“Deliver us from evil.” — Matthew 6:13
As Christians, sometimes we overestimate our own abilities and forget that we’re not immune from falling into terrible sin.
It's important to remember that, although the penalty of sin has been destroyed, the presence of sin still exists within us as “the flesh.” Therefore, we shouldn't be surprised when Christians, including ourselves, commit grievous sin.
In these moments of temptation, Jesus doesn't call us to flex our willpower but to cry out to him for deliverance.
Remember, in John 15 Jesus said, "Apart from me you can do nothing." Did you catch that all-encompassing word? Nothing.
You see, moral willpower is not enough to overcome temptation and indwelling sin.
We need Jesus' power to protect and enable us when tempted by colorful but deceptive lures.
In theological terms, there are two types of deliverance: justification and sanctification.
Justification is a one-time declaration of God's free grace where he forgives all our sins and declares us as righteous as Jesus.
Sanctification, on the other hand, is an ongoing work of God's free grace where we are renewed in the image of God and enabled to live a new life that follows the ways and wisdom of God in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Although we are positionally justified through faith in Christ, we are still subject to the functional power of sin in our lives. This is why we pray for deliverance from evil, knowing that the enemy is always near and that we’re capable of committing heinous sins.
And we also know that sin isn’t only wrong; it’s painful.
Like that colorful lure that looks so satisfying. Until we feel the barb on the hook.
That’s why we pray, for so many reasons, “Deliver us from evil.”
However, remember this amazing news!
Jesus has already delivered us from our worst predicament through his sacrifice on the cross. He felt the pain of judgment for us.
Because of Jesus wounds, the agony he suffered for us is a pain we’ll never experience.
This means that even when we lose battles with temptation, we can look to Jesus with confidence that he has won the war.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think Christians overestimate themselves and their ability to resist temptation?
What does it mean to pray for deliverance from evil? How does this relate to our understanding of the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life?
What is the difference between justification and sanctification?
How does the concept of deliverance from evil relate to the idea of spiritual warfare in a believer’s life?
What does it mean that even if we lose battles to temptation, Jesus has won the war? Does that sound like a license to sin? Why or why not?
A Prayer
Dear God,
We acknowledge that we are sinners in need of your grace and forgiveness. We recognize that even as believers, we are prone to fall into temptation and sin.
We thank you for the gift of justification, which declares us righteous through faith in Christ. We also thank you for your ongoing work of sanctification, which enables us by the power of your Holy Spirit to resist temptation and produce spiritual fruit.
We pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen us and guide us in living a life that honors you.
We thank you for the ultimate deliverance that Jesus secured for us through his death and resurrection, and we look forward to the day when we will be fully sanctified, overjoyed with praise in your presence.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
