Deliver Us From the Evil One

Many use “deliverance” to mean casting out demons.
And it can mean that.
But here Jesus is teaching
daily rescue from the enemy’s schemes.

It’s the Father pulling us back
before we fall.
Jesus explains in Gethsemane when He told His disciples,
“Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Lk 22:40

Deliverance begins
before the battle.
Before the thought grows.
Before the desire awakens.
Before the enemy finds
an opportune moment.

The Father delivers us
in three ways.

He warns us
before temptation.
“Watch and pray so that you do not enter into temptation.” Mt 26:41

A stirring.
A Scripture remembered.
This is deliverance
at the doorway.

He strengthens us
when temptation arrives.
Paul says,
“Be strong in the Lord
and in His mighty power.” Eph 6:10
Strength is deliverance
in the moment.

He rescues us
after temptation has begun.
A way of escaping.
A sudden clarity.
Deliverance is mercy
when the battle rages. 1 Cor 10:13

Paul shows how Jesus’ words
become daily practice.
“Put on the whole armor of God
that you may stand
against the schemes of the devil.” Eph 6:11

The armor is the how
of Jesus’ prayer.
And Jesus is each piece of armor.
Belt of truth — Eph 6:14
He is the truth that exposes deception.
Breastplate of righteousness — Eph 6:14
He is the righteousness that silences accusation.
Shoes of peace — Eph 6:15
He is the peace that steadies pressure.
Shield of faith — Eph 6:16
He is the faith that extinguishes fiery darts.
Helmet of salvation — Eph 6:17
He is the salvation that guards the mind.
Sword of the Spirit — Eph 6:17
He is the word of God that cuts through lies.
The armor is the life of Jesus
covering me.

Deliverance is not passive.
It’s prayer,
watching,
standing,
stepping into Christ.

Where do I most need the Father’s deliverance?

You may not know this about Jesus:
He provides the deliverance He tells us to ask for.

I’ll pray at the doorway of temptation
for the deliverance Jesus provides.

Father, deliver me from the evil one.
Warn me early.
Strengthen me in the moment.
Rescue me when I falter.
Clothe me in the armor of Your Son.
I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.