Q. 195. What do we pray for in the sixth petition?
A. In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) acknowledging, that the most wise, righteous, and gracious God, for divers holy and just ends, may so order things, that we may be assaulted, foiled, and for a time led captive by
temptations;[e] that Satan,[f] the world,[g] and the flesh, are ready powerfully to draw us aside, and ensnare us;[h] and that we, even
after the pardon of our sins, by reason of our corruption,[i] weakness, and want of watchfulness,[k] are not only subject to be tempted, and forward to expose ourselves unto temptations,[l]
but also of ourselves unable and unwilling to resist them, to recover out of them, and to improve them;[m] and worthy to be left under the power of them:[n] we pray, that God would so overrule the world and all in
it,[o] subdue the flesh,[p] and restrain Satan,[q] order all things,[r] bestow and bless all means of grace,[s]
and quicken us to watchfulness in the use of them, that we and all his people may by his providence be kept from being tempted to sin;[t] or, if tempted, that by his Spirit we may be powerfully supported and enabled to stand in the hour of temptation;[v]
or when fallen, raised again and recovered out of it,[w] and have a sanctified use and improvement thereof:[x] that our sanctification and salvation may be perfected,[y] Satan
trodden under our feet,[z] and we fully freed from sin, temptation, and all evil, forever.[a]
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we acknowledge, that the most wise, righteous, and gracious God, for divers holy and just ends, may so order things, that we may be assaulted, foiled, and for a time led captive by temptations;[e]
| [e].2 Chronicles 32:31 However, regarding the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart. |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we acknowledge, that Satan, is ready powerfully to draw us aside, and ensnare us;[f]
| [f]. 1 Chronicles 21:1 Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we acknowledge, that the world, is ready powerfully to draw us aside, and ensnare us;[g]
| [g]. Luke 21:34; Mark 4:19 Luke 21:34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. |
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| Mark 4:19 "and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we acknowledge, that the flesh, is ready powerfully to draw us aside, and ensnare us;[g]
| [h].James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we acknowledge, that we, even after the pardon of our sins, by reason of our corruption,[i] are subject to be tempted,
| [i]. Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we acknowledge, that we, even after the pardon of our sins, by reason of our weakness, and want of watchfulness,[k] are subject to be tempted,
| [k].Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we acknowledge, that we, even after the pardon of our sins, are not only subject to be tempted, but also forward to expose ourselves unto temptations,[l]
| [l]. Matt. 26:69-72; Gal. 2:11-14; 2 Chron. 18:3; 2 Chron.19:2
Matthew 26:69-72 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, "You also were with Jesus of Galilee." {70} But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you are saying." {71} And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth." {72} But again he denied with an oath, "I do not know the Man!" |
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| Galatians 2:11-14 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; {12} for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. {13} And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. {14} But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? | |
| 2 Chronicles 18:3 So Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, "Will you go with me against Ramoth Gilead?" And he answered him, "I am as you are, and my people as your people; we will be with you in the war." | |
| 2 Chronicles 19:2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to King Jehoshaphat, "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Therefore the wrath of the LORD is upon you. |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we acknowledge, that we, even after the pardon of our sins, of ourselves are unable and unwilling to resist temptations, to recover out of them, and to improve them;[m]
| [m]. Rom. 7:23-24; 1 Chron. 21:1-4; 2 Chron. 16:7-10
Romans 7:23-24 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. {24} O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? |
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| 1 Chronicles 21:1-4 Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel. {2} So David said to Joab and to the leaders of the people, "Go, number Israel from Beersheba to Dan, and bring the number of them to me that I may know it." {3} And Joab answered, "May the LORD make His people a hundred times more than they are. But, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? Why then does my lord require this thing? Why should he be a cause of guilt in Israel?" {4} Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Therefore Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came to Jerusalem. | |
| 2 Chronicles 16:7-10 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said to him: "Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and have not relied on the LORD your God, therefore the army of the king of Syria has escaped from your hand. {8} "Were the Ethiopians and the Lubim not a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet, because you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand. {9} "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars." {10} Then Asa was angry with the seer, and put him in prison, for he was enraged at him because of this. And Asa oppressed some of the people at that time. |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we acknowledge, that we, even after the pardon of our sins, are worthy to be left under the power of temptations[n]
| [n]. Psalm 81:11-12 "But My people would not heed My voice, And Israel would have none of Me. {12} So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, To walk in their own counsels. |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we pray, that God would overrule the world and all in it,[o] that we and all his people may be kept from being tempted to sin
| [o]. John 17:15 "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we pray, that God would subdue the flesh,[p] that we and all his people may be kept from being tempted to sin
| [p].Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. | |
| Psalm 119:133 Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me. |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we pray, that God would restrain Satan,[q] that we and all his people may be kept from being tempted to sin
| [q].2 Corinthians 12:7-8 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. {8} Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we pray, that God would order all things,[r] that we and all his people may be kept from being tempted to sin
| [r]. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. {13} No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we pray, that God would bestow and bless all means of grace,[s] that we and all his people may be kept from being tempted to sin
| [s]. Hebrews 13:20-21 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, {21} make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we pray, that God would quicken us to watchfulness in the use of all means of grace, that we and all his people may by his providence be kept from being tempted to sin;[t]
| [t].Psalm 19:13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. | |
| Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we pray, that if tempted, that by his Spirit we may be powerfully supported and enabled to stand in the hour of temptation;[v]
| [v]. Eph. 3:14-17; 1 Thess. 3:13; Jude 24
Ephesians 3:14-17 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, {15} from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, {16} that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, {17} that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, |
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| 1 Thessalonians 3:13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. | |
| Jude 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we pray, that when fallen, raised again and recovered out of it,[w]
| [w]. Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we pray, that we may have a sanctified use and improvement of our recovery:[x]
| [x]. 1 Peter 5:8-10 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. {9} Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. {10} But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we pray, that our sanctification and salvation may be perfected,[y]
| [y].2 Corinthians 13:7.9 Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified.{9} For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete. |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we pray, that Satan may be trodden under our feet,[z]
| [z]. Rom. 16:20; Zech. 3:2; Luke 22:31-32
Romans 16:20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. |
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| Zechariah 3:2 And the LORD said to Satan, "The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?" | |
| Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. {32} "But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." |
In the sixth petition, (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,) we pray, we we may be fully freed from sin, temptation, and all evil, forever.[a]
| [a]. John 17:15; 1 Thess. 5:23 John 17:15 "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. |
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| 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. |