Deliver Us from Evil
Matthew 6:13
Intro
Real prayer calls for real cooperation with God. The perfect pattern of prayer, which closes with this petition, contains seven petitions, each of which is designed to meet specific needs in various areas of life.
This petition is the climax of the prayer as it is the object of Christ’s coming into the world. The great evil of the world is sin – the source and foundation of all the others evils in the world. The Greek text maybe translated “the evil” or “the evil one.”
When we pray, “deliver us from evil,” we pray against everything that ruins and make us wretched; against the slavery of sin; against all of the wickedness, cunning, and malignity of the devil or of man. We should uplift our souls in prayer against all of the trouble and pain and confusion, worse than death, that evil has brought into the world.
This is a prayer for self, for family, and for others.
READ TEXT
I. By this petition Jesus registers divine opposition to all evil
a. Sin is that which in contrary to God’s will
b. Sin, by its very nature, is destructive to the being and happiness of God’s creatures.
c. God, by his very nature, will never condone, approve, or tolerate sin. He is eternally opposed to sin, just as doctors are opposed to cancer.
d. God loves us very much and wants to save us to the extent that he gave his Son for us.
e. Christ died to save us from evil
f. The heavenly Father will help us destroy the roots of evil in our hearts.
g. The heavenly Father can deliver us from reaping the fruits of evil in later life.
II. By this petition we are encouraged to trust God for spiritual strength
a. Divine power is available for human weakness.
b. Divine deliverance is possible for those who are enslaved.
c. Divine power and deliverance come through surrender to God.
III. This petition contains a pledge to cooperate with the divine Deliverer.
a. Only God can deliver us from evil
Ephesians 6:10-13
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
b. God delivers us from the guilt and penalty of evil through Christ.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
c. God delivers us from the power of evil through the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:16-18
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
d. God delivers us from the practice of evil through the truth of his Holy Word
Psalm 119:9, 11, 105
How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.
You word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
e. God delivers us from the work of evil by putting us to work in his kingdom.
Philippians 2:12-13
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only , but much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
Closing
The complete answer to this petition comes after the end to this life. Heaven is a place of perfect holiness where we shall be delivered from both the presence and the practice of evil. Meanwhile, day by day, we should pray “Deliver us from evil” and do God’s will.
