2. The Meaning

Hence we learn what a righteous God, Jehovah is, that can work in evil actions, and yet be void of sin.

Whereas we say, lead us not, etc. We note that the devil in temptation[•] can go no further than God permits him.

We are not to pray that temptations be quite taken from us, or that we be wholly freed from them: but that they do not overcome us. For it is the Lord's will that his church should be tempted. Indeed, David desired some kind of temptations (Psalm 26:1): prove me, O Lord. And James says, Account it for exceeding joy, when you shall fall into diverse temptations (James 1:2).

Note also that every man by nature is the bondslaves of sin and Satan. For where there is deliverance, there was a bondage first. This confutes the papists who maintain free will: for we are dead in sin by nature, as a man in a grave; and we must still pray thus till we be fully delivered.