Exposition of the Shorter Catechism, Question 106
Of Gods leading us into Temptation.
Quest. 106. WHat do we pray for in the sixth Petition?
A. In the sixth Petition, which is [And lead us not into Temptation, but deliver us from evil] we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to Sin; or support and deliver us when we are tempted.
Q. 1. Why is this Petition joyned to the former with the copulative And?
A. Because 'twill be but little advantage to have former sins pardoned; and to be left to the power and practice, to the love and trade of sin for for the future, Ezek. 18.26. When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dyeth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done, shall he dye.
Q. 2. What is meant by Temptation?
A. In general, a tryal or probation of what is in us, or of what we will do.
Q. 3. What is meant by Temptation here?
A. Temptation to sin and wickedness.
Q. 4. How may we be said to be tempted to sin?
A. (1.) Effectually by our selves, and our own hearts, Iam. 1.14, 15. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth sorth sin; and sin when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (2.) Formally, with an intention to draw into sin, and so we are tempted of the Devil, 1 Chron. 21.1. And satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. Mat. 4.1, 3. Then was Iesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil. And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the son of God, command that these stones be made bread. (3.) Innocently and blamelesly, and so God is said to tempt, 2 Sam. 24.1. And again the anger of the Lord was kinaled against Israel, and he moved David against them, to say, go number Israel and Iudah.
Q. 5. How many wayes may God be …aid to tempt to evil?
A. (1.) By withdrawing his Grace either common or special, 2 Chron. 32.31. Howbeit▪ in the business of the embassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart. (2.) By permitting Satan and wicked men to tempt, 2 Sam. 24.1. He moved David against them, to say, go number Israel and Iudah. With 1 Chron. 21.1. Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David. Mat. 4.1. Then was Iesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil. (3.) By presenting oecasions in his Providence, which he knows will be abused to sin, as in the fall of Adam, the hardening of Pharaoh, &c.
Q. 6. What do we beg in this Petition?
A. We beg that we may not any of these, or any other ways, whereby the holy God may be said to lead into temptation, be led thereinto, Psal. 141.4. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity; and let me not eat of their dainties. Psal. 19.13. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Q. 7. What is meant by evil?
A. Some understand it of the Devil, but the best meaning is Sin, which is the evil of evils; and makes the Devil evil, and is the worst of evils the Devil can bring upon us, and is usually so understood in Scripture, Psal. 97.10. Ye that love the Lord hate evil. Isa. 1.16. Cease to do evil. Amos 5.15. Hate the evil, and love the good. Rom. 12.9. Abhor that which is evil.
Q. 8. What by deliverance from evil is meant?
A. That if God sees meet to permit us to be tempted by Satan and the wicked without, or by our own hearts within to sin; or occasionally by his Providence, that he will not leave us, but undertake for us, that we may not be led into sin thereby, but by his Grace be made more than conquerors, Psal. 51.10. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psal. 119.133. Order my step… in thy word; and let not any iniquity hav… dominion over me. According to his promise, 1 Cor. 10.13. But God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able. 2 Cor. 12.9. And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
Q. 9. What is the first Inference?
A. That sin is the worst of evils.
Q. 10. What's the second Inference?
A. That without Gods Grace we can never withstand, but shall be overcome by every temptation, 2 Cor. 3.5. Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves; but our sufficiency is of God. Joh. 15.5. For without me ye can do nothing.
Q. 11. What is the third Inference?
A. That we must do all we can to keep our selves from Temptation, and to engage the Grace of God with us in Temptation by Prayer, by pleasing the Spirit of God, by looking to Jesus, &c.