The Petition: "Bring Us Not into Temptation", is a request for divine guidance and protection:
Avoiding Temptation: The petition acknowledges human vulnerability to temptation and appeals to God to lead us away from situations or circumstances that could lure us into sin.
Dependency on God: By making this request, believers express their dependence on God's wisdom and discernment to navigate the challenges of life. It is an acknowledgment that, on our own, we might falter, but with God's guidance, we can overcome temptation.
- The Petition: "Deliver Us from the Evil One"
The second part of the verse continues the theme of seeking God's intervention:
Protection from Evil: The request for deliverance from the evil one underscores the recognition of a spiritual adversary—Satan, who seeks to tempt, accuse, and lead people astray. Believers appeal to God's power to protect them from the schemes of the evil one.
A Spiritual Battle: This petition acknowledges the ongoing spiritual battle and emphasizes the need for divine assistance in resisting the influence of the evil one.
- The Doxology: "For Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory Forever. Amen."
The concluding part of the verse transitions into a doxology—a declaration of praise and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty:
Kingdom, Power, Glory: This triumphant declaration affirms God's supreme authority over all creation. It recognizes His eternal reign (Kingdom), omnipotence (Power), and the magnificence of His being (Glory).
- Forever and Amen:
The closing words emphasize the everlasting nature of God's dominion and the certainty of His promises. "Amen" serves as an affirmation, signifying agreement and confidence in the truth of what has been declared.
Significance for Believers Today
Guidance in Temptation: In a world filled with various temptations and trials, the Lord's Prayer reminds believers to seek God's guidance and protection. It fosters a reliance on divine wisdom to navigate the complexities of life.
Spiritual Warfare: The acknowledgment of the evil one and the request for deliverance reflect an awareness of spiritual warfare. Believers are encouraged to be vigilant and to rely on God's strength to resist the schemes of the adversary.
Worshipful Declaration: The concluding doxology invites believers to engage in worship. It's a reminder that prayer is not merely a transactional exchange but an opportunity to express awe and adoration for the majesty of God.
Cross-References:
1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." This verse reinforces the assurance that God provides a way out when facing temptation.
Ephesians 6:12: "For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians underscores the spiritual nature of the battle and the need for God's protection.
Conclusion: Matthew 6:13, nestled within the Lord's Prayer, encapsulates the essence of Christian living—an acknowledgment of dependence on God, a plea for guidance in the face of temptation, and a declaration of God's eternal sovereignty. As believers engage in this prayer, it serves as a timeless guide, inviting them to approach God with humility, seek His protection in times of trial, and offer worship to the One who reigns forever.
Matthew 6:13. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.