What Jesus Did : Luke 11:4 - The Pervasiveness of Our Problem
by Phil Ware
The Pervasiveness of Our Problem - Luke 11:4
"'Forgive us the sins we have done, because we forgive every person that has done wrong to us. And don't let us be tempted (tested).'" (ERV) Full TextKey Thought
Sin is our problem. We bring it into the world of those around us and unleash the power of Satan to damage others. Others bring sin into our lives, leaving us wounded, battered, disillusioned, and angry. Satan knows how to seduce us with just the right combination of circumstances and temptations to take advantage of sin's power on us. How can we pray and not acknowledge our sin and our vulnerability to temptation, as well as not be reminded that to be forgiven means to be forgiving?
Today's Prayer
Father God, please forgive me of my sins. Give me wisdom to see your escape path out of temptation. Use my knowledge of your gracious forgiveness in my life to motivate me to extend that graciousness to others. Most of all, by the power of your Spirit, help me conquer sin's power in all of its forms and to overcome all of Satan's schemes to trap me by his temptations. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Today's Verses in Context
One time Jesus was praying in a place. When Jesus finished praying, one of his followers said to him, "John taught his followers how to pray. Lord, teach us how to pray too." Jesus said to the followers, "When you pray, pray like this: 'Father, we pray that your name will always be kept holy. We pray that your kingdom will come. Give us the food we need for each day. Forgive us the sins we have done, because we forgive every person that has done wrong to us. And don't let us be tempted (tested).'" Then Jesus said to them, "Suppose one of you went to your friend's house very late at night and said to him, 'A friend of mine has come into town to visit me. But I have nothing for him to eat. Please give me three loaves of bread.' Your friend inside the house answers, 'Go away! Don't bother me! The door is already locked. My children and I are in bed. I cannot get up and give you the bread now.' I tell you, maybe friendship is not enough to make him get up to give you the bread. But he will surely get up to give you what you need if you continue to ask. So I tell you, continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you. Yes, if a person continues asking, that person will receive. If a person continues looking, that person will find. And if a person continues knocking, the door will open for that person. Does any of you have a son? What would you do if your son asked you for a fish? Would any father give his son a snake? No! You would give him a fish. Or, if your son asks for an egg, would you give him a scorpion ? No! {You are like all other people}—you are evil. But you know how to give good things to your children. So surely your heavenly Father knows how to give the Holy Spirit to those people that ask him."-- Luke 11:1-13 (ERV)
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