Here you will find the questions, answers and Scripture proofs for the Shorter Catechism, together with a brief explanation.

    • Q.106

      Matthew 26:41, 1 Corinthians 10:13 & Psalm 51:10

      The Westminster Shorter Catechism

      Q. 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.

      Scripture References:

      Matthew 26:41
      1 Corinthians 10:13
      Psalm 51:10, 12
      Matthew 4:3

      The Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern English:

      Q.106. For what do we pray in the sixth request?

      A. In the sixth request (And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one) we pray that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin or support and deliver us when we are tempted.

      Questions

      1. What do we mean when we speak of being tempted to sin?

      We mean we are strongly enticed to the evil of sin.

      2. From where do these temptations come?

      They come from within us and without us. From within us they come because the heart is prone to wickedness. From without they come from Satan who is called the tempter in the Word of God. (Matthew 4:3).

      3. Is it possible for Christians to be tempted and drawn into sin?

      Yes, it is possible for Christians to walk in the flesh and not be on guard against the wiles of the devil and not recognise the foulness of their hearts.

      4. Are we able to resist temptations to sin in and by ourselves?

      No, we are unable to resist it by our own power. We must trust in the power of the Lord and ask Him for grace to resist the devil in our lives.

      5. Are the temptations of Satan irresistible on the part of believers?

      No, his temptations are not irresistible. We are told in the Word of God that we can resist them and there are examples in the Bible of believers who have been enabled, by the grace of God, to resist his temptations.

      6. What do we mean when we ask God to keep us from temptation and deliver us from evil?

      We are asking Him to keep us from falling into the temptation, if it be His will to do so. However, if we do fall into the temptation we are asking Him to recover us from it and that He might overrule in our lives and cause our fall to be turned into something for His glory.