Andrew Williams
Matthew 6:13: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (New Living Translation).
Good morning fellow disciples.
Let us turn our hearts today to the powerful plea found in Matthew 6:13. This isn’t a passive wish; it’s a fervent petition, a recognition of our vulnerability and a confident appeal to our Heavenly Father for protection and deliverance.
Before we delve into the verse, let’s understand the meaning of deliverance in this context. Deliverance from the evil one signifies rescue from the insidious influence and destructive power of Satan and his demonic forces. It’s not merely avoiding temptation; it’s experiencing God’s active protection, His shielding grace, and His empowering presence that enables us to resist evil’s allure and overcome its attacks.
It’s a spiritual warfare, a battle fought not with our own strength, but with the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s a complete liberation from the enemy’s grip, a release from his deceptive schemes and destructive plans.
The verse is a two-part prayer. The first part, “And lead us not into temptation,” acknowledges our human weakness and vulnerability. We are not immune to the enemy’s attacks; we are susceptible to temptation and prone to falling into sin. This isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a recognition of our human nature and a humble plea for God’s guidance and protection. We ask God not to abandon us to the enemy’s schemes but to guide our steps and strengthen our resolve.
The second part, “but deliver us from the evil one,” is a direct appeal for divine intervention. It’s a recognition that we cannot overcome the enemy’s power on our own; we need God’s active protection and intervention. This deliverance isn’t a passive hope; it’s an active engagement in spiritual warfare, a confident expectation that God will fight our battles and protect us from the evil one’s schemes.
Empowerment from the Verse: This verse empowers us to engage in spiritual warfare with confidence, knowing that we are not alone in our struggle against evil. It reminds us that we have a powerful ally in our Heavenly Father, who is committed to protecting us and delivering us from the enemy’s grasp.
Your Task: Today, I challenge you to actively seek God’s protection from the evil one. Pray regularly, asking for guidance, strength, and deliverance from temptation. Be vigilant, aware of the enemy’s tactics, and ready to resist his attacks with the power of the Holy Spirit. Surround yourself with fellow believers, seeking encouragement and support in your spiritual battle.
Prayer: Father God, we humbly come before You, acknowledging our vulnerability to the evil one. Protect us from his schemes, empower us to resist his attacks, and fill us with Your Holy Spirit, enabling us to stand firm in our faith.
Empowered by Your Holy Spirit, we will overcome all the schemes of the enemy, and we will remain committed to You only. Amen.
Amen