1. In this portion of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His followers about prayer. a. In vs.5-6 Jesus taught that prayer is to be offered to God "in secret" rather than for the purpose of being "seen of men." b. The Lord continued in vs.7-8 by teaching His followers to avoid using "vain repetitions." c. Jesus gave His Model Prayer in vs.9-13. 2. In our lesson we are concentrating on the request that Jesus taught His followers to make in vs.13a -- "lead us not into temptation." 3. The Bible contains a number of instructions that we are to practice as we ask God to help us in facing temptation. Discussion: I. WE MUST SUBMIT TO GOD'S WILL
A. This principle is revealed in Psalm 119:11. 1. How grateful we need to be that cleansing from sin is available by taking heed to God's Word (Psalm 119:9). 2. However, hiding God's Word in the heart will prevent sin from occurring. 3. Some helpful practices are given in Psalm 119:15-16. B. Joseph illustrated this principle when Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him (Genesis 39:7-9). II. WE MUST TALK TO GOD THROUGH PRAYER
A. Earlier, we read the Lord's words in His Model Prayer (Matthew 6:13). B. He also taught His followers to "watch and pray" in Matthew 26:41. 1. The purpose for watching and praying is to avoid entering into temptation. 2. The reason for watching and praying is because "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." III. WE MUST FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES PRESENTED IN JAMES 1:13-15
A. Let us properly identify the source of temptation. 1. Temptation is not come from God (vs.13; 2 Peter 2:9; 1 Corinthians 10:13). 2. Rather, temptation is from Satan (Matthew 4:1, 3; 1 Peter 5:8). 3. Let us submit to God and resist the devil (James 4:7). B. Let us understand how temptation works (vs.14; Genesis 3:1-6). C. Let us understand the consequences of giving in to temptation (vs.15). Conclusion:
1. The information we have covered is designed to help us endure temptation. 2. A special blessing is in store for those who are successful (James 1:12).
