What does "deliver us from evil" reveal about God's protective nature? The Immediate Setting Matthew 6:13: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” What the Words Tell Us About God • Deliver implies decisive rescue—God does not merely advise; He intervenes. • Evil (or “the evil one”) is treated as real and personal; God’s protection is therefore concrete, not symbolic. • The verb is continuous in force; we look to God for ongoing, daily protection, not a one-time event. Key Truths About God’s Protective Nature 1. Active Rescuer • Psalm 91:3 – “He will rescue you from the fowler’s snare.” • Exodus 14:13 – “Stand firm and see the LORD’s salvation.” God steps in and pulls His people out of danger. 2. Shielding Presence • Psalm 121:7-8 – “The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul.” • Psalm 23:4 – “I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” His nearness itself is protection. 3. Faithful Guardian • 2 Thessalonians 3:3 – “The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” Faithfulness means He never tires of guarding us. 4. Sovereign Authority over Evil • Job 1:12 – Satan can act only within limits God sets. • Luke 22:31-32 – Jesus prays that Peter’s faith will not fail. God reigns even while evil operates. 5. Covenant Love as the Motive • Deuteronomy 7:9 – “He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of loving devotion.” Protection springs from covenant, not mere pity. 6. Victory Secured in Christ • Colossians 1:13 – “He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness.” • 1 John 4:4 – “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Deliverance is anchored in Christ’s finished work. Practical Implications for Believers • Confidence in prayer: we ask because God truly delivers. • Vigilance without paranoia: evil is real, yet under God’s leash. • Daily dependence: each new day calls for fresh trust. • Hope in final triumph: Revelation 20:10 promises the ultimate removal of evil. |
    |