Luther's Small Catechism Part 25

_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 G.o.d.

=Matt. 18:7. It must needs be that offences come.=

_319. What, then, do we mean when we ask G.o.d 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. G.o.d 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 G.o.d, 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 G.o.d, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.=

THE SEVENTH PEt.i.tION.

=But deliver us from evil.=

_That is_,

We pray in this pet.i.tion, in general, that our Father in heaven would deliver us from all evil, affecting body and soul, property and honor, and at last grant us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this world of sorrow to Himself in heaven.

_321. What do you pray for in the seventh pet.i.tion?_

I pray G.o.d to deliver us from evil.

_322. From what evil do you pray G.o.d to deliver us in this pet.i.tion?_

I pray G.o.d to deliver us from all sin that still clings to us, and from all the destructive effects of sin upon soul and body, property and honor.

_323. Can we expect to be entirely free from all evil while in this world?_

No, we cannot; but we pray G.o.d in this pet.i.tion to deliver us more and more from all evil, and at last grant us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this world of sorrow to Himself in heaven.

=Phil. 1:23. I have a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.=

_324. What are the closing words of the Lord's Prayer?_

=For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.=

_325. Of what do these words remind us?_

We should remember that G.o.d is able to answer our prayer, and that the glory belongs to Him alone, when we get according to our prayer.

_326. What is the meaning of the word "Amen"?_

Its meaning is, Surely; so be it.

_327. Why is this word added?_

It is added in order that I may be fully a.s.sured that these pet.i.tions are acceptable to our Father in heaven, and are heard by Him.

_328. How can I feel a.s.sured of this?_

G.o.d Himself has commanded us to pray, and has added this promise to hear us: Amen, Amen; that is, Surely; so be it.

_329. Does this promise hold good only when we use the Lord's Prayer?_

No; G.o.d hears every prayer offered up according to His will.

=Matt. 7:7. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.=

_330. Does G.o.d always answer our prayer as we desire?_

No; He often answers our prayer by giving us something else and something better than we ask or think.

=Eph. 3:20. G.o.d is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.=

_331. Does G.o.d answer our prayer at once?_

Sometimes; but He often delays His answer in order to strengthen our faith and our hope.

_332. In speaking with G.o.d, should we only ask for the good things which we like to get?_

No; we must also return Him thanks for the blessings which we have received.

=Eph. 5: 20. Giving thanks always for all things unto G.o.d and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.=

THE SACRAMENTS.

_333. What is a sacrament?_

A sacrament is a holy ordinance made by G.o.d Himself, in which He gives and confirms His invisible grace through outward and visible means.

_334. Which are the sacraments of the Christian church?_

They are Baptism and the Lord's Supper.