The word “temptation” may be translated from Greek as trials, testing, proving, or temptation to do evil. The context determines whether it refers to the temptation to sin or trials. One way to know may be to explore whether the context includes God as the source of it. If so, then, the word means trial or test. God may test or prove individuals, but he never tempts one to sin (cf. James 1:13-18; Ex. Gen. 22:1-2, Heb. 11:17-18). We are to accept these trials with joy because they contribute to our spiritual strength (James 1:2-4). Satan tempts us to sin by enticing our God-given desires and fears that cause us to go beyond the boundaries that have been set for us. Satan can appeal to us by alluring us to satisfy our desires or act on our fears in an unlawful way.
Once confronted with the temptation, we must realize that God is not leading them into the temptation, but delivering us from it. Paul explains how God delivers us from temptation in 2 Corinthians 10:13. He provides the means of escape. Jesus, himself, gives the perfect example in his personal battle against sin. The use of Scripture was his greatest weapon in response to temptation (Matthew 4:1-11). Another means of providing a way of escape is vigilant prayer. Jesus told three of his disciples, “Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).
Someone may be thinking, “Why should we pray for something already promised. It is a given that God will not bring us into temptation.” Yet, it is also a given that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17) and that God sends the rain. He promises to feed and clothe us (Matt. 6:25-30). The point of emphasis is that we are dependent on the Father to deliver us from temptation, provide daily food and forgive us our sins. Yet, all of them are conditional and all of them stress the human dependency on the Father.