[2COR12:9]

Matthew 6:13 (NIV1984)
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’

Based on another thread, it got me to begin rethinking this verse, and what it meant to me, and if it would remain consistent with what I first thought it to mean. I decided to look a little deeper into the original wording, because
"And lead us not into temptation" has a way, as another posted placed it, as deeming this to be the work of God.
The poster Psalmist replied with James 1:13-14 (ESV)

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. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

Granted this was never my original view, that God was tempting us, based from what was written in James, so I never interpreted it as so. Though it is worded strangely and could arise ambiguity to someone with no foundation. So I decided to look deeper, the Greek for temptation is peirasmos which has also been translated into trials and testing. When read in such a way it would appear to fit better, with God leading us not into trials, since He does not tempt us.

Though as great as this may sound, not only for the sake of not creating uncertainty of God tempting us, but also to save us from any suffering, I still reject this view for 3 reasons.

First peirasmos more often then not is translated temptation. Secondly, throughout scripture trials have been laid out as tools to strengthen and mature, such as in James 1:2-4, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 5:4, etc.. So to pray to not be lead into trials would be detrimental to our growth, despite what some commentators believe, this as possibly being the original meaning.
Thirdly based on the conjunction "but" in the context, it fits well with what comes next, to be led away from, either evil, or the evil one. Who would as "the evil one" be the dispenser of such temptations, through the worldly system brought about, through minions of evil spirits, through specifically tailored enticements to my preferable liking. Or as all encompassing evil.

In delving deeper I've been lead to lean more heavily upon the evil one rather then evil from the Greek ponéros. Though it is still debatable within studies and scholars, it seems more plausible to me as it is used as evil one in similar texts where just evil would not fit. There's an informative article here that explains this nicely. Either or, the prayer for deliverance seems to work well in both instances, from evil, or all that is wrought from the evil one.

So after researching a bit, my original interpretation has remained. I read it as, for those of us who live for God, we pray to be lead by His Spirit to guide us in His ways, and within His will; and in doing so this passage fits the scope of, within this leading of God's, we pray it does not fall into the path of temptation, even though it may, whether inevitable or avoidable; we pray before the temptation comes to be delivered from it's allure all together, or when it is before us, that He may strengthen us to resist, and avoid bringing about sin.

So what has this passage meant for you?

Thanks.

[ttruscott]

Originally Posted by 2COR12:9

Matthew 6:13 (NIV1984)
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’

...


So what has this passage meant for you?

Thanks.

GOD delivers us TO the evil one if we need a lesson on the suffering our choosing sin causes, or a lesson on the eternal nature of the sin of the non-elect, ei that they will never / can never repent and come to Christ since they self chose their eternal realtionship with GOD by a true free will choice,

putting themselves outside of GOD's will, GOD's love and GOD's grace for eternity.

The prayer is for the grace to avoid this happening again... and again...and again...

Peace, Ted

[jerzy]

Originally Posted by 2COR12:9

Who would as "the evil one" be the dispenser of such temptations, through the worldly system brought about, through minions of evil spirits, through specifically tailored enticements to my preferable liking. Or as all encompassing evil.

Who you consider those evil spirits are in the first place?

Who tempted King David to sin with Uriah's wife?

Why God makes some to gather wealth?

[jerzy]

Originally Posted by ttruscott

GOD delivers us TO the evil one...

Who is the evil one?

Didn't he keep Paul from sin?

Didn't Paul send some to "him" to save them from the eternal destruction?

Uppsss!!!!