How should Christians understand the request “Lead us not into temptation” in the Lord’s Prayer, and does God lead us into temptation?
Toward the end of the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches his disciples to ask, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). This petition has raised questions for centuries. If God is holy and righteous, why would we need to ask him not to lead us into temptation? Does this mean that God tempts people to sin?
Anthony Delgado explains that the request must be understood within the larger framework of biblical theology. The Greek word translated as “temptation” can also mean “testing” or “trial.” Scripture affirms that while God does not tempt us to sin (James 1:13), he does allow tests that shape and refine his people. The petition is therefore both a prayer for protection from evil and a cry for strength in the trials we inevitably face.
This article will explore how Christians should understand this request, how it relates to God’s character, and why it is central to the Gospel-shaped life of prayer.
1. Temptation and Testing in Biblical Theology
The first step in understanding this petition is recognizing the overlap between temptation and testing.
Two sides of the same experience: A test from God may be turned into a temptation by Satan. The garden of Eden illustrates this: God gave Adam and Eve a test of obedience, but the serpent turned it into a trap (Genesis 3:1–6).
Ambiguity of the word: The Greek peirasmos carries the sense of both trial and temptation. This dual meaning explains why translations vary.
God’s purpose in testing: Tests are meant to refine faith, not destroy it (Deuteronomy 8:2; 1 Peter 1:6–7). Temptations from Satan aim to lead astray, but God transforms trials into instruments of growth.
Thus, when Christians pray, “Lead us not into temptation,” they are asking God to guide them through life’s trials in such a way that they are not overcome by sin.
2. God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
The second issue is whether God himself leads people into temptation.
God does not tempt: James 1:13–14 makes it clear: “God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” The source of temptation lies in sinful desires and the schemes of the devil.
God allows testing: Scripture shows God permitting tests for his people—Abraham with Isaac (Genesis 22:1), Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4), even Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1).
Purpose of testing: Tests expose what is in the heart and reveal reliance on God. They do not come from malice but from love, training believers for maturity.
This petition is not about accusing God of tempting us, but about confessing our weakness and dependence. It acknowledges God’s sovereignty while asking him to spare us from overwhelming trials.
3. The Petition as Prayer for Deliverance
The third insight is that the request naturally flows into the second half: “but deliver us from evil.”
Protection from the evil one: Some translations render it “deliver us from the evil one,” emphasizing Satan’s role in temptation. Both renderings capture the same truth: behind evil lies the adversary.
Spiritual warfare: Delgado describes this line as a kind of “minor exorcism.” It is a daily renunciation of Satan and a pledge of allegiance to Christ. In baptism, early Christians would renounce “the devil and all his works.” This petition renews that vow.
Victory through Christ: Because Jesus overcame temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11), believers can be confident he will deliver them.
The petition is not defeatist—it is hopeful. It trusts God to protect, deliver, and strengthen his people in the midst of testing.
4. Living the Petition in Daily Life
Understanding this request means applying it in practical ways.
Honest dependence: Believers admit they are weak. Praying this line guards against pride and presumption.
Preparedness for trials: Rather than denying hardship, this prayer prepares the heart to face testing with reliance on God.
Integration with community: The prayer uses “us,” not “me.” It is a communal request for the whole church to be guarded and delivered together.
Shaping affections: Asking for deliverance reshapes desires, teaching believers to love righteousness more than sin.
This petition is not abstract. It becomes a daily practice that trains Christians to live faithfully in a world filled with spiritual dangers.
5. The Petition and the Gospel
Finally, the meaning of “Lead us not into temptation” is inseparable from the Gospel.
Jesus endured testing: In the wilderness, Jesus faced temptation and triumphed where Adam failed. His obedience secures our salvation.
The cross as victory: On the cross, Jesus faced the full assault of evil but conquered it through his death and resurrection (Colossians 2:15).
Our participation: By praying this petition, believers declare allegiance to Christ’s victory. They ask not to be led into sin but to be delivered into Christ’s likeness.
In the Gospel, this request is not fearful but hopeful. It recognizes human weakness but celebrates divine strength.
Conclusion
How should Christians understand the request “Lead us not into temptation” in the Lord’s Prayer? It is not a suggestion that God tempts people to sin. Instead, it is a prayer of humility and dependence: asking God to spare us from overwhelming trials, to deliver us from evil, and to strengthen us in times of testing.
This petition reflects the Gospel itself. Jesus faced temptation and overcame it, so that his people could pray with confidence. To pray these words daily is to confess weakness, renounce evil, and pledge allegiance to the King who delivers.
Bible Verses on Temptation and Testing
“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:13)
“God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” (James 1:13)
“Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” (James 1:14)
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1)
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
“The Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you.” (Deuteronomy 8:2)
“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac.” (Hebrews 11:17)
“The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan.” (Mark 1:12–13)
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial.” (James 1:12)
“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” (Colossians 2:15)
