‘Deliver us from the evil one.’ Matthew 6:13 NKJV
Deliver us from evil (Luke 11:4 KJV). The original Greek language reads, ‘ Deliver us from the evil one,’ not from some abstract entity called evil. So, should we fear Satan? No, but we 
must be alert to his strategies (1 Peter 5:8-9). If we’re unaware and fail to put on the armour of God, we invite defeat (Ephesians 6:10-18). But when alert and fully armed, we needn’t be afraid of Satan: ‘…Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.’ (1 John 4:4 KJV) Jesus, not you, guarantees your victory. The Holy Spirit within you is what enables you to resist the devil. ‘Look, I have given you authority over all the power and of the enemy, and … Nothing will injure you.’ (Luke 10:19 NLT) When you’re battling the evil one, this prayer activates the power of the ‘greater one’ who is in you, and by His strength you can triumph over him. Add to this God’s Word dwelling in your heart and mind, enabling you to rebuff Satan’s temptations as Jesus did with, ‘it is written’ (Matthew 4:3-11). Satan was vanquished by the power of God’s Word, and it’ll work for you too! For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.’ (Matthew 6:13 KJV) What a final note of recognition and praise! No uncertainty or tentativeness here. It mirrors David’s doxology: ‘ Yours, O Lord, is the greatness…the power … the glory … the majesty and the splendour…. Yours, O Lord, is the Kingdom; You are exalted as head over all.’ (1 Chronicles 29:11 NIV) Your prayers are certain to be effective when you pray in faith to such a God.
*The Word for Today is published by UCB Australia. A free introductory copy of the devotional may be obtained from UCB Australia; 1800 00 777 0 or admin@ucb.com.au*
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