Spurgeon Morning and Evening February 9 PM

Biblical Context

The Gospel of Luke, penned by Luke, a Gentile physician and companion of the Apostle Paul, stands out for its meticulous historical detail and its profound theological insights, particularly concerning Jesus’ humanity, compassion for the marginalized, and emphasis on prayer. Addressed to ‘most excellent Theophilus,’ Luke aims to provide an orderly account of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, ensuring that his readers have a firm grasp of the truth.

Luke 11 records Jesus teaching His disciples how to pray, often referred to as ‘The Lord’s Prayer.’ This teaching follows a request from one of His disciples, who, witnessing Jesus at prayer, asked, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples” (Luke 11:1). Jesus then provides a model prayer, which, while similar to Matthew’s version (Matthew 6:9-13), is notably more concise. The specific verse in focus, Luke 11:4, is the concluding petition of this model prayer, highlighting two crucial aspects of a believer’s dependence on God: guidance away from spiritual peril and deliverance from the power of evil. This prayer isn’t merely a set of words to be recited but a profound blueprint for a life lived in conscious reliance upon divine protection and strength against the ever-present forces of sin and evil.

Key Word Study

Let’s examine the Greek word for “temptation” found in Luke 11:4, which is πEIρασμός (peirasmos).

• Origin and Meaning: Peirasmos comes from the root peirazo, meaning “to test, try, prove.” In a positive sense, it can refer to a test designed to prove someone’s character or faith, often leading to spiritual growth if endured successfully (e.g., James 1:2-3). In a negative sense, as it often appears in this context, it refers to an enticement to sin, a solicitation to do evil, or a trial that, if yielded to, leads to sin and destruction.
• Biblical Usage: In the Lord’s Prayer, “Lead us not into temptation” implies a plea to God not to allow us to enter into circumstances or situations where we would be overwhelmed by enticements to sin, or where our faith would be severely tested beyond our capacity to bear. It is a recognition of human weakness and a reliance on God’s sovereign protection and guidance. It’s important to distinguish this from God Himself tempting us to sin, as James 1:13 clarifies: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” Rather, it is a prayer for divine intervention to shield us from the schemes of the evil one and the pull of our own sinful desires.

The Practical Application of Prayer and Action

Charles Spurgeon begins his devotional by forging a vital link between our prayers and our daily conduct: “What we are taught to seek or shun in prayer, we should equally pursue or avoid in action.” This statement is not merely a call to consistency but a profound theological principle. If we earnestly pray, “Lead us not into temptation,” it logically follows that our lives should reflect an active avoidance of temptation. Our petitions before God are meant to shape our character and guide our choices, transforming our desires into tangible actions. It is a call to align our will with God’s, not just in our spiritual utterances, but in every step we take.

Proactive Avoidance of Temptation

Spurgeon emphasizes a proactive stance against sin: “Very earnestly, therefore, should we avoid temptation, seeking to walk so guardedly in the path of obedience, that we may never tempt the devil to tempt us.” This suggests a responsibility on the part of the believer to cultivate a lifestyle of vigilance and obedience. We are not to be passive recipients of temptation, but active agents in its avoidance. Walking “guardedly in the path of obedience” means intentionally choosing environments, relationships, and habits that foster spiritual strength rather than compromise. The phrase “never tempt the devil to tempt us” is particularly striking, highlighting the idea that our own carelessness or presumption can invite spiritual attack, essentially leaving the door open for the enemy.

The Danger of Presumption: Do Not Seek the Lion

To illustrate this proactive avoidance, Spurgeon uses a vivid metaphor: “We are not to enter the thicket in search of the lion. Dearly might we pay for such presumption.” The lion here symbolizes spiritual danger, specifically temptation and the devil. This powerful image warns against deliberately placing ourselves in situations where we know we will be vulnerable to sin. To seek out such dangers, whether for curiosity, a false sense of strength, or spiritual pride, is not only foolish but dangerously presumptuous. It is an invitation for conflict that God has not called us to, and the consequences can be dire, costing us peace, purity, or even our faith.

Inevitable Encounters and Stern Struggles

While we are not to seek the lion, Spurgeon acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare: “This lion may cross our path or leap upon us from the thicket, but we have nothing to do with hunting him.” Temptation is an unavoidable aspect of the Christian life. The devil, like a “roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8), will find opportunities to attack, even when we are walking circumspectly. The key distinction here is that we are not to initiate the encounter. When such encounters occur, even victory comes at a cost: “He that meeteth with him, even though he winneth the day, will find it a stern struggle.” Spiritual battles are draining and difficult, leaving us weary even in triumph. This reality underscores the wisdom of praying for deliverance and avoiding unnecessary conflict.

Christ’s Admonition: Pray Against Entering Temptation

Our Lord Jesus Christ, having personally endured profound temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) and in Gethsemane, understands its potency. Spurgeon reminds us of Christ’s earnest warning to His disciples: “Our Saviour, who had experience of what temptation meant, thus earnestly admonished His disciples-‘Pray that ye enter not into temptation.'” This profound instruction, found in passages like Matthew 26:41: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak,” and Mark 14:38: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak,” reveals Jesus’ deep concern for His followers. It is a compassionate recognition of human frailty and the power of temptation. The prayer is not that temptation would never come, but that we would not *enter into* it—that we would not succumb to its lure or be overwhelmed by its intensity.

The Inevitability of Temptation and the Need for Deliverance

Despite our prayers and vigilance, Spurgeon states an unalterable truth: “But let us do as we will, we shall be tempted; hence the prayer ‘deliver us from evil.'” Temptation is a universal human experience, intensified for the Christian as the enemy seeks to derail faith. This is why the second part of the petition, “deliver us from evil [or, the evil one],” is equally crucial. It is a plea for divine rescue when temptation inevitably arises. This deliverance is not just from abstract evil, but often from the evil one (Satan) himself, who is the orchestrator of much temptation.

The Universal Experience of Temptation

Spurgeon offers a sobering theological point: “God had one Son without sin; but He has no son without temptation.” Jesus Christ stands unique as the sinless Son of God, yet even He was intensely tempted. This truth highlights that temptation is not a sign of God’s disfavor or a lack of faith, but a common thread woven into the fabric of the human experience. It is a part of our fallen nature and the spiritual battle we engage in. He further elaborates, “The natural man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upwards, and the Christian man is born to temptation just as certainly.” Just as trouble is an inherent part of the human condition, temptation is an inherent reality for the believer. It is the crucible in which our faith is tested and refined.

Constant Vigilance Against Satan’s Stealth

Given the inevitability of temptation, vigilance is paramount: “We must be always on our watch against Satan, because, like a thief, he gives no intimation of his approach.” Satan operates covertly, seeking opportune moments to strike when we are least prepared. His tactics are subtle, deceptive, and often disguised. This calls for a continuous state of spiritual alertness, like a homeowner guarding against a thief, always aware of potential entry points and vulnerabilities. This constant watchfulness is a spiritual discipline that strengthens our defenses.

Spiritual Discernment and Preparedness

Experienced believers develop a spiritual sensitivity to the enemy’s patterns: “Believers who have had experience of the ways of Satan, know that there are certain seasons when he will most probably make an attack, just as at certain seasons bleak winds may be expected; thus the Christian is put on a double guard by fear of danger, and the danger is averted by preparing to meet it.” This speaks to the wisdom gained through spiritual maturity. Just as we anticipate seasonal weather changes, seasoned Christians learn to recognize periods of vulnerability – times of stress, fatigue, spiritual dryness, great blessing, or particular vulnerability to specific sins. This discernment prompts a “double guard,” enhancing our spiritual defenses through proactive prayer, scripture, and community, effectively averting danger by being prepared.

Prevention is Better Than Cure in Spiritual Warfare

Spurgeon concludes with a powerful principle of spiritual strategy: “Prevention is better than cure: it is better to be so well armed that the devil will not attack you, than to endure the perils of the fight, even though you come off a conqueror.” This emphasizes the immense value of spiritual preparedness. Being “well armed” includes consistent prayer, deep knowledge of Scripture, active fellowship, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to righteous living. While victory in spiritual battle is a testament to God’s grace, avoiding the fight altogether by strong preventative measures saves us from much toil and potential injury. The goal is not just to win battles, but to live a life so fortified in Christ that the enemy finds no easy entry point. He summarizes this dual prayer strategy: “Pray this evening first that you may not be tempted, and next that if temptation be permitted, you may be delivered from the evil one.” This encapsulates the essence of Luke 11:4 – a plea for divine guidance to avoid temptation, and for divine power to overcome when it inevitably arises. It is a prayer for both prevention and deliverance, reflecting a deep understanding of our human weakness and God’s boundless strength.