Lead Us Not Into Temptation: Dependence on God

Feb 17, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Dependence on God for Deliverance from Evil

We often underestimate the reality and power of evil, imagining it as distant or cartoonish, but Jesus teaches us to pray with urgency and humility: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” This prayer is not about relying on our own willpower or moral strength, but about recognizing our weakness and our need for God’s protection and rescue. Evil is subtle, working through temptations and slow compromises, and we are not as strong as we think. By praying these words, we acknowledge our vulnerability and our desperate need for God to snatch us from danger, just as a firefighter would pull someone from a burning building. [11:49]

Matthew 6:13 (ESV)
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

Reflection: Where in your life do you tend to rely on your own strength to resist temptation, and how can you intentionally invite God’s help and protection in those areas today?

Day 2: Trials Refine, But God Protects

God does not tempt us, but He sometimes allows us to go through trials that reveal what is truly in our hearts. These trials are not meant to destroy us, but to refine us, much like gold is refined by fire. However, if we are left to ourselves, these trials can become overwhelming and lead us into sin. The prayer “lead us not into temptation” is a plea that God would not abandon us in our testing, but would give us strength so that we are not overcome. When we are rattled by life’s difficulties, what comes out of us reveals our need for God’s grace and transformation. [10:49]

James 1:13-14 (ESV)
"Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire."

Reflection: When you face stress or disappointment, what reactions or attitudes “bubble to the surface,” and how can you invite God to refine and strengthen you in those moments?

Day 3: Recognizing the Real Enemy

It is easy to misidentify the source of our struggles, seeing other people as the enemy rather than recognizing the spiritual battle at work. Scripture reminds us that our true struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. When we focus on fighting the wrong battles—arguing with others or getting distracted by secondary issues—we miss the deeper work God wants to do in us and through us. Instead, we are called to love our neighbors and remember that the real enemy is the one who seeks to divide, distract, and destroy. [18:19]

Ephesians 6:12 (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."

Reflection: Is there someone you’ve been viewing as an adversary? How might you shift your perspective to see them as a neighbor to be loved, while focusing your spiritual energy on the real battle?

Day 4: The Subtlety of Temptation and the Need for Boundaries

Temptation rarely appears as something obviously destructive; instead, it often comes disguised as something harmless or even good. Like a fisherman using the right bait for each fish, the enemy knows how to lure us with what appeals to our unique desires. Sometimes, sin is not loving bad things, but loving good things in the wrong order—placing our hope or identity in something other than God. Because our willpower is limited, we need rhythms, boundaries, and community to help us stay alert and dependent on God, rather than relying on our own strength. [26:48]

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Reflection: What is one practical boundary or rhythm you can put in place this week to guard against a temptation or misplaced affection in your life?

Day 5: Victory Through Surrender, Not Striving

The good news is that Jesus has already won the ultimate victory over evil. He faced temptation and overcame it, endured the full force of evil at the cross, and rose again, defeating the enemy once and for all. Our victory does not come from fighting harder in our own strength, but from surrendering sooner—recognizing our need for God every moment and trusting in what Christ has accomplished. This posture of dependence and humility is the heart of the gospel: we are not just rescued from evil, but made more than conquerors through Jesus. [30:37]

Romans 8:37 (ESV)
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to stop striving and start surrendering to God’s victory and grace today?

Sermon Summary

As a parent of three young boys, I’ve been reminded lately of how easy it is to trivialize evil—seeing it as something cartoonish, distant, or even laughable, like the supervillains my kids love. But Jesus, in teaching us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one,” calls us to a sobering awareness: evil is real, subtle, and personal. It doesn’t always show up in obvious ways, but often works through small compromises, misplaced affections, and the slow erosion of our character.

Jesus’ prayer is not a call to self-reliance or willpower, but to deep dependence on God. The phrase “deliver us” is a desperate cry, not a polite request. It’s an acknowledgment that we are not as strong as we think, that we are vulnerable to temptation, and that we need a Rescuer. The Greek word for “temptation” (peirasmos) can mean both a lure to sin and a trial that tests us. God does not tempt us, but He may allow us to be tested—not to see us fail, but to refine us. Yet, we are to pray that these trials do not overwhelm us or lead us into sin.

Evil, as Jesus describes, is not just an abstract force but a personal enemy—Satan—who seeks to distract, divide, and destroy. The enemy rarely presents us with obvious chains, but with small choices—one link at a time—that can eventually enslave us. Like a sinkhole, the collapse is sudden, but the erosion is slow and hidden. Our daily choices matter, and without daily dependence on God, we are vulnerable.

We are also reminded that our real battle is not against other people, but against spiritual forces. When we see others as enemies rather than neighbors, we miss the heart of the gospel. Jesus has already won the ultimate victory over evil through His death and resurrection. He faced temptation and overcame it, and now offers us both compassion in our weakness and power to stand firm.

This prayer, then, is a call to humility, vigilance, and surrender. It’s not about fighting harder in our own strength, but about surrendering sooner—recognizing our need for God’s protection, guidance, and deliverance every moment. In Jesus, we have both the model and the means for victory over evil.

Key Takeaways

1. Evil is subtle, personal, and persistent Evil rarely appears in obvious forms; it often works through small compromises, misplaced loves, and gradual erosion of character. Recognizing this helps us stay vigilant and humble, understanding that we are not immune to its influence and must daily depend on God’s strength, not our own. [01:52]
2. Trials refine, but dependence protects God may allow us to face trials, not to see us fail, but to refine our character. However, we are called to pray that these trials do not overpower us or lead us into sin. True spiritual maturity is not about escaping hardship, but about seeking God’s strength to endure and overcome without falling. [09:20]
3. Our real enemy is not other people Scripture reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. When we treat others as the enemy, we lose sight of the gospel’s call to love. Recognizing the true battle helps us focus our energy on resisting evil, not on fighting those we are called to love. [18:00]
4. Jesus has already won the victory Though evil is a real and threatening power, it is ultimately a defeated one. Jesus faced temptation, endured the cross, and overcame the evil one. Our confidence is not in our own ability to resist, but in Christ’s finished work and ongoing compassion for us in our weakness. [19:33]
5. Surrender is greater than self-reliance Victory over temptation and evil is not about trying harder, but about surrendering sooner. This prayer is a confession of our weakness and a declaration of our need for God’s daily deliverance. True freedom and strength are found in humble dependence on Him. [30:37]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:27] - Kids, Superheroes, and Supervillains
[01:52] - Trivializing Evil and Jesus’ Warning
[02:24] - The Lord’s Prayer: Dependence on God
[03:04] - Disciples’ Struggle with Prayer
[04:16] - Jesus’ Priority of Prayer
[05:08] - Provision and Protection in Prayer
[06:05] - Overestimating Our Strength
[07:25] - Does God Lead Us into Temptation?
[08:57] - Trials, Temptation, and Refinement
[10:49] - Praying for Strength in Testing
[11:49] - The Urgency of Deliverance
[12:18] - Evil One: Satan’s Reality
[14:25] - Deliverance in Scripture and the Cross
[15:50] - Sinkholes and Subtle Temptation
[16:49] - Choices Become Chains
[18:00] - Fighting the Right Battles
[19:33] - Jesus’ Victory Over Evil
[20:38] - Stay Alert: The Enemy’s Tactics
[23:02] - Temptation and Disordered Loves
[26:24] - Relying on God, Not Ourselves
[29:34] - The Battle Is Already Won
[30:37] - Surrender and Dependence
[31:33] - Closing and Next Steps

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Lead Us Not Into Temptation, But Deliver Us From the Evil One”

Bible Reading

- Matthew 6:13 (ESV)
> And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

- Ephesians 6:12 (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.

- James 1:13-14 (ESV)
> Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

Observation Questions

In Matthew 6:13, what two things does Jesus teach us to pray for regarding temptation and evil?
According to Ephesians 6:12, who or what is our real enemy in the spiritual battle? ([18:00])
In James 1:13-14, where does temptation come from, and what does James say about God’s role in temptation? ([07:25])
The sermon compared evil to a sinkhole and to chains built one link at a time. What point was the pastor making with these illustrations? ([15:50])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus teach us to pray “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” instead of just asking for more willpower or strength? ([06:05])
The sermon says that evil is often subtle and works through small compromises and misplaced loves. How does this understanding change the way someone might approach their daily choices? ([16:49])
What does it mean that our real battle is not against other people, but against spiritual forces? How might this affect the way we view conflict with others? ([18:00])
The pastor said, “Victory isn’t about fighting harder, it’s about surrendering sooner.” What does surrender look like in the context of temptation and spiritual struggle? ([30:37])

Application Questions

The sermon warned against trivializing evil or thinking of it as just something “out there.” Are there ways you have downplayed the reality of evil or temptation in your own life? What would it look like to take it more seriously this week? ([01:52])
The pastor described how small daily choices can slowly erode our character, like a sinkhole forming underground. Can you think of a recent “small compromise” in your life? How could you respond differently next time? ([16:49])
When facing trials or temptations, do you tend to rely on your own strength or turn to God for help? What is one practical way you could express dependence on God this week? ([06:05])
The sermon emphasized that our real enemy is not other people. Is there someone in your life you have been treating as the enemy? How could you shift your perspective and respond with love instead? ([18:00])
The pastor talked about setting up boundaries and accountability before temptation strikes. What is one area where you need to set a new boundary or invite someone to help keep you accountable? ([27:36])
Jesus has already won the victory over evil, but we still face daily battles. How does knowing that Jesus understands your weakness and has compassion for you change the way you approach your struggles? ([18:55])
The prayer “deliver us” is described as a desperate cry, not a polite request. When was the last time you prayed with that kind of urgency? What would it look like to pray that way this week? ([11:49])

Sermon Clips

“But it's easy to look at characters like this and we just don't take them all that seriously, right? But I actually think that's part of the problem. Because we tend to think of evil either as cartoonishly exaggerated or distant. Something out there in the world, but not something that we need to be concerned with personally. And yet Jesus, in the Lord's Prayer, gives us a sobering reminder is that we have a very real enemy. And unlike these comic book villains, he doesn't show up with a cape and a dramatic monologue. He works in the shadows through subtle temptations, misplaced affections, and slow compromises.”

“We live in a world that in a lot of ways kind of trivializes evil. There are like movies and TV shows that make demons like cute or funny or aloof. And at the same time, I think we often overestimate our strength. Here's what I mean. A 2018 study found that 65% of Americans believe they are more intelligent than the average person. Statistically speaking, that's lopsided. 65% consider themselves above average in their intelligence. And I found in contrast, Mensa International, which is a high IQ society, requires members to score within the top 2% on approval intelligence tests. The reality is that we often overestimate our intelligence, overestimate our morality, and overestimate our ability to resist temptation. And I believe that Jesus knows this. He knows our tendency. Which is why he doesn't teach us to pray, help me overcome evil by my own willpower. He teaches us a prayer that is steeped with dependence.”

“And these two words, deliver us, is a recognition that we are not as strong as we often think we are. That we are not immune to sin. That evil is real and we need a rescuer. We need someone to deliver us.”

“We are not asking to escape trials altogether. We are asking that when trials come, that they will not overpower us, leading us into sin. Think about it this way. When gold is refined, it goes through what? Fire. Gold goes through fire to get refined. The goal is to remove the impurities, but if left too long, the gold can be destroyed. Similarly, in my experience, and maybe you can relate, God sometimes allows trials to refine us, but he does not desire for us to fall into sin.”

“That's what trials often do for us. When we're rattled, when we're shaken, we should be taking stock of what comes out of me when things don't go my way, or when I'm stressed, or when the guy in front of me is driving too slow, or when the waiter gets my meal wrong. That we should be paying attention to, man, what comes out of me when I'm overwhelmed.”

“This means that when we pray these words, we are acknowledging our weakness and we're asking for God's strength in the difficulty. We're seeking his protection from the traps of the enemy.”

“This is not a polite request to God. This is one that recognizes the urgency. It's a desperate cry of someone in imminent danger. Picture a firefighter rushing into a burning building to pull someone out before the flames consume them. That's the kind of rescue that Jesus teaches us to pray. Not just like, hey, I got a good handle on things, but every once in a while if you could keep me from stumbling, it is recognizing God without you, without your help, without your guidance and deliverance and protection, I'm toast. I need you, God, every moment.”

“So by praying, deliver us from the evil one we're praying, deliver us from this very real enemy that has very real plans to snatch us, to break apart our marriages, to get us distracted, rescue us from our own sinful tendencies, protect us from the corruption around us. The bottom line is we are acknowledging in this prayer that we cannot do this on our own, which is so central to the gospel, by the way, that when we can do nothing to earn, deserve, or merit God's favor, he comes after us. He pursues us even in our brokenness, not when we got our life together, when we joined a small group and we started tithing and doing all these religious things. It's when we were still caught in our brokenness.”

“This whole part of the prayer flies in the face of so much of our sort of like Western rugged individualism. I and me and my, I can make this happen. This part of the prayer is a very unsettling posture of humility. It's declaring, God, without your help, I cannot overcome this.”

“We see this in the Exodus. God snatches Israel from slavery in Egypt. We see this in the Psalms where we pray, the Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. We see this in the reference that Corey made last week. Daniel's in the lion's den. God shut the mouth of the lions. And then we see this at the cross and the resurrection. Jesus defeated the ultimate act of evil. The greatest deliverance was at the cross.”

“And when Jesus prayed in the garden, by the way, sweating real drops of blood, like real weightiness, let this cup pass if there is any other way but not my will, let yours be done. And he was not delivered from suffering but went through it so that you and I might be delivered from it.”

“A sinkhole appears, a car disappears, and then they all go, man, that hole came out of nowhere. But they're wrong. The hole appears suddenly, but the process that led to it has been going on for years. The underground erosion was invisible, but it was there all along. Sinkholes remind us of two really important things. One, something can look good on the outside when underneath major problems have been going on for years. And two, our lives are affected by little choices which have a cumulative effect and can result either in moral strength or moral failure.”

“I would say it like this, the choices we make today become the chains that we wear tomorrow. And if we're not mindful of what it is each moment of every day that we're actually building or dismantling, God is saying, be wary of an enemy that wants nothing more than for you to be imprisoned, to be enslaved to this addiction, to this idea, to this relationship, whatever that is. If we are not daily dependent on God, we are vulnerable.”

“If we see other people more as enemies to be defeated rather than neighbors to be loved, we have lost the heart of the gospel. Do we have very real disagreements? Obviously. Is there very real evil in the world? Obviously. But Paul is telling us our actual battle is not other people. It's the powers and principalities. There's a bigger thing going on here and when we treat other people like they're the issue, they're the enemy, we miss so much of what I believe God wants to do in the world.”

“Hebrews 4.15, For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with us in our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet he did not sin. That means Jesus understands. Man, are you struggling in this area? Are you ashamed that you went back to this substance or that website? The posture from Jesus isn't condemnation, it's compassion. We have a high priest who gets it, who understands.”

“Evil is a threatening power, but a defeated one. Evil is a threatening power, but a defeated one. And because of that, we can pray this prayer with confidence because God will lead us. God will deliver us. God will keep us. And in Jesus, he already has.”

“Where there's temptation, there is a tempter. In fact, scripture tells us that the enemy is not just some sort of passive spectator like waiting for us to trip and kind of like laugh on our failures. Genesis 4 says, sin is crouching at your door. 1 Peter 5 says, the enemy prowls like a lion. Stay alert. Evil is real.”

“Let me ask you this. Have you ever looked at the world at war and oppression and justice, exploitation, the way that humans keep harming each other and thought to yourself, I wonder if something bigger is going on here. Like I feel like deep down we sense that evil isn't just an abstract concept or like a bad idea or a bad decision here and there. It has, there's a weightiness to it. And if you've ever felt that sense, not just like around you but like in you, if you've ever been surprised at like your own capacity to like contribute to harm, to hurt another person, then maybe, just maybe, Jesus is on to something when he teaches us to pray, deliver us from evil.”

“What looks like will feed you will actually trap you. We so often look to these things or these substances or this, whatever it is, it looks like it will satisfy me, but it's actually a trap. Fish are just a collection of appetites. They're essentially just a stomach, mouth, and eyes. And they're like, I see that? I want it. Time to eat. The one who is fishing for us knows our desires. He baits the hook and waits for us to bite. Someone fishing for you is not an if, but a when.”

“Sin isn't just loving the wrong things. Sometimes it's loving the right things in the wrong order. And Jesus acknowledges the power of evil, but he also makes it very clear that God is greater. Evil is a defeated enemy, but still a dangerous one.”

“Maturity is not what can I get away with, but what do I need to get away from? You see, a child asks, what can I get away with? How much sin, how much sinning can I do before God gets really angry? Like if I went to my wife and I said, hey, how much can I get away with before you divorce me? Is that the sign of a flourishing relationship? Do you think she's going to respond well to that question? No, nor should she. The question is like, how can I get away with? But like, Lord, what do I need to get away from? What sin have I been teaching to do tricks that God said to put to death?”

“This prayer is a confession of weakness. It's a rejection of self-sufficiency because the truth is we don't just need God to forgive past sins. We need him to keep us from future ones. So let me ask, where are you relying on your own strength right now, your own discipline, your own ingenuity, your own moral record, your own intelligence? And are you clinging to God like a drowning person clings to a lifeboat? Oh, that the Lord would forge in us that kind of dependence.”

“The battle is real but here's the good news, it's already won. Because Jesus didn't just teach us to pray this prayer, he fulfilled it. And at the cross, he faced the ultimate trial. He endured the full force of evil. The enemy did its worst to him and he exhausted its force. That is the good news of the gospel and because of his victory, we are not just rescued from evil, we are more than conquerors over it.”

“Victory isn't about fighting harder, it's about surrendering sooner. I wish I had learned that decades earlier. It's not about fighting harder, it's about surrendering sooner, recognizing that every breath is a gift on loan to us that we are not owed. God, we need you every moment of every day. Open our eyes to that reality because ultimately we are weak. The enemy is real and only God can save. And in Jesus, he already has.”

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