Belonging
The final petition of the Lord’s Prayer asks God to deliver His people from every form of evil, recognizing that while evil is real, God’s victory is greater and already secured in Christ. Christians still face suffering and spiritual battles, but the cross transforms pain into sacrifice, growth, and deeper communion with God. The prayer concludes with worship and confidence, affirming God’s kingdom, power, and glory and responding with a faithful “Amen.”
Introduction
This is the seventh and final petition of the Lord’s Prayer:
“But deliver us from evil.”
Some translations read “deliver us from the evil one.”
The traditional wording emphasizes deliverance from evil in its broadest sense.
Jesus is addressing the ultimate problem of human existence: evil.
The Reality of Good and Evil
A Cosmic Conflict
Scripture presents a real conflict between good and evil.
Every person must choose a side in this conflict.
God’s perspective reveals a clear distinction between light and darkness.
Evil often appears confusing when viewed from a limited human perspective.
Orthodoxy vs. Heresy
Heresy takes one truth and ignores others.
Orthodoxy seeks the full light of God’s truth.
The closer we are to God’s light:
The clearer truth becomes.
The less confusion remains.
The Nature of Evil
Evil Is Not Equal to Good
Good is stronger and more fundamental than evil.
Evil is not a created thing in itself.
Evil is a corruption of what God originally created as good.
Satan possesses only limited and temporary power.
God remains eternally victorious.
The Defeat of Satan
Satan is ultimately defeated.
Evil may appear to win temporarily.
However, eternal victory belongs to God.
Living Between Victory and Battle
The Promised Land Principle
God gave Israel the Promised Land.
Yet Israel still had to fight individual battles to possess it.
Likewise, Christ has won the ultimate victory.
Believers must still walk out that victory in daily life.
Philippians 3
Christians strive because victory has already been secured in Christ.
The war is won eternally, but battles remain in time.
Deliverance From Evil
The Scope of the Petition
We ask God to deliver us from:
Past evil
Present evil
Future evil
Guilt
Punishment
Suffering
God is able to deliver from every form of evil.
The Reality of Suffering
Tribulation Is Real
Christians will experience suffering.
Evil can be:
Committed by us
Committed against us
Permitted by God for a greater purpose
Examples
Sin committed by others.
Physical suffering.
Illness.
Tragedy.
Hardship.
Christ and the Meaning of Suffering
Jesus Suffered
Christ suffered:
Physically
Mentally
Spiritually
His suffering was real and intentional.
The Cross
Jesus calls believers to take up their cross.
The cross represents suffering embraced in obedience.
Without Christ
Suffering becomes:
Misery
Pain
Darkness
With Christ
Suffering becomes:
Sacrifice
Transformation
Light
Deeper fellowship with God
Sacrifice and Deliverance
Love always involves sacrifice.
Christians are called to offer themselves to God.
The cross is ultimately self-sacrifice.
Peace comes when suffering is offered to God in faith.
Through death to self comes resurrection life.
The Doxology
“For Yours Is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory”
Many Christian traditions conclude the prayer with a doxology.
Doxology means a word of glory directed to God.
The Kingdom
God reigns over all creation.
The Power
God accomplishes His will through His providence.
The Glory
God’s holy name is exalted throughout creation.
The Heavenly Worship
Revelation 5:11–14
Heaven continually worships God.
The Lamb receives:
Power
Wealth
Wisdom
Strength
Honor
Glory
Blessing
All creation joins in worship.
Amen
The Lord’s Prayer concludes with “Amen.”
“Amen” means:
“So be it.”
“Yes.”
Saying “Amen” expresses agreement with God and the prayer that has been offered.
It unites believers with the worship of Heaven and the Church.
