Re: Luke 11:4 KAI MH EISENEGKHiS hHMAS EIS PEIRASMON

From: Paul S. Dixon (dixonps@juno.com)
Date: Sat Jun 28 1997 - 21:41:47 EDT


On Sat, 28 Jun 1997 17:02:57 -0400 Jonathan Robie
<jwrobie@mindspring.com> writes:
>Luke 11:4 KAI MH EISENEGKHiS hHMAS EIS PEIRASMON
>
>I grew up saying "and lead us not into temptation", but doesn't this
>translate more literally into "do not bring us into temptation"?
>Regardless,
>what exactly does it mean? Is it a prayer that God will not bring us
>into
>temptation, as though God is the one who brings us into temptation,
>and we
>are asking him not to? Somehow, I'm not convinced that I'm reading
>this
>correctly.

Jonathan:

Here is another view for your consideration.

Part of the problem may be our assumptions about prayer. If we think,
or instance, that our prayers are what cause things to happen, then
we will have a problem here. If we pray this petition, then God will not
lead us into temptation. But, if we don't pray it, then He will?

If, however, we do not have this view of prayer, then the problem is
solved. I hesitate to get into doctrine and theology here, but that is
where the answer may lie.

Let me just say this. Earlier in the Lord's prayER we have the petition,

ELQETW hH BASILEIA SOU

It just may be that the kingdom of God comes (or, will come) whether
we pray this or not. Likewise, for God's will being done.

Besides, did not Christ teach in the immediately preceding verses that
we shouldn't ask for things repeatedly thinking the result would be that
we would get those things we ask for?

Why then pray these petitions? To get us focused, to cause us to
realize our dependency upon God for everything, to worship and
adore our heavenly Father.

Sincerely,

Paul Dixon



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