The Prayer of Protection

Lord, Teach Us To Pray 
The Prayer of Protection 
Matthew 6:9-13

“There is no neutral ground in the universe. Every square inch, every split second is claimed by God, and counterclaimed by Satan.” C. S. Lewis

What It Does Not Mean:

That God will ever Entice us toward evil

“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” (James 1:13, ESV)

An Important Distinction:

God may Test, but He never Tempts to evil.  A test is for growth; temptation is toward evil.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing… Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:2–4; 12, ESV)

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:13,ESV)

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”” (Matthew 26:41, ESV)

“enter into temptation” is to entertain or consider Giving Into temptation

A Promise For Our Trials And Temptations:

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV)

3 Implications Of This Petition

1. The Reality Of Spiritual Warfare

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, ESV)

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12, ESV)

2. The Recognition Of Our Weakness

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12, ESV)

 “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41, ESV)

3. Our Reliance On God’s Strength

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4, ESV)

Putting Feet To Our Prayers For Protection

1. Follow

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:7–8, ESV)

2. Fight

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12, ESV)

3. Flee

“Flee from sexual immorality.” (1 Corinthians 6:18, ESV)

“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” (1 Peter 2:11, ESV)

4. Feed

“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11, ESV)

5. Friends

“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14, ESV)

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1–2, ESV)

“Temptation is not a sin; it is a call to battle.”  Erwin Lutzer

“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” (John 17:15, ESV)

“The one concern of the devil is to keep the saints from prayer. Our enemy fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray. Prayer turns ordinary mortals into men of power. Prayer brings fire. It brings rain. It brings life. It brings God. There is no power like that of prevailing prayer.” Samuel Chadwick

Making It Personal:

• How will I make spending time in prayer a priority for my life this year?
• What new perspective did I gain about what it means to ask God for protection from today’s teaching?
• How can I apply today’s teaching to my personal prayer life? Where do I specifically need to pray not to enter into temptation in my life?
• How will I incorporate the model prayer that Jesus gave to us into my personal prayer life?
• Who can I share these truths with?

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