Lead Me Not Into Temptation - Dr. Steve McEvoy

What did Jesus mean when He taught us to pray, “Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil”? In this message, Dr. Steve McEvoy takes a deeper look at Matthew 6:9–13 and explores how the meaning communicated through the original Greek can challenge the way this familiar passage is often understood in English. At first glance, Matthew 6:13 can sound as though we are asking God not to lead us toward temptation—as though God might otherwise lead us into something designed to make us fall. But is that consistent with the character of our Father God? James 1:12–13 tells us that God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. God is not setting traps for His children or deliberately sending destruction their way to test them. He doesn't give someone cancer, cause a tragedy, destroy a relationship, take away a loved one, or send something evil into a person's life in order to set them up for a lesson. We may encounter real trials, suffering, and opposition in this world, but that doesn't mean we should attribute those destructive things to the character or intention of our Father. Instead, this prayer becomes an expression of confidence and praise: Thank You, Father, that You do not lead me toward temptation or into the traps and plans of the enemy. Thank You that You deliver me from the evil that was intended to destroy me. Our God is in the business of life, not death. Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came that we might have life. This distinction matters. We don't attribute to God the destructive works of the enemy. We learn to recognize the goodness of our Father even when we find ourselves walking through trials. Ephesians 6:10–12 reminds us that our struggle is ultimately not against flesh and blood. There is a spiritual battle, but we are not left powerless within it. James 4:7 tells us to submit ourselves to God and resist the devil. The story surrounding Stephen in Acts 7:54–60 and Acts 8:1–3 gives us a powerful picture of this conflict. Stephen is killed, persecution breaks out, and Saul begins ravaging the church. What appears to be destruction, however, does not become the end of the story. God is a Redeemer. He is able to take what the enemy intended for destruction and bring life from it. Even Saul—the man participating in the persecution of believers—would encounter Jesus and become Paul, carrying the Gospel to the nations. This doesn't mean that evil itself is good. It means evil does not get the final word. Romans 8:28 gives us this confidence: God causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Trials, then, do not have to become evidence that God has abandoned us or turned against us. James 1:12 speaks of the person who perseveres under trial, revealing a faith that remains anchored in God through what is being faced. Our confidence is not in the absence of difficulty. Our confidence is in the goodness and faithfulness of our Father who is in the middle of it. The enemy may intend destruction. God brings redemption. The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus brings life. We may face trials. But our Father remains good. Matthew 6:13 can therefore become more than a fearful request for protection. It can become a declaration of trust in the character of God: Father, You are good. You do not tempt me with evil. You deliver me from the plans of the enemy, and You are able to redeem what was intended for destruction and work it together for good. We don't have to live afraid of what the enemy might do when our confidence is rooted in who our Father is. God is not leading you into destruction. He is the One who delivers, redeems, restores, and brings life. 📍 Location Water & Wine Assembly of Christians 95 Massey Ave, Moncton, NB E1A 3E3, Canada 🕑 Sunday Service Every Sunday at 2:00 PM 🎙️ Dr. Steve McEvoy 🎧 Steve McEvoy Ministries https://stevemcevoyministries.org/lis... 📖 Bible References — NASB • Matthew 6:9–13 • Matthew 6:13 • James 1:12–13 • Acts 7:54–60 • Acts 8:1–3 • Ephesians 6:10–12 • John 10:10 • James 4:7 • Romans 8:28