Christian Message Boards: Watch and Pray

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Posted by Marlene (Member # 8489) on :

I just finished an interesting book by John Owen written in 1658 in response to events happening in the British Isles. Entitled “Temptation” it is a study of Matthew 26:41: "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." In this verse, we are clearly being warned about entering into temptation. However, if we contrast Matthew 26:41 with James 1:2 we see that we are supposed to be joyful over our trials and tribulations: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,”

Temptation is a double-edged sword, with opposite origins and opposing goals. It is used in two ways in the New Testament.

(1) In general, to test, or to prove. Thus God is said to test, and we are commanded as our duty to search ourselves to know what is in us, and to pray that God would also do so. God tests us with temptation so that man might know what is in his heart. Grace and corruption lie deep in the heart, and man is often deceived in his evaluations of it. God’s instruments of trial dig right into the depths and innermost parts of the soul. This allows man to see clearly what is truly in him, and what type of metal is in his constitution. God tested Abraham to show him his faith (Gen. 22:1-2). God tried Hezekiah to discover his pride; he left him so that he might see what was in his heart (2 Chron. 32:31). Hezekiah did not know he had such a proud heart.

God might also allow man to be tested so that he can reveal himself to us. Until we are tested, we think that we are living on our own strength. It is however, God alone who keeps us from falling by his preventing grace.

(2) Secondly, testing in the negative sense is to seek to lead the soul into evil. God does not tempt anyone in this sense and Christ exhorts us to pray that we do not enter into temptation.

"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but
the flesh is weak." - Matthew 26:41

"Take heed, watch and pray, for you do not know when the time is." - Mark 13:33

"Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all
these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."
- Luke 21:36