Strength in Temptation: A Call to Prayer and Community

Today’s reflection centers on the final petition of the Lord’s Prayer: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” This prayer is not a request for a life free from trials, but a plea for God’s protection and strength to stand firm when temptations and hardships inevitably come. Even Jesus, at the beginning of His ministry, was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted. This reminds us that temptation is not a sign of God’s absence, but an opportunity to rely on His presence and power.

The Lord’s Prayer is fundamentally about relationship—our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Jesus teaches us to pray not because God is unaware of our needs, but because He desires intimacy with us. Prayer is not a performance for others, but a sincere conversation with God, rooted in honesty and humility. When we pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done,” we are not commanding God, but aligning ourselves with His purposes, becoming His ambassadors in a broken world.

Daily dependence on God is another key theme. Whether in need or abundance, we are reminded that all we have comes from Him. Gratitude and stewardship flow from recognizing God as our provider. Forgiveness, too, is central—not as a condition for salvation, but as the fruit of having received God’s mercy. The story of Corrie ten Boom illustrates the supernatural power of forgiveness, which is not a feeling but a decision to obey God, releasing bitterness and finding freedom.

Temptation often finds its foothold in unresolved pain and isolation. The enemy seeks to isolate us, but God calls us into community, where we can be honest about our struggles and pray for one another. Trials, though painful, are used by God to refine our faith, making it more precious than gold. Stories from recovery ministry and missions remind us that God’s presence is with us in the darkest places, and that standing firm is possible through Christ who strengthens us.

Ultimately, the Lord’s Prayer is a call to keep watch, to pray, and to stand firm together. It is not a magic formula, but a guide to a life of dependence, honesty, forgiveness, and perseverance in faith.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Prayer is about Relationship, not Ritual God already knows our needs, but He invites us to pray so that we can deepen our relationship with Him. Prayer is not about public display or empty repetition, but about honest, heartfelt connection with our Father in heaven. When we focus on relationship, our prayers become genuine and transformative. [26:18]
• 2. Forgiveness is a Decision, not a Feeling True forgiveness flows from having received God’s mercy ourselves. It is not always easy or natural, especially when we have been deeply hurt, but it is a step of obedience that brings freedom. As Corrie ten Boom’s story shows, God gives us the strength to forgive when we choose to obey, and in doing so, we experience His love in profound ways. [40:07]
• 3. Temptation is Inevitable, but God Provides a Way Out The prayer “lead us not into temptation” acknowledges that trials and temptations are part of life, but God is faithful to provide strength and a way of escape. We are not asking for a life without struggle, but for God’s deliverance and the ability to stand firm. Our faith is refined and strengthened through these challenges. [43:14]
• 4. Community is Essential in Spiritual Battle The enemy seeks to isolate us, especially when we are hurting or bitter. God calls us to walk together, to be honest about our struggles, and to support one another in prayer. When we care for others, especially new believers or those in recovery, our own faith is strengthened, and we experience the blessing of true Christian fellowship. [50:16]
• 5. Trials are Opportunities for Growth and Testimony Hardships, whether personal or witnessed in others, are not wasted in God’s hands. Like Joseph, we may not understand why we face certain trials, but God can use them for good, to shape our character and to bless others. Standing firm in faith, even in the face of great temptation or suffering, becomes a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness.
  
  ** [56:43]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [21:16] - Introduction to the Lord’s Prayer’s Final Petition
• [23:37] - Jesus’ Temptation and Our Trials
• [26:18] - The Heart and Motive of Prayer
• [31:31] - Relationship with the Father and His Kingdom
• [33:39] - Daily Dependence and Gratitude
• [34:49] - The Power and Challenge of Forgiveness
• [40:07] - Forgiveness as Obedience and Freedom
• [43:14] - Understanding Temptation and God’s Deliverance
• [48:33] - Community and Recovery Ministry
• [50:16] - Honesty and Vulnerability in the Church
• [56:43] - Trials, Growth, and Standing Firm
• [58:18] - Lessons from Mission and Suffering
• [61:14] - Healing through Community
• [63:58] - Watchfulness, Prayer, and Perseverance
• [66:26] - God’s Faithfulness in Temptation
• [68:19] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Lord’s Prayer – “Lead Us Not Into Temptation”

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Bible Reading

- Matthew 6:9-13
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

- 1 Peter 5:8-9
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”

- Genesis 50:20
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

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Observation Questions

1. In Matthew 6:13, what exactly are we asking God to do when we pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”?

*(see [21:16])*

1. According to 1 Peter 5:8-9, how does the enemy operate, and what are believers called to do in response?

*(see [43:14])*

1. In the story of Joseph (Genesis 50:20), what was the outcome of his trials, and how did Joseph interpret God’s role in his suffering?

*(see [59:44])*

1. The sermon mentions that even Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted (Matthew 4:1). What does this tell us about the nature of temptation?

*(see [23:37])*

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Interpretation Questions

1. The Lord’s Prayer is described as being about relationship, not ritual. Why does Jesus emphasize praying in secret and focusing on our heart’s motive rather than public display?

*(see [26:18])*

1. The sermon says that forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling, and shares Corrie ten Boom’s story. Why is it so difficult to forgive, and what does it mean to forgive as an act of obedience?

*(see [40:07])*

1. The enemy is said to “prowl like a lion” and seeks to isolate believers, especially when they are hurting. Why is community so important in resisting temptation and standing firm in faith?

*(see [50:16])*

1. Trials are described as opportunities for growth and testimony. How can hardships refine our faith and become a blessing to others, as seen in Joseph’s story?

*(see [56:43])*

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Application Questions

1. The Lord’s Prayer invites us to honest, humble conversation with God. When you pray, do you focus more on relationship or on saying the “right” words? What would it look like to pray more honestly this week?

*(see [26:18])*

1. Is there someone in your life you are struggling to forgive? What would it mean for you to choose forgiveness as an act of obedience, even if you don’t feel like it? How might God meet you in that step?

*(see [40:07])*

1. The sermon says temptation often finds a foothold in unresolved pain and isolation. Are there areas of pain or bitterness in your life that you tend to hide from others? What would it look like to bring these into the light with a trusted friend or group?

*(see [43:14])*

1. Community is described as essential in spiritual battle. How can you be more intentional about supporting others in your small group, especially those who are new or struggling?

*(see [50:16])*

1. Think about a recent trial or hardship you’ve faced. Looking back, can you see ways that God was present or working for good, even if it was hard to see at the time? How might you share this as a testimony to encourage someone else?

*(see [59:44])*

1. The sermon encourages us to “stand firm” together. What practical steps can you take this week to keep watch, pray, and persevere in faith, especially when you feel weak or tempted?

*(see [01:03:58])*

1. The story of recovery ministry highlights the power of honesty and vulnerability. Is there something you need to confess or share with the group so that you can receive prayer and support?

*(see [50:16])*

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray the Lord’s Prayer together, focusing on each phrase as a genuine conversation with God, not just a ritual. Ask God for strength to forgive, courage to be honest, and faith to stand firm together.