The word “us” has been studied throughout the Lord’s Prayer. Again here it is used to remind us that deliverance is not individualistic. It is first corporate. Jesus is washing the church to be His bride (Eph 5:25-27) and this bride is made up of many members (1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 4:4).
A Response to "Looking at Christian Obedience"
One should not seek assurance from their works. One should not presume to be under God's wrath because they slip up occasionally (or even regularly). But works are valuable both to others and ourselves. They are essential for "saving faith" (Hebrews 5:9). And when we see the fruits of God working in us through the power of the Holy Spirit we should be encouraged and edified. Likewise, when we see the Holy Spirit producing fruits in other we should also be edified.
Peter says we’ve been ransomed by God’s blood (1 Pet 1:18-19) and escaped corruption (2 Pet 1:4). This has been done for us. And this is how God relates to us. And this is why we can be confident to pray in this way.
We have discussed that temptation is natural to fallen man and we need deliverance. When Christ taught this portion of the prayer it was not spoken in a vacuum. The history of Israel is built upon their deliverance from Egypt (Exo 6-12). Israel was delivered from their bondage to Egypt and the difficulties of their labor.
The promises have been made. A sign is given. Now the covenant is made.
These two are not distinct descriptions! They are the same for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt 12:34; Luke 6:45). Vocal ascent requires plenary obedience by fearing the Lord (v. 4). The man who does these things shall not be moved (v. 5). Again Christ taught this in the parable of the two houses (Matt 7:24-27).
The title says it all. Your children are in your house. Perhaps you should double check? Okay. Check. Now why are they there? I know how they got there. If you don't know go ask your parents and I'm sure they'll be delighted to explain it to you. This isn't a question of "how?". This is a question of "why?".
Given that those in Christ are a “new creation” (2 Cor 5:17), it is important to teach that while we pray for God’s mercy and grace we must also rely on it. This reliance can keep us from both temptation and sin.
My trips down memory lane have increased as I witness my children basking in the attention and care of their grandparents – so buckle up friends; I’ve plans to revisit the past.
Enjoying the blessing of God’s deliverance from temptation is only heightened by a better understanding of temptation. James’ point is that temptation is within ourselves (Jam 1:13-14). Man’s thoughts are perpetually evil (Gen 6:5; 8:21). We are continually in a state of overwhelming temptation when we depart from the grace of God.
We are to pray for this same deliverance from temptation for the entirety of the church. We are to start within our homes, into our church, throughout our denominations and eventually expanding to the church universal which is the true bride of Christ. This is how we are taught to pray.