Scripture Reading: John 17:11-19
Deliver Us From the Evil One
Intro.
1. Jesus prayed for His disciples before He left them (John 17:6-19).
2. Jesus expressed His concern for their protection from Satan:
a. Apostles had kept God’s word Jesus gave them, 17:6.
b. Jesus prayed the Father would “keep” them “through His name;” Guard them by His power so they would be united (17:11).
c. Jesus had guarded them (17:12); They would have His joy in them in spite of the world’s hatred (17:13-14); Keep (guard, prevent, maintain) them from evil one by His word/truth (17:15-17, 18-19).
3. God protects us from the evil one by His power (word).
I. TEMPTATIONS ABOUND, 1 Cor. 10:13 (James 1:14-16).
A. We Face Common Temptations. (You are not alone!)
B. The Apostles Were Tempted.
1. Jesus did not pray there be no temptations. They are a fact of life for humans with freewill.
2. He prayed they be guarded from Satan in the midst of temptations.
a. Temptation of division, John 17:11. Cf. at the Passover meal, Luke 22:24-27; So Jesus washed their feet, John 13:4-5.
b. Temptation of the world, John 17:14 (15:18-20). Tempted to conform to the world to avoid persecution.
II. KEEP THEM FROM THE EVIL ONE, John 17:15 (1 Pet. 5:8).
A. Lead Us Not into Temptation, Matt. 6:13 (26:41).
1. Not in the sense of never being tempted, else it denies God’s truth that we face common temptations (1 Cor. 10:13).
2. Protection and deliverance, 2 Pet. 2:9.
a. Bless us with a heart not inclined to evil, Psalm 141:3-4.
b. Deliverance from trouble for righteousness, Psalm 34:15-19.
B. How does God Deliver Us from the Evil One?
1. By the power of His name / word, John 17:11, 14-17. Follow it.
2. By the power of purity, John 17:17. cf. James 4:8
3. By the power of unity, John 17:11. cf. Eccl 4:9-10
4. By the power of faith, John 17:8, 20. cf. Eph. 6:16
5. By the power to flee, 2 Tim. 2:19, 22. Use freewill (escape).
III. THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT TEMPTATION AND SIN.
A. Temptation is Real and Sin is Deadly, James 1:14-16.
B. God Knows Us Better than We Know Ourselves.
1. Prideful arrogance minimizes temptation and sin, 1 Cor. 10:12.
2. Peter thought he knew himself, Luke 22:31-34.
C. God Doesn’t Give Up On Us When We Sin, Luke 22:32 (John 21:15-19).
1. The Lord seeks the lost to save them, Luke 15:1-7.
2. You are delivered from sin when you repent, Acts 8:18-22.
D. God Forgives Every Sin When We Repent.
1. No sin goes unforgiven when we repent, 1 Tim. 1:15-16.
2. Hope and joy of salvation; Not the despair of regret, doubt, and faithlessness, John 17:13 (15:11); Psalm 51:12.
3. When we sin, the answer is not to “throw in the towel,” but to accept the Lord’s protection against temptation.
Conclusion
1. God is ready, willing, and able to protect us in times of temptation, Eph. 6:10-11.
2. Freewill: If you have yielded to temptation and sinned, return to God in repentance. He will save you and renew in you the joy of your salvation.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted September 19, 2022