“And Lead Us Not Into Temptation”

Since we are to ask God to not lead us into temptation (Mat. 6:13), then it must be the case that God does lead us into temptation (otherwise, Jesus has instructed us to pray a meaningless prayer–which amounts to praying without faith). How then can it be said that God leads us into temptation when James 1:13 clearly states that He does not tempt us?
Vine’s Greek dictionary of NT words reveals that the word, peirasmos [temptation], is used in two ways: it “is used of (1) ‘trials’ with a beneficial purpose and effect,” and “(2) of ‘trial’ definitely designed to lead to wrong doing, ‘temptation’.” It is within the first category he includes Matthew 6:13. Thus, while God does not act in accordance to the second meaning of the word (i.e., trying to lead us into the actual wrong doing [Jam. 1:13; Luke 4:13]), He does allow us to be put into situations in which we are tested and thus, tempted (the first meaning). In harmony with this, notice carefully how peirasmos is used in 1 Peter 1:6-7, “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials [peirasomos], that the proof of your faith, (being) more precious than gold that perishes though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Thus, there is a benefit to one’s trial/temptation [peirasomos] because it is a test of one’s faith and worthiness of eternal reward. In this we see, while God has lead us into a situation in which we will be tested, yea tempted, He has not tried to entice us to do wrong.
Thus, while God does not attempt to persuade us to sin (Jam. 1:13), He does put us in trying circumstances in which we are tested. It is these trying situations of which we are permitted to pray for avoidance [as did Jesus in the garden (Mat. 26:39, “if it be possible let this cup [trying situation of the cross] pass from me”)]. However, it must be understood that not all trying circumstances are avoidable [note Jesus’ prayer: “if it be possible…”]. Furthermore, the very purpose of life itself is to encounter such tests to see whether or not the individual will obey God (Deut. 8:1-3; 1 Pet. 1:6-7). Thus, one cannot expect to “pray away” every difficulty of life. Also, those who are Christians are going to encounter trying situations simply by the virtue of living the godly Christian life (2 Tim. 3:12).
As we live our lives, we shall encounter difficult conditions in which we will be tempted to choose wrong [such as: peer pressure; illness; accidents; domestic problems; financial problems; etc.]. Let us pray to God that we can be spared from such-if it be possible (Mat. 26:39), yea, if it be according to His Will (1 John 5:14). However, since not all are avoidable, when such times come, may we ever keep indelibly upon our minds His precious promises: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13), and “the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation” (2 Pet 2:9).
The Christian must also be cognizant of the fact that some of the responsibility of avoiding some of the trying situations is his own. Jesus charged us to “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” (Mat 26:41). So, coupled with our prayer, we are also to watch. That is, fortified with the knowledge of God’s Word, we know we are to: avoid evil companionship (1 Cor. 15:33); obey the laws of the land (Rom. 13:1-7); clothe ourselves modestly (1 Tim. 2:9); avoid unhealthy life styles (Rom. 12:2); love our spouse (Eph.5:25); rear our children in the Word of God (Eph. 6:4); and on and on are the words whereby we significantly increase our percentage of enjoying a better life (1 Tim. 4:8; Phil 4:19; Mat. 6:33; Mark 10:30) by avoiding roads which lead to trying situations.
May we watch and pray that God, if it can be in accordance to His Will, spare us of difficult times which try us sorely. Yet, if such be not possible, be assured that we are able to overcome as God knows how to deliver us out of temptation with a way of escape.
Gary Henson