Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For your is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. I. The AGENCY OF SATAN. 1. The existence of orders of beings superior to the human race is antecedently probable; as those below us, so some above. Scripture confirms this. 2. What are the limits of this agency, and how are the personal attributes requisite for its success to be reconciled with our notions of a finite being? Satan has some form of access to the heart, he has insight into our ruling mental tendencies. II. The MEANS USED by Satan for the carrying on of his designs. 1. Our enemy is personal. 2. He avails himself of outward accidents to stir up motions to evil. 3. When he cannot find, he seeks to make, occasions of sin. 4. He turns our permitted enjoyments into evil; our friendship, our religious feelings. III. The provisions made for our deliverance from this adversary, 1. The restraints constantly put upon the tempter in the exercise of his own power. 2. A gracious Father has provided many forms of unseen and unknown deliverance. 3. God more generally delivers His children from the adversary by enabling them to deliver themselves. We must resist (1) at first (2) earnestly. (D. Moore, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. |
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