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And when he came to the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." Luke 22:40 ESV
When a hurricane or tropical storm slams into a harbor, which ships take the worst battering? Often the ships that can’t sink. Like such ships, Jesus couldn’t sin (Hebrews 4:15), but that only intensified His temptations (Hebrews 5:7-9). Christian men have always faced temptation. Repeatedly in Matthew, Mark, and here in Luke, Jesus admonishes His disciples with the words above.
Practically, how does praying help you “not enter into temptation”?
First, start with the Lord’s Prayer in Luke 11:1-4 and especially Matthew 6:9-13. Both are addressed to the heavenly Father. Both end with the petition, “And lead us not into temptation [or testing],” with Matthew adding, “but deliver us from evil.” The top priority is who hears your prayers. He is able!
Second, continue with the Lord’s most famous parable in Luke 15, especially verses 11-24. Jesus describes a rebellious son and a compassionate father, who in many ways represents the heavenly Father. The father can’t wait to forgive his son, who doesn’t even get to finish apologizing. Amazing life transformation takes place. And the father can’t wait to start a great celebration that very evening. No fear should ever keep you from asking God to forgive you. He is ready!
Prayer: Unwavering Lord, steer me clear of temptation, deliver me from evil, and forgive me when I fail You.
When a hurricane or tropical storm slams into a harbor, which ships take the worst battering? Often the ships that can’t sink. Like such ships, Jesus couldn’t sin (Hebrews 4:15), but that only intensified His temptations (Hebrews 5:7-9). Christian men have always faced temptation. Repeatedly in Matthew, Mark, and here in Luke, Jesus admonishes His disciples with the words above.
Practically, how does praying help you “not enter into temptation”?
First, start with the Lord’s Prayer in Luke 11:1-4 and especially Matthew 6:9-13. Both are addressed to the heavenly Father. Both end with the petition, “And lead us not into temptation [or testing],” with Matthew adding, “but deliver us from evil.” The top priority is who hears your prayers. He is able!
Second, continue with the Lord’s most famous parable in Luke 15, especially verses 11-24. Jesus describes a rebellious son and a compassionate father, who in many ways represents the heavenly Father. The father can’t wait to forgive his son, who doesn’t even get to finish apologizing. Amazing life transformation takes place. And the father can’t wait to start a great celebration that very evening. No fear should ever keep you from asking God to forgive you. He is ready!
Prayer: Unwavering Lord, steer me clear of temptation, deliver me from evil, and forgive me when I fail You.
