WE CANNOT, BUT GOD CAN
Matthew 6:13 "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."
Temptation is a trap
that entices an individual to do wrong. Temptation is indeed a moral issue. It is right versus wrong. Yielding to temptation is knowing the right thing to do; but choosing to do the wrong. From the biblical perspective, temptation is a situation, in which we experience challenges to choose between obeying or disobeying God. Temptation does not come from God. He does not entice us to sin. James 1:13 states, "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:"
Rather, temptation comes from Satan and from evil surmisings, which are evil thoughts or imaginations. Our verse of focus is a prayer request to God, which is, "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:" This is an act that only the Omnipotent God can do. Only God can deliver us from the evil that surrounds us daily and lead us away from temptation. By and of ourselves, we are powerless. When we, through divine power, resist temptation, it reveals the efficiency of God's grace. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that God's grace and power are made perfect in our weakness.
In Genesis 39, when Joseph was confronted with the temptation of Potiphar’s wife, he relied solely on God's power for deliverance. Joseph declared, "How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" Joseph remained focussed on God, and consequently he was empowered to run away from the immoral situation. It is unwise and by extension morally dangerous to imagine the advantages to be gained through yielding to temptation. There are no advantages. There is only dishonor, shame and disgrace. Joseph's determination must be our daily motto.
When we sincerely and contritely utter the words of this prayer, that Jesus has given us, we are actually surrendering ourselves to Him and thus choosing to walk according to His precepts. We must be always confident that God does not abandon us. Instead He sustains us and firmly leads us in paths of righteousness. As we daily experience our temptations, our trials and our tests, let us bear in mind that yielding or giving in, is not an option, but conquering through Christ is.