WEBVTT 00:00:00.160 --> 00:00:06.640 Well, good morning, church. We are returning once more to the Sermon on the Mount, 00:00:07.299 --> 00:00:10.500 and specifically to the Lord's Prayer in Matthew chapter 6. 00:00:11.500 --> 00:00:14.080 So why don't we pray as we come again to God's Word. 00:00:19.260 --> 00:00:23.019 Father, as we come again to this prayer that Jesus taught us, 00:00:24.280 --> 00:00:26.539 help us to not just learn what it means, 00:00:26.539 --> 00:00:31.140 but help us to take it into our lives and make this prayer our own. 00:00:32.500 --> 00:00:35.340 And in our prayerful communion with you, 00:00:36.219 --> 00:00:40.600 we ask that your kingdom would come and your will would be done 00:00:40.600 --> 00:00:46.519 in our lives, in our church, and in our world, on earth as in heaven. 00:00:47.579 --> 00:00:51.079 Father, we pray this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. 00:00:51.079 --> 00:00:56.699 All right, well, today we're wrapping up our series on the Lord's Prayer 00:00:56.699 --> 00:01:01.399 by looking at the sixth and last petition that Jesus gives us in verse 13, 00:01:01.939 --> 00:01:02.320 which says, 00:01:02.560 --> 00:01:05.859 Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 00:01:05.980 --> 00:01:09.280 Now, if you notice in the ESV foot… in the ESV anyway, 00:01:09.359 --> 00:01:10.459 there's a footnote that says, 00:01:10.980 --> 00:01:13.299 sometimes we include with this prayer, 00:01:13.719 --> 00:01:16.920 because yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. 00:01:16.920 --> 00:01:20.180 Amen. We're not going to talk about that, but I think maybe Matt and I, 00:01:20.340 --> 00:01:23.159 we haven't talked about this, but I think we'll write a pastor letter 00:01:23.159 --> 00:01:25.439 that'll go out in the newsletter kind of talking about that last part. 00:01:26.099 --> 00:01:27.879 So we won't discuss that this morning. 00:01:27.939 --> 00:01:28.760 We'll talk about the newsletter. 00:01:28.939 --> 00:01:31.500 So there's your plug to sign up for the newsletter and read it this week. 00:01:32.320 --> 00:01:35.060 But we're going to look at this last petition, 00:01:35.340 --> 00:01:37.780 Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 00:01:38.200 --> 00:01:40.980 Now, when you spend time meditating on the Lord's Prayer 00:01:40.980 --> 00:01:43.579 and begin praying it for yourself, 00:01:43.579 --> 00:01:49.280 you realize pretty quickly that the first half of the prayer is focused on God, right? 00:01:49.420 --> 00:01:52.480 God's name and God's kingdom and God's will. 00:01:53.280 --> 00:01:57.519 And then the second half you find is focused on our needs. 00:01:59.539 --> 00:02:02.219 And the needs expressed in the Lord's Prayer 00:02:02.219 --> 00:02:06.239 are really our most important and essential needs. 00:02:07.620 --> 00:02:10.020 Two weeks ago, we looked at our need for provision. 00:02:10.479 --> 00:02:11.860 Give us this day our daily bread. 00:02:11.860 --> 00:02:14.920 And last week, we looked at our need for pardon. 00:02:15.680 --> 00:02:16.580 Forgive us our debts. 00:02:17.740 --> 00:02:22.600 And this week, we come to our need for spiritual protection and for power. 00:02:23.400 --> 00:02:26.240 Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 00:02:28.000 --> 00:02:32.340 Now, I think this last petition is a little like smelling salts. 00:02:33.140 --> 00:02:36.960 If we've grown sleepy or complacent in our spiritual life, 00:02:37.160 --> 00:02:40.280 this last petition comes and it comes to wake us up. 00:02:40.280 --> 00:02:43.039 It jolts us out of our spiritual stupor. 00:02:43.560 --> 00:02:43.879 Why? 00:02:45.699 --> 00:02:49.539 Because this last petition is about spiritual battle. 00:02:50.659 --> 00:02:54.420 It's about the nitty-gritty of living life in the real world. 00:02:55.520 --> 00:02:56.860 Now, what do we know about the world? 00:02:57.500 --> 00:02:59.620 The world that we're in, it's a beautiful world, right? 00:02:59.920 --> 00:03:02.780 It's a world that's loved by God and being redeemed by God. 00:03:02.780 --> 00:03:06.140 Yes, but in this age, it is also a fallen world, 00:03:06.800 --> 00:03:08.699 a world that's full of spiritual dangers. 00:03:09.960 --> 00:03:14.439 J.I. Packer, the great British theologian commenting on this verse, 00:03:14.780 --> 00:03:15.819 uses a powerful image. 00:03:15.920 --> 00:03:18.240 He says, you know, if we fail to see this reality, 00:03:18.340 --> 00:03:21.800 if we ignore or pretend that life is not a spiritual struggle, 00:03:22.180 --> 00:03:22.840 then he says, 00:03:22.840 --> 00:03:28.400 you're like a person walking blindfolded and with ears plugged 00:03:28.400 --> 00:03:32.420 in the middle of a city street with traffic coming both ways. 00:03:34.860 --> 00:03:36.580 So with this last petition here, 00:03:36.659 --> 00:03:39.099 Jesus wants us to take the blindfold off 00:03:39.099 --> 00:03:41.060 and be ready for the spiritual battle. 00:03:43.120 --> 00:03:47.539 But it's not just, it's not just awareness that Jesus wants us to have. 00:03:47.539 --> 00:03:52.620 He's also telling us the key for living in the midst of that battle. 00:03:54.239 --> 00:03:56.639 And the key is prayer. 00:03:58.319 --> 00:04:00.219 It's one thing to know you're in a struggle, right? 00:04:00.259 --> 00:04:02.180 It's another thing to know how to navigate it. 00:04:02.780 --> 00:04:06.840 You see, as living as part of God's kingdom, 00:04:07.159 --> 00:04:09.859 living as part of God's kingdom with Jesus as your king, 00:04:10.219 --> 00:04:13.500 that is the greatest adventure any life could ever have. 00:04:14.120 --> 00:04:17.199 God's kingdom has dawned and is making all things new. 00:04:17.540 --> 00:04:20.460 The church is an outpost of that kingdom. 00:04:20.660 --> 00:04:23.300 It's an advanced foretaste of what's to come. 00:04:23.860 --> 00:04:27.360 As we live in mercy, in truth, in forgiveness, in righteousness, 00:04:27.600 --> 00:04:29.600 as we embrace Jesus as our king, 00:04:29.860 --> 00:04:32.780 as we announce him with joy as who he truly is, 00:04:32.920 --> 00:04:34.360 the world's rightful Lord, 00:04:35.520 --> 00:04:37.379 this is the great adventure that we're in. 00:04:39.320 --> 00:04:41.320 But like any great journey, 00:04:42.379 --> 00:04:44.700 this one, above all, will have trials, 00:04:45.259 --> 00:04:46.060 will have dangers, 00:04:46.060 --> 00:04:47.680 will even have enemies. 00:04:49.360 --> 00:04:50.160 So what do we do? 00:04:50.240 --> 00:04:51.019 How do we proceed? 00:04:52.879 --> 00:04:54.920 Well, there are two halves to this petition. 00:04:55.600 --> 00:04:57.100 So in our time this morning, 00:04:57.120 --> 00:04:59.399 we're just going to consider it in two simple points, 00:04:59.439 --> 00:05:01.740 just looking at the first half and then the second half. 00:05:01.780 --> 00:05:02.699 And in the first half, 00:05:02.899 --> 00:05:05.420 we see that we need to pray for God 00:05:05.420 --> 00:05:07.879 to lead us away from temptation. 00:05:07.879 --> 00:05:11.100 So what is temptation? 00:05:11.100 --> 00:05:16.120 Well, the Greek word can actually mean either a trial or a test, 00:05:16.680 --> 00:05:19.040 or it can mean what we normally mean by it, 00:05:19.060 --> 00:05:19.579 a temptation. 00:05:19.839 --> 00:05:23.000 That is, that experience of an inner tug, 00:05:23.060 --> 00:05:23.879 an inner pull, 00:05:24.600 --> 00:05:26.519 to disobey God and God's word. 00:05:27.719 --> 00:05:29.779 Listen to how the book of James describes 00:05:29.779 --> 00:05:33.219 the dynamic of temptation in that second sense, 00:05:33.220 --> 00:05:34.700 which I think is what Jesus means here. 00:05:35.740 --> 00:05:38.340 James chapter 1 verses 14 and 15 says this. 00:05:38.760 --> 00:05:39.100 James says, 00:05:39.520 --> 00:05:40.540 each person is tempted 00:05:40.540 --> 00:05:44.280 when he's lured and enticed by his own desire. 00:05:45.340 --> 00:05:47.280 Then desire, when it has conceived, 00:05:47.840 --> 00:05:48.680 gives birth to sin. 00:05:49.520 --> 00:05:51.100 And sin, when it's fully grown, 00:05:51.620 --> 00:05:53.080 brings forth death. 00:05:53.079 --> 00:05:56.579 So temptation, James says, 00:05:56.639 --> 00:06:00.459 is when we're lured or enticed by our own desire. 00:06:01.839 --> 00:06:03.139 Now we have to be clear, 00:06:03.800 --> 00:06:05.860 desire, of course, 00:06:06.000 --> 00:06:08.939 isn't in itself a bad thing. 00:06:10.199 --> 00:06:12.879 God created us as humans to have hearts 00:06:12.879 --> 00:06:15.519 that are passionate and are full of desire. 00:06:16.159 --> 00:06:18.699 He wants us to hunger and thirst for righteousness. 00:06:19.759 --> 00:06:22.579 He made us to seek and desire his kingdom 00:06:22.579 --> 00:06:23.819 and his glory. 00:06:24.779 --> 00:06:27.139 And as those who know the new birth of the Holy Spirit, 00:06:27.259 --> 00:06:30.060 we know what it's like to have those desires for God. 00:06:31.699 --> 00:06:33.439 But notice that James says here, 00:06:33.579 --> 00:06:36.139 temptation is when we're lured and enticed 00:06:36.139 --> 00:06:38.719 by what he says our own desire. 00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:42.439 That is a desire that's centered on self 00:06:42.439 --> 00:06:43.419 and not on God. 00:06:44.079 --> 00:06:46.719 A desire that's blind to God's glory 00:06:46.719 --> 00:06:47.959 or to God's good law. 00:06:48.500 --> 00:06:50.899 A desire that kind of wants to throw those things off 00:06:50.899 --> 00:06:52.180 and rather than please God, 00:06:52.180 --> 00:06:53.780 it just wants to satisfy ourselves. 00:06:55.879 --> 00:06:58.019 And if you've been a Christian for any length of time, 00:06:59.019 --> 00:07:01.459 you know exactly what James is describing. 00:07:03.300 --> 00:07:05.120 Even though our sins have been forgiven 00:07:05.120 --> 00:07:07.079 once and for all, 00:07:07.199 --> 00:07:08.759 past, present, and future 00:07:08.759 --> 00:07:10.259 through the atoning death of Christ, 00:07:10.340 --> 00:07:12.780 even though we've been given new life 00:07:12.780 --> 00:07:14.220 and new hearts and eternal hope 00:07:14.220 --> 00:07:15.439 through his resurrection from the dead, 00:07:15.439 --> 00:07:19.899 every Christian still battles with remaining sin 00:07:19.899 --> 00:07:21.120 in their hearts. 00:07:22.439 --> 00:07:24.219 The power of sin is still prevalent 00:07:24.219 --> 00:07:26.100 and it will be throughout our earthly lives. 00:07:28.160 --> 00:07:29.339 Okay, so what's the answer? 00:07:30.639 --> 00:07:32.159 The stakes are high, right? 00:07:32.279 --> 00:07:34.000 I mean, consider again this process 00:07:34.000 --> 00:07:35.000 that James describes. 00:07:35.159 --> 00:07:36.180 First, there's the temptation, 00:07:36.180 --> 00:07:38.959 but then the temptation conceives 00:07:38.959 --> 00:07:40.019 and gives birth to sin 00:07:40.019 --> 00:07:41.879 and then sin becomes fully grown 00:07:41.879 --> 00:07:43.180 and brings forth death. 00:07:43.699 --> 00:07:45.420 At first, it's just a lingering thought 00:07:45.420 --> 00:07:46.079 or a desire. 00:07:46.620 --> 00:07:47.819 Then those thoughts or desires 00:07:47.819 --> 00:07:50.620 give birth to concrete words and actions. 00:07:51.579 --> 00:07:53.180 Then those actions become habits 00:07:53.180 --> 00:07:55.079 and deeply ingrained patterns of life. 00:07:55.960 --> 00:07:58.740 That's the process that James is describing, right? 00:07:58.819 --> 00:08:01.460 I mean, no one ever wakes up one day 00:08:01.460 --> 00:08:03.519 and just says out of the blue, 00:08:03.519 --> 00:08:04.159 you know what I'm going to do? 00:08:04.199 --> 00:08:05.939 I'm going to defraud people 00:08:05.939 --> 00:08:07.240 of millions of dollars today 00:08:07.240 --> 00:08:09.500 through fraudulent business practices. 00:08:10.000 --> 00:08:10.719 I just decided. 00:08:11.979 --> 00:08:13.579 It's a process that gets you there. 00:08:14.199 --> 00:08:15.240 No one just wakes up one day 00:08:15.240 --> 00:08:16.959 and says I'm going to be unfaithful to my spouse 00:08:16.959 --> 00:08:18.399 or I'm going to get trapped 00:08:18.399 --> 00:08:19.519 in alcohol and drug addiction 00:08:19.519 --> 00:08:22.219 or I'm going to be judgmental and unforgiving. 00:08:23.919 --> 00:08:25.180 That's not where it starts. 00:08:25.439 --> 00:08:27.659 It starts in the seemingly small place, 00:08:27.759 --> 00:08:30.120 in that small flash of self-centered desire 00:08:30.120 --> 00:08:31.599 that we call temptation. 00:08:33.519 --> 00:08:34.679 So what do we do? 00:08:35.960 --> 00:08:37.899 Well, Jesus tells us to pray, 00:08:39.159 --> 00:08:42.199 lead us not into temptation. 00:08:43.419 --> 00:08:46.579 Now notice that this first half of this prayer 00:08:46.579 --> 00:08:47.639 that Jesus gives us, 00:08:48.340 --> 00:08:50.100 it's preemptive. 00:08:53.179 --> 00:08:55.220 It's a prayer that is prayed 00:08:55.220 --> 00:08:59.039 when you're not necessarily feeling the tug 00:08:59.039 --> 00:09:01.199 and pull of selfish desire in the moment. 00:09:01.200 --> 00:09:02.940 It's preemptive. 00:09:03.040 --> 00:09:04.160 It's a prayer that's prayed 00:09:04.160 --> 00:09:05.640 when you aren't in the heat of battle. 00:09:06.500 --> 00:09:08.180 This is the prayer of wisdom. 00:09:09.200 --> 00:09:11.520 It prayed at the beginning of the day 00:09:11.520 --> 00:09:13.640 when you realize with clear eyes 00:09:13.640 --> 00:09:15.040 that your fallen nature, 00:09:15.560 --> 00:09:16.600 what the Bible calls the flesh, 00:09:16.759 --> 00:09:19.000 will at times want to turn towards temptation. 00:09:20.240 --> 00:09:21.620 It will want to give space 00:09:21.620 --> 00:09:24.560 to the pool or lure of pleasing ourselves. 00:09:24.660 --> 00:09:25.740 This is the prayer that says, 00:09:25.740 --> 00:09:28.740 Father, I'm not as strong as I think I am. 00:09:29.960 --> 00:09:32.200 And my greatest desire is to please You 00:09:32.200 --> 00:09:34.779 and live in the joy of following 00:09:34.779 --> 00:09:36.480 Your ways and Your words. 00:09:37.240 --> 00:09:38.720 Your words to me are life. 00:09:39.180 --> 00:09:41.899 Your laws are paths of increasing gladness. 00:09:42.279 --> 00:09:43.779 You have made me for Yourself. 00:09:44.180 --> 00:09:45.940 You made me for infinite joy in You. 00:09:47.519 --> 00:09:50.519 But I know that remaining sin in me 00:09:50.519 --> 00:09:52.220 will want to turn away. 00:09:52.220 --> 00:09:56.440 It will want to drink from broken cisterns 00:09:56.440 --> 00:09:57.540 that can't hold water. 00:09:58.820 --> 00:09:59.800 So, Father, today, 00:10:00.759 --> 00:10:02.460 lead me not into temptation. 00:10:03.980 --> 00:10:04.960 Guide my steps. 00:10:05.639 --> 00:10:06.440 Guide my thoughts. 00:10:07.100 --> 00:10:07.860 Guide my day. 00:10:09.279 --> 00:10:11.000 Keep me far from the lure 00:10:11.000 --> 00:10:12.680 of self-centeredness. 00:10:15.680 --> 00:10:17.240 I've been told that one of the paths 00:10:17.240 --> 00:10:20.560 that leads to the top of Mount Katahdin in Maine, 00:10:20.559 --> 00:10:22.259 which is the end of the Appalachian Trail, 00:10:23.019 --> 00:10:24.279 I've been told that one of the paths 00:10:24.279 --> 00:10:25.539 that leads to the top of that mountain 00:10:25.539 --> 00:10:28.019 has one stretch that gets extremely narrow 00:10:28.019 --> 00:10:30.379 called the Knife Edge Trail. 00:10:31.879 --> 00:10:34.159 And it can be as narrow as about four feet 00:10:34.159 --> 00:10:35.019 in some places. 00:10:35.459 --> 00:10:37.319 And some of the drop-offs in some places 00:10:37.319 --> 00:10:39.299 are as far as like 2,000 feet down. 00:10:41.019 --> 00:10:42.339 Now, if you were waking up 00:10:42.339 --> 00:10:44.139 on the morning of that hike 00:10:44.139 --> 00:10:46.059 and you were at base camp or wherever, 00:10:46.219 --> 00:10:47.559 your site, 00:10:48.839 --> 00:10:50.339 if you were waking up on the morning of that hike, 00:10:50.340 --> 00:10:51.180 before you got started 00:10:51.180 --> 00:10:52.620 and you thought to say a little prayer, 00:10:53.500 --> 00:10:55.000 what do you think it would be? 00:10:56.759 --> 00:10:59.860 Father, keep me on the path, right? 00:11:00.180 --> 00:11:01.220 Don't let me stumble. 00:11:01.759 --> 00:11:04.680 Let my steps be steady and sturdy 00:11:04.680 --> 00:11:06.639 and let me reach the summit. 00:11:10.220 --> 00:11:11.120 Brothers and sisters, 00:11:12.120 --> 00:11:15.220 there is a path we are on 00:11:15.220 --> 00:11:16.220 in the Christian life 00:11:16.220 --> 00:11:19.899 that leads to the most glorious 00:11:19.899 --> 00:11:21.940 peak of all. 00:11:24.060 --> 00:11:26.980 But there will be stretches of the trail 00:11:26.980 --> 00:11:29.139 where the drop-offs are steep 00:11:29.139 --> 00:11:31.300 and the danger will be great. 00:11:33.060 --> 00:11:37.320 And in order to get to where God wants to take us, 00:11:37.560 --> 00:11:41.040 it will at times be a very narrow path. 00:11:41.039 --> 00:11:45.039 So we must pray every day, 00:11:45.659 --> 00:11:48.539 Father, lead me not into temptation today. 00:11:51.459 --> 00:11:53.120 And friends, here's the good news. 00:11:54.259 --> 00:11:58.039 God has not left us alone on this journey. 00:11:59.279 --> 00:12:01.879 He has given us the Holy Spirit 00:12:01.879 --> 00:12:04.019 to dwell within us, 00:12:04.500 --> 00:12:05.679 to be our comfort, 00:12:06.240 --> 00:12:07.159 our guide, 00:12:07.480 --> 00:12:08.299 our counselor. 00:12:08.299 --> 00:12:11.839 God's own presence, 00:12:11.979 --> 00:12:13.319 the third person of the Trinity, 00:12:13.439 --> 00:12:14.620 the promise of the Father, 00:12:14.740 --> 00:12:15.559 sent from heaven 00:12:15.559 --> 00:12:17.139 by the ascended Jesus himself, 00:12:17.519 --> 00:12:19.539 the one who descended at Pentecost 00:12:19.539 --> 00:12:21.199 in wind and in fire, 00:12:21.599 --> 00:12:22.539 the Holy Spirit, 00:12:22.899 --> 00:12:23.919 Almighty God, 00:12:24.299 --> 00:12:26.139 he is with us. 00:12:27.459 --> 00:12:30.139 This prayer that Jesus instructs us to pray, 00:12:30.599 --> 00:12:31.679 lead us not into temptation, 00:12:32.439 --> 00:12:34.299 is a prayer that we might 00:12:34.299 --> 00:12:35.799 keep in step 00:12:35.799 --> 00:12:37.319 with the Holy Spirit, 00:12:38.379 --> 00:12:41.779 that we might be led by Him 00:12:41.779 --> 00:12:43.000 and His Word, 00:12:44.179 --> 00:12:46.339 that we might let Him reorder 00:12:46.339 --> 00:12:48.359 and redirect our desires 00:12:48.359 --> 00:12:50.359 to all that is pleasing to God. 00:12:53.479 --> 00:12:55.479 John Stott made this same observation 00:12:55.479 --> 00:12:57.059 about this part of the Lord's Prayer. 00:12:57.719 --> 00:12:59.259 As he kind of meditates 00:12:59.259 --> 00:13:00.339 on this section of the prayer, 00:13:00.439 --> 00:13:01.719 he notes that there's perhaps 00:13:01.720 --> 00:13:04.420 a deep Trinitarian pattern 00:13:04.420 --> 00:13:05.139 or logic 00:13:05.139 --> 00:13:06.620 to these last three petitions 00:13:06.620 --> 00:13:07.519 of the Lord's Prayer. 00:13:08.180 --> 00:13:08.779 He writes 00:13:08.779 --> 00:13:10.620 in his commentary 00:13:10.620 --> 00:13:11.340 on the Sermon on the Mount, 00:13:11.420 --> 00:13:11.800 he says, 00:13:12.720 --> 00:13:14.639 it's through the Father's creation 00:13:14.639 --> 00:13:15.519 and providence 00:13:15.519 --> 00:13:17.019 that we receive our daily bread. 00:13:18.279 --> 00:13:20.360 It is through the Son's atoning death 00:13:20.360 --> 00:13:21.360 that we may be forgiven. 00:13:22.360 --> 00:13:23.940 And it's through the Spirit's 00:13:23.940 --> 00:13:25.220 indwelling power 00:13:25.220 --> 00:13:28.000 that we're rescued from the evil one, 00:13:28.120 --> 00:13:29.500 that we're led not into temptation. 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:32.279 So this prayer, 00:13:32.559 --> 00:13:33.159 Lead Us, 00:13:34.360 --> 00:13:36.500 is a prayer for God the Holy Spirit 00:13:36.500 --> 00:13:37.840 to do His work in us 00:13:37.840 --> 00:13:40.419 and to give us great confidence 00:13:40.419 --> 00:13:41.980 and great courage 00:13:41.980 --> 00:13:44.340 that we're not traversing 00:13:44.340 --> 00:13:46.259 the knife's edge alone. 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:48.679 We have a guide who is sure 00:13:48.679 --> 00:13:50.279 and He can be trusted 00:13:50.279 --> 00:13:52.700 and He's given us His Word 00:13:52.700 --> 00:13:54.899 to guide us every step of the way. 00:13:57.720 --> 00:13:58.320 So friends, 00:13:58.320 --> 00:13:58.840 this is a prayer 00:13:58.840 --> 00:14:00.020 that we must pray every day. 00:14:00.800 --> 00:14:02.040 Lead us not into temptation. 00:14:03.120 --> 00:14:03.680 Holy Spirit, 00:14:03.820 --> 00:14:04.800 cause my heart 00:14:04.800 --> 00:14:06.260 to turn to You, 00:14:06.840 --> 00:14:08.120 to heed Your leading, 00:14:08.640 --> 00:14:10.240 to delight in what pleases You. 00:14:11.180 --> 00:14:12.920 Keep me far from grieving You, 00:14:13.020 --> 00:14:13.560 Holy Spirit. 00:14:13.840 --> 00:14:15.760 Keep me far from temptation today. 00:14:16.700 --> 00:14:18.180 And let me take up 00:14:18.180 --> 00:14:19.560 those means of grace 00:14:19.560 --> 00:14:21.620 whereby Your work increases 00:14:21.620 --> 00:14:22.480 in my life. 00:14:23.680 --> 00:14:26.140 Let me meditate on Your words. 00:14:26.139 --> 00:14:29.419 Let me confess my sins. 00:14:29.860 --> 00:14:31.659 Let me share my life 00:14:31.659 --> 00:14:33.120 with fellow brothers and sisters 00:14:33.120 --> 00:14:33.860 in Christ. 00:14:35.259 --> 00:14:36.939 Let me receive their help. 00:14:37.039 --> 00:14:38.240 Many of you can testify 00:14:38.240 --> 00:14:39.259 that it's been through, 00:14:39.419 --> 00:14:40.120 brothers and sisters, 00:14:40.120 --> 00:14:40.899 that you've found 00:14:40.899 --> 00:14:42.960 increasing freedom over sin. 00:14:43.840 --> 00:14:44.799 Let me rejoice 00:14:44.799 --> 00:14:46.120 in Your goodness today, 00:14:46.480 --> 00:14:46.720 Spirit. 00:14:47.659 --> 00:14:48.620 Let me use my gifts 00:14:48.620 --> 00:14:49.819 to serve You and my neighbor. 00:14:49.820 --> 00:14:49.940 forever. 00:14:52.200 --> 00:14:53.360 So we pray this prayer 00:14:53.360 --> 00:14:53.860 every day. 00:14:54.820 --> 00:14:56.640 We know we aren't strong enough 00:14:56.640 --> 00:14:58.220 to go through the battle alone. 00:14:58.840 --> 00:15:00.500 And God gives us ample help 00:15:00.500 --> 00:15:01.379 through His Holy Spirit. 00:15:03.560 --> 00:15:04.300 But you know, 00:15:04.800 --> 00:15:06.480 there will be days, 00:15:08.080 --> 00:15:10.680 even days when it seems like 00:15:10.680 --> 00:15:11.879 we've prayed this prayer, 00:15:12.300 --> 00:15:13.800 even days when we feel like 00:15:13.800 --> 00:15:15.160 we've felt the Holy Spirit's 00:15:15.160 --> 00:15:15.700 deep assurance, 00:15:15.820 --> 00:15:16.800 days when we're delighting 00:15:16.800 --> 00:15:17.540 in God's goodness. 00:15:17.539 --> 00:15:18.659 There will be days, 00:15:18.699 --> 00:15:19.579 even like that, 00:15:20.419 --> 00:15:21.879 when suddenly temptation comes. 00:15:23.519 --> 00:15:24.719 We'll find ourselves 00:15:24.719 --> 00:15:25.779 in the midst of trial. 00:15:27.379 --> 00:15:28.419 And it doesn't mean 00:15:28.419 --> 00:15:29.559 that God is unfaithful 00:15:29.559 --> 00:15:31.639 because God is able 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:32.899 to use those moments 00:15:32.899 --> 00:15:34.299 as times of strengthening, 00:15:34.459 --> 00:15:35.299 times of growth. 00:15:36.579 --> 00:15:38.259 But for these moments 00:15:38.259 --> 00:15:38.819 in the battle, 00:15:40.039 --> 00:15:42.639 we need the second half 00:15:42.639 --> 00:15:43.679 of this petition 00:15:43.679 --> 00:15:45.179 of the Lord's Prayer. 00:15:45.179 --> 00:15:48.159 J.I. Packer again wrote, 00:15:48.679 --> 00:15:48.799 you know, 00:15:48.859 --> 00:15:49.819 when you're not conscious 00:15:49.819 --> 00:15:50.519 of temptation, 00:15:51.120 --> 00:15:51.359 pray, 00:15:51.819 --> 00:15:52.959 lead us not into temptation. 00:15:53.620 --> 00:15:55.259 When you are conscious of it, 00:15:55.799 --> 00:15:56.039 pray, 00:15:56.779 --> 00:15:57.699 deliver us from evil. 00:15:58.779 --> 00:16:00.099 So this is the second point 00:16:00.099 --> 00:16:00.719 that we'll consider. 00:16:00.839 --> 00:16:01.459 In the midst 00:16:01.459 --> 00:16:03.359 of temptation and trial, 00:16:03.739 --> 00:16:04.439 we pray, 00:16:05.039 --> 00:16:05.219 God, 00:16:05.299 --> 00:16:06.239 deliver us from evil. 00:16:08.139 --> 00:16:09.000 Notice how Jesus 00:16:09.000 --> 00:16:10.079 doesn't mince words here. 00:16:10.879 --> 00:16:11.899 He's very clear 00:16:11.899 --> 00:16:13.099 that there is such a thing 00:16:13.099 --> 00:16:13.699 as evil. 00:16:13.700 --> 00:16:14.480 In fact, 00:16:14.560 --> 00:16:15.100 the word evil 00:16:15.100 --> 00:16:15.960 could be translated 00:16:15.960 --> 00:16:17.120 the evil one, 00:16:17.560 --> 00:16:18.280 meaning Satan. 00:16:19.840 --> 00:16:20.600 Either way, 00:16:20.660 --> 00:16:21.500 no matter how we render 00:16:21.500 --> 00:16:21.940 the verse, 00:16:22.080 --> 00:16:23.560 Jesus is quite unapologetic 00:16:23.560 --> 00:16:24.640 that evil is real, 00:16:25.440 --> 00:16:27.180 that it exists in us 00:16:27.180 --> 00:16:27.759 as sinners, 00:16:28.160 --> 00:16:29.340 in a world that's fallen, 00:16:29.620 --> 00:16:30.900 and in the spiritual realm. 00:16:32.840 --> 00:16:33.900 As Christians, 00:16:34.240 --> 00:16:36.320 we will encounter that evil. 00:16:36.460 --> 00:16:37.440 And it won't just be 00:16:37.440 --> 00:16:38.320 kind of out there. 00:16:39.400 --> 00:16:40.759 It will also be in here. 00:16:40.759 --> 00:16:43.019 You know, 00:16:43.120 --> 00:16:44.759 you can't escape 00:16:44.759 --> 00:16:45.860 the fallenness 00:16:45.860 --> 00:16:46.460 of the world, 00:16:46.840 --> 00:16:47.240 right? 00:16:47.460 --> 00:16:48.899 You can go to the most 00:16:48.899 --> 00:16:50.439 remote location, 00:16:50.980 --> 00:16:51.720 surround yourself 00:16:51.720 --> 00:16:52.759 with only people 00:16:52.759 --> 00:16:53.600 who think and act 00:16:53.600 --> 00:16:54.960 exactly the same as you, 00:16:55.299 --> 00:16:56.679 try to build a community 00:16:56.679 --> 00:16:57.939 utterly away 00:16:57.939 --> 00:16:58.539 from the evil 00:16:58.539 --> 00:16:59.240 in the world, 00:16:59.500 --> 00:17:01.480 and you will find 00:17:01.480 --> 00:17:02.319 that it doesn't work 00:17:02.319 --> 00:17:04.839 because evil is at work 00:17:04.839 --> 00:17:05.559 in us 00:17:05.559 --> 00:17:06.599 just as strongly. 00:17:06.599 --> 00:17:08.799 So the answer 00:17:08.799 --> 00:17:09.539 isn't to try 00:17:09.539 --> 00:17:10.919 to just run away. 00:17:12.819 --> 00:17:13.500 Now, of course, 00:17:13.559 --> 00:17:14.219 we should certainly 00:17:14.219 --> 00:17:15.679 flee temptation, right? 00:17:16.240 --> 00:17:17.299 But if we're walking 00:17:17.299 --> 00:17:18.679 the path of Jesus' kingdom, 00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:19.619 if we're living 00:17:19.619 --> 00:17:20.699 into our vocation 00:17:20.699 --> 00:17:21.339 as His followers 00:17:21.339 --> 00:17:22.179 to be salt and light 00:17:22.179 --> 00:17:23.099 in the midst of the world, 00:17:23.599 --> 00:17:24.500 if we're bearing witness 00:17:24.500 --> 00:17:25.000 to Christ 00:17:25.000 --> 00:17:26.099 in all of creation, 00:17:26.199 --> 00:17:27.759 then we will encounter evil. 00:17:29.500 --> 00:17:31.139 We will come face to face 00:17:31.139 --> 00:17:32.459 with not just the brokenness 00:17:32.459 --> 00:17:32.939 and corruption 00:17:32.939 --> 00:17:33.939 outside of us, 00:17:34.019 --> 00:17:35.439 but also inside of us. 00:17:35.440 --> 00:17:37.799 So what do we do? 00:17:39.039 --> 00:17:39.799 Well, we pray, 00:17:40.039 --> 00:17:40.380 Father, 00:17:40.820 --> 00:17:42.259 deliver us from evil. 00:17:43.940 --> 00:17:45.200 Come to our rescue. 00:17:49.360 --> 00:17:50.440 Now, you might be thinking, 00:17:51.160 --> 00:17:53.620 wait, like, that's it? 00:17:54.220 --> 00:17:54.400 Right? 00:17:54.720 --> 00:17:55.740 In the face of evil, 00:17:55.779 --> 00:17:56.600 we just sort of pray, 00:17:56.720 --> 00:17:57.759 deliver us from evil, right? 00:17:58.580 --> 00:17:59.559 I mean, it kind of sounds 00:17:59.559 --> 00:18:01.440 a bit like underpowered, 00:18:01.600 --> 00:18:02.059 doesn't it? 00:18:02.900 --> 00:18:03.960 I mean, talk about, like, 00:18:04.160 --> 00:18:05.279 bringing a squirt gun 00:18:05.279 --> 00:18:06.279 into a forest fire, right? 00:18:06.299 --> 00:18:06.859 Like, we're just going to 00:18:06.859 --> 00:18:07.920 stand in the face of evil 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:08.740 in us, outside of us, 00:18:08.740 --> 00:18:09.399 and just shoot up 00:18:09.399 --> 00:18:09.799 a little prayer. 00:18:09.859 --> 00:18:11.000 What good is a little prayer 00:18:11.000 --> 00:18:12.480 going to do in the face 00:18:12.480 --> 00:18:13.460 of the deep brokenness 00:18:13.460 --> 00:18:14.039 of the world? 00:18:16.359 --> 00:18:17.839 And yes, you know, 00:18:17.879 --> 00:18:18.359 on the one hand, 00:18:18.460 --> 00:18:19.220 praying this prayer 00:18:19.220 --> 00:18:21.420 isn't a kind of magic mantra 00:18:21.420 --> 00:18:23.139 that instantly makes things better. 00:18:23.899 --> 00:18:25.920 That's not what real prayer is. 00:18:26.559 --> 00:18:27.579 Real prayer isn't about 00:18:27.579 --> 00:18:28.420 just sort of saying 00:18:28.420 --> 00:18:28.940 the right thing 00:18:28.940 --> 00:18:29.740 at the right time 00:18:29.740 --> 00:18:30.420 so you can produce 00:18:30.420 --> 00:18:31.240 a desired outcome. 00:18:31.519 --> 00:18:32.359 It's not magic. 00:18:32.359 --> 00:18:34.839 So what is prayer? 00:18:36.839 --> 00:18:39.219 Prayer is communication 00:18:39.219 --> 00:18:40.159 with God. 00:18:42.819 --> 00:18:44.199 The triune God 00:18:44.199 --> 00:18:45.379 has revealed Himself 00:18:45.379 --> 00:18:47.299 as a speaking God. 00:18:48.519 --> 00:18:49.179 And this God 00:18:49.179 --> 00:18:50.719 has given to us humans 00:18:50.719 --> 00:18:51.919 the gift of language. 00:18:53.379 --> 00:18:55.199 Not just that we humans 00:18:55.199 --> 00:18:56.240 might communicate 00:18:56.240 --> 00:18:57.619 and commune with each other, 00:18:57.939 --> 00:19:00.079 but also that we might 00:19:00.079 --> 00:19:01.439 communicate and commune 00:19:01.440 --> 00:19:02.160 with God Himself. 00:19:03.759 --> 00:19:04.820 God has given us 00:19:04.820 --> 00:19:05.660 this medium 00:19:05.660 --> 00:19:07.680 whereby we can, 00:19:08.220 --> 00:19:09.820 in our creaturely way, 00:19:10.640 --> 00:19:12.160 commune intelligently, 00:19:12.980 --> 00:19:14.539 actually, wholly 00:19:14.539 --> 00:19:16.059 with our Creator. 00:19:17.740 --> 00:19:18.660 So this prayer 00:19:18.660 --> 00:19:19.620 in the face of evil, 00:19:19.960 --> 00:19:20.740 deliver us, 00:19:21.940 --> 00:19:23.100 is not just some sort of 00:19:23.100 --> 00:19:24.759 vague intention 00:19:24.759 --> 00:19:26.160 pushed out 00:19:26.160 --> 00:19:27.539 into a cold universe, 00:19:27.779 --> 00:19:28.019 right? 00:19:28.840 --> 00:19:30.059 Hoping that the universe 00:19:30.059 --> 00:19:31.339 will maybe right itself. 00:19:34.960 --> 00:19:35.480 No. 00:19:36.440 --> 00:19:37.700 We are praying 00:19:37.700 --> 00:19:40.000 to the only one 00:19:40.000 --> 00:19:42.299 who fully understands 00:19:42.299 --> 00:19:43.359 the battle 00:19:43.359 --> 00:19:44.099 that we are in. 00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:47.000 You see, 00:19:47.500 --> 00:19:47.919 friends, 00:19:47.980 --> 00:19:49.179 evil is so much greater 00:19:49.179 --> 00:19:50.639 than you or I 00:19:50.639 --> 00:19:51.619 could understand 00:19:51.619 --> 00:19:52.440 or experience. 00:19:53.440 --> 00:19:53.899 Like, 00:19:53.940 --> 00:19:54.740 we see our own 00:19:54.740 --> 00:19:55.539 little trials 00:19:55.539 --> 00:19:56.339 and temptations, 00:19:56.419 --> 00:19:57.240 or perhaps we see 00:19:57.240 --> 00:19:57.819 the brokenness 00:19:57.819 --> 00:19:58.240 and suffering 00:19:58.240 --> 00:19:58.779 of one part 00:19:58.779 --> 00:19:59.279 of creation, 00:19:59.419 --> 00:19:59.799 and at times 00:19:59.799 --> 00:20:00.500 it's very great. 00:20:01.759 --> 00:20:03.639 But the total impact 00:20:03.639 --> 00:20:04.679 of sin and evil, 00:20:05.299 --> 00:20:06.700 not just its personal dimension 00:20:06.700 --> 00:20:07.740 or its communal dimension, 00:20:07.939 --> 00:20:09.599 but also its cosmic dimension, 00:20:09.859 --> 00:20:10.839 there's only one 00:20:10.839 --> 00:20:12.079 who sees and understands 00:20:12.079 --> 00:20:13.319 the full scope 00:20:13.319 --> 00:20:14.500 of what sin and evil 00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:15.460 really are 00:20:15.460 --> 00:20:16.759 and really mean 00:20:16.759 --> 00:20:18.019 and really cost. 00:20:20.099 --> 00:20:20.720 You see, 00:20:20.759 --> 00:20:22.079 the one who teaches us 00:20:22.079 --> 00:20:22.679 this prayer 00:20:22.680 --> 00:20:24.600 is the one 00:20:24.600 --> 00:20:25.560 who actually entered 00:20:25.560 --> 00:20:26.779 into the battle 00:20:26.779 --> 00:20:28.039 with sin and evil 00:20:28.039 --> 00:20:29.900 in that total scale. 00:20:31.600 --> 00:20:32.700 He can tell us 00:20:32.700 --> 00:20:34.000 to pray to His heavenly Father, 00:20:34.440 --> 00:20:35.060 deliver us 00:20:35.060 --> 00:20:36.220 from the evil one, 00:20:36.220 --> 00:20:38.340 because His mission 00:20:38.340 --> 00:20:39.180 was to come 00:20:39.180 --> 00:20:40.320 and to win 00:20:40.320 --> 00:20:41.460 this decisive battle. 00:20:43.560 --> 00:20:44.580 Jesus Christ 00:20:44.580 --> 00:20:45.960 was the only one 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:48.160 who went forth 00:20:48.160 --> 00:20:49.240 into battle 00:20:49.240 --> 00:20:50.340 with sin and evil 00:20:50.339 --> 00:20:52.899 in its total cosmic scale. 00:20:54.119 --> 00:20:55.240 And the cross 00:20:55.240 --> 00:20:56.559 and the empty grave 00:20:56.559 --> 00:20:58.459 are the battlefields 00:20:58.459 --> 00:20:59.859 of that greater warfare. 00:21:01.019 --> 00:21:01.319 You see, 00:21:01.379 --> 00:21:02.039 at the cross, 00:21:02.439 --> 00:21:02.980 sin and evil 00:21:02.980 --> 00:21:03.859 did its worst. 00:21:04.779 --> 00:21:05.339 It unleashed 00:21:05.339 --> 00:21:06.379 its full assault 00:21:06.379 --> 00:21:07.059 on God 00:21:07.059 --> 00:21:08.279 in the person 00:21:08.279 --> 00:21:08.819 of His Son. 00:21:09.959 --> 00:21:10.740 And in what seemed 00:21:10.740 --> 00:21:12.240 to be utter defeat 00:21:12.240 --> 00:21:13.079 at the cross, 00:21:13.740 --> 00:21:14.939 the greatest victory 00:21:14.939 --> 00:21:15.519 was won, 00:21:16.179 --> 00:21:17.199 because sin 00:21:17.199 --> 00:21:18.659 was exhausted there, 00:21:18.660 --> 00:21:19.480 and evil 00:21:19.480 --> 00:21:20.360 was decisively 00:21:20.360 --> 00:21:21.320 broken there. 00:21:23.019 --> 00:21:23.940 And the grave 00:21:23.940 --> 00:21:24.500 was emptied. 00:21:25.720 --> 00:21:27.220 Christ rose victorious 00:21:27.220 --> 00:21:28.120 over evil 00:21:28.120 --> 00:21:28.980 and sin 00:21:28.980 --> 00:21:29.880 and death. 00:21:30.940 --> 00:21:31.740 And when we pray, 00:21:31.880 --> 00:21:32.600 deliver us 00:21:32.600 --> 00:21:33.360 from evil, 00:21:33.440 --> 00:21:34.140 we aren't praying 00:21:34.140 --> 00:21:34.840 a wish 00:21:34.840 --> 00:21:36.300 or a hope, 00:21:37.300 --> 00:21:38.660 but a certain reality. 00:21:39.800 --> 00:21:41.220 Because Jesus Christ 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:42.440 took on flesh, 00:21:43.080 --> 00:21:43.860 God came 00:21:43.860 --> 00:21:44.779 in human flesh, 00:21:45.160 --> 00:21:46.560 and conquered sin 00:21:46.560 --> 00:21:47.380 and Satan 00:21:47.380 --> 00:21:48.400 and the grave 00:21:48.400 --> 00:21:49.180 for us 00:21:49.180 --> 00:21:50.120 and for our freedom 00:21:50.120 --> 00:21:52.500 so that the tyranny 00:21:52.500 --> 00:21:53.660 of the evil one 00:21:53.660 --> 00:21:54.660 could be broken. 00:21:55.860 --> 00:21:56.140 Friends, 00:21:56.260 --> 00:21:57.200 evil is ultimately 00:21:57.200 --> 00:21:58.880 a defeated foe. 00:21:59.040 --> 00:22:01.060 Satan is a conquered rebel. 00:22:02.040 --> 00:22:02.280 Now, 00:22:02.340 --> 00:22:03.060 we look at the world 00:22:03.060 --> 00:22:03.960 and we look at our own hearts 00:22:03.960 --> 00:22:04.580 and we see that 00:22:04.580 --> 00:22:06.520 the enemies still rage. 00:22:07.100 --> 00:22:08.020 The battle skirmishes 00:22:08.020 --> 00:22:08.860 still go on, 00:22:08.920 --> 00:22:10.120 but their time is short. 00:22:11.400 --> 00:22:12.920 They still raise their fist 00:22:12.920 --> 00:22:13.860 against the crucified 00:22:13.860 --> 00:22:14.700 and risen King, 00:22:14.900 --> 00:22:16.340 but His victory is sure. 00:22:17.380 --> 00:22:18.440 deliver us 00:22:18.440 --> 00:22:19.020 from evil. 00:22:22.020 --> 00:22:22.500 Now, 00:22:22.540 --> 00:22:23.560 we might pray this prayer 00:22:23.560 --> 00:22:24.160 in the face 00:22:24.160 --> 00:22:25.200 of a personal struggle 00:22:25.200 --> 00:22:26.320 with sin or temptation. 00:22:27.280 --> 00:22:28.600 We might pray this prayer 00:22:28.600 --> 00:22:29.200 in the face 00:22:29.200 --> 00:22:30.500 of broader patterns 00:22:30.500 --> 00:22:31.400 of unrighteousness 00:22:31.400 --> 00:22:31.920 and injustice 00:22:31.920 --> 00:22:32.620 in the world. 00:22:33.500 --> 00:22:34.780 We might pray this prayer 00:22:34.780 --> 00:22:35.220 in the face 00:22:35.220 --> 00:22:36.280 of spiritual conflict 00:22:36.280 --> 00:22:37.480 with Satan's work 00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:38.500 of lies and deception. 00:22:39.540 --> 00:22:40.920 Whatever it might be, 00:22:41.020 --> 00:22:42.900 we pray with confidence 00:22:42.900 --> 00:22:45.540 that Jesus Christ 00:22:45.540 --> 00:22:46.480 has triumphed. 00:22:47.759 --> 00:22:49.540 From the moment we cry, 00:22:49.680 --> 00:22:50.540 deliver us, 00:22:52.240 --> 00:22:53.800 God's rescue operation 00:22:53.800 --> 00:22:55.380 begins to apply itself 00:22:55.380 --> 00:22:58.140 and carry on its good work. 00:22:58.140 --> 00:23:03.240 help will be on the way 00:23:03.240 --> 00:23:05.520 to cope and respond 00:23:05.520 --> 00:23:06.460 with whatever form 00:23:06.460 --> 00:23:07.580 of evil threatens us. 00:23:08.920 --> 00:23:10.400 And His promise is sure. 00:23:11.460 --> 00:23:12.180 One day, 00:23:12.740 --> 00:23:13.700 death will be no more. 00:23:14.580 --> 00:23:15.140 One day, 00:23:15.200 --> 00:23:16.400 Jesus will return in glory 00:23:16.400 --> 00:23:17.460 and every enemy 00:23:17.460 --> 00:23:18.580 will be put under His feet. 00:23:19.080 --> 00:23:20.180 The tyranny of evil 00:23:20.180 --> 00:23:21.320 will be vanquished 00:23:21.320 --> 00:23:22.259 once and for all 00:23:22.259 --> 00:23:23.720 from God's good creation. 00:23:24.720 --> 00:23:26.140 And God will be all in all. 00:23:26.140 --> 00:23:27.980 So when we pray, 00:23:28.120 --> 00:23:30.160 deliver us from the evil one, 00:23:30.620 --> 00:23:32.180 we're praying that prayer 00:23:32.180 --> 00:23:34.100 in the midst of deep 00:23:34.100 --> 00:23:36.300 gospel hope 00:23:36.300 --> 00:23:39.060 that the cause is not lost 00:23:39.060 --> 00:23:40.380 but it is a certain victory. 00:23:41.420 --> 00:23:42.060 And one day, 00:23:42.140 --> 00:23:43.380 the earth will be full 00:23:43.380 --> 00:23:44.220 of God's glory 00:23:44.220 --> 00:23:45.960 like the waters cover the sea. 00:23:47.440 --> 00:23:48.380 Let's pray together. 00:23:53.980 --> 00:23:54.420 Jesus, 00:23:54.420 --> 00:23:54.620 Jesus, 00:23:54.620 --> 00:23:54.620 00:23:54.620 --> 00:23:54.620 00:23:54.620 --> 00:23:54.620 00:23:54.620 --> 00:23:54.620 00:23:54.620 --> 00:23:54.620 00:23:54.620 --> 00:23:54.620 00:23:54.620 --> 00:23:54.620 00:23:54.620 --> 00:23:54.620 00:23:54.620 --> 00:23:54.620 00:23:54.620 --> 00:23:54.620 00:23:54.620 --> 00:23:54.620 00:23:54.620 --> 00:23:54.620 00:23:54.620 --> 00:23:54.620 00:23:54.620 --> 00:23:54.620 00:23:56.140 --> 00:23:56.700 Lord, 00:23:57.600 --> 00:23:58.120 King, 00:23:58.900 --> 00:23:59.360 Redeemer, 00:23:59.940 --> 00:24:02.040 we look to You 00:24:02.040 --> 00:24:04.259 and we admit 00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:06.100 that apart from You 00:24:06.100 --> 00:24:07.920 we would be helpless 00:24:07.920 --> 00:24:08.580 in the fight. 00:24:10.500 --> 00:24:11.640 We are weak. 00:24:12.740 --> 00:24:14.060 We are prone to wander. 00:24:15.240 --> 00:24:16.600 We love ourselves 00:24:16.600 --> 00:24:18.160 and our own pleasures 00:24:18.160 --> 00:24:18.880 more than You. 00:24:20.480 --> 00:24:22.620 We turn a blind eye 00:24:22.620 --> 00:24:23.200 to evil, 00:24:23.880 --> 00:24:25.020 even delighting in it. 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:26.400 We are sinners 00:24:26.400 --> 00:24:28.759 and we deserve 00:24:28.759 --> 00:24:29.879 nothing from You 00:24:29.879 --> 00:24:31.079 but condemnation. 00:24:32.200 --> 00:24:34.879 But You have conquered. 00:24:36.000 --> 00:24:37.200 On our behalf, 00:24:37.279 --> 00:24:37.920 You died 00:24:37.920 --> 00:24:39.579 and You rose again. 00:24:40.900 --> 00:24:42.200 And now for all 00:24:42.200 --> 00:24:43.779 who experience 00:24:43.779 --> 00:24:44.900 Your gifts of repentance 00:24:44.900 --> 00:24:46.819 and faith, 00:24:47.259 --> 00:24:49.079 You freely forgive our sins 00:24:49.079 --> 00:24:50.319 and give us new hearts. 00:24:50.319 --> 00:24:54.539 thank You for this indescribable grace 00:24:54.539 --> 00:24:56.039 that flows from Your mercy 00:24:56.039 --> 00:24:57.779 and Your love for us. 00:24:59.480 --> 00:25:00.059 And so, 00:25:00.279 --> 00:25:02.679 would we take up each day 00:25:02.679 --> 00:25:03.419 this prayer 00:25:03.419 --> 00:25:04.879 and pray, 00:25:05.579 --> 00:25:07.000 lead us not into temptation. 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:09.179 Help us to live lives 00:25:09.179 --> 00:25:10.679 that are wholly pleasing to You. 00:25:11.740 --> 00:25:13.779 Give us a taste for holiness 00:25:13.779 --> 00:25:16.039 that is unshakable. 00:25:16.119 --> 00:25:17.000 Help us to love 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:18.039 more and more 00:25:18.039 --> 00:25:19.539 the joy of obedience. 00:25:21.139 --> 00:25:22.680 And would we also pray, 00:25:23.599 --> 00:25:25.480 deliver us from evil, 00:25:26.920 --> 00:25:28.079 trusting that Your victory 00:25:28.079 --> 00:25:28.819 is complete 00:25:28.819 --> 00:25:30.619 and that Your kingdom 00:25:30.619 --> 00:25:31.359 is advancing 00:25:31.359 --> 00:25:33.639 and the gates of hell 00:25:33.639 --> 00:25:35.039 cannot stand against us. 00:25:36.339 --> 00:25:37.200 Deliver us, Lord. 00:25:38.160 --> 00:25:39.200 Come, Lord Jesus. 00:25:39.200 --> 00:25:41.359 Amen.