After completing the lesson, the student will be able to:

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  Write out from memory the Sixth Petition, and summarize what it means.

  
  


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  Know the difference between ‘temptation’ and ‘testing’ as used in the Bible.

  
  


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  Describe the purpose of ‘testing’ in a believer’s life. 

  
  


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  Describe the promise that God makes us regarding times when we are tempted.

  
  

First, temptation can refer to an act of testing or trying. Think of a car engine. It is tested over and over again in the factory to make sure it works correctly before it is put in a vehicle. The same is true for cell phones, computers, football helmets, airbags, toys, video games, and many other products. They all have undergone various testings at the factory to be sure they will work properly, or to reveal any weaknesses in the product. The same is true of our lives. If we are training for the Dance team or the Football team, we look forward to the testing (or ‘tempting’) to occur in a competition. This competition will show strengths and weaknesses, and in the end, will make us all the better as participants. In this way, testing or tempting can be seen as something positive or beneficial.

Secondly, the Bible refers to ‘temptation’ as something that leads to sin. Where the purpose of ‘temptation’ in the example above was to improve or test, here, ‘temptation’ means to lead to failure. This type of temptation is not for our improvement. Instead, this type of temptation comes to cause us harm, to get us to fail, or to bring to us despair, shame, and guilt. Basically, this temptation invites us to sin. 

Most often in Scripture, these two ideas are kept separate by the use of the words to translate the idea of ‘temptation’. When evil is intended, the word temptation is most often used. However, when good is intended, most often the word is translated as ‘testing.’ 

What is the purpose of God’s testing of His people? Read the following verses as you answer.

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  It is vital that we understand that God does not tempt anyone unto sin. He is a holy and loving God, and desires the success of His children and not their failure. However, He often uses times of trial and testing in order to purify or strengthen His children. 

  
  

  Yet, it is correct to say that God permits temptations to come upon us. He is all-powerful and all-knowing, and all things happen under His care and control. In His wisdom, God permits temptations to come unto us, but His purpose is always that we would resist these temptations and as a result we would grow in the strength of our faith and in the holiness of our lives.

  
  
  
  

  First, the confession is that we have indeed sinned. As we stand before God’s holy law, we are shown to be sinners - people who have trespassed and broken His law. We have sinned in ‘commission’, by the things we have done against God’s law, and we have sinned by ‘omission’, that is by not doing that which God would desire us to do.

  
  


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  And then the supplication, or request, is for forgiveness. 

  
  

If God isn’t the author, or cause, of our temptation, who is? Read the following verse  as you answer. 

What promises do the following verses provide for us as we face temptations and trials?