Back in 2017 Pope Francis approved a change to the Lord’s Prayer, to be made in the liturgical book which contains guiding texts for mass in the Roman Catholic Church. This specific line, “lead us not into temptation,” was changed to, “do not let us fall into temptation.” His reasoning, the Pope told Italian TV, “It is not a good translation because it speaks of a God who induces temptation. I am the one who falls. It’s not him pushing me into temptation to then see how I have fallen.”

Although, i would agree that Elohim doesn’t tempt us; as James indicates, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by Elohim,’ for Elohim cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one.’” (James 1:13) He certainly allows for it. We can look at many instances of Scripture in which temptation was allowed, Job sticks out immediately, as does the temptation of Yahoshua ha’Mashiah in the wilderness. In Luke we read, “And Yahoshua, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil.” (Luke 4:1-2)

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and Elohim is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”

How did Yahoshua deal with the temptations in the wilderness? He answered with the Word of Elohim.

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” (Luke 4:4–Deuteronomy 8:3)

“It is written, ‘You shall worship Adonai your Elohim, and Him only shall you serve.’” (Luke 4:8–Deuteronomy 6:13)

“It is said, You shall not put Yahweh your Elohim to the test.’” (Luke 4:12–Deuteronomy6:16)

Here are the takeaways from Yahoshua’s wilderness temptations: He was filled with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:16 says, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” Paul writes to the Romans in chapter 7 about this very struggle. We must be mindful to put on the full armor of Elohim. Ephesians 6:10-18 talks about this in detail but let me highlight two parts.

First, verses 11-12, Paul writes, “Put on the whole armor of Elohim, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over the present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” This battle we are facing is a spiritual one and we need to have the Holy Spirit in order to fight.

Second, verse 18, “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” The best way to fight is in prayer, constant prayer, praying at all times, “Pray without ceasing,” as we are instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. These are the takeaways, we must walk in the Spirit, we must put on the full armor of Elohim, and we must pray without ceasing! It reminds me of Micah 6:8 Act justly, sounds like walking with the spirit, love mercy, sounds a lot like pieces of the armor; and walk humbly with Elohim, looks a lot like praying without ceasing, a whole lot of conversation.

Finally, as Paul wrote to the Philippians; “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because ha’Mashiah Yahoshua has made me His own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of Elohim in ha’Mashiah Yahoshua.” (Philippians 3:12-14)

Press on . . .

You are loved,
cj