Of the Particulars for Which Thanks is to be Given by Virtue of the First Part of the Last Petition
Luke 11:4
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation…


What are the particulars for which the first part of the sixth petition requireth thanks to be given?

1. Understanding of the law, whereby we know what sin is when we are tempted thereto, how fearful a thing it is to yield to such temptations, how wretched their case is that are left to the power of temptation. "By the law is the knowledge of sin." That, therefore, which giveth us notice of so great danger is a thing praiseworthy, especially if we have understanding thereof. In way of thankfulness doth David oft acknowledge this.

2. Wisdom to discern our enemies and their assaults. This proceedeth from the former, and goeth a degree farther; and in that respect it bindeth us to more thankfulness. With thankfulness saith the Psalmist to God: "Thou through Thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies."

3. The victory which Christ hath gotten over our spiritual enemies. It is in praise of Christ that the Psalmist saith to Him, "Thou hast led captivity captive." By captivity he meaneth the world, the flesh, sin, death, the devil, and all other enemies of our soul. Were not these by Christ made captives, and so chained, restrained, and kept in, we could not stand against them; they would soon lead us captives. For our sakes did Christ enter combat with them. and get victory over them. We reap the benefit thereof; we therefore must give the thanks to Christ, and say (as the heavenly spirits do): "We give Thee thanks because Thou hast taken to Thee Thy great power, and hast reigned, and destroyed them that destroy the earth."

4. Strength to withstand our enemies. As Christ Himself hath overcome them, so by His Spirit He giveth us power to overcome, in which respect it is said: "He hath given to us the spirit of power." On which ground saith the apostle: "I thank Him who hath enabled me."

5. Resolution to yield to no allurements, whether they come from the flesh or the world. A true, settled resolution is a great means to keep us safe. This comes from God; for by nature our disposition is wholly inclined to the world and to the flesh. Wherefore, as David blessed God for assuaging his passion, and keeping him from shedding blood, so we must praise God (whensoever our mind is alienated from the world and flesh) for that alteration of our disposition.

6. Patience to bear out all brunts. Afflictions to our weak flesh are sore temptations; but by patience we are kept from being swallowed up by them. In which respect the apostle saw great cause to thank God for the patience of the Thessalonians.

7. Power in all conflicts to overcome. Such, though they be led unto temptation, are not led into temptation. It is expressly noted of them that had gotten victory that they sang a song of praise.

(W. Gouge.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

WEB: Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'"




Of the Many Ways of Delivering from Evil
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