LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION. The Lord told us to pray this way, “Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed (holy) be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine alone is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen”.
I was not raised in a Christian home, but still someone taught me this prayer at an early age. Most know it and can recite it from memory. The Lord tells us to pray this way, “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”. Praying this prayer is half the battle. The other half is disciplining your flesh to match up with the prayer. Another lesson from king David from the night he sinned with Bathsheba:“In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.” 2 Samuel 11:1
I have often wondered why he did not go out to battle? Oh I’ve read many commentaries from varies perspectives. But the fact remains that if David was doing what he was supposed to be doing; he would have avoided grievous sin. It’s not by accident that Scripture records the words, “the time when kings go out to battle”. We are being given a hint into David’s first chance to avoid temptation.
God always makes a way out, but David didn’t take the way out. Maybe he was old and tired, but at this time he was still a warrior king. Maybe he was scared? This is highly doubtful. No where does it state that he feared war or the battle. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Maybe he was lifted up with pride? Whatever the reason, he knew he should have been with his men in battle. He was negligent in his duties— an opened door to be tempted.
Disobedience will open the door for the enemy. When you know what you need to be doing, and you are not doing it, no matter how much you pray the Lord’s Prayer; you are subject to being tempted to sin. Might I remind you that the sword never left David’s house. Some sins will follow you your whole life; even though you are forgiven by God.
There are certain sins that erode trust. Once trust is lost, it may never be regained. One of the worst consequences of David’s sin declared by the prophet Nathan is found in the following chapter, “However, because you treated the Lord with such contempt in this matter, the son born to you will die.”” 2 Samuel 12:14 For some of you “love only” people, this is incredibly harsh words and an even harsher punishment from the prophet to the king. To whom more is given, more is expected. Jesus Christ the same, yesterday, today and forever.
God still says hard things and He chastens those He loves. David treated the Lord with scorn and contempt. For all the Lord did for him, all the favor and blessings and promises give to him by God; David’s actions scorned the Lord. It was not just that God was contemptuously treated by David, who was the object of His favor; but David’s actions gave occasion to others to blaspheme God’s holy and wonderful name. Those who say, “God would never do that!” Or “I’m under grace!” I don’t think you know what that word means.
God means what He says and He says what He means. Grace does not mean that you will “get away” with the consequences of your sin. Avoid temptation and take the way out- do what you know you need to be doing. Here’s a few things we know we should be doing on a regular basis: pray, read the Bible and do what it says, do not forsake the public gathering (online is NOT gathering), attend Bible study, a fellowship group, do not isolate, tithe, love and serve the brethren, husbands love your wife and wives submit to your husbands. This is just a short list.
On a personal note- walk in your anointing, go where He tells you to go and do what He tells you to do, within the boundaries of His Word. I have to say that because there’s a whole slew of people saying, “God told me!” But God was not in that. You did what you wanted to do and you will suffer the consequences. What we see transpiring in America is a judgment on people that have rejected and blasphemed the name of the Lord. Are you learning yet?#runyourrace
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page
