_311. What is meant by temptation?_
By temptation is meant opportunities that invite to sin.
_312. Does God give us such opportunities in order that we may
sin?_
By no means; God, who is holy and loving, does not tempt any one to sin.
=James 1:13. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of
God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any
man.=
_313. Why then does God permit us to be tempted?_
God permits us to be tempted in order to try us, and in order that it
may be seen whether we have true faith, love, and patience.
=Read Gen. 22:1-19.=
_314. Who, on the other hand, tempt us to sin?_
The devil, the world, and our own flesh, tempt us to sin.
_315. How does the devil tempt us?_
The devil tempts us by putting evil thoughts into our minds.
_316. How does the world tempt us?_
The world tempts us by threats, attractive invitations, and bad example.
=Prov. 1:10. My son if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.=
_317. How does our flesh tempt us?_
Our own flesh tempts by its evil desires.
=James 1:14. Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his
own lust, and enticed.=
_318. Can we ever be free from temptations in this world?_
No; the conditions of this present life are such that temptations must
follow, and we need them for our bringing up in the kingdom of God.
=Matt. 18:7. It must needs be that offences come.=
_319. What, then, do we mean when we ask God not to lead us into
temptation?_
We pray that when He finds it good for us to be tempted, He will guard
and keep us, so that we may in the end be victorious.
=1 Cor. 10:13. God is faithful who will not suffer you to be
tempted above that ye are able.=
_320. What are our weapons against temptation?_
We must use the Word of God, watch and pray, and take care not to
invite temptation.
=Matt. 26:41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.=
=Eph. 6:13. Take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be
able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to
stand.=