February 16, 2012

"And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." Matthew 6:13

I feel that I need to spend one more post discussing temptation so you can fully understand and appreciate the importance of invoking God's help against it.

As I meditate on this portion of Scripture it occurs to me that we can fall into a "victim mentality" in regard to temptation. It is human nature to neglect responsibility whenever and where ever we can. And when it comes to temptation - we do.

How many times have you heard someone say (including yourself), "I can't help it, I'm only human" to excuse surrendering to temptation?

What Jesus is telling us here is, "You can't help it BUT if you call on Me I can help you help it! You ARE responsible and YOU are accountable to God for how you respond to temptation."

Here's what Jesus' half-brother, James wrote in his epistle:

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.  Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.  then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." James 1:12-15

It is time to "man up" in regard to temptation guys! Temptation is not something that happens TO you, temptation is something that happens IN you!

Let me illustrate with a couple of examples:

You could surround me with sushi and I could be coming off a 40 day fast and there would be ZERO temptation for me. You could dip them in chocolate and the needle might move slightly but still they would be no temptation to me. I have no interest in sushi - unless I need some bait.

Take away the sushi and replace it with cheeseburgers and the battle is on! I love cheeseburgers - how they look, how they smell, and how they taste - LOVE cheeseburgers! Cheeseburgers tempt me because there is a strong inner appetite for cheeseburgers!

Obviously, there is nothing inherently wrong with sushi or cheeseburgers when consumed in moderate and reasonable quantities. But the point is, I must exercise control  over my appetite for cheeseburgers and have to make no effort at all to resist sushi.

My human nature is biased against God and toward sin. It is easier for me to sin than it is to resist sinning. It is easy for me to be tempted by sinful pleasures than it is to deny them. But, God calls me to do just that if I am going to be a follower of Christ. I cannot practice sin and selfishness and call myself a Christian. I cannot allow myself to live as a slave to temptation and expect to please God. As Jesus said, I "cannot serve God and materialism".

I must choose to take responsibility for my sinful lust and appetites. I must deny those destructive tendencies and pursue God's holiness. I cannot do that without His help. So I must frequently pray, "Lead me not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one."

Own your lustful desires! Confront them and confess them and ask God to cleanse then and control them! Pray for God's help daily - hourly or moment-by moment if necessary!

God holds you responsible so take responsibility! God holds you accountable so why not find an accountability partner to help you do right?

You cannot serve a VICTORIOUS God and continue to live like a victim.........

February 15, 2012

"And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." Matthew 6:13

This phrase "do not lead us into temptation"  may be a bit confusing when used in this context of praying to God. How can a holy God lead us into temptation?

Since a basic understanding of the definition of temptation is the key to making sense of this part of Jesus' teaching, let's see if we can arrive at some clarity here.

In the New Testament, words translated as "temptation" can mean "an enticement to sin" or it can mean a "test" or sometimes it means a "trial".

While those three concepts are closely related and sometimes interchanged, there are subtle and distinct differences in them.

Let me try to clarify the differences using a very relevant example. The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition came out recently. This annual publication features photos of beautiful young models that show a lot more model than swimsuit. The purpose of this issue is not to sell swim wear it is to sell magazines to men who enjoy staring at the shapely young beauties.

When I heard that the swimsuit edition had hit the newstands and the internet that was a test. Would I find a copy of the magazine or go to the SI website and take a look? I had decided I would not. I passed that test.

But over the last several days several of the photos show up on the msn home page so that when my home page popped up there were two of them prominently posted center page. That was a temptation. I couldn't help the first look but I could decide not to take a second (or third) look. I resisted that temptation.

Later in the evening I was watching Fox News on TV and up popped a story on one of the SI Swimsuit models and there she was on the TV screen. Again, it was a temptation - would I stare or would I look away? I looked away.

So, there has been a test and there has been temptation. Let me make it clear that neither a test nor a temptation is sin. The Bible makes it plain that Jesus was "tempted in every way like man, but without sin". Everyone knows that Jesus lived a  sinless life but He did not live a temptation free life.

Suppose I did decide to pull up the SI website and look at the models, or I went to the news stand and bought a copy of SI Magazine and while I was staring at the scantily clad young beauties in their "barely" bikinis Barbara walked in and saw me. Let's say that upset her and she becomes hurt and angry toward me. Let's say that it shakes her trust in me and negatively affects our relationship. If that lasts several days or if those days stretch into weeks that would become a trial.

Tests confront me with temptation. The temptation reveals my true commitment to Christ and my moral character. If I yield to the temptation and sin against God that could open the door to a trial - a prolonged period of dealing with the consquences of my sin.

While that is generally the pattern of the relationship between tests, temptations and trials, let me point out that Jesus went through some trials that were not caused by failing a temptation. For Him it was a prolonged period of testing.

I also think of Joseph in the Old Testament who suffered some trials even though he was righteous and resisted temptation. There were others as well.

As a student in school and college, I passed a lot of tests. There were chapter tests and semester tests and final exams. Those tests were scheduled ahead of time and announced so I made sure I was prepared to take the tests and pass them. But I lived in fear of those moments when the teacher would begin class saying something like this, "Students, put your texts books under your desk and get out a clean sheet of paper and a number two pencil."

"Oh, no! A dreaded pop quiz!"

There were times when I got caught unprepared by a pop quiz.

Because I know that life brings "pop quizzes" I must live prepared each day for the tests that day could bring. "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil" is praying, "Father, make sure I am prepared for any "pop quizzes" life may surprise me with so that I won't be overcome by the temptation and flunk the test."

Rarley do I get though a day without some sort of a test to my faith. Hardly a day passes that I don't have to face temptation. So knowing that, why would I not want to make sure I prayed for God's help to prepare me for whatever that day brings.

Does that make sense?

What do you need to do about it?

That decision is a test in itself!

February 14, 2012

"And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." Matthew 6:13

Some have called this the Lord's Prayer but it could just as appropriately be called the Disciple's Prayer. It WAS taught by Him but it was designed for them as a guide or a pattern for how to pray. Also, it was a new way for them to think about God.

The more we study this prayer the more we find out about God, about how much we need Him AND how much He has made available to us as we pray!

This final verse in the prayer gives vital truths about spiritual warfare that is being waged against the kingdom of God and the followers of Christ and how believers are to fight back.

Let's begin with the big truths:

There Is Powerful Evil Within Us, "And do not lead us into temptation....."

There Is Personal Evil Against Us, "...but deliver us from the evil one."

There Is Powerful Equipment For Us, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11  -  "For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever."

Over the next few days we will examine each of those truths more closely but allow me a few more general observations.

If you don't believe you are essentially evil by nature you have never really read the Lord's Prayer. Or, if you read it you didn't get it.

You may be thinking, "Brad, I really take offense at you calling me evil!"

First, I am not calling you evil, God's Word is!

Second, ler me ask you, "Are you ever tempted?" If you are tempted it is because of the evil desires resident within you!"

And if you don't believe there is evil in the world you haven't read the Lord's Prayer. Jesus believed in evil, He often confronted it, was eventually was killed by it and personally, overcame it by His death and resurrection.

Finally, if you don't have spiritual weapons to resist these evils they will overcome you and destroy you!

I urge you to take evil seriously. It is real and it is powerful and you cannot defeat it in your own strength. When you begin to take evil seriously you will find yourself taking this Lord's Prayer or Disciple's Prayer much more seriously. If you don't you are in serious trouble!

February 13, 2012

"And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."   Matthew 6:13

As we have worked our way through this great prayer given to us as a guide by the Savior, we have learned four important reasons why we should care about prayer:

1) Prayer leads us into worship

2) Prayer lines us up with God's will

3) Prayer lets us express our wants

Those three parts of the Lord's Prayer we have already discussed. The fourth area of the prayer is warfare.

Just looking at this last section of the prayer with a casual glance shows why it matters.

There is evil in this world that tempts us. The reason we are tempted by evil is that we have an evil nature within us. So, there is evil that surrounds us and it appeals to the sinful desires resident in the human nature.

And, there is an Evil One who attacks us, accuses us, and allures us toward sin.

So, the power of evil is two-fold and double trouble - there is a powerful person and there is a powerful pull.

Jesus said, "The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy - BUT I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10

So, we are torn between two natures and confronted by two opposing kingdoms. We are in the middle of a spiritual war between righteousness and evil. Both kingdoms are strong than us and one is stronger than the other.

The battlefields of this war are in the mind, in the spirit and in the will. Each of those have been sabotaged by the enemy to cause us to self-destruct.

This final phrase of the prayer remind us that the only hope we have for victory is to call in an ally who is stronger than our enemy. That ally is Jesus Christ, the Son of God Who became Savior of the world. He conquered the two most powerful weapons the devil could threaten us with - sin and death. Sin was conquered when Jesus bled and died on the cross to atone for sin and death was defeated at the resurrection of Jesus, the Christ!

So, when we pray, "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one", we are choosing sides and calling in the One Who has already conquered and won the victory! When we pray this prayer are calling in the cavalry and the infantry and the artillary and the air force all wrapped up in One - Jesus!

You are engaged in a spiritual conflict with eternal consequences and an overwhelming enemy. There is no neutral territory and no treaties. Either you are being defeated or you are defeating the enemy in the power of God.

With prayer as your primary weapon, how can you afford not to pray?

Why would you not pray as Jesus taught you to pray?

Why risk defeat when victory is one prayer away?

February 12, 2012

"Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors."  Matthew 6:11-12

 

 

 

I didn't agree with everything that Rick Warren wrote in his "Purpose Driven Life" book, But I strongly agree with one of his main premises in the beginning of the book. Warren states that "It is not about you" - "it is about God". And it is!

Why then do we act as though we think prayer is about us?

In response to the disciple's request "Teach us to pray" Jesus gave them this prayer we have  come to know as The Lord's Prayer. Truly it does teach us about praying but also reveals much about the God to Whom we pray.

Jesus taught us to use prayer as a way of worship. Since prayer connects you with the Person of God and brings you into the presence of God and helps you praise God, this prayer is indeed, worship.

Also, prayer helps you do the will of God. Through prayer you can align with the will of God and accept His will and then act on it in daily living.

So, Jesus reveals that prayer is important to worship and important to doing His will, but also prayer helps you get what God wants for you. I know that many believe the purpose of prayer is to convince God to give them what they want from Him. But if you study it you will see that it is more about getting what God wants us to have.

First, God wants to give us food each day. Based on the word used in the original language, you could conclude that God wants to provide for you physically, emotionally and spiritually! You cannot live without food and God wants you to live and live abundantly.

Second, God wants you to enjoy fellowship with Him. God wants you to rely on Him on a daily basis so that you will have to commune with Him daily in order to receive the supply He has for you. We saw the evidence that God wants you to know Him in the "NOW" and enoy Him in that moment.

Third, God wants you to to know forgiveness for your sins. Being forgiven allows you to come into fellowship with a Holy God. Receiving His salvation through Christ for the forgiveness of sins is HUGE! Once you are forgiven you will find grace to forgive those who might sin aginst you.

Food, fellowship and forgiveness are three things you want and desparately need. God will give you those things if you will pray and ask Him! According to the Lord's Prayer He wants those things for you!

Why should you care about prayer? You shoudn't care about prayer unless God's worship is important or unless His will is important or if His wants matter to you.

If any of those or all of those are important to you, then you need to understand the importance of prayer. Pray away!

February 11, 2012

"Give us this day our daily bread and forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors." Matthew 6:11

This phrase is as much a proclamation of praise as it is a petition of prayer.

Both are vitally important because God is worthy and God is able!

As you pray "give us this day our daily bread" you are recognizing God as your source!

He is your source because He is the Creator. As Creator we know He has the power to simply speak into existence things that are not! He can command manna from heaven! He can speak water into wine. He can make a simple lunch into an all-you-can-eat buffet!

Why not acknowledge Him as your Source? Why not trust Him and call upon Him as Jesus admonishes in this prayer?

We are living in under an increasingly oppressive government that seeks to be your source for everything. Nearly one-fourth of Americans are turning to them as their source. But there is a high price for these handouts - a loss of freedom because of the crushing $16 trillion debt incurred.

If you choose God as your Source, He can give on a daily basis and not be diminished in the least!

Jesus also tells you to make God your supply!

When you pray "Give us THIS DAY our DAILY BREAD...." you are not only declaring that God CAN and WILL supply exactly what you need in the right amount at exactly the right time!

If you make God your Source He will supply what you need BUT not just in the form of a hand-out, He will supply you with a job and with job skills and with the strength and health and intelligence to supply yourself and your family! When God is your Source and your Supply He feeds your physical needs but your emotional, psychological and spiritual needs as well!

God wants to be your Source and He wants to be your Supply but even more so He wants to be your Savior! When you pray ".......and forgive us our debts (sins) as we forgive our debtors (those who sin against us)" you are asking God to save you from your sins. It is those sins which separate you from a Holy God. But when you receive the forgiveness provided by Jesus on the Cross you can then enter into a personal relationship with God - that is the game-changer!

Coming into a personal relationship with God your Father, your Creator, your Source and Supply will allow to experience His incredible love and grace! Filled with His grace you will discover a new love for others welling up with your spirit! Out of that love you will find the desire and the strength to forgive others who have sinned against you!

Being forgiven and being able to forgive others brings unbelievable spiritual freedom! You will find freedom from guilt and freedom from shame and freedom from fear! You will experience and amazing peace and security when you acknowledge Jesus as your Savior and God as your Father!

The Lord's Prayer is a powerful resource because it teaches about and reaches to a great God Who delights in being your Source, your Supply and your Savior!

Let me ask you, "Are you relying on Him as your Source?"

"Are you requesting Him to be your Supply?"

"Have you received Him as your Savior?"

The Answer is only one prayer away!

February 10, 2012

"Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." Matthew 6:11

The Lord's Prayer is not just a prayer or a pattern for prayer it is a new way to think about God. God is a Father Who desires to know you and to be known by you.

Jesus taught that prayer connects you with God and brings you into His presence and helps you bring Him praise. God wants to make your life a living praise offering to Him. And He taught you to accept His will and align your life with it so His kingdom can be lived out through you.

Over the last couple of days you learned God wants to provide for you  daily so you can be focused on Him and enjoy His fellowship. We talked about how God wants us to know Him in the "NOW". He wants you to trust Him to provide on a daily basis. He knows it is easy for you to fret over something in your past or stress over something in your future and when you are worried or anxious you can't enjoy Him fully in the "NOW".

When you pray, "Give us this day our daily bread and forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors", you are telling God you want to trust Him today and you are going to commit to him your past so you won't have to worry over the past. You are committing to know Him in the "NOW".

So, if God takes care of the past and the presence does that mean you don't plan for the future? Not at all! In fact, by making plans for the future it is easier for you to love God in the "NOW". With your past covered and your future planned you are free to enjoy Him and His blessings in the "NOW".

When you are in fellowship with God you can seek His guidance as you plan for the future. Proverbs says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."  Proverbs 3:5-6.

When you are in relationship with God you can know that He will lead you into the future as a Good Shepherd leads his sheep. You will have confidence know that as you remain in His presence He will provide and guide and protect you daily.

Prayer has a powerful and pervasive impact on your life. Prayer is the language of His Kingdom. It is communication with the King and fellowship with your Father!

Learning to pray as Jesus prayed will aalow you to know God as Jesus knew Him. You will know His Person, you will know His peace because you will know His pardon and you will know His power because you will live in His presence.

If you thought you didn't have a prayer of ever knowing God in a significant way, Jesus is here to tell you that you DO have a prayer! He gave it to you!