Daily Devotions
Luke
Luke 11: 1-13 "AND DO NOT LEAD US INTO TEMPTATION..." Luke 11:4"
Day 138 – Luke 11
Text: Luke 11: 1-13
“AND DO NOT LEAD US INTO TEMPTATION…” Luke 11:4
The word “temptation” simply means, “testing.” It is not easy to undergo testing. Many crack under the stress and strain of testing. Thus the Lord Jesus taught His Disciples that they may ask to be spared from testing.
Having said that, we must appreciate the difference between “request” and the “granting of request.” We may request, but the final answer does not depend on us! The petitioner must learn to submit to the perfect will of God!
THE TESTINGS OF LIFE
It might be important to note that the Scriptures give us a number of perspectives to bear in mind as we consider the subject of “testing.”
1. Does God test the heart of man?
Yes! We have very clear statements that God reserves the prerogative to test whomsoever He wills.
a) We are told very clearly that He tested Abraham (Genesis 22:1)
b) We are also told that He tested Israel, to see “if they will walk in My law or not” (Exodus 16:4)
2. Though God does test man, it would be incorrect to say that whenever a test comes up, then it must be from God. James sought to correct this wrong perspective in his general letter.
a) If a person is tempted to do that which is evil, he must never associate that situation with God. James argues that that is just logical thinking. God, being good will never use evil to test a person (James 1:13).
b) A person can be tempted or tested because of “his own desires” (James 1:14).
c) That “desire” gives birth to “sin” (James 1:15)
3. The third aspect that we would do well to consider is that the Evil One will test and/or tempt us.
a) He tempted the Lord Jesus (Luke 4:1-13)
b) He is out to challenge the faith of anyone who professes faith in God (Job 1-2)
c) John the Apostle warns us that the whole world lies in his sway (1 John 5:19)
“BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE…” Luke 11:4
What is the best and wisest course of action when we are tested by the evil one? The Lord Jesus teaches us that the best answer is to resort to prayer. We will have to trust in the Lord to deliver us from the power of the evil one. Our trust in the Lord will not be in vain!
There are a number of significant passages that teach us that we need not fear whatever trials that may come our way! The Lord is able to deliver us from the powers of the evil one!
PRECIOUS PROMISES
One of the most challenging things to do is to memorize God’s Word. It is a difficult spiritual discipline to master. However, if we determine with all our hearts that we want to memorize God’s Word, we will find that it is not impossible to do that.
There are many sets of precious promises that are worth memorizing. We can divide our God’s Word into many categories or subjects- for easier recall. One of the sets could be “Assurance of Victory over the Evil One.” Here is a wonderful set of Bible promises that can bring such encouragement to the heart.
1. Destruction of the Powers of the Evil One. One of the purposes of the Lord Jesus coming to earth was to destroy the power of the devil (Cf. Hebrews 2:14, 1 John 3:8). Let’s take time to hide this truth deep in our hearts! We do not need to fear the powers of the evil one, because of our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit Thank God for the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We are told very clearly that “He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
3. Many Encouraging Examples We have many examples in the Scriptures that the demons are subject to the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 10:17-20).
A TERRIFIC SPIRITUAL CONFLICT
While ultimate victory is guaranteed, we must never think that the spiritual battles are easy to wage. One of the most classic examples of spiritual conflict is found in Daniel 10. Let us outline this chapter for easier comprehension:-
1. Daniel has a special revelation from God, in the form of a dream (Daniel 10:1-9)
2. However, he did not know how to interpret this special revelation from God (Daniel 10:1-9)
3. Daniel was at that time so caught up in this spiritual warfare, that he was found fasting for three weeks.
4. All this while, he failed to comprehend the deep truths contained in God’s revelation. For some reason, the meaning was withheld from Daniel.
5. Daniel persisted in prayer till an angel came and explained to him that he was delayed in coming to help him with his comprehension of the Scriptures!
PRAYER IS MUCH MORE THAN MOUTHING WORDS TO GOD!
As we reflect on the Lord’s teaching concerning prayer, we begin to understand a little more just why He spent a considerable time in prayer on each occasion. It takes time to engage in prayer seriously.
This is particularly the case when we consider the fact that we are dealing with powers of the evil one. Let us not be afraid of spiritual conflicts. Let us put on the whole armour of God, and then prepare ourselves to gibe battle to the enemy.
May the Lord strengthen our hands so that we can lift them up as Moses did in faithful, ceaseless prayer. There are many spiritual battles to be fought and won. Let all who love the Lord don the Christian armour and enter into spiritual battle.
Webmaster’s Note :
If you are seeking a deeper level of understanding of prayer, please check out Pastor Charlie Tan’s excellent weekly articles on The Theology of Prayer , which includes a more indepth study of The Lord’s Prayer and how it applies to our prayer-life.