Temptation and deliverance

Read

Study objective: Study the final requests, and note the closing words found in some manuscripts.

Reading: Matthew 6:13 · Luke 11:4

Background and context

The prayer ends by asking God not to lead us into temptation and to deliver us from the evil one, or from evil. Many Bibles add “For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.” These words are absent from the earliest manuscripts of Matthew and are printed in some versions with a note; churches commonly use them in worship.

Observe

• The request admits weakness: “Bring us not into temptation.”
• It asks for rescue from evil (or the evil one).
• Luke’s version ends with the request about temptation (11:4).
• Some versions include a closing line of praise.

Words, people and events to notice

Temptation

A test or trial that could lead to sin. James says God tempts no one to sin. James 1:13

Understand

1. How can we pray “bring us not into temptation” if God tempts no one (James 1:13)?
2. What does asking for deliverance say about the world we live in?
3. Why might churches have added a closing line of praise?

Connect

• Matthew 26:41

  Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation.

• 1 Corinthians 10:13

  God provides a way of escape.

Reflect

1. Where do you need to pray for strength against temptation?
2. Pray the whole prayer slowly, pausing after each line.

Key takeaways

Editorial summary, not Scripture.

• The prayer ends with honest dependence on God for protection.
• The familiar closing praise is a later addition in many manuscripts, and a fitting response.