And deliver us from evil. Matthew 6:13 ESV
But keep us safe from the evil one. CJB
Poneros, the Greek word we get evil from, can also mean the evil one. It suggests anything hurtful or opposed to God. In other words, not as it should be. Jesus teaches us to ask for deliverance from it, meaning we are not able to rescue ourselves.
I can identify three places from which I need deliverance.
Evil One – Satan, who is the great tempter and liar. I cannot resist him on my own, but must rely on the power of God to deliver me from his schemes. He is real and is at work trying to destroy God’s Kingdom.
Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Fallen World – Poneros surrounds us through sickness, crime, broken relationships and all kinds of depravity and injustice. It falls on the righteous and the unrighteous. We ask God for protection from this evil, even as He also uses us to help make things right. We eagerly await when His ultimate deliverance will make all things new.
Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the LORD, and He will deliver you. Proverbs 20:20
My Own Flesh – Ultimately, the very evil I need delivering from resides in my own heart. I have been made clean, saved from that sin through the blood of Christ, yet sanctification is ongoing until my resurrection in Him.
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. Romans 7:18
Lord, I look to You alone for my deliverance from evil.
