Protection

Matthew 6:13

“Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”

WHY DO WE NEED PROTECTION?

Jesus teaches us to pray:

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

There is a spiritual dimension to our lives.

We have:

an enemy

temptations

spiritual battles

weaknesses

sinful desires

deception

circumstances that can pull us away from God

We need God's protection—not merely around us, but within us.

God's protection does not mean that Christians will never experience difficulty.

Jesus never promised us a trouble-free life.

He promised His presence.

John 16:33: “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

So our prayer is not:

“God, make my life completely free from battles.”

It is:

“God, keep me faithful in the battle.”

2. LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION

Jesus says:

“Lead us not into temptation…”

We have to understand something clearly:

God does not tempt us to sin.

James 1:13 says:

“God cannot be tempted with evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”

So what does Jesus mean?

The word translated temptation can also carry the meaning of testing, trial, or temptation depending upon the context.

There is a difference between:

A TEST and A TEMPTATION

A test can strengthen your faith.

A TEMPTATION

Temptation attempts to pull you away from God.

God can allow a test without being the author of sin.

A. Jesus Himself Was Tempted

Matthew 4:1 says:

“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.”

The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness.

The devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness.

The wilderness was God's testing ground, but Satan's opportunity for temptation.

And Jesus responded to every temptation with:

“It is written…”

We overcome temptation by standing on the Word of God.

3. HOW TEMPTATION WORKS

James 1:14–15

“but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15.Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Desire → Enticement → Sin → Consequences

Temptation often begins internally before it becomes externally visible.

Temptation usually says:

“Just this once.”

“Nobody will know.”

“You deserve this.”

“It's not really that bad.”

“Everyone else is doing it.”

“You can handle it.”

But God's Word says:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

— 1 Peter 5:8

The enemy studies our vulnerabilities

anger

lust

pride

money

insecurity

control

bitterness

discouragement

approval from people

Therefore, one of the most mature prayers we can pray is:

“Lord, show me where I am vulnerable.”

Not:

“Lord, show me everybody else's problems.”

But:

“23 Search me, God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.…”

Psalm 139:23–24.

4. GOD'S PROTECTION OFTEN BEGINS WITH A WAY OF ESCAPE

1 Corinthians 10:13:

God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear, but with the temptation will provide a way of escape.

Notice:

God's protection may not always be removing the temptation.

Sometimes God's protection is:

The exit door.

For example:

If you're struggling with anger, protection may be: Walk away.

If you're struggling with inappropriate communication: End the conversation.

If you're struggling with pornography: Turn off the device.

If you're struggling with gossip: Change the subject.

If you're struggling with alcohol: Don't put yourself in that environment.

If you're struggling with financial temptation: Put accountability around your finances.

5. THE ARMOR OF GOD

Ephesians 6:10–18

This is an excellent place to spend several minutes.

Paul doesn't tell the believers:

“Be afraid of spiritual warfare.”

He says:

“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

Then he describes the armor:

1. Belt of Truth - Protection from deception.

2. Breastplate of Righteousness - Protection of our heart.

3. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace - Stability and readiness.

4. Shield of Faith - Protection against the fiery darts of the enemy.

5. Helmet of Salvation - Protection of our mind.

6. Sword of the Spirit - The Word of God.

Prayer surrounds the entire armor.

Ephesians 6:18: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…”

So prayer isn't just another piece of the armor.

Prayer is the atmosphere in which we use the armor.

6. PRAYING THE WORD OVER THE BATTLE

“God, this is happening…

BUT YOUR WORD SAYS…

When fear comes:

“God, I am feeling afraid, but Your Word says You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”

When temptation comes:

“God, this temptation is strong, but Your Word says You will provide a way of escape.”

When condemnation comes:

“God, I have failed, but Your Word says there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

When anxiety comes:

“God, I don't know what tomorrow holds, but Your Word says I can cast my cares upon You because You care for me.”

When the enemy says:

“You are alone.”

We answer:

“Your Word says, ‘I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’”

7. PROTECTION IS NOT JUST FROM EVIL—IT IS PROTECTION FOR OUR PURPOSE

God protects us so that we can fulfill His purpose.

Paul experienced:

persecution

imprisonment

beatings

shipwreck

rejection

danger

Yet God continued to protect Paul—not by preventing every hardship, but by preserving him for his assignment.

Sometimes protection means:

God keeps the storm from destroying you so that you can continue your assignment.

Paul eventually says in 2 Timothy 4:7:

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

That's protection with purpose.

8. THREE WAYS TO PRAY FOR PROTECTION

1. PROTECT MY HEART

“Lord, protect my heart from bitterness, pride, lust, unforgiveness, greed and compromise.”

Proverbs 4:23:

“Keep thy heart with all diligence…”

2. PROTECT MY MIND

“Lord, protect my mind from fear, deception, condemnation, anxiety and lies.”

2 Corinthians 10:5:

“Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

3. PROTECT MY WALK

“Lord, protect my steps. Keep me from places, relationships and decisions that would pull me away from You.”

Psalm 119:105:

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

What are you asking God to protect?

My heart?

My mind?

My marriage?

My family?

My purity?

My finances?

My calling?

My testimony?

My faith?

My future?