Why do we ask God "Lead us NOT into temptation?" Why would a benevolent God Lead us into temptation? Has something been lost in the translation to English?
2006-07-21 09:22:29 · 18 answers · asked by Samuel C 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Sins come from consenting to temptation. We ask God not to lead us into temptation, meaning “do not allow us to enter” or “do not let us yield to” temptation. God cannot be tempted and he tempts no one. This petition asks him to block our way into temptation and to give us the Spirit of discernment.
2006-07-21 09:27:42 · answer #1 · answered by Rjmail 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I depends on which English translation you're looking at. For instance, the NIV (New International Version), NASB (New American Standard Bible), NASU (New American Updated), RSV (Revised Standard Version), & NKJV (New King James Version), all say, "And lead us not into temptation." But the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) says, "And do not bring us to the time of trial". But you are onto something...b/c in Greek, the same word for temptation also means, "process of testing".
James 1:13 says, “No one, when tempted, should say, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one.” Also, Hebrews 12:6-7 tell us that God disciplines us as a parent does to a child because He loves us. And when it comes to Job, it wasn't God doing the tempting and tormenting, but the evil one himself. God only allows it to happen in order that we may endure, and be mature and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:3-4). And finally, 1 Corinthians 13:10 tells us that God won't let us be tempted beyond our strength, but will even show us the way out so that we may endure it.
The purpose of testing is to make us stronger. But who really wants to be tested? For example, have you ever prayed for patience? (lol) God puts you into a situation where you need patience, and you learn patience the hard way, right? I know nobody likes a test, especially when we don't realize we're being tested until we've already failed it. But here's a thought...what if in this part of the prayer, we're actually asking God not to let us fall into temptation, whereas failing the test may result? Because the next part of the same sentence is, "But deliver (rescue) us from evil (or, "the evil one").
2006-07-21 09:56:31 · answer #2 · answered by Turmoyl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Much has been lost in all the Bible translating... it probably would be better to use test rather than tempt.... word usagae changes and what a word ment a couple hundred years ago is not as it is used today in many cases.
The use of temptation is not ment to imply any negative... all testing God alows, or dose, is for God's good purpose. Even if we mortals do not understand.
The Lords Prayer would be better called the Aposles prayer... and it is not a prayer actualy either... it is a templet Jesus gave the Apostles to follow... It is best to expand it to the need of the suplicant for each prayer to God
2006-07-21 09:31:55 · answer #3 · answered by IdahoMike 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It just means that as we walk with the Lord and follow His laws, we are able to draw strength from God, to fight off temptation. It's not that complicated. We grow stronger in our ability to resist temptation through God.
2006-07-21 09:26:48 · answer #4 · answered by Carol M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like Jesus said at Matthew 26:41 Keep on the watch and pray continually, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit, of course is eager, but the flesh is weak.
2006-07-21 09:32:09 · answer #5 · answered by tina 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jews believe that "Satan" is an angel of God whose job it is to challenge or tempt us. It's perfectly rational from a Jewish viewpoint to ask 'God' not to lead us into temptation in the literal sense.
2006-07-21 09:29:40 · answer #6 · answered by Sweetchild Danielle 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Satan is the one who leads us into temptation.
Saying that is really saying: "Protect us from Satan's influence, so that we don't get led into temptation."
God sends us into trials...not temptations. He does allow us to be tempted; but he always provides a way out of it ---
Think of it as Faith Exercise. lol...How else are you suppose to keep in shape, Spiritually? lol
God Bless.
2006-07-21 09:29:05 · answer #7 · answered by redglory 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think we're asking God to quit tempting us. Instead, we're asking God to help us when we are or have been led into temptation.
2006-07-21 09:26:46 · answer #8 · answered by DR 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably translated by the same guy who drew Adam and Eve with belly buttons. Your phrasing is interesting, though: " . . . a benevolent God." Is there more than one kind?
2006-07-21 09:27:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yea a more understandable translation would be 'don't let us follow temptation" - he's not the one actually causing the temptation, ok.
2006-07-21 09:46:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋