43. By whom are we tempted to sin?
1. By our own Flesh or Concupiscence; 'for the flesh lusteth against the spirit' (Gal. v. 17);
2. By the World — i.e., by its vain pomps, bad examples, and wicked maxims; and
3. By the Devil, 'who, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour' (1 Pet. v. 8).
44. Why does God permit us to be tempted?
1. To keep us humble;
2. To try our faithfulness or to punish our unfaithfulness; and
3. To increase our zeal for virtue, and our merits.
1. 'Lest the greatness of the revelations should exalt me, there was given me a sting of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to buffet me' (2 Cor. xii. 7). 2. 'The Lord you God trieth you, that it may appear whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, or no' (Deut. xiii. 3). 'Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been proved he shall receive the crown of life, which God hath promised to them that love him' (James i. 12).
45. Is temptation in itself a sin?
Temptation in itself is not a sin; but to expose ourselves heedlessly to temptation, or to yield to it, is a sin.
For our consolation and instruction, Christ Himself allowed the Devil to tempt Him (Matt. iv.).
46. What must we do in order that we may not yield?
We must especially watch and pray, as Christ our Lord says: ' Watch ye and pray that ye enter not into temptation' (Matt. xxvi. 41).
47. What do we ask for in the 'Seventh' Petition: 'But deliver us from evil'?
That God would preserve us from all evil of soul and body, especially from sin and eternal damnation.
48. Why do we add the word 'Amen,' or 'So be it'?
To express by it our ardent desire, and also our confidence, of being heard.
Application. Always say the Lord's Prayer with rev-
