for him and there was no one dramatic moment in his life when everything went wrong he had been a pastor and just it all went South I think about in my own life in the most powerful and the darkest moments there have been these moments when when I'm thinking generally when I'm alone sometimes when I'm praying I will just be aware there's this pervasive something a spirit of fear that seems to have will attached that seems to warm me there's a pulling sense to it or of anger and rage and hate and Malice and a pulling sense to it or uh I was talking to somebody recently because I I'll I will still have these moments and and the Word was dread what if just dread and so so this is our prayer so two thoughts one is um when you thinking about Temptation when you deal with temptation and you will you are a human being we live this close uh we live Between Heaven and Hell get a Temptation buddy and I don't mean somebody who says we I'll just jump right into it with you I mean somebody who takes it your soul very seriously and you can s I'm struggling with this temptation and they will pray for you and then bring it to God let this be the prayer today um with relaxed confidence in God not overconfidence in me not I can handle it that's where it can be such a helpful thing to recognize I'm living in the midst of powers that are too much for me but I was not made to overcome them on my own I have a friend and he is very strong he is more insurmountable by far than they so when I am un prompted provoked troubled uh tempted it's always an invitation to come to him my good friend Our Father who is closer to me than the air I breathe lead me not into temptation don't let me fall to that deliver me from Evil free me Rescue Me from the evil one from forces that are too much for me and he will do it he will be with you and me as we pray for each other in The Fellowship of the withered hand on this a golden rule day if you like hearing John talk about The Sermon on the Mount we've got a whole series on that so be sure and subscribe so you don't miss any episodes in that series and if you're new to the channel you might want to go back and catch up on some of the episodes that you've missed in fact in fact if you head on over to our website becom new.com we have over 700 10-minute teachings there all about the person that you're becoming my name is Tim I'm a part of the team here if you reach out to us over text or email or even write here in the YouTube comments you're probably going to be interacting with me and I love connecting with this community because we're all on this spiritual journey of growth to become more like the kind of people that God wants us to be and if you have a story of change of growth of spiritual progress we want to know about it and so I'd invite you to text that to us or email that to us or even just share it right here in the comments um as often as it happens as frequently as it happens whenever it happens just let us know because that's the center of the target for us to help people grow spiritually one day at a time if you've got a prayer request there's a small team of us that meet each weekday Monday through Friday to pray for viewers just like yourself you are not alone we would love to come alongside you in prayer you can send us that request at 855 888 0444 we're glad that you're here we'll catch you next." [00:452:59]

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Transcript
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